THE ANGEL AND THE PUKEKO

Meet George.

2012-01-22T14:34:00.001+13:00

As most of you know we lost our 13yr old baby last year and we always knew we were going to get another dog but what or when we weren’t sure. We just knew we would know when the time was right. We had thought we would probably get an older dog, say 18mths upwards.

Well last night fate took us into her hands and changed all of those plans but we know it was meant to be. Meet George……

…. there is no way you could turn this adorable wee face down and leave him behind.

Now how did we know he was for us? Well, George’s Mum (black Labrador & Dad is a border collie) is called Ally and Ally was the name of our last baby. Also George was born on the 29.12.2011 which is the anniversary of a girlfriend’s passing, so we knew that was another sign AND George was my Dad’s name and our girlfriend’s (who passed) sister is Georgie.

Too many coincidences, you bet ya! Thank you so much Ally for having such a lovely lot of puppies and for being such an amazing Mum. We’ll let you have a rest when we come to collect George in about 3-4 weeks.

Here is George and all his brothers and sisters.

Hugs Deb xx

Progress of a sort……

2012-01-21T18:57:00.001+13:00

Confession time. I have done no sewing! There I have said it. Oh well, life goes on doesn’t it.

Last week DD asked me if I would make a baby quilt for a friend of hers. Sure I said, thinking well that's easy enough. We went through the cupboard and she chose the fabrics. Lovely bright fabrics from the Spirit range……

……that's it folks. They have been placed on my sewing table and in my head the quilt is finished, what more do you want- lol. (This week maybe!)

I can say that I have been cross stitching. So I have done something I suppose. This is one of the kits I was given for Christmas.

BUT DH has had progress in his glasshouse…..

….. and the roses and lavender are blooming beautifully at the moment. He’s a good lad, I think I’ll keep him.

I must go out and chop more lavender to dry for this year as I think I will be using what I have dried already whilst doing Cheryl’s “It’s a Little Bit French” projects. Click on the image on the right and go and have a look, they look like they are going to be yummy.

Keep smiling! Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

Happy New Year….

2012-01-05T15:02:00.001+13:00

Happy New Year to all of you. Isn’t it amazing to think that Christmas has been and gone in the flash of an eye. I hate to say it but it wasn’t anything exciting here this year. Of course, having a fresh round of earthquakes which started on the 23rd December didn’t help the mood much. And yes they are still going, we had another good one this morning. The feeling throughout the city seems to be one of complacency. No not for me, I hate them and will happily admit to turning into a mad woman on the 23rd. The sooner they calm down the better. Everything becomes tense and it puts a strain on everything we do and who we are.

Anyway onto something cheerful and less “It’s all about me”. I received some lovely gifts from bloggy friends for Christmas and felt very spoilt.

Julia sent me the most gorgeous pincushion and a cross stitch kit and some decorations for the tree.

Melanie sent me the cutest little Elf (as you can see below) and I have named him Willow. Melanie explained in her blog that he has brothers all around the world now. Just imagine how exciting it would be for them all to meet up in a few years.

There were other goodies in Melanie’s box but I hate to admit that I have lost the file with the pics in it. Sorry Melanie.

Now an update on the spinal surgery I had on 7th Dec. I can’t believe its only been 4 weeks and yes I know I am expecting far too much too quickly (that’s who I am). The surgeon was really pleased the way the surgery went which is great as far as I am concerned. I am getting around quite freely although waist down is much slower than the top half. Having to get all of the muscles around my lower torso into action again is obviously going to take awhile. So I now have a prosthetic disc in my lumbar spine and the discs have been fused to fix everything. Wahoo! Now its just waiting to get the all clear on check up day at the end of the month and then it will back to work too. (yuk, I’d better make the most of the time off. )

Well everyone I hope that your New Year’s have all started on a positive note and may the year ahead be filled with lots of happiness, laughter, girly pursuits and stitching. May you keep your hearts and your arms open wide to lots of new adventures.

Hugs for 2012, Deb xx

A quick pop in……

2011-12-24T15:39:00.001+13:00

I know I said I wouldn’t be back until the New Year but I have had so many lovely emails asking if we are all safe after the Earthquakes yesterday. I cannot believe it has happened again. Once again the sense of dread returned and we have thought, when is it going to stop. It was all very, very frightening but we are all safe and life has returned to normal amazingly quickly that I can look at the events of yesterday and it all seems so surreal 24 hours later.

Yes there are more cracks throughout the house, some have opened up more, things were thrown from shelves again. Amazingly nothing broke. Frank (cat) is spending a lot of his day outside but coming in for big cuddles and treats. BUT WE ARE SAFE! Thank you to the Angels looking out for us. I truly believe you are sitting on our shoulders and I love you for it everyday.

Well, I am heading back to being serenaded by Il Divo with their Christmas songs (if only if was in real life). I shall leave you with yesterdays photo of my beautiful mouse family I have in my header. Doesn’t quite look the same does it? Nose divers…..

So peeps thank you for caring, and have a marvellous Christmas day. Only 8.5 hours to go here in NZ and yes we get Christmas first through out the world –wahoo!

Hugs for Christmas, stay safe and may you all experience much love, joy and laughter within fabulous family times. Debs xxx

Happy Christmas, see you in 2012

2011-12-02T12:04:00.001+13:00

Hello all, just a brief visit to say I am going on a self induced break and stepping back from things for awhile.

I am into hospital as I mentioned previously for major spinal surgery next Wednesday and that will put me out of action for awhile so I will need to take thing slowly.

We are also having a few hiccups with DS and honestly I am not coping well with things. I have made the decision to hand him over completely to his Dad to deal with as I get too upset with some of the silly things his is doing. Just not thinking, not considering anyone else or the consequences of his decisions. (Who would have kids eh?)

I think I am really looking forward to 2012. It must surely be better than the past 18mths. Its funny, it makes you think long and hard. I have dealt with deaths of a parent and I thought that was hard. I have been through major health issues and many days find the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off and its a hard fight to flick it back on but we do it.

I think the trauma of the quakes has been harder to deal with as we have no control. No control on the effects it has on life and our loved ones, its a bit scary really, some thing’s take a long time to surface. Still I am hoping they have stopped now and its only onwards and upwards. The power of being positive!

Gosh what a horrible post, so anyway on that gloomy note, I want to say from the bottom of my heart, I hope that everyone of you, who I consider dear friends, has a wonderful Christmas, blessed with family and friends and filled with love and laughter.

See you all in the NEW AND WONDERFUL 2012. xx

Plodding along day by day…

2011-11-16T13:32:00.001+13:00

Well the last couple of weeks I’ve been plodding along getting used to the idea that I am off work and will be so until next year when I find a new job. Its taken some getting used to after working full time but what will be will be.

I am heading back for surgery on the lumbar spine where I had surgery a couple of years ago. Honestly I am looking forward to it, the pain has been rather intense. On the plus side I have been managing to do lots of stitching in between lying on my back reading.

Below are some stitcheries I have finished. The Christmas Wreath by Rosalie Quinlan and I have added the message in the centre. Then there is my little cow stitchery which I trialled Cottage Garden thread in.

Then I have completed the cross stitches below and am almost finished a second one of the tree sampler.

Below is a book I ordered a couple of months ago and finally arrived today so some reading will be in order for this afternoon I think.

To finish off here is a photo of the first of our roses for this season. I just had to pick them they were so pretty. Our new rose garden is coming along beautifully and soon I should have some photos of the blooms from my new David Austin roses to show you.

Hugs in stitching, Debs x

Thank you Janelle…. I’ll blame you when the Visa account arrives!

2011-11-04T11:51:00.001+13:00

I was catching up on blogs this week and read Janelle’s post about her friend Kate Mason from ScrappsFleaMarket. Kate is a mixed media artist who does some really lovely work and Janelle showed a few of her pieces on her post. Well of course they appealed enough to me that I had to look further.

And yes I bought a couple of prints. The one below I ordered for myself , I can just visualise it on the dining area wall once all painted cream.

I love it. This one below I have bought for a Christmas pressie for DD. Thankfully she isn’t interested in my blog so I can let you have a peek. I think the quirkiness of this print will appeal to her as much as it does to me.

Don’t you think its a 20 year olds taste, well its a 51 year olds anyway.

So go and have a look at Kate’s Etsy shop and thanks Janelle for helping me spend some money!!

Hugs in spending money, Debs xox

A Sneak Peek & Surprises.

2011-11-01T18:52:00.001+13:00

Well once again the kindness of bloggers never ceases to amaze me. Over the past month I have received two parcels from lovely ladies, just because of who they are -lovely, kind and thoughtful people who thought of me. I feel very humbled and can’t thank them enough.

Firstly Lorraine very kindly remembered that I had commented on a stitchery she had done herself which was in the background of a photo she took for a post. Then when she was on holiday she saw the pattern and thought of me, bought it and popped it in the post to me. How thoughtful is that? This is the pattern below, Lorraine had made the most beautiful job of her one.

Then one day I opened my emails to find an email from Kath just out of the blue asking for my postal address as she had something she wanted to post me. Well of course my interest was peaked in wonder. Then this parcel arrived from my lovely courier man.

Spoilt again, two lovely Shepherd’s Bush cross stitch patterns. Kath had said she wanted to do something for someone down here in Christchurch because of everything that had been happening here over the last year. Well Kath, you certainly made my day and cheered me up immensely.

Thank you ladies so very much, I appreciate both of you kind thoughts.

I can also show you a sneak peek of something I have made for a gift so to see the full view you will have to come back after Christmas.

Actually I had a couple of photos but this is all I will show you as anymore will show too much and ruin the surprise. I have loved getting back into cross stitch and must admit to having purchased a few wee patterns as I am visualising a wall with all of the same type of patterns framed on it –more later.

Hugs in whatever stitch you choose, Deb xx

Finally some making to show.

2011-10-18T16:09:00.001+13:00

Finally I have actually got something to show you which I have been making for what seems like absolutely ages. It is a gift for a lovely lady who used to work with me and who has left and is following her dream by working at home and taking cheese making classes. Yum and the samples which Donna bought in for us where delicious. I feel it may be something I would like to do but not until next year as this year is almost over and I still have plenty to do. Donna also teaches how to make the Artisan bread and crackers to go with your cheeses.

Anyway this is my gift to Donna, her own cheese making apron. I do love this pattern.

If you live in Christchurch and would be interested in doing a cheese making class check out Donna’s website, its http://www.homemadecheese.co.nz/, go and have a browse, Donna is a lovely lady and would enjoy meeting you I am sure. I wish her all the best in following her dream, they even have bee hives in their backyard, home made honey..yummy.

Apart from the apron I have been cross stitching and I have also been “hexagon-ing”,(aren’t we all) and doing a stitchery so my hands aren’t idol.

Now just to finish here is a photo of the “Likely lasses” when Shiree and Miche’le were here a few weeks ago.

And here is young Frank having a look through Shiree’s bag of goodies when she arrived. I’ve taught him well.

Hugs in life, Debs xx

Where did my blog title come from you ask????

2011-10-08T11:40:00.001+13:00

Well Dawn suggested we might all like to tell each other where our titles came from so I thought I’d join in the fun.

I started blogging not long after my Mum passed away so thinking of a name for my blog , to me, had to incorporate Mum somehow.

So “The Angel” of course is Mum and the “Pukeko” is in reference to where we scattered Mum’s ashes. It is a wetlands area with lots of native planting and lots of native birds, one being the Pukeko.

I adore Pukeko’s because of course they remind me of Mum. They are a bit of a naughty bird though and the farmers definitely don’t like them and like to be rid of them but for me they are special.

So short and sweet, that’s how The Angel and the Pukeko was born.

Hugs to all, Debs xx

Just in case…..

