Natalie Ross in Stitches

Snippets of stitching!!

Crikey it's been a mad couple of weeks. Multi tasking to the max.....school holidays......stitching for various things......a touch of spring cleaning...don't know why, cause then it buckets down and blows like a tornado and undoes everything you've just done........!       But that's ok........I love the rain. It's always a good reason to stay indoors and sew sew sew...totally guilt free. Me like THAT!

So......that being said I have another sneeky peeky at one of my other projects that i have designed for Country Hart's retreat at the end of this month. I love this little cutie and I know that the ladies will be very excited indeedy dooooooo!

 I started with some of this..........

 

And Robyn sent me some scrummdiddlyumptious fabrics and I started doing this.........

 

 
Hmmmmmmmm! What tis' it???? I wonder???? thinking thinking............Well unfortunately I can't reveal much more than that so you will have to hold on to your knickers until after halloween people and THEN I can let the cat out of the bag!! Poor thing....hehehe that is such a strange saying. I wonder where it originated from. Does anyone know??

Speaking of cats, my beautiful Katie girl has been admiring the pair of ducks that have taken up residency in our backyard. Are they blind or just fancy themselves as Bonnie and Clyde! I am being strong and not feeding them this year though.

 
They bring their friends and their friends bring friends and then babies come along and blah blah blah.....too traumatic seeing the numbers diminish very quickly with the little ones and my love of wildlife just does not cope so hopefully they will get the hint!

Barry's chuffed about that. More tucker for him! Scrambled egg. Does he not know about the whole "Egg" thing??? strange bird.......

 

Gotta lick the bowl.....it's like licking icing off the cake beaters....god he'd do that too you know! Pushy buzzard...LOL

 

Righto Barry, you're turn for doing brekkie in the morning. Can't wait to see him pour the milk on my muesli.......LOLOLOLOL!!

Have a good one!

Breakfast by Barry "In Stitches"

         

Great weather for ducks!

And Kookaburra's, if you happen to be one!!. Sunday that just past saw a huge amount of rain being dumped on us here on the Central Coast of NSW. A lovely sight I must say. Our spring has started out to be a lovely warm but dry one so the ol' snoz hasn't been a happy camper, nor have the eyeballs for that matter. So a whole day of lazing around on the couch like a potato sharing my DVD treats with Barry....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I watched 3 movies or should I say WE watched 3 movies, sorry Barry and the 2 of us were like a permanent vegie garden.

I have now discovered that Barry likes M & M's..........is there anything he doesn't like??

When we were abruptly moved on later that day by the "What's for dinner" requests.......how rude........! Time for Barry to retire for the evening so while I was putting Barry back in his apartment I spotted (I have my fingers in barry's ears for a moment) my all time favourite bird, the Kookaburra.

This guy or perhaps it's a gal was drenched and from the look of things either enjoying the heavy rain or taking a break! I wonder what he/she is thinking about???? What to cook for tea, yep it's a she, should I do my nails, or wondering if the washing has been taken off the line...........LOL!! Probably still out there.

 

Caught completely off guard, I raced for my camera and unfortunately I didn't have my zoom lense on so this is as close as I could get without ticking her off.

Whoops I think I am busted!!

  

She's off!

 
 
Safe 'n' sound on the good ol' clothes line! Oh the washing has been brought in...........well catch me I'm falling!.........hahahaha

She was absolutely sodden but they are just so grand. I love them! Sorry the pics weren't better quality but if I had fussed with getting the other lense on, well, you know what would have happened.........she would have flown the coup!! Just thought I would share one of my favourite things with you all!

Just before I go I am off down to Country Hart in Port Pirie S.A again this year......YAAAAY......at the end of October with the crazy crazy Gail Pan....LOL! We will be teaching together again for the weekend so really looking forward to that! We had so much fun last time. The girls are so much fun down there and Robyn hosts a fantastic weekend. Here's a sneeky peeky of just one of my designs I have lined up for that weekend. Come to think of it, everytime I go to S.A I have a brilliant time. Must be something about the south! They do have an accent you know....LOL!

