February

While the computer is co-operating I will get the February freebie up. Hearts this month, for valentines day. Purely a coincidence, but one that worked out nicely. The hand dyed fabbie had a heart shape in it, so I pieced and embellished inspired by that. As per January, leave a comment, and when I think I have enough, I will do a draw.
Below is a selection of what is to come over the year. These were my little stitching projects over the holidays. A few of these in my Dilmah Tea tin, and a selection of threads, and I was set. CQ to go. The leaf one I stitched while having a day at the beach. Beautiful little place called Waiti (little water). Rob fished, the kids lounged in rock pools, and I sat in the shade and stitched. Bliss.
To those lovely ladies that left comments saying that you had promo'd my giveaway on your blogs, please don't. My giveaways are for my readers, and if you don't do CQ, then really they are of no value or worth to those who are simply looking to get something for free. I appreciate the sentiment, but would prefer you didn't do it. You may yourselves comment for the giveaway personally, just please don't advertise it on your 'giveaway' blogs. TY

We are almost back to normal. School starts on Monday, although Brooke is getting her grommets on that day. We have had 4 weeks of consecutive chicken pox, not all together at the same time, one after the other. 6weeks if you count my nephew who had them first over xmas. Then we all had a tummy bug, but through all that, we have had a lovely break. We got away to New Plymouth to see my best bud. The kids all (6 of them) held it together really well four 4 days, but that was enough, unfortunately for the adults. We will do it again though, soon hopefully.

And here is Jons latest facination. Don't let the expression fool you, he loves crabs. We have spent all holidays collecting crabs. The ones at Waiwera are small, about the size of your thumb nail would be a big one. This beauty was found at the Three Sisters, on the way to New Plymouth. Great spot, nothing there apart from a few baches, but when tide is out there are these fantastic caves, full of these crabs!! You wouldn't normally see them, they hide in crevices in the cliff face, but this one must have been on the way out, as it was floating around sedately in a tidal pool. I said I would get it for him, but no hesitation, he was in there, picking the damn thing up, and with no intention of putting it back down! Jon carried this (when it was still alive) about a kilometre back to the car. He got a couple of nips, didn't phase him at all. It then got put in a bag, because we "have to show Jakey". I found said crab, that we "have to show Jakey" 3 days later in the bottom of a bag I had packed essential food items in, milo, weetbix etc. 3 days! in January! inTaranaki! IT STUNK!!
Today we went to feed the ducks, and he was in the pond trying to catch an eel!! Gotta luv 'em.


Here is another block I will be working on over the next month or so. Over at CQI we have monthly challenges, and January was pieceing curves, and/or landscapes. This block covers both nicely. Allie Aller is the queen of curved piecing, in fact, I don't think she can sew a straight line-LOL- but I have a ways to go to get as good as her. This block is 6" and will be swapped with Ati.
Januarys CQMagOnline is out. I have another article in there. I have used the technique in the article to put the backing on my postcards. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how to use the buttonhole function on my sewing machine, so the nice tidy edges and the heat'n'bond work really well for me. Even if you are not a CQer, check this ezine out, there is something for everyone there.

Well, I think that is more than enough for one post. Should I not reappear for a while, you know that my old faithful has gone to th floppy disc dump in the sky. I shall however sort out the giveaway winner on my return...if I go...you know....