Easter has wizzed passed and soon it School Holidays

Well that was Easter,

Done and Dusted for another year.

 

I know it is a time to relax and enjoy family and friends but I don't quite managed that.

 

 

Friday was a day that I started hoping for a sleep in but due to a gorgeous new puppy

I wasn't quite able to manage that and didn't really enjoy the 5 am crying session.  He is in with our older dog Buckley and I sillily thought they would keep each other company.

 

Meet Cosi our newest member

 

 

Mum and Dad came to visit for Easter and it is always fun having them share my family.  DH and Nbr 2 went to Melrose camping for a Landrover Show.  Nbr 1 has started working and had 2 shifts over the weekend and there was NO WAY my daughter Nbr 3 was going to a car show - I'm seriously Mum Landrovers arrgghhh...

 

Saturday I participated in the Waikerie Markets.  I haven't done this for a few months and it was lovely to see so many people in town. 

 

Waikerie was quite busy this Easter - we had BikeSA in town staying at the local Rec Centre oval, the overflow park of our local Caravan Park opening again - this is due to some long awaited upgrades soon with a new jumping pillow and toilet amenities coming soon.   Our town really needs this development - we have the nicest river frontage in the Riverland (well I think so)

 

Not the best shot but still beautiful - free BBQ shelters, grassed river frontage, toilets, playgrounds.

 

Have just wrapped up two days of my Annual Easter Sale - it was a fantastic, fun filled two days.  Meeting new people and seeing the lovely fabrics that people bought.  The new quilt projects that people are looking at doing.  The understanding husbands, kids that were happy to come and drink tea/coffee, play with the dogs, chooks and cats whilst their  better halves shopped.

 

I have decided to leave the End of Bolts/Older Ranges bolts at $10 per metre and still have quite a few bolts left so there will always be a bargain at Nays Place.

 

 

Am enjoying the new arrivals - this week it was Kaffe Fassett, Tanya Whelan, Tim Holtz and Panduro Fabrics (these are 140cm wide - great value)

A mixed bag - all $25 per metre

The new Panduro fabrics 140cm wide

 

Am still competing The Splendid Sampler

and will be spending a bit of time this week playing catch up.

This is a fantastic free sew-a-long with an array of designers, techniques and your choice of fabric.

Up to Block 13 now (well I'm up to Block 10)

 

 

 Had a few moments to do a bit of blog hopping and stumbled across a saying from

Jenny Doan from Missouri Star Quilt Company

 

"Finished is better than Perfect"

 

I think this is a really good way to live - and perhaps I shouldn't worry so much about being perfect or that seams and points don't match but just to go ahead and do it.

 

Then my kids might finally get their Christmas Quilts from two years ago.

 

Keep Stitching

 

Nay

 

 

 

 



2016 and its almost February - I mean seriously how did this happen.

Who else is having trouble believing that next week is February already.

 

 

In catching up lets go back to Christmas,

 

Actually my busy time starts in September as Netball and Football (Aussie Rules Football) Grand Finals are in full force, Little Athletics is starting and we start the barrage of family birthdays.

 

Even month from September - January we have multiple family birthdays chuck in Christmas and News Years and its go, go, go.

 

Christmas was lovely - all 3 of them. Unfortunately DH had to work on day shift and he started at 7am so we had breakfast and I cooked the kids bacon and eggs.  Then packed up and went to Nuriootpa to help celebrate Christmas with my family at my brothers new house.

They only moved in early October to their first even owned house.

 

The kids Christmas 2015
Growing up fast
 

We wined, dined, exchanged gifts and then rolled home.  Mum and Dad joined us and stayed for 4 nights.  Mum is still going great guns to finish her first quilt.  She is desperately trying to finish before a knee replacement operation late January (didn't happen but she is close).  Made the dessert with an ice-cream cake - the top photo was what I was copying the bottom my end result.  The kids loved the Neapolitan ice-cream cake - gummy bears in the Vanilla, Ripe Raspberries in the Strawberry and Clinkers in the Chocolate plus chocolate and lollies all around the bottom.

 

 

DH came home from work and whilst we didn't really need to eat for his sake we did - not his fault he had to work.  So out came the prawns, salads etc and I had made pudding so heated it up, made custard and kept eating.  So just wondering if everyone else did this.

 

Then another Christmas luncheon on the Sunday with my mums family back at Nuriootpa - more prawns more food and this time I made dessert again.  Chocolate Lasagne this time - not really lasagne just called that for all the layers - sounds sickly sweet but is really quite light.

