Doing the Happy Dance

Well hello all, finally I can get back into blogland(some hiccup past few days )..
anyways I just wanted to share with you-3 weeks ago I put a new machine on layby...
it's a Toyota Decomaster..has everyhting I need in the way of stitches and comes with umpteen different feet...including a walking foot-now I must admit there is absolutely nothing wrong with my Singer 2662,it's just that since my elbow operation (oct 07)-applique and me have almost become aliens..so the need for machine with blanket stitch was high priority...
This weekend is a long weekend here so all week I was doing the girl math thing-ya know when you work out were to scrimp and save so that you can get what you want yeah..So having worked it all out ,yes I would be able to collect my machine and have it for thsi long weekend,
I decided since I knew I was going to Spotlight I'd call the nanna (who will be known as Ms D) of the baby I have been making things for, as i thought well since I know I'm going there why not ask if the mother (who will be known as Ms K)of the baby has enough cradle sheets , well the phone call was intersting to say the least, Ms D informed me she had called spotlight to try and pay off my layby, but as she did not have my lay by number or my spotlight card number she was not able to do it..hahaha..beat you MS D....so I had to give her the numbers over the phone (mind you I was saying to myself -here are the numbers but I will get to spolight and pay for and colect my machine before you have a chance to phone and pay)..Anyways so I'm filling huby in on the phone call..when next thing a car comes up the drive and out pop's Ms D and hands hubby an envelope requesting him to give it to me please...he tells her he has just heard about the phone call and that she is bad LOL, she said Vickie has made Ms K feel very special....Now the last thing Ms D said was don't tell anyone ,I don't want people to think I'm nice or anything..so ok I have not told you have I?Nah you have read it there is a difference I'm sure....
So anyways the envelope contained cash for me to pick up the machine....



So here we have it..she is a beauty...


cast your eyes over all them feet-whoops forgot to take a pic of the walking foot.

Well Ms D don't know it yet but I have been crocheting (sp)a blankie for her as I believe all nanas
should have a blanket...
shh I have also knitted a couple pairs of bootees for bubs,oh yeah and I did make some sheets as Ms K needed them.


So with all that girl math that I had used to be able to collect the machine for this weekend I worked out I could buy something else for me..shh yep ME
yes I finally have a big cutting mat 24"x36" it's like heaven..

I just love it when girl math works...
Now I must admit all this sweing and making stuffs for this baby has me questioning myself-I don't like babies-I don't do babies-none of this ahh he is cute ohh she is gorgeous,I never look sideways at a baby down the street-there must be something special about this little one I reckon eh?


Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

and the winner/s is

thanks to all for posting their interest in winning the patterns,
I decided to add a 2nd prize as well..drumm roll ,I was on the phone too a friend and asked her to pick 2 numbers between 1 and 20 ( and nope she does not have internet netherlone a pc)
winner 1 was post #4 = Tracy ,
winner 2 was post #14=Anne,
Please email your contact details so i can pop your winnings in the mail
Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Blog Giveaway

Is it cold where you live?
Pop on over to Linid's blog and tell her how you keep warm and enter her Blog Giveaway ,
now over at Quilty Threads ,
Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Free Stitcheries

Do you Love stitcheries ?
Do you Love the freedom to use 1 colour or several ?
Do you love the word FREE?
Yes bingo 3 outta 3 -go check out Cathron Country Designs for her very generous offer of 26 yes 26 free stitcheries in total.
So if stitcheries is your thing then jump on over to Cathron Country Designs.
Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Another Blog Giveaway

We all love blog giveaways-so i'm sharing this great giveaway just go HERE and check it out, some way way cool items being given away..good luck too all..yah gotta be in it too win it hehehe
Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Blog Giveaway HERE

Whoops looks like I can't count, I said I would have a giveaway at post 63 and here I am at post umm 65..so anyways 2 posts late I am having a giveaway..just add a comment to this post and you will be included in the draw....

The giveaway is 2 Country Gate Crossing patterns-never been opened or used-brand new and a couple of fat 1/4 as well...

Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Yeah a TV for me

Look what my hubby did today he painted an old wall mount for a tv, and popped it up on the wall in my sewing/comp room, all we need to do now is put up the shelving unit under the tv whioch will hide the leads and put the timber trims around the door and windows and see if we can get a new door or just fixerup the existing one.

Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

I been Sewing

Firstly the pincushion I made has reached it's destination..and as you can see nope it's not pair of discarded socks LOL.
She has reached her destination at Sweet P's house, and

she told Sweet P her name was Ms Pinny-how cute eh.Smiles all around yeah..
Now remember the items that I showed in this POST made for the baby that is due soon (2nd Sept to be exact)..well since they were so well received I have been busying myself with sewing some more items-plus sewing is a good way to relive shit going on in the head -YES,knew some of you would agree...


I made some nine patch blocks with a kinda fqarmyard theme..and then I chopped them and resewed them-I was pleased with the end result...