 
Back to my other secret squirrel design. Sneeky peeky soon. Promise!!

If all else fails, take flight "In Stitches"......LOL

               

Kindred Stitches!

I have received some pics lately from kindred stitchers who have been happily stitching away a variety of my designs so I thought I would share with you the beautiful work and gorgeous fabric choices from some of our sisters of the Patchwork community!

GO GIRLS!.................. :)

 Firstly we have Sharon who is sounding very organised and busily preparing for Christmas........! Sharon has made my kids' toy bags from my Christmas book for family members. Sharon has used one of Lynette Anderson's Christmas fabric ranges and I must say that they look awesome. Christmas looks great in all different tones of blues, greens, reds etc:

Thanks so much for sharing them Sharon. They look absolutely fabulous!

 

There are lots of fun and easy projects in my Get Red Red for Christmas book. Keep the fun going Sharon! x :)

Now Michelle from "Patchwork Heart" recently had a member from one of her talented team make a sample of my Woodland Magic. This design is one of my personal faves in my design collection.

 
I do believe that Michelle kitted this up so pop on over and have a looksie. Isn't is gorgeous!! It looks so happy. And if you are just starting out with making quilts and applique or are looking for that special project for someone and are running a little low on time, then Woodland Magic is perfect. Thanks so much for sharing Michelle :)

I just want to add a little somethin' somethin' which was given to me by a very special friend. I only get to see her once a year at the JukeJema retreat at Nowra. Her name is Jenny Martin and she is one of the most beautiful souls that has ever come into my life. I have only a hand full of beautiful souls in my life that I am blessed to call my friends. You all know who you are MWAH MWAH........ :)

This is one of Jenny's designs incorporating a little of one of my designs to make it just for me! You may remember me showing you Jenny's beautiful "The Flower Pot People" one of my BOM's.

 
Well Jenny made me this beautiful folder cover. It has plastic sleeves inside so I can keep all my projects in the making in and also notes etc: I so need something like this instead of a ratty manilla folder....LOL! You would think that I would have gorgeous creations for everything I do wouldn't you???? You have heard about the pipes at a Plumbers house haven't you??  LOL............. Check it out.

 
This is the centre block from my quilt.

 
and this is what's on the back. How sweet is it!!

With all the things us ladies have to do in our day, our life, our world, how lucky are we to have stitches.......................and friends in stitches who make us little treasures such as these. So when you are having a super crappy day go and have a snuggle and a sniff of your precious hand made gift that I know you have there. :)

Sisters in stitches.......always!

          

Stitchers Dream Day Out

Technology........GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Last week found me very frustrated and just a little ticked off. You see, while I was away teaching at "The stitchers Dream Day" for The Quilters Angel my house was like HQ for the CIA with some serious You Tube sessions and investigations in progress via massive downloads. Hence, our internet usage maxed out and we were taken down to the speed of a an intoxicated snail that had been in cahoots with a bottle of rum! "10 more bottles of beer on the wall ... 10 more bottles of beer... hic hic hic"

My net surfing speed was PAAAAAINFUL.....it took a kazillion billion million minutes to open my emails (do you like that one?  kazillion billion million haha) and to do a blog post and upload piccies?.................forget about it...LOL! That is just one good reason to be committed.......................... HA! with the bottle of rum!  hehehe

So last weekend I headed up to Toowoomba to teach for the weekend with the effervescent Libby Richardson and the BEAutiful Julie Lovell from Calico Farm. The 3 of us clicked straight away and that was the recipe for a FAB weekend. Here we are doing our talks...well Julie is the one talking and we are listening intently.

 
Sorry that the pics are smallish. This is all I could get my hands on. See my camera decided it was too bloody cold to work. The batteries went flat and it went into hiding with its hot water bottle never to be seen again. Did I mention the cold snap that came through Toowoomba that weekend?? AH HA! Coldest on record.........Queensland, what on earth happened?? Seeing that it's my favourite state I shall forgive you just this once...LOL!