 

I closed Nays Place for two weeks over Christmas and New Years.  The family went away for 10 days and it was lovely - we caught up with friends, stayed up past midnight on New Years Eve, then went to Orroroo to take the kids to Vac Swim - they have been doing this for some time now and love it - it was fantastic this year as they are being recognised by the locals and have been befriended.  The Princess is now being a penpal to one of the girls and they are making arrangements to catch up later in the year. 

 

The nice thing about closing is that all of the warehouses were closed as well - so the fabric has been coming in almost weekly ever since.  We order at least 6 months in advance you kind off forget what you have ordered and it just like Christmas all over again.

 

Christmas all over again

 

 

New Arrivals include

Still $18 per metre (for the time being)

 

Barbara Brackman's
Old Cambridge Pike

Barbara Brackman's
Old Cambridge Pike

Barbara Brackman's
Old Cambridge Pike

Barbara Brackman's
Old Cambridge Pike

Barbara Brackman's
Old Cambridge Pike

Barbara Brackman's
Old Cambridge Pike

Barbara Brackman's
Old Cambridge Pike

Barbara Brackman's
Old Cambridge Pike

Black Tie Affair

Brenda Riddle Windermere

Marvel Comic Strip
Dr Who Comic Strip
Dr Who Tardis

I also have copies of Gail Pans new book

Simply Christmas No 4 2016

$18 each plus postage and handling

 

Many of you would know that Nays Place started life as a shed.  I then spent some time lining the shed, building shelves and trying to arrange a place that I could start 'Nays Place'. 

When our local fabric closed down I then started ramping the fabric ranges up again. 

What this meant is that everything was thrown together with no real organisational skills and I tried to make it look OK.   This weekend I decided that I really needed to clean up a bit and organise my sewing area and the fabric. 

 

This is the end result - still a few improvements to go but it is getting there.

 

 

And I have managed to leave a little corner for me (and friends) to keep sewing and leave the lounge, fridge and TV for my sit and sew sessions.

 

 

I am involved with another little project for our local Rain Moth Gallery.  They are holding and exhibition in May to celebrate History Month with and exhibition involving knitting and crochet.

 

After the success of the locals joining me with creating poppies I once again accepted the challenge of helping 'Yarn Bomb' Waikerie with flowers, bunting and more. 

For the next 4 months I will be busy knitting and crocheting flowers, bunting and more. 

 Cant wait to see what the town will look like.

 

One quilt to finish and some books and resources to get inspired.

 

Stay stitching and stay tuned as soon as I get more fabric I will upload them to the Facebook page and Instagram page.

 

Keep Stitching and have fun,

 

Nay

 

 



First Project for 2015 Finished and anyone got any ideas what the weather is up to?

Was listening to the TV the other day whilst cooking tea and they were

 talking about what it take to change a habit, way of life etc -

 

 the magical number being 66 days...

( and depending on what era you are from - apparently it's not 42)

 

So this year I decided to take the challenge and do things for me in between working full-time, 3 children, a shift working husband, kids sports, and trying to get Nays Place up and running.

 

You know the normal things mums do but generally forget to add the 'for me' part into life - so no more collapsing after tea I now go into Nays Place and sew for an hour and am still opening on the weekends when possible - (check out my facebook page for opening times.)

 

So after being a closet stalker for 4 years I decided to take the plunge and challenge and join Chookyblues stitch-a-long I have watched these ladies challenge each other for many years, enjoyed the quilts and projects they have completed and even joined in secretly from the wings -  buying my own books and following some of the projects.

 

My 1st Challenge was met tonight....

Finish Anni Downs Hatched and Patched free pattern Christmas Wishes before the SAL Quilt pattern arrives... DONE

 

I used my leftover threads to complete the picture using DMC, Cottage Garden Threads and Silk colours a little "mishmashed" but I'm using my stash.  The 2 1/2" Squares are Moda Christmas Countdown pack that I have in the shop and decided it's a good as any...not sure if shop stock counts as my stash but I'm using it.......

 

Now to wait impatiently for the pattern to arrive -

thinking brights to take me outside my square but really not sure.

 

Admittedly the weather for the last couple of days has made it easy to stay inside and sew and not feel guilty about NOT doing the washing.

 

We've gone from 40+ degrees to cold wet and rainy, all within 10 days of each other. 

 

 Think these photos really show the extremes..

Land near Waikerie taking New Years Days

 

Then in the last 2 days we have had enough rain to help fill our new rainwater tank.  I love the colours on our gum trees when it rains - my kids call them Shrek trees....