I decided to use up some leftover scraps and make this bag as well,it has a big front pocket secured by them lovely green buttons..

And this is a pic of the bag of the bag-just more leftover pieces from the quilt.
Well I took them over this afternoon and too say the expecting mother was delighted is an understatement she was over the moon, she also handed me a lovely thankyou card for the previous items I had made.I just love it when given items are so much appreciated.
Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Pin Cushion swap

Gee don't know how I forgoet to post a snippit of my pincushion for the pincushion swap hosted by Linda ...

This will be starting it's journey to it's new home on Monday I really do hope the recipent likes it.

Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Thrift Store

Whoops almost forgot too show what I snatched for $1 at the thrift store this morning whilst down the street..Soon as I spied I said to self "you must take that home and put them old wooden reels of cotton on it"..

this is looking down on it ..ain't it cute even has a wee slot for scissors to sit in...

Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Thankyou

I just ducked down the street to grab some supplies and thought too myself-gee I better check the PO BOX(as I was too buggered after work yesterday), never know there maybe a item for me..or a least a card saying you have an item waiting-then I could get it on monday..WELL whopee dahdah ner ner I got a parcel yeaaahhh...4 lovely pieces of fabric ..thankyou-thankyou-thankyou?????????????

Yes big big thankyou too you..LOL yep you know who you are I have only 1 clue the item was mailed in QLD and is stamped Northgate ..cheeky.....

Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Territory Day

July the 1st is Territory Day (and this year it is the 30th Anniversay of self government)In the Northern Territory, it is the only day of the year when we can legally purchase,boot loads of darn expensive fireworks, and we are permitted to light them form 6.00pm till 11.00pm . Every year the night is celebrated at our house , ritual is all crackers are put on a huge table and you just pick one up go out to the designated area -light your cracker and then run for your life.....we usually have a couple of hours of lighting an assortment of crackers-then we rest for awhile and all have dinner and a yak....


Then jump up and back into the fun...we only had one minor mishap this year and YEAH-Yipee it was not me..nah truly Maddie it musta hurt when you got the wee burn-hope it's all betterah now..

Now just too show you all I was very safety concious Iwore my new boots..LOL...and

I sent my Daughter a pic on her mobile and she said "pwetty pwetty please I want them" so I told her let me wear them a couple of times and then I'll send them too you-like really how often would one wear ug-g boots in Darwin eh? But sure did crack everyone up when I walked downstairs with them on-and when I pointed out the safety feature of being able to see where I'd been ....LOL..




Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Mini Booty Swap

Finally after many yes/no/maybe/nope/nah,ermm and ahhing-
I finally made my mind up on what I am making for my swap partner in the

Okay can't give too much away but progress is happening..hehehe, oops unless I change my mind.
Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Little Dresses

Well a couple of weeks ago a friend (Mrs 20man) asked me if I would make 2 dresses for 2 of her grand daughters to wear too thier mums wedding...my reply was "yes of course ,would be my pleasure" as I madly think too myself gawd it has been ages since I have done any dressmaking....(I just can't say NO)


Mrs 20man already knew what style she wanted-so I got the pattern..I leave it up too Mrs 20man to find out what colours of fabric -and too go purchase the fabric I just informed her of any notions that were needed..


I get the material from Mrs 20man, and popped it inot the washing machine,whilst it was hanging on my clothesline DH looks at it and says yuk looks too old fashioned..arghhh men-I say it may look okay once made up...so I went ahead and made the dresses.





Mr 20man just happened to be here when I finished them-so I bring the dresses out and say what do you think and he says"ohh they are beautiful"...while my DH stnads there lookin at them nearly puking..I say I think they are too florally-nanna nightie looking......and that I'm not happy with them...back to my room I go...DH then turns round to Mr 20man and says"shit mate lucky we is not little people otherwise Vickie woulda had us try them on"gawd he is soo cheeky...
Anyways when Mrs 20man finished her shift I showed her and she liked them too -but I still didn't I said the litte pink one may look ok but the green one looks like nana's nightie and finally DH spoke up and agreed..
So in the car we get and off we go to spotlight....where I found some nice white flimsly fabric with a kinda embossded sheer pattern..get back home and both males go oh that's lovely....
Then I get about sewing them -bloomin heck I'm such a ninny at times that material is wretched too sew..and I had too make a white lining for the bodice and then for the skirt I lined one hot pink and the other dark purple(these are personal fav colours of the girls)...

The sun pics up the colours in a lovely hue -the wedding is in Cairns in mid afternoon so they will look lovely.....luckily for me my overlocker did this really neat rolled hem otherwise I'd still be trying too work out how to hem them..
When I showed my DH the finished new dresses he said wow they are a million dollars on the other ones, well done...
Well the 20man's have not seen them yet..will hand them over tomorrow I sure hope they like

Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Random Sewing

Hi all, I've had one of those random weekends (spent most of yesterday in bed with a smashing sinus headache)were I feel all 6's & 7's as my dear nana used to say, just could not make up my mind what I wanted to do.....I am in the process of making a bag for a bag swap-but my arm is acting a tad iffy so could not do much with the bag...but I really wanted too sew something.