So there's Julie talking then me & then Lib. The marquee looked wonderful and all the ladies had a fantastic time. Yummy goodie bags, yummy lunch and great giveaways. It was special as always to meet blog friends and to make new ones. One cheeky chic that you may know is Kris from Tag Along Teddies. Kris was at the naughty table. There's always at least one naughty table at retreats and just quietly I think Kris was the head honcho! Great to meet you in the flesh Kris and hope you don't mind that I borrowed some snaps. Photo courtesy of Kris Meares. :)

The gorgeous chicky babe pictured with us far right is Helen. This beautiful, wacky, awesomly funny lady is worth bottling. Helen was the cherry on top for the whole weekend.

MWAH Helen.... you rock! xxx

 

There was lots of show and tell and I met 2 wonderful ladies who had made my Hootie's Garden bag. Thanks girls. I love the colours that you have chosen and thankyou for bringing them along to show us all. Sorry, small piccie again!

 

Jenny (pictured left) also made my "The Wonder of Spring" BOM and brought it along to show me. It is magnificent! Thankyou Jenny.

 

It was a top weekend had by all. A little chilly but warm hearts & friendly smiles made it all worth while. Thankyou to Marion for inviting me along. Marion took such good care of us making us feel very welcome and very well feed! My tootsie's say thankyou as well. Marion loaned me a pair of socks as frost bite may have been eminent.  LOL!

 
 
Back to reality. I have so many things on the cooker. That explains my absence. New designs, magazine project and projects for my next retreat which is at "Country Hart" teaching along side my partner in crime Gail Pan. This is at the end of October so book in for a fantastic weekend with Gail and myself. Last year was so much fun and this year will be no different. Robyn knows how to put on a show. 

before I go you are probably wondering why haven't I revealed my projects from last weekend. I do need them for a retreat but I am remaking them in different fabrics along with a secret surprise project as well so if you happen to see them in blogland the next time you do see them they will look totally different....... ;) cheeky aren't I........ :)

Keep smiling "in Stitches"

       

My weekend at Nowra - Sequel

Me again........with more fun pics and tales from the JukeJema retreat.  First up is another finished retreat seat from Sandra and a one in the making. I am loving how different they all look with the individual fabric choices. And before I show any pics the pattern is available now and you can get "My keeper of all things lovely" as we speak from these stores here in Australia.

www.countryhart.com.au       S.A

www.fabricpatch.com.au       QLD

www.cookiesandcreamcraft.com.au     N.S.W

www.thequiltershive.com            N.S.W

www.countrypickins.com.au        N.S.W

Here is Sandra's retreat seat and it's so lovely just like her. :) Thanks so much for sharing Sandra and spending the weekend with you was awesome....you're too funny!

 

Here are the pockets from Glenda's seat and I am sure she has completed it by now.........haven't you Glenda!!  LOL

 
Now the weekend wasn't complete without show 'n' tell. There is always wonderful show 'n' tell at a retreat but this one was a little different and particularly phenomenal. All the ladies who were there last year were given a challenge that they were to make one or two of each of our designs. Being one of mine, Annie's & Janelle's. There was also some other works on display as well and WOW, the ladies did not disappoint.

The quilt that the ladies chose to do of mine was mainly "The Flower Pot People". Here's a squizzy at some beautiful work. Here's trouble...LOL. Margaret & Kay worked on this together and it looks stunning. They are 2 cheeky gals and it's always lovely to see them at JukeJema each year along with Sandy.N. (she's related you know).

 

And speaking of the bubbly Sandy, here is her gorgeous work of art!

 
I was sitting down the front with Janelle & Annie and it was gob smackingly awesome to see how much work all the ladies had done. I was very touched indeed. *tear...tissue* :)

And here is my beautiful friend Jenny. A little ray of sunshine and a walking, talking stitching machine she is she is!!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the colours the colours. I love each and every one of them my chicky babes. Thankyou so much!

Now just a couple more pics to show you and I shall save the rest for part 3 otherwise I will have to call intermission and the popcorn machine is out of order!!.