2011-10-04T18:31:00.001+13:00

you were wondering, there is only

82 days

till Christmas Day.

Just in case you were wondering that is.

Hugs dear friends, Deb xx

Bye, bye baby girl……

2011-09-23T19:14:00.001+12:00

Its been a tough couple of days but we know we have done the right thing for our beautiful girl, Ally. We rescued Ally (Belly) from the SPCA nearly 13 years ago and for most of those years she was always just a big puppy and at times mad as a hatter.

But this year the snow and cold weather hit her much harder than we could ever imagine and her arthritis flared up and we could watch her suffer no longer. She knew it was time as when Bill went to go to work on Thursday morning she was no where to be found and she couldn’t have got out of the section or walked far enough anyway. She had burrowed underneath the deck at our back door and was squashed into a wee spot half her size.

Bill removed planks from the deck until she could finally be lifted out from her hiding spot. She could hardly stand and just looked at us with her sad wee eyes and we knew it was time to help her.

Here she is having a big brush with her Daddy earlier this year and then yesterday just before she said Bye Bye.

Love you Ally Belly, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. xoxoxo

Holiday over now…..

2011-09-04T16:56:00.001+12:00

Below is the photo I took of Willis Island. The ship stopped so we could all see this amazing place. It is all made up of coral and the droppings from the birds hold it all together. Of course any seeds the birds drop also become the small amount of vegetation on the island. It is only 8 meters at its highest point. Four men live on the island doing meteorological readings for 6 months at a time. An incredible place.

I think I mentioned in a previous post that we had gone to The Salt Grill restaurant on the ship. This is the restaurant which is headed by Luke Mangan the Australian Chef. He is not actually on board but he sets all of the menus and trains the staff and I can tell you it was absolutely amazing.

The Salt Grill Restaurant

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Bill had quail (look at those poor wee legs), wagu steak and then his dessert was called A Floating Island which was a soft meringue on top of fresh tropical fruits. I had tempura prawns (yummy), fillet steak (melt in the mouth) and then a liquorice parfait (O.M.G talk about incredible). The vegies we had were incredible also, carrots with dukkah, curried pumpkin with feta, courgettes with bacon and parmesan and french fries with truffle oil and parmesan. Are you salivating because I am just remembering it all.

Below is a photo as we sailed away from Willis Island. It was the most beautiful day but the end of our journey as our next stop was Brisbane Port again.

So that’s the end of the holiday and yes I can now say I would go on a cruise again anytime but I would make it longer if I could.

A couple of other things to show you before I sign off. These two beautiful goodies arrived in the mail for me from Julia as a belated birthday present.

My very own Tilda doll whom I have named Jane as she reminds me of someone from Jane Austen. Look at her gorgeous wee outfit and the jandals (or flip flops or thongs, wherever you are from!), so sweet. Then the beautiful coasters which Julia made. Thank you so much Julia, you know how much I love them, you’re such a clever lady.

And to finish this post I just have to leave you with a photo of my girl, who had her first birthday last week and was celebrating her christening today. Love you and am missing you heaps Miss Addison. mwah!

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

Our cruise… it seems so long ago now.

2011-08-28T14:16:00.001+12:00

I know it was only 3 weeks ago but it is now a long ago memory or seems that way. We have decided that it obviously wasn’t a long enough holiday as we took ALL of the time just to wind down and when we finally stopped sleeping and feeling lethargic it was time to return to the shakes and work. I now know that what was originally thinking “we’re dealing with everything quite well really” was actually “ we are so tired, so down and so over it”. I actually commented to Bill this morning that there were two places in Brisbane where if he wanted I would quite happily shift too, not like me at all really.

Anyway enough moaning and start sharing the cruise with you. Our ship was HUGE- the Pacific Dawn. This is it waiting for us all to board at the Port of Brisbane.

And above is the view of it as we were coming back on board from an outing ashore. Big huh? Everything was lovely on board, really comfortable and we were extremely well looked after.

Above is a couple of photos as we sailed out of Brisbane Port underneath the Brisbane bridge. Boy it felt close. They are both taken from the Lido deck of the ship at the Sailaway party.

Bill at the Sailaway party and no, only one drink was his although I must say the wine was a shocker. Awful stuff. The only decent wine we had was one night at the restaurant when we had an NZ Matau Valley Pinot Gris-gorgeous it was.

The above photos are taken from the marina at Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays which was absolutely beautiful but very obviously from the boats moored a millionaires lifestyle!

This photo was taken from the main street at Airlie Beach and you can just see the ship in the background. We had to catch either a tender (One of the life boats) or catamaran into shore every time we stopped at a port.

Above are the towel animals which greeted us in our cabins when we returned after dinner at night. Mr Elephant was just adorable. Then when we came back to the ship after being ashore in Cairns we looked up to see a row of about 9-10 little elephants peering out of the portholes looking out. It was so cute. Our steward, Christopher was just delightful as were all of the staff. The monkey is all dressed for “Island Night” on board.

Below are photos of the main street in Port Douglas, I just adored all of the plants.

Photos of a shop window in the marina complex at Port Douglas. These are some of the fish found on the Great Barrier Reef. The photos don’t do them justice, they are so beautifully bright and colourful.

And here we are travelling back to the ship after leaving Port Douglas our final stop before heading back to Brisbane. Here seems a good place to leave you for now as its a bit photo heavy and I know there is nothing worse than looking at “holiday shots”, lol but sorry I’ll be back with more next post.

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

Home again, home again, jiggedity jig…..

2011-08-19T15:33:00.001+12:00

Yes it is so lovely to be home again even if it meant returning to snow lying thickly around the place again. I also came home with a horrid dose of laryngitis, swollen glands and feeling totally miserable.

But heck enough moaning we had a great holiday. It was fabulous to see my family again and to finally meet my adorable wee great niece Addison. What a little poppet, always smiling and happy and she has the most wonderful fun little personality developing. Can you tell I’m a wee bit biased. lol

Here she is blowing me kisses on our last day and giving me big hugs. I have her as my phone wallpaper and must admit to having a wee tear at the airport when I looked at it. I dread to think what I will be like with my own grandkids….

Anyway I could talk about her all day but now the rest of our holiday. Its going to take a couple of posts so be patient.

We arrived in Brisbane on the 4th of August and stayed with my brother and his wife until we went on our cruise on Saturday 6th. We returned to Brisbane on the 13th and flew home on the 17th.

I will tell you all about the cruise in the next post, this can be my people post.

We had a great time in Brisbane before leaving, spending the days out having coffee’s and enjoying the warm weather and beautiful scenery.

This is my SIL Karen, DH Bill at the front and my brother Peter as we sat enjoying the coffee at a little outlet where Peter kayaks from in Redland Bay.

Such a lovely spot to sit and waste away the hours!

I was also taken to the wonderful Faeries in my Garden Shop of Lesley McConnell. Wow, I was in 7th heaven. What an adorable shop. Lesley was away when I was there but her wonderful husband Kevin had a big chat with me and he kindly allowed me to take photos.

The shop itself is tiny and once half a dozen people are in it, you learn to dance very quickly as you pass people. But the fabrics, and the patterns and the made up goodies…ahhhhhhh, gorgeous.

Ow, I passed this shop below also but was strong and when big bro asked if I wanted to go in I declined thinking of the excess weight coming home if I did. You are so lucky in Australia having Ikea. Jealous I am.

Then another days outing we had in Brisbane was going here…..

…..the Sirromet Winery. Now this is an absolutely beautiful spot to spend a day and the time really flew by but I think that was because of the company we were in. Yep, this is where I met the beautiful Julie and her husband Joe.

Above is the gorgeous girl herself with me and also trying the steal my lovely “Mary Poppins” bag. This photo was taken especially for the FB girls as they all threatened to steal it…… and below is Bill with Julie and Joe. They are such lovely people and it was such a special time being able to actually meet them.

Such fun when you actually get to meet a person you have been chatting to for what seems like forever, you have the nerves and the anticipation and then it all just drops away and it really is as if you have known them forever. Julie is just the most wonderful lady. Look what she made me, this is Miss Jessie May.

She is now proudly sitting in the middle of our bed watching the world go by. Thank you so much chookie, I love her.

When we were at the winery I saw my first Kookaburra also. This is such a beautiful bird. Julie and Joe told us this is a baby one but so cute. Then as we were driving out of the winery we saw some wallabies amongst the vines but sadly didn’t get a photo of them.

Now to finish off this post the photo above I also took at the winery. Obviously this man didn’t look very hard when he put his shoes on as they are different!! Tickled our giggle buds anyway.

Sadly the day after the winery I woke with a dose of laryngitis, feeling really miserable and had swollen glands and sore throat. This meant that I didn’t get to meet up with Joy, Cheryl and Maree. Sorry ladies, it was a real disappointment.

More of our holiday soon.

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

2 sleeps…..

2011-08-02T21:00:00.001+12:00

Well the snow has melted and the weather is picking up and actually looking like spring isn’t far away. I have a lovely piece of “Daphne” sitting in a vase and the smell is absolute heaven. I will admit the snow was so pretty but wouldn’t want it all the time. I do love the rain though but fingers crossed there won’t be any of that over the next couple of weeks whilst we are away. Did I mention its only 2 sleeps?…….

This is what I came home to last night.

Isn’t this a beautiful sight. Beth decided she would make cup cakes for her class mates at course today and she made a beautiful job. Put me to shame! So what’s a Mum to do……..

…. but make apple muffins to take to her friends at work. Lol Both lots were very yummy and no-one died in the tastings.

Picked my little friend up from the framers at the weekend.

I am really pleased with the way he has come out all framed. The place I go to always does a wonderful job. So our darling wee Addison will have her “1st birthday” cross stitch just like her cousins did.

I couldn’t help myself though, I also bought her a sweet little purple fairy outfit from my friend Nik’s dance shop. She is going to look sooooo cute with wee wings etc. Hopefully lots of photos.

This is the lovely “Tea time” quilt which Melanie made for me for my birthday. Isn’t it gorg? Go to Melanie’s blog and you will be able to see much closer photos which she has put up in her latest blog post to see just how beautiful this is.

So lovely people I am going to leave you now and when I return hopefully I shall be all relaxed with my joy for life all in tact and spring is in the air.

Hugs in stitching and may the joys of spring start their sneaky little ways into your back yards also…… Debs x

Extremes and counting down.

2011-07-25T13:17:00.001+12:00

Gosh we woke up to the wild weather this morning. Its not very often we experience snow blizzards here. Here are a couple of views from the front of our house looking out onto the street.

These are from the back end of our house, looking out the bi-folds onto our deck….

… and looking out the kitchen window. The snow was falling quite steadily but now its falling thickly.

Bill is out digging snow away from the steps etc and clearing spouting as its starting to bend with the weight of it all. The city has closed down for the day and I must admit its lovely having an unplanned day off work. I do feel sorry for the people who have had their homes damaged in the earthquakes as this is probably the last thing they want.

Frank is snuggled on the couch, no way is he going outside, very sensible our cat.

Last week I received two lovely gifts in the mail for my birthday. The first one from Julz, was a lovely keychain of a tape measure, some floss and a cool wee notebook, thanks Julz.

The 2nd one from Maree, is a travelling kit to carry my stitching in when we are away. Perfect as I had been thinking about how and what I was going to carry things in and Maree’s timing could not have been better.

It contains a carry bag, sewing folder, needles, threader, pins, floss and a cool pattern. This should be just the ticket as they say. Thanks heaps Maree.

Its only 10 days now- yes 10 days can you believe it till we leave on our trip. When we started the countdown it was 10 weeks. I am know getting excited. Up until now it has been fairly surreal but we spoke to my brother and sister-in-law last night and it all started clicking together.

