February Breast Check Reminder

Yes it is that time again. Breast checks for February due today. It is really important that you do this at least once a month. Best at the same time of the month - so you get to really know your breast and their inners. I have very lumpy breast so I find this a challenge. But with these regular checks I am familiar with them - I will know when a lump is not good. Don't forget to check the areas surrounding your breasts. This way you will know when something does not feel the same. Breast cancer does not always come in a sphere shape (a friend of mine made me feels hers - it felt just like a thicker long muscle going from her breast to under her arm pit) so it is important you know when something is different.

For ideas on how to check your breast look here.

Tick... another done

Yay another project on the to do list done. Son 9 Lap Quilt. Using a Leanne's House Pattern.

I HATE binding

What is it with hand binding? Is it because you are SO CLOSE to finishing - this part is frustrating or is it because my poor thumb and next finger get so damaged and sore from pushing and pulling the needle through all the layers? Jo offered a finger pad which totally saved my thumb and I was able to finish Son 9 lap quilt last night (I am buying some pads when I go to AQC).

I have Son 10 (see picture) quilt ready for binding, Son 9 Bed quilt almost ready for binding, Helena's Dancing Flower Quilt soon to be binded and Helen's Mystery Quilt soon to be binded and my poor fingers are not happy. I have tried machine binding but my sewing at the back looks seriously wobbly (I mean WOBBLY - not good look). ANY ideas/tips/hints? I am at present sticking leukoplast on the fingers to protect them but the adhesive works it way out and effects the thread and needle.

Any ideas?

I am going... Are you?

This time next week Jo, Helen and I will be taking off on a plane to Melbourne to attend the AQC over three days! I am starting to believe it is actually going to happen. We will meet Jodie in person and be helping out the girls from The Quilted Crow - come and visit their stall - they ALWAYS please. I have plans to buy...

1. Fray Stop - Thanks to Christine's feedback (who will also be there!)
2. Invisible thread (the one I like)
3. Finger pads for needle work (I have not seen them here in southern Tasmania)
4. Look at sewing frames for quilting - Thanks to Sarah who has raved on about them.
5. Possibly a BOM - but I have to REALLY like it.

WOO HOO

Tick...it is done

While I am trying to finish off my boys lap quilts, youngest sons bed quilt and Helenas quilt I decided to finish this little project. I am SO pleased with the finished outcome. Another item ticked off my 'to do by beginning of June' list. This was a pattern from The Quilted Crows gathering I attended Oct last year (or was it the one early last year?). It is so nice working with wool. Luscious stuff.

Gail Pan Designs Free BOM

Here is the next block - my version. Again Thank You Gail for offering us such a beautiful BOM to follow.

Happy Valentines Day

I have left this on our bed for hubby to find with a trail of chocolates to a treat.

Thank you Lyn from Molly Chicken for the tutorial to make one of these.

Breakfast... in bed

10 year old son wanted a hot breakfast. So he went off quietly and returned with one for each of us. Not only that - the kitchen was in an amazing state - not like the usual every utensil spread out and used look. We were so impressed and he was so chuffed with his efforts. Its moments like these that make you feel you are doing alright as a parent. Thank you gorgeous!

Oooooo cake cake cake

I saw this cake on Pottymouthmama. It is her sisters cake at Choccybangle. So I made it for afternoon tea and the boys LUUUuuuuved it. Definitely adding it to my recipe book!

P.S. Was not patient enough to ice like a pro. Boys said it looked good anyway! That is all that matters hey.

February's BOM

I am participating in Ellie's Country Calendar BOM for a bit of fun. So quick and easy. Here is February's BOM all done. I altered it to suit my style (a little). I plan to use a plain fabric to make the blocks up when I finish them all.

A bit of fun

Been meaning to make this for ages. Just have not got around to it. You know - always doing 'purposeful' craft. 'My' monthly crafty girl friends came round and I decided I was going to get started on this. The next morning I worked on it more and decided I had to stop. I could add a lot more things (like a fence, flowers etc etc) but I have many other projects waiting for me that are purposeful ones. It was suppose to be sort of a replica of the Christmas Ginger Bread House.... you can see that cannot you?

My 10 year old son really liked what I was doing and started to work with me. I left him to his own devises and he brings me his version to show off. I was SO PROUD. AND he even cleaned up after!

Holiday Mystery Quilt is revealed!

I am up to date with my Mystery Quilt run by Helen from Hugs and Kisses and I am SO LOVING IT! Pink pink pink - just what a mum of boys needs.

We just need to baste, quilt and then bind woo hoo.

Please read my last post - I am in desperate need of help. At this rate I think I will have to go visit the sewing shop for technical advise.