Saturday, March 29, 2014

500 and counting......

Just realised this is my 500th post! It's taken a while and I have weathered a few storms since March 2008 but here I am  alive and loving life......Gosh I have met some fantastic people through blogging and enjoyed some great times at retreats/workshops and traveling with friends........good times....happy days!! Not sure where the years have gone!!

I belong to a great online group and we have just had our first swap for the year.....the "theme" was any Gail Pan design.  I sent to Peg and not sure where my head was when I sent the parcel off....no pics!  duh!  My parcel from Jenny arrived during the week and I was very good and didn't open it until the designated opening night, last night.  Jenny chose perfect colours for me and I love this wallhanging.....
 






Speaking of swaps - you might remember some sneak peeks of black and white a while ago....

.....this was for a swap for the group - this time it was a birthday swap and I made for Teresa - the theme was a black and white bag with embellishment....and something in it......this was the bag.....a Leanne's House pattern I have had for a long time.......

the front.......
 ...and the back....



Inside the bag I put some Barossa goodies and this little spools mini from Bonnie and Camille ...

I loved making this mini and want to get started on one for me.......

This morning began with some general cleaning and house work which then became some changing around and playing with things in the house......the quilt the girls in my online group made for me when I was recovering from surgery has found a home on the wall in the living room......love this quilt.....


.....of course Madam Rose has to get in on the act as well!........

A few weeks ago I saw a post on Linda's blog on these rulers for domestic machine quilting.....Linda was offering a set of the rulers as a give away and whilst I entered, I am also impatient (and realistic in my chances of winning the rulers) so went on line and ordered two rulers ( one straight line and one curved)......they arrived in no time and I have had fun playing with them.....if you are like me and like to free motion you will know how hard (well, I think it's hard anyway...) to free motion a straight or curved line....these rulers are fantastic and the little time I have had to play with them I have found them really easy to use and with practice I am sure they will become even more fun! There are several different sizes for each ruler but for now I will stick with the two I have until I become more proficient ....


That's about it for me for now......a friend had an amazing "find" at an auction recently but that deserves a post of it's own!

'til next time............................Lorraine



15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow Loz what a wonderful swap this was such gorgeous gifts sent and received,and I love the quilt hanging up on your wall ,what a lovely spot for it.xx

KERYN B said...

What a beautiful swap gift very pretty fabric.

Jeanette said...

Beautiful swap gifts. Hugs, xx

Margs Primitive Quilts said...

A lovely swap gift you have there. I LoVe the "spool" one you made. I would love to make one too.
Friends... what would we do without them? They are the best!
Have a great weekend.
Marg

Me and My Stitches said...

The stitchery looks really nice on the swap quilt you received! Love your black and white bag!

Katie said...

Wow! Congratulations on 500. Woot!

Love that little spools quilt. I think I have to make one! :-)

Terry said...

Congratulations on 500 posts! What beautiful swap gifts! :0)

AnnieO said...

So much quilty and stitchy goodness! How fun to give and receive some crafty love. I just joined a doll quilt swap and am really enjoying making mine--and having trouble not sharing my progress on the blog! So glad I was one of the lucky ones to meet you through quilting and stitching :). Congrats on 500 posts!

Shay said...

The wall hanging is positively gorgeous Loz.

Love the swap bag and that mini is gorgeous. I think I’ve just found the answer to my sucky mojo !

The USA flag quilt looks fantastic up there. Makes me want to run out and make one for myself. (but perhaps I should just concentrate on the spools thing ?)

Lastly congrats on your 500th post. Im so glad you blog because it gave us the chance to become RL friends.

Jan said...

Fabulous swap gifts to and from, Loz. And your gift quilt from the girls is beautiful, you can just tell there are lots of hugs and smiles in it.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

It awas a great swap Loz...loved my goodies...please use my photos....your birthday bag is awesome...what Jen made is amazing,,,

Sue SA said...

Congratulations on 500 posts! Love the mini spool quilt, just saw the pattern on the weekend and definitely need to buy it for myself. Nice to have such a lovely quilt made by friends hanging up where you can enjoy it and remember your friends.

Fiona@Dragonfly-Crafts said...

Congrats on 500 Loz. Love your swap Pressies.

Leanne said...

Wow 500 posts well done. You always make such wonderful gifts I do love that bag I think I have that patter but have never made it.

Daisy Jayne said...

Loz what a fab swap, the bag is just ...I am speechless.... black and white(wow)