I am so looking forward to catching up with Joy, Maree, and Cheryl who have planned an awesome day for us shopping and seeing the shops I only hear about at present. Bill has been given permission to come with us to ward off paparazzi and carry shopping bags! And we are also going to be lucky to catch up with Julie (another dear friend who used to blog) and her husband for lunch one day. Boy my camera is going to be running hot. Can’t wait.

We have also joined a FB page for our cruise and boy the people we have been chatting with on there sound like fun. They sound like party animals in fact so that should be interesting BUT the really wonderful thing we have heard is that many of them have been on the ship before and no-one has a negative thing to say about it which is great.

Well must away and snuggle up in my polar fleece blanket again, with my cuppa and stitching and watch the flakes falling out the window.

Hugs in stitching and remember to keep your eye open for stray snow angels………. Debs xox

A Smile from Southport to Christchurch.

2011-07-17T19:40:00.001+12:00

Well I was a good girl and stopped myself opening those gorgeous spotty wrapped parcels in my last post until today. I am so pleased I did. The smile that they put on my face started with these, this was parcel number 1 from Melanie.

Beautiful spotty dotty mugs from Laura Ashley and look at those cute as toadstool salt and pepper shakers. And these were the other spotty papers unwrapped below….

…and in this photo we have a HUGE bag back left, medium bag back right, wee lunch bag middle left (soooo cute) tea towels, oven mitts, cup cake papers, a cute little spotted bird hanger for the oven mitts to hang from and right in the front right – a pocket wall hanger which I am thinking may end up in my sewing room.

Every time I opened a parcel my smile got bigger and bigger and I was laughing my head off by the end of it all. I could just visualise Melanie traipsing around “England” looking for spotty goodies and OMG I can not believe what she found. Thank you so much gorgeous girl. My kitchen is going to be the best dressed in NZ when it gets all done up.

Now there is also something else that Melanie sent me which she obviously put a lot of her heart and soul and hard work into but I will show that to you next time, lets just say its not spotty-lol. I am just waiting for a good day to take a photo of it, its beautiful.

This is the sweet card Miche’le sent me and this is just like the smile that her and Melanie put on my face today. Love this card and love you girls. Also for all of those wonderful FB messages for my day, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Hugs in stitching, much love Debs

Mid Winter Xmas and goodies

2011-07-14T20:24:00.001+12:00

Those of you who follow my blog know that at Christmas I have the most gorgeous little set of knitted choir mice that my Aunt knitted many many years ago. Over the past couple of years our dear friend Melanie has added to that choir group with more fabulous little mice.

Well a few weeks ago Melanie told me to look out for parcels that she had sent me for my upcoming birthday. She gave strict instructions about the fact that I was allowed to open anything wrapped in tissue paper. This is what I found…….

….. aren’t they just the most adorable little things. Melanie knitted these all herself, clever or what! She also sent me all of these gorgeous ribbons and the beautiful container of pot pourri roses. Now see that quilt underneath all of those ribbons that was also in my parcel.

And all that spotty dotty paper is waiting to be unwrapped, how exciting. It was such fun as these goodies arrived.

Then in the mail yesterday another parcel arrived from the lovely Miche’le. Look at this hunk of gorgeousness.

And the back is just as gorgeous, she’s a perfectionist that woman.

Here’s the latest shot of the new rose garden although it doesn’t look very interesting at the moment but progress is being made.

And finally I can show you something that I have been stitching, a shock I know! This is Eeyore for my great niece Addison. At the moment he is in being framed so that we can take him with us over to Aussie for her when we go as she turns 1 in August. (Only 3 weeks to go, wohoo!)

So finally something to share, feels good actually.

Now don’t forget: you know you’re from Christchurch when You have tied the pantry, liquor cabinet and all the cupboard doors closed - and not to keep kids out.

Hugs in stitching and smiles, Debs xx

Preparing for Spring

2011-06-26T16:31:00.001+12:00

As most of you know I adore roses but I have become more frustrated over time with being unable to appreciate them especially if they are in our front garden. I have also decided it is time to take the roses out of the big pots on our decks and put them in the garden.

So I chatted to Bill and asked him if I could have a BIG rose garden. Of course he said yes ‘cause he knows how much I love my roses and he loves gardening. This is the area that is going to become my rose garden out the back so that I can see them from the kitchen and when we sit on our deck the smell should be really heady when they are all in bloom.

As you can see its a good sized area and you can also see that Bill made a start today in the top photo. As I am writing this he has dug much more. What a man!!

I decided that the roses from the deck which are all “Best Friend” are going to go around the back and sides of the garden and for the inner part of the garden I have bought all fragrant David Austin Roses.

Above the rose on the left is Ellen; in the middle is Dioressence and on the right Jude the Obscure.

Above on the left is Pegasus, in the middle is Radio Times and on the right is William Shakespeare. Won’t they look pretty? All of these roses are highly fragrant as are the ones from the pots going in. I can just imagine sitting on the deck in the summer enjoying the scent, mmmm.

Just to finish, here is our 12 yr old baby, Ally, as Bill is roughing her up trying to get rid of all her moulting hair. Look at it coming out, she’s loving the rubbing though.

Hugs and ….. you know you’re in Christchurch when every house is a crack house. (Sorry girls, black humour helps!!) Debs xx

We’ve been seen….

2011-06-22T19:30:00.001+12:00

Hi all, well the good news is that our humble little abode has been inspected by the Earthquake Commission. Sadly the earthquakes haven’t stopped but we have to be positive because its really upsetting the mental and emotional state of everyone.

We thought we just had cracks in our house, nothing major, fill the cracks and repaint the walls. BUT no, no, no, we were left with our mouths open in shock.

Our house has sunk in the middle, the concrete ring foundation needs to be totally replaced and the liquefaction removed from underneath the house. So… to do this the house needs to be lifted or ….. they could cut a big whole in our floor and dig loads of liquefaction out into wheelbarrows. Yeah rite!!! lol.

The original part of our house is lathe ‘n plaster so where the cracks are its harder to repair them, especially in my sewing room cause its really sadly cracked, here’s a couple to show you. This is one of the cracks coming down from the window sill and the one below it is one of the ceiling ones.

Anyway the result is all of the walls and the ceiling need to be taken down and replaced with gib board ( or gyp as you Aussie’s call it). This also has to be done in the hallway and a couple of other rooms, so the end result will be a complete interior “do-up”, but the sewing room will be really, really new- wahoo.

By lifting the house and repairing the weatherboards where they need filling etc means the exterior will also be repainted completely. It’s going to be awhile till any of it happens but we have time to wait if nothing else.

So I may not be crafting much but I can still think of colours, in fact I followed a car to work this morning with the number plate DMC785 and all I could think of was “Wonder which colour that is?”.

Only 6 weeks till we’re sailing away………

Hugs all round and remember “You know you’re from Christchurch when everyone in your family has bike helmets but no bikes….” Debs x

The generosity of others leaves a warm, fuzzy feeling.

2011-06-06T20:30:00.001+12:00

This weekend Bill and I went over the hill to visit Miche’le and Jon in Hokitika. We went prepared and stayed on Saturday night as this weekend was a long weekend here in NZ to celebrate Queen’s Birthday (I can’t believe how many birthdays that woman has!!)

(Bill, Jon and Miche’le still struggling on her crutches)

Whilst visiting I can say with total honesty that we were spoilt rotten. Miche’le had made the most beautiful beef bourginion for dinner on Saturday night with yummy potato and parsnip mash and green beans. For dessert she had whipped up an apple and boysenberry crumble. OMGoodness talk about putting both Bill and I into food heaven, Julia Childs has definite competition. I described the beef to our friends Nik and Brent today, as a dish you could sit with on your lap and a fork and not even consider sharing, divine. Bill felt like he had had a real meal at long last- thank you Miche’le, that will keep him happy for a long, long time.

And also whilst there Miche’le gave me a parcel which blew me away. Look at this…….

Isn’t this beautiful. Its not often I am at a loss for words but this did it. I could not believe that this wonderful group of ladies would do something like this for me.

Chookyblue knew how much I adored this quilt and when she organised the Stitch-a-long she knew how I wanted to make it but since all of the earthquakes I have found it really hard to do anything as anxiety and life has been fairly “revolting”. My focus for anything has been lost as I explained with regard to blogging.

So Chooky being the wonderful lady she is and more wonderful women from the Stitch-a-Long group so generously shared the love and stitched this for me. I will never be able to express my thanks in words but this quilt has bought me more smiles in 3 days than I have had in many months. The love and kindness I feel looking at this quilt and just holding it has warmed my heart no end.

So ladies, I love you all and I have desperately tried to email all of you but have had a couple of emails returned so please accept this as my thanks from the bottom to the top of my heart, you have made the days of shakes (there have been 17 today in case you were wondering, not all big thank goodness but one a 5.6 which is the 6th biggest since the first one in Sept) so much more bearable. I think a '”Mid Winter Xmas” will need to be celebrated this year to enable me to have the quilt out for longer.

Huge virtual hugs to all, thank you for turning that frown upside down. Debs xx

Wahoo, now this would be a retreat for sure!

2011-05-30T18:42:00.001+12:00

I am loving the sound of this retreat which Fee and Jo are organising for next year in Tasmania and so are a few more of us Kiwi girls. We are thinking this might just have to be a “BE THERE OR BE SQUARE” event.

I feel I am going to have to do a few Saturdays at work to put into the holiday fund girls, its all very exciting.

Smile, you never know who’s watching,

Debs xx

No quilting and stitching retreat this year….

2011-05-26T14:58:00.001+12:00

I will always believe that the quilting/stitching fraternity are an absolutely amazing bunch of women/men. We are always there for each other in good and in bad but I suppose I need to accept the fact that there will always be one bad apple in every bunch.

As you all know every year in July Darlene and I make the trip to Akaroa in Banks Peninsula about 1.5 hrs out of Christchurch on the coast for a three day stitching retreat with Lesley from Forget me Knots Quilting Store (who tragically has lost her shop in the Earthquake)and Rachel from Annie’s Country Quilt Store in Ashburton.

You know how much I rave about what a fabulous weekend we always have and how everyone is so nice and we all bond etc etc. Well I have been raving about it every since the first retreat and we were at that, I don’t know how many years its been now but I think I have missed one. So it is to be expected that you encourage people to want to join you. And this we did with our darling Shiree and Miche’le. So when Lesley let us know what the dates were we were there, ALL of us had booked in. It was going to be a great weekend, we all knew each other, and the girls knew Lesley so wahoo, no holding us back, we were packing our bags.

BUT STOP, unpack those bags girls you can’t come!! When the discussion was being held about who was on the lists to go, it was decided that Shiree and Miche’le couldn’t come as they were shop owners and its was a business decision. You can imagine how gutted I felt and how disappointed the girls were when they were told.

So the decision for me was automatic, I pulled out of the retreat as these two ladies are my friends and I stick by my friends. I don’t really understand the reasoning behind the decision as these girls, yes have shops but are absolutely no threat to anyone else, they were wanting to go to the retreat and enjoy the weekend with like minded ladies and hopefully make lots of new friends as we all do.

Obviously I think that like minded people support each other and that it even happens in retail. You never know when you may need a friend in the same line of business but in a different town for something. But maybe the decision was made through insecurity or that they really do pose a threat (yeah right).

So no retreat this year but I am lucky I have our holiday to look forward too BUT I am really sad for the girls, as we would have had a great time and made so many friends. Sorry girls, I know how much you were looking forward to it.

And Lesley, we are so sad that you have lost your shop in the Arts Centre. It was such a wonderful shop and you are a font of knowledge but we all know that you are always there for us and you will be back at some stage which will be fabulous. Love you lots and big hugs going forward.