Here is me & Jenny and this is my "Ladybirds on Patrol" quilt. And 2 spunky ladybirds..LOL!

 

And just one more I promise. This is Pippa and she is a genius. Pippa has made my "Ladybirds on Patrol" as you can see and has modified it into a Roman blind!!! Clever gal. I love it........................ :)

 
So there you have it..... a fest of colour & creativity!!

Back soon for the final installment.

Fun, favourite things & friends "In Stitches"

                  

My weekend at Nowra - Part one

Well, what can I say................ what a fabulous weekend it was at JukeJema's annual stitching retreat at Waterslea. Monday and Tuesday for me has been a blur, nearly lost my voice, suffering lock jaw from laughing, ran out of Tena Lady's and just starting to feel my wacky normal self again. LOLOLOL Janelle and I had a great trip down. A bit of drizzly rain here and there but overall a great run. Talked non stop. Not even the radio stood a chance!

We taught along side Annie Downs and the three of us have done this gig before so it was special to be able to do it again.

 

All the ladies who attended the retreat were particularly special. Great to see familiar faces and to have some new ones too. A gold star goes out to Shiree & Colleen who came all the way over from New Zealand. Hope you had a wonderful time girls, it was great to finally meet you :) So who was the Captain of this ship?? Well THE most gorgeous girl.....Kim and her second in charge THE most cheeky Carol...........! You never disappoint girls. You are amazing! Thankyou :) MWAH

Carol on the left...Kim on the right :)

 

Kim's mum, a lady who is wrapped in loveliness, every year makes all the amazing gifts that the ladies get in their gift bags, was once again THE winner of the hardest working stitcher there. Here we are.................snuggle snuggle.

 
 And here is just one of the gifts that Margaret stitched. I think about 70 of each and there was one gift representing each of the tutors so quick calculation.........de dum de dum.....210....YOWZA!   or there abouts.

 
How cute hey! I am going to give this to my sister Mel as I have one that I made from my copy of Janelle's book. And last but definitely not least for part one of my weekend show 'n' tell is my project.

 
OOOHHHH! Just had to sneak this in first........Where have I seen that chirpy little chap before??? Of course, my Woodland Magic quilt. He was made and presented on the goodie bags representing me. What a gentleman... :) 

All the ladies loved it and that's what it's all about. You always hope that your projects you design for retreats are going to be received well and it was. So here is "My keeper of all things lovely" which is a 2 piece set consisting of a block keeper and something a bit fancy shmancy. What I like to call a retreat seat.

 
This is such a versatile project. You have the nice soft pillow to keep your bottom happy and 3 side pockets that hang at each side for your sewing needs. Saddle bags I like to call them, & pretty good lookin' ones at that! hehe Threads, rotary cutter, scissors, glasses, the list goes on. You could have one in your sewing room, take it to the footy, on a picnic............anything goes!

This was inspired by a friend of mine while we were at this same retreat last year that I should design something that you could hang off your chair and keep all your bits in that you would normally have on the table. So think of how much more space you will have now ladies at your next retreat.

I just have to put some finishing touches to the pattern cover tonight and the pattern is ready for release to the shops. Now the block keeper speaks for itself. A sweet stitchery on the front of one of my garden girls with some fun easy piecing, measuring in at 14 inches square. Perfect for the next quilt or to keep your stitcheries safe and secure!

Now before I go I shall leave you with a pic of Sandy G's completed retreat seat from the weekend and I shall return in a few days with part two!

Sandy used batiks and it looks sensational! Isn't she gorgeous :)

 
I have heaps more to share and lots of show 'n' tell. That is just awesome so stayed tuned folks and I will see you in a couple of days!!

Happy days & Tena Lady's "in stitches"

               

Road trip!

In the words of Willie Nelson....................."On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again".......... can you hear me singing??? with a twang of course....LOL

As you read this I am already there and well and truly into my weekend of stitching and splendidness. This is JukeJema Quilting Barn's annual weekend stitching retreat at Waterslea in Nowra. I was lucky enough to be invited again by the beautiful Kim to come and teach and be a part of the weekend along with Janelle and Annie and all the wonderful girls that attend each year and some newies as well, so that's great to see.

