The Roo goes bush!

Over the weekend, hubby and I went camping with friends to nearby Kenilworth Forestry Park. (noted for its' stands of native Hoop Pines and bellbird colony). The weather was perfect, with clear sunny days and cooler evenings.

We brought wood for the campfire. And sat under the twinkling stars. Marshmallows were toasted, wine glasses were clinked. Lots of chatting and laughing throughout night.

Our little group went bushwalking along the shady rainforest tracks. The pathway crossed over several little creeks, rushing with cool, clear water. Nearby we could hear whipbirds, with their loud cracking call.

This is Little Yabba creek, there are platypus living here.

The occasional goanna was seen patrolling around the campsites, looking for food. We made sure our food was locked away and the camper trailers and tents were zipped up (we didn't want any surprise visitors inside). There are signs around the camp area, stating not to feed the wildlife. I don't think that the wildlife can read; I had nearly finished my sandwich, when out of nowhere, a kookaburra stole my last bit of sandwich! Crikey!

It was such a relaxing weekend and everyone had a great time.

How was your weekend?

Sandi xx

Loot

Here is the metal train sign (reproduction) and vintage buttons bought on our recent travels south. I gave the buttons a clean in some warm soapy water with an old toothbrush, just to give them back their old sparkle.

Suzie from Little Busy Bee showed us her 'Tea set for One' recently, that she received for her birthday. I mentioned that I had one in a similar style. So here it is Suzie. Hubby found it in the cupboard at his new office, left behind by the previous tenants (long gone), so he brought it home for me. It is pictured here on the sink in the carriage studio.

Cheers,

Sandi xx

In my mailbox

Look what arrived in my mailbox (all the way from Sweden) - a beautiful bag pattern from Helena. It includes stitchery patterns for spring, summer, autumn or winter. So I have a choice of four different looks.

Helena was having a giveaway to celebrate the opening of her online shop (do check it out), and I was one of the lucky winners. Thanks so much Helena, what a wonderful surprise. I had to show you the stamps on the envelope too, they are so cute!

Cheers,

Sandi xx

Stack and Slash continued...

Remember I said there are interesting looking seams on these blocks? (kinda dodgy looking aren't they) Well the blocks now need to be trimmed. Select the smallest looking block; place your 15 1/2 " square ruler over the block, mark off the centre block of the star with tape. This will then be placed on the same section of each block. Now, trim off the edges to make your square.

Ta-dah!

I am going to use the flag fabric around the border. Will probably bind it in either red or navy.

Happy stitching,

Sandi xx

Southern Escape

Hubby and I decided to have a little break away to Tenterfield and Stanthorpe on the Granite Belt. We managed to escape the coastal rain and the easter crowds (yay!). The deciduous trees were just starting to turn their autumn colours, very pretty.

As we were passing Ballandean, a vintage car rally group had stopped for lunch (across the road from where they parked). And of course we had to stop for a look, as hubby dreams of having a vintage car, one day.

Cute litte old truck. It is a 'Bean'. Hubby having a closer look.

Love the radiator cap on this one, a chevrolet.

We had a lovely trip away. Looked in a few antique and bric-a-brac shops (I found some lovely vintage buttons and a sign for the railway carriage), and also happened upon some interesting markets. Do you like to go to markets ?

Cheers,

Sandi xx

Here a chick, there a chick

I turned the page on my calendar this morning and was greeted by all these little characters, looking very Eastery.

This year, I bought Cynthia Hart's Victoriana calendar, just for something different.

Don't you just love all the old victorian antique paper cut-outs around the borders?

Cheers,
Sandi xx