And girls, don’t you worry, we’ll organise our own “special” retreat!!

I’m back and we’ve made a decision.

2011-05-21T17:49:00.001+12:00

Hello all. Well its been so long I have even forgotten what font I used to write in in “Live Writer”, so its the good old Comic Sans.

The time away from blogging has been very refreshing if I am totally honest. I was obviously feeling pressure as we all do about our blogging and felt I was letting myself down as I wasn’t blogging regularly and I certainly wasn’t doing any craft.

Well I now realise it doesn’t matter, I can blog when I want too. I have still been reading everyone’s blogs and leaving the occasional comment and boy you have been leading busy lives ladies. And some beautiful goodies have been produced also!

Here in our beautiful city life has changed forever and I think we are all slowly realising the fact. It is going to be many years until life returns to the “normal” we once knew and then it will be a new version of that which we will all have to get used too. All we can do is be there for each other.

As a family we are doing okay. We are dealing with some issues that have appeared since the quakes but we are helping each other and supporting each other to work through everyday. Our beautiful kids are immersing themselves in studies and work and DS has taken up soccer, joined a bug ball team at the pool and joined the gym again which is helping him see the light again.

DH and I have made the decision that the two of us need time out, just us. So the gorgeous man and I have made the move and we are going to Brisbane on the 4th August to visit family BUT on the 6th August we are getting on a ship in Brisbane and doing a 7 day cruise around Northern Queensland.

We will arrive back in Brisbane on the 13th and are staying with family until the 17th when we fly home. Its all paid and confirmed so there is no backing out but I don’t think that would be happening anyway.

This was not our original plan for a holiday as we thought we’d go to Melbourne but we are in need of a real time out break which we will get on the cruise, so Melbourne will have to be next time (sorry Vikki ).

Anyway that”s what has happened in my life and because of going to Brisbane we will get to meet out gorgeous wee niece Addison who was born last August, remember her……

… (this was taken at Easter) so this also means I have a cross stitch that must be finished for her for her 1st birthday.

So on that note I’d better go and pick up that needle. I’ll be back when I’m back, see you when I do.

The countdown is on- 10 weeks to go,

Hugs in friendship and stitching, Debx

Not forgotten, just a wee break hopefully…

2011-04-03T19:02:00.001+12:00

Hello all of my sweet and gorgeous bloggy friends, this is just a very quick note to say that I promise I have not forgotten all of you and I haven’t disappeared. Life at the moment just is not lending itself to my blogging. I am still sneaking round and reading all of your blogs and leaving the occasional comment but finding it very hard to actually blog myself. I am not doing any craft at all, I have not even finished my dear friend Melanie’s 40th birthday gift and that makes me feel yukky. But anyway life is flat and thats how I am feeling also, I am trying hard to move on again so I will be back, just bear with me.

love ya guys, hugs in (no) stitching here at present,

Debs xx

Miche’le’s Operation Update…..

2011-03-18T19:41:00.001+13:00

Hi all, as promised here is an update on Miche’le’s surgery.

All went extremely well and today when Darlene and Bill and I went to visit her up in the hospital, there she was perched up in her bed looking extremely perky. I passed on everyone’s hugs for you and she was tickled pink with the fact that you had all thought of her.

She had been busy stitching up a storm, here’s the proof (she said all SAL Chooky).

…. (wouldn’t let me show you how perky she is looking but she’d let me show you this.)

But this is what all the problem has been about for our poor girl, look at the size of that foot.

The surgeon took a piece of bone the size of an apple from her hip to put into the ankle somewhere so you can imagine the mess things must have been. Anyway she is very excited now and there is much toe-wiggling going on!!

Well sweets, nothing else happening here stitching wise from me but I did receive this lovely surprise in the mail from the lovely Sarah.

Such cute as pins aren’t they. Thanks Sarah, they were such a sweet surprise.

These two little Moda sampler bundles I received from Kate Spain, aren’t they cute. I love her Central Park design.

Hugs in stitching (and mojo searching still), Debs xx.

Go Canterbury....

2011-03-07T16:15:00.001+13:00

“Memories…”

2011-03-05T16:06:00.001+13:00

Remember me showing you the photo in my header shot and these photos below a few posts ago…..

…..they were of a shop called “Memories Quilts and Cafe” here in Christchurch and all the work was done by hand by the Japanese lady who owns the wee shop. Well sadly after our Earthquake 10 days ago this shop is no longer standing. Darlene spotted it when she was out and about yesterday and it has been reduced to rubble. So sad, I hope with all hope that the lovely people are safe and no-one was hurt when the quake struck as it was lunch time. Another sad loss for those of us in Canterbury……

Where are Miche’le and Darlene going to get all of their Japanese fabric now and where am I going to get all of my little purse clasps.? Well actually we may have found the answer to our questions totally unexpectedly. Dearest Melanie showed some things she had bought on her blog today with a link to the Japanese website.. ta da. Thanks Melanie, isn’t it funny how things work in mysterious ways…..

Hugs in stitching Debs.

Cleaning up….

2011-02-27T14:18:00.001+13:00

Well we have started the clean up process although honestly I don’t know where to begin. I am feeling fairly useless as all I do is look at what I should be doing and cry.

Bill is outside with our neighbour shovelling silt and mud from the section. It is disgusting and stinks like a horse stable. All I do when I go out there is heave. Not a strong stomach that’s me.

Yesterday I was working away in our kitchen cleaning out the fridge (OMG Talk about clean and sparkly!!), anyway I heard all this noise and went out the front of the house to find this……

…these are the men and women of the Federated Farmers, NZ and they have come from all over NZ to stay with their farming friends and they were going round streets helping clean up. There were 24working in our front yard here throwing all of the mud and silt over the fence then they cam along with their bobcat and shifted it from the driveway next door.

We can not thank them enough, the most amazing men and women.

We have become closer to our neighbours, everyone is helping each other. The people of Christchurch are amazing. They are strong, resilient, determined to sort our city out from the ground up. It will take us years, we all know that but it will be done. But until that time they are here for each other. The loss has been great with many more bodies waiting amongst the rubble to be found and bought home to their families.

God bless them all and comfort their families in their loss. Keep them safe and give them strength for the hard road ahead. Give them the knowledge that they are all loved and supported in such a devastating time.

Devastation and tragic loss……

2011-02-25T18:12:00.001+13:00

As most of the world are now aware, we here in Christchurch, new Zealand experienced an earthquake of 6.3 magnitude on Tuesday 22.2.2011. It was 2km deep and the devastation that it has caused to our beautiful city is immense.

As a family we are blessed, we are safe and all together. Our house is cracked in walls, on the ceilings and in the concrete ring foundation. The section is covered in muddy silt- the dreaded liquefaction which bubbles away quite happily. This is outside our front door which no longer opens.

This is the path to our front door,…..

this is the view down our driveway.

Here are a couple of inside shots for you of my sewing room…..

Here is DD’s bedroom (again like last time although the chest of drawers is broken this time.)

Our driveway has lifted.

A crack above our front door…

and one of the cracks in the sewing room.

We have these cracks all over the house but we are lucky. This is nothing.

The death toll has reached 113 and 200 people are still missing. My heart goes out to all of our fellow Cantabrians and others from all over the world, who has loss a loved one in this tragedy.

It is all too surreal to comprehend. Christchurch is a city of loss, of devastation, of disbelief. Of emotions stretched to limits, of free flowing tears and never ending sadness.

I thank you for all of the messages of love, caring and support, you have no idea how much they have meant.

Hug all of your loved ones and tell them what they mean to you, tomorrow is another day.

xxx

The Gift of Friendship..

2011-02-21T20:38:00.002+13:00

Over the time that I have been blogging I have been extremely blessed to have made some wonderful friends. Like minded women and some with a link that has made us bond in an amazingly special way. The type of friendship where you just know that you were meant to meet and to forge that special relationship.
One of those wonderful women whom I am so lucky to have met and now am extremely close to on so many levels is the darling Vikki of Sew Useful Designs. Over the couple of years we have known each other Vikki and I have found we have so many things in common that we have experienced and are able to relate too. Its a GOLD bond friendship I like to think.
Anyway, before Christmas I was really lucky to win this most beautiful album from Vikki when she had a competition on her blog. Vikki had taken a class with the gorgeous Kerryanne and this is what she had made .

Isn’t this the sweetest? So Vikki had contacted me and said my album was going to be a bit late arriving which I was not at all worried about and she said that she was just finishing something that she wanted to put in the post with it for me.
OMG, well this parcel was sitting on our front doorstep when I got home from work today and it could not have been more timely as I explained to Vikki (but I won’t go into that here.) Look at this bundle of gorgeous-ness, does this girl know me or what????…….

….look at all of these amazing red polka dots, wahoo, I’m in heaven! So I know you want a closer look.

A wonderful card with polka dot tea set on the front which I think I will frame and hang in my kitchen, a red p.v.c polka dot apron, 2 ‘cute as a button’ red polka dot egg cups, a red polka dot tea bag holder /spoon rest, a white with red polka dot hanging ornament which comes in half and Vikki had filled with some little delectables which I can proudly say I shared with Bill, mmm and right in the front of the photo is my own specially designed Recipe Card holder. It is absolutely gorgeous, it has on the front, “Deb’s Diner”, how cute. And then you lift the flap…….

…and here is the recipe card with “Todays Special” written on it. Vikki has written out the first card with our own special friendship recipe. Isn’t she a hunny?
Thanks you so much my sweet friend. I cannot believe that you went to so much trouble for me and designed a special Deb gift. I am truly humbled.
With so much happening in this world of ours’ lately it is so wonderful to have such stability and unconditional support and love from those people we are so privileged to call friends. Dearest Vikki, thank you and too all of my other dear friends out there, thank you too. I think I can truly say I am blessed.
Hugs in stitching, Debs xx
P.S Now I just need to get Bill painting that kitchen!!

Bathroom titivate…

2011-02-13T16:11:00.001+13:00

Last weekend I bought this off Trade-Me….

I have been looking for something like this for quite awhile and had been keeping my eye out for dressers or bookcases to see what was around. This came up and it was perfect and I ended up getting it for $40 so that was great.

Up until now we have had a dark stained table in the bathroom, hall table / telephone table style which I have had the towels on the shelf and bathroom bits and bobs in the drawers. I have liked it but as they say “ there was something missing.”

So we picked this up from the seller on Monday evening and finally we got into the bathroom yesterday, clearing all the dust bunnies and washing walls etc and Bill put this in its final (and only) resting place. It now looks like this…..

The original plan was for dark cane baskets in the top cubbies but yesterday we found those green baskets which were perfect. So they have chosen the colour for the decor. When out we also bought green and greyish flannels and hand towels with the idea of buying actual towels next week, so that’s the reason for the old towels all in the bottom shelf. When we get the towels we want they will all be rolled on the shelf to look pretty.

Then, we had a few errands to run today and found the jug and container to match which I love. They were on sale as the design was discontinued which was great for me cause I don’t like the new design but this “Lavender” one is me all over. I bought two of the wee containers and have taken the lid off one and it has all of the toothbrushes in it. The 3 items cost me $18.

So the next step after the towels will be a curtain, maybe a soft mint green tulle or a lavender to lift things a bit and break all of the white but anyway when all completed I will show you again.

I am loving the new decor, crisp and clean and at the moment, no dust bunnies!!

Hugs in stitching and destroying dust bunnies, xox

Wednesday already……

2011-02-09T16:38:00.002+13:00

Isn’t a new year meant to be full of vim and vigour? Well don’t know where it is cause its not hanging round here at the moment. I think it visited for about 30 minutes and then flew out the window. I got my GJ out and sat it by the machine, sorted out the first fabrics for the block and that’s it, sorry Chooky but its not happening here at the moment. I have had offers from wonderful friends to put it all together but I know I’ll do it eventually.
A couple of weeks ago I received a lovely parcel from Fee because I suggested a name she liked for a quilt she had made. Boy talk about spoil me, thanks heaps Fee. This is how it arrived in the mail……

…. all done up beautifully and then when it was opened….