I taught with Janelle and Annie in 2009 so we are back together again.......sort of like Charlie's Angels...LOL....I'll be Jacklyn Smith. The gorgeous leggy brunette. We'll go with the 70's version and Janelle and Annie can fight as to who will be Farrah Fawcett...LOL.... don't fancy myself as a blonde! Don't have the complexion...that's all...hehehehe!!

I have designed something quite different, interesting and a little bit fancy for the girls, I must say! So as soon as I get back I shall reveal for you all :)

So until then have yourselves a fantabulous weekend!!

Thellie & Lou Lou hit the road "in stitches"

                 

Renoir, Picasso or Monet?

Or how about Charlie!

My cousin's eldest boy Charlie who is only 6 yrs old went along to some art classes last Christmas school holidays. Jeepers it could have even been earlier and I have been meaning to share his artworks with you all for ages now.

Very very impressive I must say. He had never been and it seems that it runs in the family. We have a lot of creative relatives in both the artistic and musical fields and Charlie has definitely inherited one of these traits.

Check out these pieces.

Firstly there is the "Ship". What I love about this piece the most is that he has painted the ship from a head on view and most children if not all would have drawn and painted a ship or boat from a side on view. That's how they would have thought about it. Most interesting!! The colours are awesome too. Love the water.

 

And "The Wolf". Very abstract and the teeth are a bit scary too. This guy looks like he should be in a childrens story book. I can't make up my mind which is my favourite. Hmmm I think I will have to say both of them because they both "ROCK"..... well done Charlie :)

 

Well it certainly looks like the little man has some talent and he's pretty good on the footy field too! This is his first year playing rugby league and he is loving it. So I just had to share these awesome artworks with you all. I always love seeing what the little ones draw and paint. Artworks from the innocent...................priceless :)

Picasso eat your heart out! hehe

With paint brush in hand "in stitches"

             

@home with Katie

It's been difficult lately to add "must blog" to my "To do" list but I am happy to say that it has been on my mind so that's a good thing!

Just a quick update on what my Katie girl has been up too since joining our family. It has been 8 months now if you can believe that and she has made herself quite at home thankyou very much!

She is my little shadow and quite the bed hog as well. Morrie and Katie have become quite good friends although I think that Morrie just goes along with all that Katie asks of Morrie due to that fact that her claws are sharper than his......LOL! They do compete for my lap AND Morrie has taken to leaving the bed in the middle of the night and bunking in with Jack because fo Katie........BOO HOO.....very put out indeedy doo!

Gus on the other hand is a different story all together. Katie has not taken to him at all and gives him what for, whenever, for no reason. My poor big marshmallow is very unhappy about this. Gussy is such a softie. I think it's because he is so big and has a lot to say. What's wrong with having a lot to say....I say?  hehe

Katie is however such the woman and does quite a good job of getting the washing sorted....... we have had quite a bit of rain lately and I hate using the dryer so I put the clothes on the hoist in the kitchen under the air con. Katie is straight on it.......like walking a tight rope........and has a ball. It must be so uncomfortable but she seems fascinated by it.

 

And there's nothing like having an assistant to help with the pegs!

 
And guess what????????????????????????????

She can cook too!!  big smiles! big smiles!

 

Her favourite...... Steak and Kidney pie.........and what's that I see????? Is that a Ladybird?........... awwwwwwwwe ain't that sweet.........Thanks Katie girl! My clever domestic Kitty Chef!

Time for a cap nap? "in stitches"

         

Way too cool!

I just received an email from an animal loving friend with a link to a video that is just way too cool!

If you love animals, especially dogs and you have a dog that you think is the coolest.......like I do......LOL.

Then check this out..... Clever 4 paws!!

Just had to share. Have a fab day!

 http://www.wimp.com/boardsports/

Man's best friend "In Stitches"