Sunday, December 29, 2013

Country Escape

Every year on Boxing Day I escape Melbourne for the fresh country air of northern Victoria; time out from the city and the day-to-day stresses. It's time to sleep, read, watch tv, eat amazing food, drink fabulous wine, and finish up a quilt or two.

The colour of sunset is pretty amazing here.


There's been some yummy food and wine; pork croquettes, steak, and chocolate cake.


The set-up at the winery was just beautiful, as they were preparing for a wedding.


I've also bee around to all the farms buying fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, and my favourite white cherries.


Only two more days in the year; it didn't start out as my best year but I'm really loving how it turned out.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Christmas is Coming

It's the crazy last week leading into Christmas and everything has shifted into overdrive. I've been trying to squeeze in time with as many friends as possible, while also finishing off two quilts and just generally taking in the Christmas spirit.

I had dinner with my oldest friend during the week, and was lucky enough to sample a selection of her amazing Christmas cookies. I do love having a pastry chef for my bestie.


I managed to get binding on both quilts I'm trying to finish. There was a little panic when I realised I hadn't actually bought fabric to bind Star Blossoms (below), but a quick rummage through my stash fixed that with a little Vintage Modern.


I remembered last night that I had other Christmas decorations stashed away, and hung the star light and paper chains. Bella is just checking things out, and waiting for me to leave so she can crash-tackle the tree.
 

A quick little baking session this morning before I head out for today's festivities. I love my shortbread recipe.
 

Just a reminder that the shop will close at noon on the 24th of December, and re-open on January 3.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

New Goodies

With AQM the other week, there are lots of new goodies arriving in the shop at the moment.

I've got in stock a limited number of the fabulous Clover binding clips, which can be bought in bulk or in lots of 10.
 


There are also some gorgeous owl prints from Ann Kelle's Urban Zoologie range. I adore these ones.

And some great fat quarter bundles from Riley Blake; Boy Crazy and  Hello Sunshine.

Last but not least, a great bicycle print from Studio Green, and a panel which is a great quick quilt project.


Sunday, December 8, 2013

Sunday Morning Jam Session

I feel like I've been neglecting my blog lately, and I'm sorry...but its definitely that time of year! Fabric is coming in and out of the shop at a ridiculous rate, there are social events to attend, food to make, and quilts to finish. The last week vanished before my eyes between being in Hobart for the weekend, then in Queensland Wednesday/Thursday. I promise I've finished all my travelling for the year.

This mornings job was apricot jam; last summer's batch disappeared way too early in the year. So I bought a huge bag of the yummiest fruit and set about turning my kitchen into a super-sticky mess. But so worth it!




I've posted the recipe before, over here; it's the Stephanie Alexander one and I wouldn't use any other. It has never failed me.

 

Now I'm off to hide the finished product before anyone else gets their hands on it....


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Hobart Weekend

I did a quick weekend in Hobart this weekend just gone; 20 people, for a weekend of food, wine and activities. I arrived on Friday night and quickly headed to meet up with the group for a few glasses of wine.

Saturday was started off with the Salamanca Markets, then onto the ferry to visit MONA.



The art on the gallery was fascinating, my favourite being the lights that beat in time to your heart.



After the museum I went back into town to do a last lap of the market, then enjoyed some time on the lawn.



Them the main event; dinner at Smolt. There were nibbles, entrees, three amazing mains including the most divine, melt in your mouth lamb, then dessert. Food heaven.



Sunday morning was breakfast, a tasting at Lark Distillery, then fish and chips by the water.



Then it was time to head home, and back into another busy week.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Wednesday Quilting Session

Life is just a little crazy right now, but I made sure to put "quilting" on my to-do list for today.



Nothing fancy, just some loopy loops but I'm already pretty happy with how it's looking.



Friday, November 22, 2013

Lola Goes to Market

With the weekend looming, I needed to get Lola Ladybug finished; how else to sell the panels if I haven't made her myself. A little fiddly, but not actually difficult, I finally got her done. She's not perfect (don't look too close), but she's pretty cute!



Tomorrow I'll be at AQM (the wholesale market) checking out all the new and upcoming quilty goodness, then on Sunday I'm at Caulfield Racecourse for Mathilda's/Boutique Market. It's on from 9am till 1pm and I'll be there with as much fabric as I can carry. Details over in my right-hand sidebar.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

April Showers by Bonnie and Camille

It's here! April Showers pre-cuts arrived on my doorstep yesterday. Love the colours in this range!

I've got the usual selection of Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes and Charm Packs available.


http://www.bellaspatchwork.com.au/category_116/April-Showers.htm



Aaaaaand, Just My Type from Michael Miller also arrived; this is a cute selection of typewriter key prints.

http://www.bellaspatchwork.com.au/category_114/Just-My-Type.htm


Friday, November 15, 2013

Color Me Happy by V and Co.

Not what I expected today, but a little mix-up saw Color Me Happy pre-cuts arrive on my doorstep. I love this range and am so happy that I got it in early (it's not due until 2014).


I've got Charm Packs, Jelly Rolls and Layer Cakes available right here.


Pictures courtesy of Vanessa Christenson.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Lola Ladybug

Crafting has taken a bit of a back seat this week; with Christmas coming there just doesn't seem to be a minute to spare! There are birthday lunches, dinners with friends, and quick trips interstate (but thats another story). 