….. more beauty. And here is a close up of Fee’s special wee friend who has come to live in the Shakey Isles with us now. He is in a place which hopefully he will be safe in and no I haven’t left him sitting on the edge of the cabinet as he is here. (Yes we are still getting those earthquakes!)

Bill and I went over to Akaroa again last weekend and these are some of the photos I thought you’d like to see. These 2 carved watermelons were sitting outside the Thai Restaurant, aren’t they incredible, so clever.

A double rainbow on the Saturday night…..

…. a thistle in one of the gardens……

This was the view from the apartment we stayed in this time, a perfect view which went with the perfect weather we were so lucky to get.

And here is Bill trudging along the beach hunting for the perfect periwinkle shell for me. He didn’t do too badly actually, in fact I must get them out of the bag (woops, forgot about them).
Sorry no sewing to show, just lots of yummies.
Hugs in stitching and mojo hunting ,xxx

Okay Chooky, no pressure then…….

2011-01-30T19:14:00.001+13:00

Well like many of you wonderful women out there I joined in the GJ Stitch-a-long but unlike many of you, mine is nowhere near finished. Well I suppose in saying that its not quite true, I have all the stitchery’s done and as far as I’m concerned they are the time consuming bit. So I need to get my BFB (big fat bum) out of the chair, having put away the cross stitch for a couple of nights, and get into that sewing room and start cutting and sewing everything together. Don’t worry I WILL DO IT, because I have told Chooky I will and I know if I don’t the repercussions will not be worth mentioning. (Also Chooky has informed me that I am doing the next SAL with them, like it or lump it really. I suggested I do it on the quiet….lol.) So watch this spot but don’t hold your breath (sorry Chooky, you didn’t hear that did you?)

Now other little bits and bobs to share, all very exciting of course. The week before last I received a lovely little gift in the mail from Miche’le. We all know what beautiful work Miche’le does and she NEVER turns down a challenge that woman. This is what she sent me (and the other girlies)….

This is the sweetest little Sunbonnet Sue which she made. Mine of course has spots. Here are the rest of the line up she made.

Then this week I received a gift from Darlene, this was for a swap we are doing between Miche’le, Shiree, Darlene, Nik and myself.

Isn’t this wee blackboard the cutest and the wee birdies…. Darlene is a clever chook. She did tell me I wasn’t allowed to write anything rude on my blackboard.

Then also this week Darlene gave me another gift which was part of a PIF that we were involved in with the lovely Kate. This is what my surprise was.

It has a great big zip pocket inside and a magnetic clip which is great. This bag was put into use immediately, just perfect. The photo doesn’t do it justice. Darlene used Hunky Dory by Chez Moi, such a pretty fabric. Also you know you have been given something good when the daughter comments about how nice it is!

So a lovely week but must go now and get to work before Chooky gets the whip out….

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

The Week that was…….

2011-01-16T18:23:00.001+13:00

I have made these……

… from Anni Downs book. I loved making them, they were so much fun.

Bill and I also went on day trip to see Miche’le and her DH over in Hokitika. So prepared with the essentials for a car trip, we went from one side of New Zealand…..

… to the other and just to prove it here’s the beach as we were leaving Hokitika, yep the West Coast of NZ. I promise we were waving to you all in Tasmania, Hi Kate, Hi Fee, Hi Sarah, Hi Jo and everyone else I’ve missed.

Now to get to Miche’le’s place in Hokitika follow the directions on your map…

you’ll see some of those pungas above on the way and if you are going the way we did you’ll drive under this……

and then jumping forward quite a few hundred kilometres, when you are driving into Hokitika, alongside the beach you’ll come across this……

(except it will be facing the other way for you) and so if you are looking at it correctly you’ll turn left and down the road you go until you hit this…..

(once again this is on the wrong side as I took it when leaving –duh) but anyway once you see this you’re here and you can go on in. I apologise, I forgot to take photos inside the shop, far too busy gossiping and buying my own goodies which I will show you next time.

I would also like to send much love and telepathic strength to all in Queensland who have been effected by the flooding and devastation of last week and now Victoria and Tasmania. Such scary stuff, we don’t know where Mother Nature is heading these days. But don’t forget girls if you need a break there is a spare bed here and we have a great big long couch which is comfortable (I can vouch for it!).

So back to work tomorrow, whippee do.

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

A Shopping Trip for a friend……

2011-01-08T19:49:00.001+13:00

and boy it was hard work. ………

This morning I asked Bill if he would mind taking me to a shop which I love, Darlene loves and now Miche’le loves. I think he was a bit dubious but then I told him it was a cafe so he was fine, and off we toddled.

We arrived at a perfect time for a latte and a lovely hot scone, mmm gorgeous. BUT not only were the yummies gorgeous but so was the interior design of the cafe. Now this cafe is called “Memories” and is owned and run by a Japanese lady and her family and low and behold this lady quilts—hand quilts.

These beautiful quilts hung on the walls of her cafe…….

…..yes all hand pieced and quilted……

Then along one wall are all her Sunbonnet Sue stitching's , little wall hangings and other yummies.

BUT to top it all of this is what is also in her shop……

….yes she sells the fabrics….

…. and the little clasps and handles for the bags around the room. The only sad thing is, she doesn’t sell the little things she has made. Look at the cute tissue box cover she has made below and the wee purses, so cute.

But anyway I we were here on a mission for Missy Miche’le and this is what we decided on.

Apparently according to Miche’le we did well, whew! So now Bill said we can personally deliver them to her next weekend, wahoo (well we couldn’t let Darlene and her DH visit and us not could we….) and this is all part of our learning curve as we get older, to go with the flow and enjoy life, relax more and do what we want to do when we want to do it. Admittedly at the moment its my suggestions we are doing but Bill will get there eventually I am sure and as long as his suggestions involve power, hot water, 5 stars and good food and company then I’ll be fine with it. LOL.

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

Bye Bye Christmas, Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T17:25:00.001+13:00

Well Christmas has been packed up for another year and I hate to say it but I’m not missing it a bit.

Here it is all packed up ready to go back into the top of the garage but look what the children forgot all about this year and their father had a wonderful time gathering them off the tree…….

You can tell they’re not little anymore when the candy canes aren’t worth hunting amongst the branches for.

I received this in the mail from Lynette Anderson the other day as I guessed correctly the length of Felix’s tail. It’s going to be perfect for my sewing room to remember all of those important events like birthdays etc.

Firstly though I have to tidy the sewing room and finish a couple of things. Its terrible, its only January 1st and I am thinking what’s next on the list and when does it need to be ready!!

Well I hope you all welcomed the New Year in with a smile and not too many headaches this morning.

Hugs in stitching, Debs xxx

A New Year , A New Beginning

2010-12-31T23:39:00.001+13:00

I looked out of my office window today and saw a beautiful Monarch butterfly float by and thought to myself, maybe this is a sign that the new year ahead will be filled with new beginnings.

I am blessed. I have a wonderful husband and 2 wonderful children who can cause me grief but never ever stop loving me or me them.

I am blessed. I have a wonderful family who although live away from me and we don’t see each other regularly will always be there for me should I need them.

I am blessed. I have wonderful friends, some I have met, some I have not but maybe will one day. I am meeting new friends who are liked minded all the time. What a wonderful thing to have.

I am blessed. I have a home. It is still standing. Oh it may have a few cracks in the walls and ceiling and have a cracked foundation but then nothing is perfect, we are all cracked in our own loving way.

May 2011 be filled with new beginnings, dreams, love and laughter, joy, hope, faith and much peace and most of all may YOUR 2011 be all about YOU.

I send you some butterflies for you to start your year with all my love…..

Hugs and dreams for 2011,

Debs. xoxo

Photo heavy catch-up.

2010-12-27T20:48:00.001+13:00

Well obviously Santa never saw my last post because there wasn’t a camera in my stocking! So what’s a girl to do but go out and buy her own. Sorry Santa, you’ve gone down in my esteem as being a cheapskate……… typical male.

So this is really a photo catch up post. Firstly this is my lovely swap parcel from Fee who was my partner in Maree’s 6 Xmas Gifts swap. A lovely bag, a cup cake of fabrics, some cottage garden threads, pattern book of bags, some xmas bits & bobs and an organiser for my sewing machine to sit on—awesome huh! Thanks heaps Fee.

Then from Christine who was my partner for Chooky’s SSCS I received ……..

…. lovely spotty tea towels, tissue holder and this beautiful modern xmas wall hanging. The fabrics are just beautiful. I love it all, thank you Christine. And as always thank you again sooooo much Chooky, you know how much I hang out for this swap each year, its my favourite, in fact I might get really organised next year and start something soon—lol.

Now let me show you some other gorgeous goodies which arrived in the mail for me of late. This arrived from Maree who thought I would like to hang it in my red and white kitchen (when it finally happens!!) Cool huh.

The following photos are from Melanie. Some fabulous charm squares, snuggly cushion cover (Backed in sheepskin), pins, soap, shortbread (some things had been put in other parts of the house when I took the photo- and no the shortbread has NOT been eaten yet).

The above little critters are Mr & Mrs English Mouse 2010. Last year I had another English couple join the family from Melanie. Here is a photo of my Mousey Choir as of Christmas Day 2010.

Aren’t they the cutest? My other English couple are at the opposite end of this years (on the right). The rest of the choir were knitted by my Aunt and when she passed away they were given to me as my cousins new how much I loved them. Then low and behold Melanie saw them and found someone in the UK she can get them from, and she has spoilt me. Thank you Melanie, you are a wonderful friend, you know how much I always love things you send me.

Now this piece of loveliness was made by and sent to me from Barb who said to me that she wanted me to have something so that when I looked at it, it would make me smile and know that after all of the events of this past year, there were people out there thinking of us. Such a lovely sentiment, thank you Barb and I love my plate.

This gorgeous diary was from my girlfriends daughter Bella, who painted the cover. Thank you Bella, you know what Deb likes. (and so does your Mum)

Next photo is from a girlfriend who obviously knows me well. Spotty cutlery, serviettes and cup cake magnets for the fridge—thank you Cathy, love them.

Some decorations for the tree. The heart and the bird from Suzy and the chicken from Melanie, and Suzy also sent me the lovely table mat.

And finally a message for my bloggy friends in Aussie who are being flooded and becoming all “boggy” and slipping in mud and hurting their “Botties”. Get ya gummies on mates, watch where you’re walking.

No, really take care girls, you guys are really going through a wet time at present. Wish we could help from over here in the “Shaking Isles.”

Just in case you were wondering though what our weather is like, a message from Frank who says- “Its hot work being a cat in 32deg C!”

Hugs in stitching, Debs and Frank xxx

Dear Santa……

2010-12-19T21:22:00.001+13:00

My camera really has died. Is it too late to make a Christmas list and add one to it? I promise I have tried to be good and if I’ve strayed too much it’s all those other girls faults!! You (and they) know who they are…………

Big hugs Debs xx

NZ scenery and the postie visits….

2010-12-12T18:13:00.001+13:00

Well as promised here are a couple of photos of our trip down to Shiree’s last weekend. I really wish you could all experience them for real, they are beautiful .

This is the church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo……

…the view through the window of the church outside over the lake to Mt Cook / Aoraki………

……Mt Cook / Aoraki and its neighbours covered in beautiful snow…….

..this one I took on the way home of Mt Cook….