After awhile I came up with the idea to make some bibs and stuffs for a young girl who is having a baby in 10 weeks...




Quickly whipped up this panel into a thick mat for on the floor....



Then overlocked round the edges of this fleecy for a couple of bunny rugs.



Then made these pop over bibs...
Then jumped in the car and delivered them well she was wrapped so it made me feel a tad betterah too,ahhhhh
Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Miniature booty swap

I must be crazy-gawd knows I have heaps to do..but....
nah I know I'm not I just underestimate my ability too do things and this is why I joined this swap,I followed a previous swap on The Quilting Pirate...



I have peeked at some of these from previous posts and they were beautiful, so I thought I'm going to stop bashing myself up and join this swap...wonder who my partner will be-which country will she come from???? What will be her likes /dislikes hmmmm oh so many unanswered questions......




Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

PIF gifts sent

Ok I am now going to show pics of the gifts I made for my 2 pif sign ups...


I know Tracy has recived hers ,and so I therefore presume Lissa has hers also(but I do know Lissa has not been too well)...If you is well enough to peek in here maybe you can tell me is it the most hideous gift you have ever received?



This is the cat that I made for Tracy and I wrapped it in Fabric tied with some braid or ribbon so that they could be used in a future project .Photo taken on the bookshelf too show the hieght.



And this thing is what I made Lissa it is called a Chatelaine (at first I thought maybe this was too ladylike for Lissa as she has some name she calls herself that would have some people ohh & ahhing,but I just said dang and went with it)and is worn around the neck-it has wee pockets in it -I placed several different items in the pockets(can't remember what they were,I forgot too take a pic).I also wrapped Lissa's in fabric and tied it with reusable stuffs..

Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Productive long weekend

Well gee whizz 2 posts in one day...

Don't you just love a productive long weekend?I sure do...

This weekend I have pretty much been glued to my sewing stool..and in the kitchen by choice.

I have baked and sewed and baked and sewed....

Firstly Sunday I started to make my pincushion for the secret pincushion partner swap on Lindas Blog and yeah I finished it..but alas I can't show a photo yet-my secret partner might see it and that would ruin the surprise.

I baked a batch of Gluten Free choc chip cookies yummo!Recipe found on Gluten Free Girl blog

Then I made a Gluten Free sticky date pudding hmmmmm! I just replaced certain ingdts with gluten free and it was a success...Recipe found on Jo-da-Chef Blog.

And I also made some Frikadella balls..hmm man they are divine.Recipe Gluten Free Girl Blog.

Today being a public holiday so no go too work yipeeee.

Now you didn't think I was going to show you a full pic did you?

I have made my ninepatch blocks -done in the colours of chosen by other swappers -for the swap in the yahoo group C-R-A-F-T..yeah they are now finished in plenty of time.

I then caught up on my BOM Christmas Wishes by Debbie Mumm,actually I don't think I've mentioned before that I am doing this one-well it's fun and easy,there is some piddly bits but overall I am enjoying it.I am not using the same fabrics as shown but rather what I had in my stash although I did have to go blue(cause I have no blue eeek)..

Block 1 ,2 and 3.

Block 4,5,6 and 7.

Now I feel quite chuffed that I have got so much done,bummer my arm is aching like heck-but truly I am just getting used to having it ache...

I also have nearly finished the challenge project from a Yahoo group patchNquilt which I posted a snippit of in an earlier post..

I have added a thin pink border and I outlined / quilted just inside all the grey blocks,will post a pic when done.

Off now to get the Chicken Casserole started, hope you all had a great weekend.

Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Pay if Forward gift

Oops ..how could I foget to post a pic of my PIF gift that I received from Tracey.

I received a gorgeuos little table mat, a jasmine scented wee candle and some PEZ candy and dispensers...Customs opened the package and inspected it thoroughly but the goods arrived safely and unharmed yeah..

Thankyou soo much Tracey I love it all.

Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.

Home in the rural area.

Well dang firstly this is post 51 so no giveway for post 50 aww well I'll make a giveaway for post 63 as that was a good year.

I thought I'd post some pics of home,we live in a rural area called Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory..it is dry season at present so that means no rain for 6 months so things look a tad brown....

pic on the left was taken standing on the verandah lookin out across the front of the block-we try to keep the house area of the block watered during the dry,pic on the right is looking up the back of the block-dustbowl.

and there is the house on the left ..pic on the right..is of a garden bed near the clothes line

and now blogger is palying funny buggers and taking ages to load pics so I shall call it quits for now...
Cheers Vickie
Thanks for dropping in.