I have the first of my Christmas markets coming up next weekend, Mathilda's Market at Caulfield Racecourse, and I'm scrambling to get ready. One of the things I'm currently selling is the Lola Ladybug panel from Melly and Me's range, Snug as a Bug. I've sold quite a few, but I thought I'd better make one myself so I can explain it to my customers better.

Its not difficult but I've been doing a little at a time. The head is assembled, the body has arms and legs, and the wings are ready to attach. I just need to find time to get it all together,



It should look a little like this:
 (photo from Melly & Me)

You can find them in my shop here.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Scrap Quilt

When I finished the 2012 BOM quilt, I packed away all the leftover fabric, knowing there was enough to start another quilt, but having already made two Vintage Modern quilts. Then I got an invite to a wedding, and a little light bulb went off inside my head.

So I cut as many 8" squares as possible, adding in a little Happy Go Lucky and Scrumptious and I think even one piece of Bliss, stitched like a maniac, and it was done!

(excuse the ipad photo)

Just need to get this one quilted, and the Star Blossoms quilt, before Christmas. And guess what?! This is my 500th blog post!

Friday, November 1, 2013

Star Blossoms Flimsy

I feel like its taken forever to get here, but I finally have the quilt top together.



Now it just needs to be basted and quilted; I'll get there eventually!


Sunday, October 27, 2013

A Winner and a Little Progress

Random.org has given me a helping hand, and the winner of my Scrumptious give-away is PunkinPatc​h; please send you address to kate@bellaspatchwork.com.au and I will get your prize out to you.

I've spent a couple of nights hunched over the sewing machine and have the body of Star Blossoms done. Just three borders then it will be ready to quilt!  


I feel like I've been working on this one for ages; I purchased the fabric all the way back in February!



Had my first market today for quite a few months; boy was I busy! It seems everyone is stashing fat quarters at the moment. My next market is November 24 at Caulfield Racecourse; see the listings on the right for info.

Friday, October 25, 2013

First Class Food

I love food, going new places and meeting new people. So when someone suggested going to Sydney to have lunch in the Qantas First Class lounge, it was such a crazy idea that I couldn't possibly say no.

I was up super-early yesterday morning to catch the train into the city, then onto Skybus to make my way to Melbourne airport. There I met two of my fellow lunch buddies, and had a quick breakfast in the Qantas business lounge.Then we were on the plane and on our way to Sydney.

Then came the important bit; meeting the rest of the group, checking in for our flight back to Melbourne, and heading into the First Class Lounge. It was my first ever visit, and I was very impressed at the entrance (which of course I took no photos of). And the view out the window is spectacular!



Of course, we were there to eat and drink (and socialise), so a quick look at the menu and I had my meal planned out.

Salt and Pepper Squid to start. I don't usually eat seafood but the calamari in the lounge is amazing.

Next up was a chilli beef with a fried egg on top.


And I finished off with a chocolate brownie, because who could possibly resist? Enjoyed with a lovely glass of dessert wine of course.


Our flight was delayed so we had a little more time to indulge in a few (more) glasses of wine and a cheese plate, then we were off again! Certainly not a bad way to spend the day.

Just a reminder that my Scrumptious giveaway closes this afternoon, you've still got time to enter!

Friday, October 18, 2013

I Love Fridays

Yesterday when I was at work, the weather was terrible. Today home is work, and the weather is beautiful! I've made the most of it by getting a bit of gardening done; the weeds really take over when you aren't home to keep an eye on them. The previous owners planted Ivy and it has been a constant battle over many years to get rid of as much as possible. I'm winning slowly but boy does it make me itch.

My lavender bloomed beautifully while I was away, and brings in the bees; great for all the fruit trees. Where would we be without bees?


My favourite tree is the cherry blossom; I wait all year for it to bloom, then usually the spring winds blow them all away. They're almost all gone and my front yard looks like its been snowing pink petals.

The puppies are loving the sunshine, but keeping the littlest Miss still for a photo is almost impossible.

Miss Bella is curious about the camera as always.

I did a sneaky trip to Spotlight this morning to check out Sarah Fielke's new range, Millefiori. I had to hunt around a bit but I found the prints I was looking for. Into the stash they go!



 And finally a little more progress on Star Blossoms; only four blocks to go!
 


Thursday, October 17, 2013

A Scrumptious Giveaway

It's been a long time between giveaways, and my blogiversary sailed by in August without mention. And everyone loves a little freebie. Up for grabs are two Scrumptious mini charm packs. Perfect for hexies or a little sewing project.




You have two chances to win.
1. Follow this blog and leave a comment to let me know.
2. Like my Facebook page, and again leave a comment to let me know.

Whoops. Deadline is Friday 25/10 at 5pm ADST.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Scrumptious by Bonnie and Camille is here!

A little later than anticipated, but the gorgeous new range from Moda, Scrumptious, is finally in the shop. Pre-cuts should only be a couple of days away, but if you want any held for you, please just let me know.



Scrumptious can be found here.

Friday, October 11, 2013

More Star Blossoms

It's nice to be back at the sewing machine after a month away, but I needed a quick glance at the pattern to refresh my memory. Then I was straight back in!


I've knocked over 11 of the 20 blocks so far; at about an hour each this certainly isn't a quick quilt but I love each and every block as it comes together.


I've also managed to get my hands on a FQB of Kate Spain's Daydream; its such a vibrant range! I have a very important quilt to make and this is the chosen fabric.  I've also picked a pattern from Camille's Simply Retro, but there will be more about that later...