The following two are of the lupins which grown wild along the way through the MacKenzie Country. Sorry a bit blurred as they are taken out the car window. Bill bought me a packet of Lupin seeds for our garden since I like these so much .

The following three photos were taken on the way home in a small town called Fairlie. This statue is of James MacKenzie and his dog whom the Mackenzie Country was named after (Bill had to pat the dog-duh!!_)…..

And this photo below is of a little garden called “Len’s Garden” which is by the shops at Fairlie on the main street, and look, it has its own little letter box with “Letters for Santa” on it, how cute is that. The kids must love it. How thoughtful.

Now the following photos are of parcels which arrived during the week. Firstly from Christine for my SSCS this arrived…..

Some gorgeous spotty tea towels (I think she did her research well!!) and look at those decs for our tree, Christine folded them all by hand, aren’t they cool, and as you can see in the top photos the other goodies are wrapped still for the day. Thank you Christine.

I was also involved in the swap from Snickerdoodles where it was a box swap. My partner was Samantha (no blog) and she sent me all of these goodies in my box….. the box itself……

..and look at all the goodies inside….

Some fabulous felt elves shoes, a folded fabric tree and an xmas pudding to hang from the tree. Some fabrics, an xmas fabric bon-bon and some patterns and so many other bits and pieces. Thank you so much Samantha.

And I also received my Xmas swap from Fee for Maree’s 6 item xmas swap. I was so good and popped it away so I wouldn’t be tempted but Fee gave me permission to open it so I duly took the camera to do photos as I went and the camera is playing up , blimin thing so you will have to wait for the photos, I might see if I can borrow DD’s camera. Anyway Fee, I love it all, thank you so much. I don’t think the chocolate is going to last long.

And finally to finish this post I must tell you, last night Bill and I , Nik and Brent and Darlene and Dael all went to the stage show of the Rocky Horror Show. OMG, what an absolutely brilliant show, I haven’t laughed so much in ages and sing a long, my throat was quite sore when it was over. We even all got up and did the “Time Warp” at the end.

….. just a jump to the left……. then a step to the riiiiight……. put your hands on your hips……. pull your knees in tiiiight. Its the pelvic thrust and its driving me insa-a-a-a-ne, let’s do the time warp again……

Janet, Frankenfurter and Brad.

hugs in stitching, Deb xx

Another weekend gallivanting away….

2010-12-08T20:06:00.001+13:00

I think I like having kids who are old enough to not worry if you go away for a weekend and no longer need sitters etc. Anyway last weekend Bill and I and friends Nik (no blog) and Brent, toddled off down South to Twizel to spend time with Shiree and Tim. Shiree was having an open home at her new quilt shop, The Rowan Tree. What a lovely shop she has made it in to so because I know you want to see what it’s like here are the photos.

The lady herself…. yep and that’s fabric that someone was buying she has been cutting. (I have no idea who’s fabric it was????)

….and finally here is the back room with Shiree’s long arm quilter. Actually I nearly caught Tim in the photo, he’s a bit of a dab hand at playing on this.

Shiree has made a lovely job of setting up her little shop and has some really cool fabrics, in fact as well as purchasing the fabrics (I’ll show them to you next post) I did I came home with a list of Kaffe Fassett’s and Amy Butler’s which I really liked so I’d remember what to tell her when I got another urge.

We had a fabulous trip down South with Nik and Brent. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. The only damper on the whole weekend was that poor Darlene and her DH couldn’t make it as she had a tummy bug and Miche’le and her DH were unable to make it also as she had a class to teach at her shop. We missed you guys BUT that's another excuse for a get together next year.

So I’ll leave you with a wee sneak peak of the scenery on the way south and next post I will show you more. This is a photo of Mt. Cook Aoraki making a beautiful backdrop to Lake Tekapo. Stunning is all I can say.

Hugs in stitching, Debs. xx

Feeling a bit more normal today so here’s a post… wahoo!!

2010-11-28T12:52:00.001+13:00

Well its a beautiful time of the year although so many sad things have been happening but we do have to put things into perspective and realise that this is life and it sends us some terrible things to bare, but hopefully we will only come out stronger with a bit more understanding of things. So on that note I will try to dwell no more but think of lovely positive things such as new beginnings………..

…..these little Paradise ducklings and their Mum and Dad live in the river at the end of our street. We see them most days and always do a head count (10) to make sure no one has come to any misfortune. They are the cutest and they come right up to you. And as you can see Mother Duck is so proud…. “New life”.

Two weekends ago Bill and I went to Akaroa for a “time-out” so to speak from the routines of life. It was a really lovely relaxing weekend, no pressures, great weather even if it did rain a bit and I got wet hair walking to the restaurant on Saturday night, but there’s no point in taking a car anywhere in Akaroa, its all walkable, anyway you meet nice people when you walk and chat away, well I seem to anyway. (Bit of a loose goose really thats me).

So here are some photos of our weekend , I won’t put them all up for you to see as you’ve seen then before when we have been away on sewing weekends with the girls.

The view from our room (which was gorgeous..)

The Cafe and The Butchers in the main street….

This is the most beautiful B & B, look at the roses climbing up the columns on the verandah, isn’t it gorgeous?

My man and I at the end of the wharf….

One of the Memorials in Akaroa which was damaged by the Earthquake. If you look closely you’ll see parts of the top of it missing.

At the “Hilltop” looking down into Akaroa as we were travelling home from our weekend.

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

Please, please, please

2010-11-26T16:38:00.001+13:00

…..could someone please send me a little bit of enthusiasm, Christmas is coming apparently.

Another devastating day for NZ……..

2010-11-24T18:08:00.001+13:00

…. the loss of lives of the 29 miners trapped in the Pike River Mine on the Westcoast of New Zealand. A second gas explosion occurred and it is believed that none of the miners would have been able to survive.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families and friends of the men involved and to the town of Greymouth who will be feeling such devastation and disbelief.

Such a very sad day for all.

Caution, important warning….

2010-11-09T14:11:00.001+13:00

….don’t buy the chocolate to go in with your Christmas gifts before you are ready to post the parcel!!

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

At last, a bit of a catch up….

2010-11-06T20:47:00.001+13:00

Well having worked this morning the plan was to come home and tidy up by doing the long overdue housework and then maybe the groceries. So came home, had a chat to DD, thought I’d have a read by lying on the bed for half an hour and well need I say more…… yep 5 hours later here I am having woken up. I suppose that’s nature taking over, I must have needed it. I do know I didn’t get much sleep last night as we had 3 after shocks during the night and DH is away for the weekend. So now its time to finally get this catch up done and then I’ll do the housework whilst DD is at work.

I can report that this, finally went in the post down to Shiree this morning so that she will now be able to finish it all off for Christmas for her new shop. I am thrilled with the finished stitching.

A little bit hard to see sorry.

Now its time to get stuck into my Christmas gifts. I received some fabulous patterns from Sally Giblin which I plan to add to the Christmas gifts this year. Sally does the most wonderful patterns, you should see if your local PQS stocks them, if not ask them to, you won’t be disappointed.

Below is a photo of a group of Sally’s Patterns , so look out for “The Rivendale Collection”.

I have also bought a copy of Anne Suttons “The Night before Christmas” BOM for next year maybe, then again maybe not, next year I have decided will be a no pressure year especially if I am still working full time which its looks like I will be for at least another 6mths.

So other things happening round the home since I have been “working / sleeping “ my life away are the garden is look good…..

St Francis is watching over my Ranuncula’s , Granny bonnets and roses as well as all the little animals.

Bill has potted up some lettuces for me so we won’t have much wastage with salads this year and he has planted radishes, spring onions, tomatoes galore. He’s a good lad at times.

Now just to finish off you will remember awhile ago I showed you our Neighbours gorgeous old brick home across the road. Well this is it now…..

….. yep the walls are all being supported to enable them to remain standing. They have been evacuated and are living elsewhere, this blinkin” earthquake. The after shocks are still going and you think you are getting used to them and all of a sudden you get sent another big one and it shakes you up all over again. Oh well, thank goodness life carries on.

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

Helllllllllooooooooo

2010-10-30T18:10:00.001+13:00

Hiya. I am still here, I haven’t fallen off the edge of a cliff, I haven’t been sucked into a big sand boil from the earthquakes and I haven’t been buried beneath a pile of liquefaction either!

Life is just a wee bit busy and I feel like I am chasing my own tail trying to keep up but hopefully I will get a post done soon. I manage to do a bit of reading before bed at nights but that’s it BUT you don’t get rid of this old chook that easily. Be warned!!

Sale, and its a big one!!!

2010-10-20T00:58:00.001+13:00

POP ON OVER TO MATERIAL CHICKS BLOG, THERE IS 50% OFF ALL PATTERNS. WHO COULD ASK FOR MORE, THATS 50% OFF THE ALREADY MARKED DOWN PRICES.

Purchase of the week….

2010-10-17T13:25:00.001+13:00

Okay, I know its not red and white but still haven’t found one of those so this is the next best thing.

Hugs in stitching, Debs. xo

I’m a bit of a slow old tortoise at the moment.

2010-10-10T18:51:00.001+13:00

Well ask me what I have achieved since I last posted and honestly the answer will be very little. I am feeling a bit like the tortoise and the hare and the moment, me being the slow coach in the shell and life being the one whizzing past.

Last weekend we managed to catch up with Shiree, Darlene and Nik and their partners for a yummy brekky on Sunday. It was great to catch up all of us together. Shiree bought me these little sweethearts to join our family. So cute….

They both are great chatter boxes when they have their tummies squeezed and sound very similar to the Pukeko in real life.

The rest of the week of course I have been working full time. It is really busy in the Field Office where I am and at the moment no matter what we do it is so frustrating as we don’t seem to be making any headway with claims from the Earthquake. I know this is to be expected as their are so many to deal with and we will be working on them for a long time. The after shocks are still happening are they are also expected to carry on for many more months. The good thing is the weather has been beautiful. I even had to do “that event” , a sure sign summer is just around the corner.

Yep “the toes” had their “do”.

The postie came to visit this week. This is an absolutely beautiful cushion which Catherine made for me after I won a prize on her blog. Catherine had said she would make something personal for the winner in the style she thought they would like. Well could she have got it any better, I don’t think so, shabby’s and polka dots.

Look at the back of this, the most lovely covered buttons and the fabrics, gorgeous. The sewing of this cushion is stunning. Catherine has a great ETSY store with yummy things in it if you want to look at her goodies further.

Apart from the above, Darlene and I managed to get together this afternoon for a “Sit, Stitch and Bitch” session which cleared our shoulders for the new week ahead and gave us a good old laugh together. It was good to get something actually stitched, I have so much I want to get done so on that note better get back to it.

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

Goodies, goodies and more goodies…..

2010-09-28T16:28:00.001+13:00

Well I promised I would be back with some photos to share and I am. These first photos are of a birthday gift I received from Julia. She apologised for them being late but my goodness who cares about that sort of thing, I love celebrating all over again and with a gift as beautiful as this it was so worth it. Thank you Julia.

Isn’t this wrapping gorgeous……..

The most wonderful needle book, mini pincushion/scissor fob, an antique style pair of scissors, some lovely pearl buttons and a brass cotton reel which is magnetic and holds pins beautifully.

Julia’s handwork is absolutely stunning. She designed this needle book herself, so very clever. At the moment it is sitting on the shelf in my sewing room so I can look at it as I don’t want to get it dirty but don’t worry Julia it will definitely be put into work soon. I adore it.

Here are some of the fabrics I have bought lately.

Beach House by Robyn Pandolph Charm Squares and some of the blue’s from the range in fat quarters.

And the goodies from the Quilt and Craft Show.

This fabulous cross stitch pattern….

Some lovely Japanese fabrics from Patchwork Passion….