 

 

Went for a quick drive to Burra today to collect No 2 & 3 - they have been at Orroroo doing Vac Swim with a friend and then another friend had them for a couple of days as both my hubby and I were working and we decided that we need an excuse to go out for lunch.

 

If you haven't been you simply must try La Pecora Nera (the Black Sheep) at Burra....its YUMMY

Even my steak and 3 veg hubby managed to know back Pasta Beef Rangu and a Affagato for dessert.

 

And the crazy weather continued - No 2 needed a stop and this is us waiting for him at 3pm and yes that's fog not rain.....

 

Off to Adelaide tomorrow for a quick catch-up with relies and then some training for work. 

 Mum and Dad are coming to look after the kids as hubby on night shift - tell me what did I do when they were both working - so glad they have retired.

 

Getting excited for the next round of Cottage Gardens Thread Club to come out - I think I have managed to order some more will let you know this week...

 

This is me flying on New Years Day (that's me on the left) with my friends Nic - she knows I'm petrified of heights and I'm still not sure how she talked me into going flying in a little 2 seater Savannah plane but I would put me life in her hands without any hesitation and I can honestly say its magical up there...

 

 

 

And flying over our place

 

 

 

Thanks again

 

and keep stitching

 

Nay

I know its winter but seriously we have to find some warmth somewhere...

As winter hints most of Australia,

with record snow falls I've stoked up the fire and have tried to get some sewing done.

 

Mr 'I miss out on everything' was lucky enough to invited to a friends birthday party

 Aussie style sleepover in swags surrounding a big fire

 

 

A late night, big fire, cool evening but apparently they were all asleep before midnight and up by 7 - mmmm wonder why he tired and grouchy now.

 

(setting up the swags before it got dark)

 

Our quilting group Waikerie Piecemakers hold a "Quilt Fest No Stress" weekend each year -

two days - 20 hours of stress free sewing - pooled tea - lots of yummies and a chance to do your own thing, bring in your ufo's to sit sew and maybe get them finished.

 

This year Nay's Place sponsored a Charity Challenge Quilt - I have spoken about it previously

 

We managed to get the tops pieced together - final borders, peepers and the we need time to sandwich - quilt - bindings and we're done.

 

We made the decision this year to donate to local charities - everyone who completed a block could choose - winners have been drawn and we hope to present later in the year.

 

Don't they look great

(we're calling this cookies and cream)

(and the Red Quilt for obvious reasons)

 

I was very pleased with the results I think they look great.  Was feeling very pleased and then to cap it off on the ferry coming home saw this rainbow - love rainbows - this was a double

(the second to the left which you can just see)

 

Off to finish some tassels on my hexagon crochet rug

 

Keep sewing - even in this cold weather

 

Nay



 

 



Winter has finally arrived and some sewing done - FINALLY

As winter hits and today we are being hammered with wind, rain and its so cold

 (well for us here in the Riverland anyway)

 

 

After my terrible effort of getting anything done during my holidays I have made a concerted effort to get into Nays Place Sunday afternoons. 

Fingers crossed - managed to get out there this Sunday and had some sewing time FINALLY!!

 

First thing - our local group Waikerie Piecemakers is doing some charity quilts this year - Nays Place supplied the fabric - found some great block patterns, selected 17 of them ranging from easy, medium and hard - with this on hand we supplied every member with 1 main fabric (the floral) and 4 coordinating fabrics 3 patterns to choose from. 

 The main challenge use the fabrics supplied and do one (or 2 or 3) blocks form the patterns supplied

.

This was extremely hard for me as anyone that knows me knows that I don't have a particular fondness for purple but there seems to be a large percentage  of ladies in the group that like it. 

 

 I challenged myself to make sure the focus fabric had purple in it and just cause I never follow instructions made it so you had to follow instructions. 

 

 

Don't look to closely - I handed out all the precut fabrics so have made my blocks with everyone's leftover fabric - and I have to admit I haven't really done block piecing before.

 

Everyone that has completed a block get to select a local charity that we will donate it to - we've had such an overwhelming response I think we actually will get 2 quilts made.

 

Then as you would know I'm a 'mums taxi' on weekends with kids sports.  I have already made a blanket using our old flannelette pj's cut into strips which I then had a practice run at the 'Jelly Roll Races' quilt but wanted a quilt that I could put on the ground but it still be cuddly.