And I couldn’t resist these fabrics from Shiree who had her first stand there for her shop “The Rowan Tree”. Some Amy Butler’s and I’m not sure about the second lot but couldn’t leave them behind. They are so out of my comfort zone but I adore them.

And this is a photo of a beautiful quilt Shiree made in French general’s “Rural Jardin” fabrics which we sat together and stitched the binding too the night before the show. Shiree made a stunning job of the quilting too didn’t she?

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

Back from my break and boy I missed you guys..

2010-09-26T19:37:00.001+13:00

Hi ya’ll, gosh it feels good to be home. Not much has been happening here in shaky, breaky land! Sorry I know I have a warped sense of humour but if you were on your 1030 ish after shock then you would understand. Last night’s one’s were just the best-not!!

But the earthquake has caused some interesting situations eg: it has given me employment. OMG, I know, what the heck is with that. Yes I have been employed by the Earthquake commission entering all of the claim data for them. Its fulltime (HELPPPPPPP!!!) and should last at least 6 months, perhaps up to a year. Last week was my first week and I can happily say that if I ever meet the person who invented full time employment I will happily kill them with my bare hands. Talk about knackered….. The really nice thing is of course the people I am working for and of course its giving me money for fabric, because of course there are new ranges coming out all of the time.

Apart from that we had our first ever Quilting and Craft Show here in Christchurch last weekend and boy was I in seventh heaven . I now know what all of you Aussie ladies mean when you say you have a great day out. I had a lovely wee spend up and spent a great day with friends but the tell all photos will have to wait till the next post. In fact I have a few photos stored up to share with all of you of some yummys’that have made their way in this humble abode of late, after all retail therapy is a great anti-depressant much like chocolate in fact!!

And before I disappear, a HUGE THANK YOU for all of your wonderful emails checking up on me, you’re the best.

Now must away to do some winding of some gorgeous pretty’s onto some floss cards……….

Hugs in stitching, Debs. xxx

Bloggy Break….

2010-09-08T14:17:00.001+12:00

Hi everyone, please excuse us here in Christchurch. It is probably hard to comprehend as I know people measure tragedies by loss of lives much of the time and we have all been blessed in that area as there have been none with the earthquake.

But although we have not been effected physically, mentally and emotionally we are all drained and we are all walking a really fine line. I have just had an explosive episode here at home and yelled at everyone just because there was a bit of dirt on the floor. Next moment we were all crying. Very weird feeling. We are all numb.

I think we all just want to get on with our lives and we can’t. More after shocks this morning with more things thrown from the wall and cabinets, the only difference between them and the big one Saturday morning was how long they lasted. They are telling us to expect another big one so we wait.

On that note I think I may take a bloggy break for a wee while. So I will be back soon but thank you all for your best wishes and prayers, we all appreciate them

Be prepared though, if it gets too much we might be knocking on your doors- how scary would that be-lol.

Hugs in stitching,

Debs xxoo

MATERIAL CHICKS SALE

2010-09-06T20:07:00.000+12:00

TWO WEEK SALE ON AT MATERIAL CHICKS BLOG, GO CHECK IT OUT.

Something more cheerful…

2010-09-05T18:25:00.001+12:00

There is no way we can erase the events in Christchurch from the last 36 hours. All we can do is go forward and be thankful that nothing worse eventuated.

So on that note finally I will show you the rest of the photos from last weekends Quilt Exhibition.

Look how fine this is below……

This kimono was absolutely incredible. The quilter has worked it in “quilt as you go” method and even the back was beautifully done in silk. Sorry I didn’t get a photo of the back of it.

Love the wheat field below, the rows of wheat were textured and all hairy.

But look at this hexagon runner below girls. The hexagons are so small as you can see from the one I enlarged for you and all done by hand.

I hate to say it but I am not a lover of Hexagons even though the very first quilt I made was a bassinet quilt made by hand and all hexagons. BUT having seen these little, little hexagons I did quite like them, they were very delicate and their was something about them so you never know what I might do again at some stage.

Well back to the earthquake, the after shocks have been fairly impressive. We’ve had many 4 – 5 magnitude ones which of course are normal earthquake levels we would feel. We’ve been told the after shocks could carry one for a few weeks and they have also predicted we may have another big quake- let’s hope not!

Schools have all been closed until at least Wednesday as have all public buildings. University until 13 Sept. DD popped round to the supermarket today which surprisingly was open , and said it was a mess. Lights hanging from the ceilings, shelves very empty as expected and a lot of work to clean up. I must admit I said “Why would they be open.”

We are now hearing of friends who have lost homes, one of DD’s friends completely lost theirs, others have had structural damage. They have all had to evacuate. Some homes still have no water and their are cracked sewage pipes which are causing more problems.

BLESSINGS

Family & friends for caring , praying for us and just keeping in touch.

Police, Military, Civil Defence for protection, their hard work and everything they are doing.

The Mayor & Prime Minister for making such wonderful and quick decisions, for covering all bases and inevitable happenings

The Salvation Army, Missions and Churches for caring for all who have lost homes or had to evacuate because conditions make it impossible to be at home.

Christchurch Hospital & Christchurch Medical Services for looking after all people effected by the earthquake whether through injuries or related conditions

Social Welfare Services for making an effort and phoning pensioners throughout the district to ensure they were okay, find out if they needed anything at all and to leave them with a contact number where they can contact someone if they do need anything.

I am sure their are many volunteers and others I do not know of and they are also a blessing to the community.

Hugs in stitching

Debs xxx

BIG Earthquake this morning….

2010-09-04T11:30:00.002+12:00

At 4.35am this morning those of us living in Christchurch, New Zealand experienced an massive earthquake, magnitude 7.5 with after shocks of 7.1. We are still experiencing after shocks and they are horrible.
Here we were without power until 10.15am and when it came back on I immediately turned on the television to see the extent of damage across the city. OMG, I had no idea. I suppose its a bit hard to realise how much damage is being done when its pitch black and you feel like you’re shaking as much as the earth is.
The area has been declared a State of Emergency by the Major and Civil Defence. The amount of buildings which are now rubble in the city amazes me and more areas are being cordoned off as due to the strength of the after shocks more buildings are becoming questionable about their stability.
We have been extremely lucky. We’ve had things fall and break but no structural damage. DS let us know he and his flatmates were all okay but their chimney had fallen down. Thankfully DD was down south visiting friends in Dunedin as her room was the one which ended up being the messiest.
Her chest of drawers fell, landing on the bedside cabinet and everything spilling everywhere. Here are some photos…..

Just imagine if she’d been in bed, talk about freak out!!!
Here is my sewing room and I promise I did have it tidy as I had big plans to sew today.

What amazed me in my sewing room, is see the white round box in the middle on the floor… That’s upside down and was on stop of the bookcase in the back. It is full of lavender and guess what, not one piece came out of that box, none at all.
This photo below is of the CD’s etc which fell off the book case in our lounge. We were so lucky.

Listening to the news , some areas may not have power back on today and water pipes have been damaged underground and they are worried about drinking water in the next few days. Sewage pipes have been damaged also.
I am worrying about my baby “Frank” as he has gone missing and that is concerning me but Thank God there have not been any loss of lives only 2 people injured so far in hospital. We must count our blessings as they say this is the biggest earthquake in NZ since 1930 and this one today has been placed on a comparison with the earthquake in Haiti.
Thank you so much for all of the emails and Facebook comments that greeted me when power came back on, all concerned for us.
Shaking in stitching today,
Debs xxxx
Update: Frank has come home briefly, had a chow down and gone off again. Looking very scared and a bit skitish, but at least he hasn't been hurt. I know I'm pathetic aren't I?

I’m a Great Aunt again (no.4)

2010-09-01T12:49:00.002+12:00

Yes the long awaited little sweetie arrived last night at 5.40pm, (Australian time), 7.40pm NZ time, weighing in at 8lbs 13ozs and 21” in length.
Introducing Miss Addison Mikayla……….. (approx 3hours old here)

….. isn’t she beautiful, not that I am at all biased. Miss Addison is the first female great-n.
So today being the first day of Spring in .this part of the world is wonderful. A promise of the lovely weather and fun times ahead. I was given this fabulous little tag today to say “Happy Spring” from Darlene.

Now here are some photos of the yummy goodies which arrived in the mail for me this week. Boy, talk about spoilt. The first photo was from Fee and they were for my belated- Birthday Fat Quarter Swap. Fee also included a lovely charm she had made, thanks so much Fee, I love them all.

And this bundle of gorgeous was from a dear friend who has just come back to NZ after spending time teaching in Japan. She did extremely well choosing these as poor Karen admits to know nothing about stitching.

Yummy COSMOS threads, wahoo!!!!
And to finish this little post off some fabrics which I have bought which Darlene made me buy, sorry Bill, its all her fault!.. and another completed snowman stitchery.

So next post will be the rest of the Quilt Exhibition photos as promised but this time Addison had to take pride of place.
Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

What I’ve Been up to and Quilt Exhibition

2010-08-31T11:23:00.001+12:00

Well I knew it must have been time to write a new blog post when I have people emailing and phoning asking what’s up and if I’m okay. I didn’t think it had been that long but yes I am fine and here I am.

I have been busy stitching more snowmen for Shiree….

….plus there is one drying on the sun so I have two to go then in the post for Shiree to finish.

I have also managed to get some log cabins made for my Pond House BOM (of which I am behind, sorry melanie and Darlene)…

On Saturday Bill and I and Nik (no blogs) went to the local Patchwork and Quilting Society Exhibition in town and here are a few of the photos.

…..There are more to come but rather than OVER-OVER LOAD you with photos I’ll do another post soon. But I was really impressed. It was really interesting though listening to Bill tell me the ones he liked-totally different from the ones I liked. Oh dear what is our bedroom going to look like------what I like of course , he can’t quilt!!!

Back soon,

Hugs in stitching Debs xx

A Smile from Jack…..(a long post spacing wise)

2010-08-24T16:53:00.001+12:00

Jack came home today and said to me “Mum, I know you have some sad days and there seem to be a lot lately. I have sad days too like you and I have written you a poem to cheer you up.” So I know of lots of people in blog land who are having sad days of late so I would like to share this with you..

Here is Jack’s poem ………

Spare a thought for the bumble bee,

While he’s sitting all alone,

He wonders to the winter wind

“Where is my daisy throne?”

The insects all poke fun at him

For being big and bright

“Oh, you’ll never find a flower,

there’s never one in sight!”

So Mr Bee then tells them, “Please

I only want one rose,

I’ll even love its prickly thorns

and tell it jokes I know.”

The other insects laugh at him

and carry on their way,

but poor old Mr Bumble bee

has no where else to stay.

He curls into a little ball

and softly starts to weep,

and when the winds of Spring first came

he cried himself to sleep.

So when everything seems hopeless

and life is turning sour,

Spare a thought for our Bumble Bee,

who woke up on a flower.

Being that my tear ducts are far too close to my bladder, of course when I read what he had written I cried. I was so proud of him, his insight into life is very precious. May I hope that he is always this thoughtful. Thank you my darling boy, thank you for caring about your Mum.

Apart from that this is what I have achieved of late in between attending funerals, another stitchery for “Winter Wonderland”.

This is another fun stitchery quilt to do. Hopefully I will return in another couple of days with a bit more progress than just these stitchery's.

Hugs in stitching, Deb xx

Such a thoughtful post arrives….

2010-08-19T13:50:00.001+12:00

Yesterday was an absolutely revolting day. The weather was terrible. It was pouring with rain and an extremely bitter wind wound its way around your body if you had to spend any time outside.

Well DH and I did although it was a privilege to be able to do so. It was my dear friend Jennie, Dad’s funeral. The day was a celebration of his life and also a celebration that he was no longer in any pain and neither was his family suffering watching him in that pain. I think Jennie summed it up well when she said she felt relief.

Brian it was an honour to have know you and it is an absolute pleasure and joy to be a friend to your special daughter.

Anyway when we came home last night we cleared the mail and there were two parcels. One was an auction which I won on Trade Me- 2 x Primrose Hill Charm Packs which I am adding to my collection of charm packs. I do so love them.

And the other parcel was from dear Susan who so kindly thought of me as she was sorting out her Aunts possessions after Aunt Hazel had passed away recently. Susan is an absolutely beautiful quilter and a cook to die for and I have been trying to get her into stitching but I don’t think I’m having much luck. I think this gorgeous little parcel has confirmed by doubts.

Look at these, aren’t they beautiful? Vintage Aunt Martha’s Iron-On transfers. There are florals designs and little bird designs and ladies in crinolines…….. ah.. my fingers are itching to get going. Now with these older types they instruct you to cut the transfer then iron them on but I think I will be tracing them just to keep them all in tact. Only one of the packs had been opened, what a group of treasures.

Thank you so much Susan, it was so kind of you to think of me.

Hugs in stitching, Debs xx

Yummy post and just for Kate….

2010-08-16T20:41:00.001+12:00

I cannot believe what absolute ~~crap~~ rubbish there is on television at the moment. All of the good programmes are finished, not fair. Still I suppose I could get up off my jelly-butt and go into the sewing room and get that quilt done that I mentioned. Oh well, I’ll watch “The Bachelor, Then and Now.” It doesn’t hurt the migraine as much, in fact it may even soothe it…….

So our lovely postie delivered a parcel for me today which I was waiting for from Hatched and Patched. I was so thrilled. I had ordered some felted wool and I had heard so much about how wonderful it is from Anni and Pete that I just knew I had to order it. Wow, the texture is beautiful, soft and luscious. I also ordered one of Anni’s cool patterns ready for Christmas stitching.

Doesn’t it look scrummy.

Now this last photo is especially for Kate to show her how wonderful her mat which she made me looks with all of the spots on it (and Mrs Henny). I couldn’t have asked for anything more Kate, it’s the best!! Thanks heaps.

Hugs in stitching, Deb xx

(P.S I promise I will limit the spots from now on as I do understand that there is only so much of a good thing-lol)

Project progress …..

2010-08-15T21:39:00.000+12:00

Well its been a fairly full on week. DH’s aged Aunt passed away last weekend and we had her funeral on Wednesday. She was 97 and had always said she would have liked to reach 100 but nearer the end she decided she was fine reaching 97. I can’t imagine reaching that age but then again I’m not sure I want to. Anyway that’s 3 funerals we have had in 3 weeks and unfortunately I think there are going to be another 2 shortly which is very sad.

BUT on a brighter note I have been doing some sewing. I am about to sandwich together a charm sq quilt and get it quilted, so as soon as that’s done I’ll give you a peek.
And I have managed to stitch 3 of the stitchery's for the Crabapple Hill , Winter Wonderland quilt for Shiree.

I had a lovely parcel arrive from Peg this week. Some scrummy fat quarters and gorgeous Lindt chocolate which I must admit I popped away and sneakily ate , thoroughly enjoying it too. Look at the lovely card Peg enclosed, gorgeous Iris photo card made by our dear Chookyblue.

And finally today DH and I went out and about and look what I found…..

I know , you are all so sick to death of me and my spotty’s. But these big mugs I just couldn’t leave on the shelf. I originally only planned on buying 2 and took them up to the counter and the lady said to me –“That’s $7 thank you”. I said “Pardon, there are 2 of them.” She said “Yes, there’s 50% of today”. Well of course it would have been silly not to buy more so I got 8 in total for $28 instead of $56. A Bargain I say!!!

I must tidy my cupboard looking at the photo. I have so much to do in the housework area but I just can’t seem to get my jelly-butt off the chair and into it. Having said that DH and I cleaned out one of the bedrooms today and boy I was ruthless there. I sent out lots of teaching resources for recycling, put out blankets etc to go into the recycling bins, sorted all of the kids games and finally after 4 years managed to go through my Mum’s boxes of papers.

That was a bit hard and quite a few tears were shed and even more when I found things of Dad’s also. What blew me away was I finally saw a photo of my Grandparents on Dad’s side. Here I am 50 years old and I had never ever seen them before. I saw all of my Dad’s Trade Certificate papers, grandparents birth, death and marriage certificates, wow it was incredible. I am not sure what to do with them all or how to store them safely so that the next generation can appreciate them. Any ideas would be great to hear.

Hugs in stitching, Deb xx

Attention all NZ & Aussie bloggers........

2010-08-12T19:59:00.000+12:00

Well ladies how organised is this? Maree from "On Your Verandah" is getting organised and is doing a Xmas swap for those of us in NZ and Australia. There are 6 rules for the swap and you have until the 1st of September to sign up. So pop over to Maree's blog and have a read of the details and join in the fun. The rules aren't difficult and Maree has been great and given us plenty of time to get organised. Thanks Maree.
Hugs in Stitching,
Deb xx

How very very sad!!

2010-08-08T08:20:00.001+12:00

Well its absolutely teeming with rain here. I didn't know that so many Aussie's crying would produce so much water. Yes I know you're all crying, don't try to get around it!!
Great game last night but sorry you lost. And to bet Robbie Deans on his first home turf test-WAHOO.

Well done the All Blacks, you have done NZ proud again!!!!

Material Chicks Pattern Blog

2010-08-05T13:11:00.000+12:00

Finally I have managed to get all of the patterns loaded onto the Material Chicks blog. Patterns that have been loaded are from Libby Richardson, Bloom Creek, Anne Gadsby, Linderella's, Cinderberrys, Sweet Gatherings, Country Hart Designs, Nancy Halvorsen, Lynette Anderson, Angels in Disguise, Sparkles 'n Spirits, Gail Pan, Truly Materialistic, and Quilting Bee.
There are single patterns and some BOM's all at great prices so go on over an have a look.
http://www.materialchicks.blogspot.com/.
Don't forget to become a follower or link on your blog back to the Material Chicks blog and leave a comment on that blog and let us know because there is going to be a giveaway.
hugs in stitching
Deb

Weekend Retreat

2010-08-03T20:12:00.000+12:00

Yes it was our yearly retreat to Akaroa last weekend. Once again we were spoilt with great weather for the trip over the hill. This year DH took me over in our 4WD as it was higher for me to travel in and didn't make my back hurt. These were the views we saw as we drove over the hill ....

......but these were the very best views. A little early but what a joyous sight, spring is on its way.

The first of the Spring lambs.

Then on arrival in Akaroa we booked into our motel and we were really spoilt with the unit we were given. They are doing up all of the units and I think ours had already been done. It was lovely. Below are some of the photos I took of it.

My gorgeous bedroom.......

These were hanging on the bedroom wall and looked fabulous so had to take pics.

This is the motel cat, great life if you can get it.......... and the view from the boatshed where the workshops were being held.

During the weekend I was fairly boring with the projects I worked on. I completed a stitchery block of Crabapple Hills' Winter Wonderland and practised my needleturn applique using the method Rosalie Quinlan taught us at her workshop. I bought two patterns, 1 by Marg Low and the other one from House on the Hill which was only released on Friday morning (very exciting). Oh and of course some yummy fabrics.

And these yummy fabrics were from Abbe for the Fat Quarter swap for birthdays. Thanks Abbe.

And finally before DH left me in Akaroa on Friday and went off to spend the weekend with the boys he bought me this ...

isn't she a sweetie? My eggs are going to be snuggly in her basket .

Hugs in Stitching

Deb xx

Another finish and a visit from the postie.

2010-07-29T16:18:00.000+12:00

Had a lovely visit from the postie on Tuesday. Kate sent me my PIF gift and included a lovely birthday gift as well, what a sweetie you are Miss Kate.
Below (left) is my lovely Hexagon mat/ table topper which Kate made especially with red and white spots so I could place it in my red and white spotty corner of my kitchen bench. Next week I am planning the big clean down and change around of my bench so once its placed with all its spotty friends I'll post a photo. See the gorgeous spotty tea towel Kate included. As I also mentioned Kate very kindly included this fantastic charm pack , Park Avenue by 3 Sisters , and the cutest tape measure.

Thank you so much Miss Kate, I love everything.

Also this week I have finally finished my second little cardigan and got the parcel all packed up and in the post off to Brisbane all ready for the expectant arrival.

I have also got two more photos to share with you.

This is my fab present from Melanie which she made from the new "Sew Necessary" book by Nancy Halvorsen of Art to Heart.

Isn't it great. I have it hanging on my sewing room wall with all my cutters and scissors etc in it. Haven't filled the thread holders yet and I'm not really sure where it is going to finish up being hung but its great to keep everything nice and tidy. Thanks Melanie, as always you spoil me.

Last Friday night and last night we had Shiree stay with us on her way to and from Cambridge (up North) where she had been for a Long Arm Quilting Conference. When she got home last night she was absolutely buzzing and I could see she was itching to get home and get onto her machine and start playing. She bought some amazing books whilst she was away and whilst I was browsing through them last night I couldn't help but be impressed by the talents of some of the quilting women and there long arm machines. Shiree was explaining how they did everything and it all sounded reasonably easy but nope, not here I think. I was in awe especially with some of the quilts made using Threadplay, it all looked so beautifully lacy.

The photo below shows what Shiree gave me on Wednesday to add to my collection.

Just a great size to use for two people.

Thanks Shiree.

Hugs In stitching

Deb xx

NEW BLOG

2010-07-27T14:59:00.000+12:00

Hi all, I have a new blog to tell you all about which hopefully you may be interested in having a look at. The background behind this blog is that myself and Darlene used to have a website where we sold patterns online. Sadly life took over and we found that as we got busier and busier we were unable to keep the website updated with our patterns as they came and went so we have decided to close the website and sell all of our remaining patterns at a reduced price. Patterns are being uploaded gradually and I have managed to get 3 pages done and the Paypal buttons all loaded so feel free to pop on over and have a look BUT do remember there are many more patterns for me to get uploaded for you to see.

http://http://www.materialchicks.blogspot.com/

We would love it if you could display our button, and link it back to the blog on your own blog. Let me now if you do as I might have a wee gift for a random blogger who has when I finally get to finish uploading things.

Thanks heaps for your support.

Hugs in Stitching

Deb (and Darlene) xx

More gifts and makings

2010-07-25T16:20:00.002+12:00

I have been extremely lucky and received some more gifts from friends.

The photo on the left shows some fabric and a bag handle from Lesley. She gave me this to compliment the photo on the right, the new Anni Downs Book "In the Life of a Bag" which Darlene gave me. I think they may have been in cahoots, don't you!!

Darlene also gave me the above: some cool embellishments which she thought I might like to try with my embroidery and some quilting fabrics. Thank you Darlene and Lesley, I so appreciate your kindness.

I was also lucky to receive these two fat quarters from Sylvia and this lovely tissue holder she included. Thanks Sylvia.

Thought I'd better show you that I haven't been idle either. I have finished this wee cardy for my great niece who is due August. Almost finished another one too so that photo will be next post when I finish the bands.

Its very sweet isn't it. Melanie had knitted this pattern so I liked it so much I got it off her.

Hugs in Stitching,

Deb. xx

P.S. Only FIVE sleeps till our yearly Akaroa retreat, WAHOO!

A Quilters Dream.....

2010-07-23T15:46:00.000+12:00

So be honest, how many of you would like to take this sewing machine on your next retreat??

I know I would- its all CHOCOLATE and totally edible. Isn't it amazing? The talent of some people is amazing.
Hugs in stitching, (and drooling)
Deb xx