 

Then I happened across this

 

 

Cathedral window quilt - tutorial
http://www.fabartdiy.com/how-to-make-personalized-cathedral-window-baby-playmat/ — with Ican Makeja.

 

Then was looking for more info and found so many images on pinterest -  http://www.pinterest.com/banicja/quilting-rag-quilt-catedral-window/

for an idea that has been going round and round in my head for a rag rug using the pile of denim jeans I have (HAD) just wanting to be mended etc etc and the leftover flannelette pj's

 

so I now have this pile ready to go - haven't used wadding as I think the denim is heavy enough - will be done in the 'quilt as you go' method.

 

So my plan is to sew around the circles about 1-2cm in  from the pinked edge then sew them together as per above - sew them down and then 'rag cut' the  edges.

As it is denim underneath I was going to play with having denim thread in the bobbin and do some free hand designs in the middle of some of the blocks.

 

Who knows will see what happens and where it takes me as I'm going -

 have cut 60 blocks so far - the template - my embroidery hoop (what else) -

 found some more pj's so will be cutting more this week at night time 

Another finished project I have completed is this scarf -

Looks harder that what is was - using variegated wool - free pattern on Ravelry - entrelac scarf - My wool was a different weight and instead of 400gms I only used approx. 150gm as I didn't make it quite as long as I don't like them long.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/entrelac-scarf
 

Stay tuned

 

Keep sewing

 

Nay

Dont you just love parcels in the mail..

Oohh a large envelope arrived for me today...have been a bit naughty lately and was anxious to see what had arrived.

Thanks to Leeanne from Lizze the Quilter these arrived for me today to add to my library.

Dont you just love the hexagons - am seriously thinking that will have to be next.  I already have the 1" hexagon templates but just have to jump out my comfort zone and just go for it.

Waikerie held it's 20th Rock n Roll festival this last weekend.  I try when I can to decorate the branch to support the local events and this time was awarded 1st prize for my efforts.  A lovely basket full of goodies to share with the staff some Illalangi products - they have a shopfront on the highway with local wine, oil, cheeses, choc's and other locally made and South Aussie made products.  Yum and they do gift baskets to.

Best go a week full of meetings and Waikerie and Caudo's Vineyards are hosting a True Grit  this weekend. Congratulations to the 4000 competitors that are coming to our town and WELCOME.

Keep stitching 

Nay

Nays Place - A new blog, new start and some fun and games.......

Hi to all after some lengthy problems with typepad I have made the switch to blogger - there is another Nays Place out there so I have also had a change of name - but it is still me - still disorganised, still slightly cuddly and still lining my shed walls with fabric, fabric and more fabric.

The dream is getting closer and I am stocking items to open soon - only on weekends to start with but you are always welcomed to come and sew you dont need to buy.

A quick update on whats been happening to me lately as it has been a very long time since I have been able to blog.

So 5 quilt tops made for Christmas and now I just have to make time to quilt them - oops wheres my magic quilting fairy

I have spent a lot of time reading other blogs and my favourites include Granny Loz, Gail Pan designs and check out Gails new book, Linda from Gum Valley Patchwork and she has her book "Dear Prudence" finally published all about her incredible quilt.

A challenge from Anne and Bun; her and I have the same kit from Lisa at Dyed and Gone to Heaven Dyed and Gone to Heaven called Aurora so before Anne arrives home from her latest trip we have to have them complete - photos to follow later.

So a quick trip to Adelaide for Anzac Day as Dear Husband marched again - the marchers are getting fewer -  a lot more signs with no-one behind them but the crowd is getting bigger which is fantastic.

 We spend some time in Adelaide waiting for Nigel to finish "catching" up with his friends.  The kids and I explored - keep finding inspirations everywhere I look.

A tile in a wall corner of Gawler Place and North Terrace

Inside the SA Museum

The kids and I had fun in Rundle Mall with the bronze pigs - Sarah cannot recall seeing them before...mm how long has it been since we were in Adelaide.

Back home to work Friday and then back to Adelaide for my cousins 30th - here she is with her cake and beautiful daughter - can you guess what Kaylee is after 

So off to church this morning - Children's mass and the kids are reading and being altar serving.  Then maybe just maybe I will be able to sneak off to Nays Place after....more projects planned for this year.


Waikerie Primary School is 100 years old this year and we have celebrations planned for August - I am helping put together a banner - all the older classrooms have designed a square with a theme and we are getting the younger classrooms to stamp the kids hands to border the banner.  Loving this project but can see some busy times ahead.

Take Care
Keep Stitching

Nay