All Things Vintage

I Love Making Stuff!

2012-01-28T14:05:00.009+10:00

Even though it has been raining, it has been perfect weather for making things!
I've made a couple of these zippered bags... one for my husbands cousin and one for my silk thread cotton reels! They are such handy little bags.

I love this fabric.

I used the Faith, Hope and Love cotton tape for little wrist straps.

Back view of the bags.

My husbands cousin has got me into cheese making! When we were in Sydney last week she showed me how to make Labneh cheese.

It's a delicious cream cheese and very, very easy to make. It's wonderful for dips and salads, but I also just love it spread on bread or toast.

This batch I made is marinated in oil, infused with garlic, pepper and chilli flakes!
It's soooo good!
I have also (finally) bought myself a yoghurt maker and I'm having a lot of fun with that too!
I hope you are all having a very creative, productive day!
Have fun whatever you're doing!
Oh yes, by the way..... it's STILL raining!

Today is Australila Day!

2012-01-26T11:21:00.004+10:00

Happy Australia Day!

I hope you are having a ripper of a day!
These are just a few images of Aussie things around me that I love...
Kookaburras sitting on the Hills Hoist...Vegemite.... and they even changed their label to celebrate Australia Day!Lamingtons....mmmmmm......

This cross stitch sampler I made years ago in 2001. I loved it the first time I saw it, and when I discovered it had all lovely giggle buttons in it to finish it off.. I just knew I had to make it!

I hope you are all having a wonderful day... whatever you are doing...
I am making cheese today, hoping to make a bag for my cousin....
Oh and washing, washing, washing... now that the rain has stopped and the sun has come out!
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
Oi! Oi! Oi!
Have a good one!

(Edit) I was lucky enough to have the night off from work as it was Australia Day and was able to watch the tennis all day and all night!!!! Bliss!!!! Last nights game between Rafa and Roger was amazing... although I was going for Federer... you can't begrudge the game going to Nadal as he played so well. What an awesome match.. I love watching these two play and I hope I get to see them live next January in Melbourne.
It was a very Happy Australia Day!

Friends, Floods and Finishes....(well sort of!)

2012-01-25T21:42:00.009+10:00

Our Tuesday Stitching get together was made even more special yesterday, with the visit of these two special blogging buddies! De, on the left, came all the way over from the North side to visit and brought along Vicki..... all the way from Tassy! We are all past and present members of our on line group Friends in Stitching.

This photo is just after the girls opened their presents to each other... beautiful handmade fabric clocks!

De, Vicki, Helen, Tereasa and Me... in Tereasa's gorgeous shop.
It was such a great day, with lots of laughter, chatting, catching up and there was stitching too!!!
The girls had an awful trip over to us as the rain has been non stop over the past few days... so Thank You....BIG TIME.... for coming to visit us and spend the day... It was SO MUCH FUN...
It was lovely to meet you De and lovely to see you again Vicki xx

Mary had show and tell yesterday with a finish of her "Jelly Roll Race" quilt... isn't it just gorgeous!

Now to the flooding... as I was saying, it has been raining here non stop and getting to work today proved to be quite a hassle. As my normal route was flooded, I had to go the long way and then even that way was looking like it was going to flood too. Luckily the rain stopped about lunch time and the waters receded enough for me to make it home without any problems.

This creek is normally much, much lower than this...
And has even dried up on the odd occasion over the years.
Thank goodness it doesn't look like this very often!

I have finally managed to make a start on Melody's Penny Rug BOM. If you go here... you will see the first part of making this penny rug. It's so nice to be using the wool pieces I've been collecting over the last year. Most of them came from the lovely Fiona of Bubz Rugz.... so "Thank You" to Fiona for all those lovely pieces of wool and "Thank You" Melody for this gorgeous free BOM...
Hope you are all having a lovely week!

What Makes Me Happy 23.1.2012

2012-01-23T01:01:00.000+10:00

Today is my baby's 21st birthday!!!
He's such a long way from home and I miss him so much.

I wish we could all be there with him to celebrate this milestone.....
but I hope his day is amazing, wonderful, happy, exciting and full of love!

Happy Birthday James!
I love you so much,
Mum xx

Happy Monday everyone! Have a great day!

Still on the Road....

2012-01-18T19:12:00.002+10:00

So much has been happening on our trip to Sydney....
We have been visiting lots of family, which has been wonderful! We've stopped and ferreted around lots of antique shops (and I've picked up a couple of little things). We've been eating some delicious food and generally been having an AMAZING time.
Today we were also lucky enough to catch up with my lovely friend, Lynda, who I met through blogging!
I will post more about our trip when I get near a computer - its so much slower on my phone!
Hope you are all having a great week,
Teresa xx

What makes me happy 16/1/2012

2012-01-16T12:10:00.002+10:00

Woo Hoo... Road trip.
We have been wanting to visit family down in Sydney for ages....so yesterday my husband and I made the decision to just pack a bag and GO!
We left early this morning after I finished work..... Grabbed The Eagles, Creedence Clearwater and Bob Seger, a pack of lollies and some bottles of water and we're off!
Right now we're almost at Kempsey, passed the big banana at Coffs Harbour a while back....bought ourselves some local fresh oysters.
I just love spur of the moment decisions especially when they involve a road trip.
We've just realized this is the first trip in 21 years that we've done without the kids ... It feels really weird to not have them sitting in the backseat of the car!
Happy Monday to you ...have a great day!
Teresa xx

Look Out London and Some Dear Jane Sewing..

2012-01-13T15:40:00.003+10:00

Well James has arrived safely in London after leaving last Wednesday night. It was hard to see him go... but also exciting, knowing he is going to have an amazing time.Getting to the airport early, as you have to.... meant we had some time to share, some dinner and plenty of time to muck up for the camera.....

"Brotherly Love"
he he... I love this photo.
I have already spoken to James, yesterday while he waited in Singapore for his connecting flight...
and today in London when he arrived.
We are so lucky these days with the ease of communication that we have.

I have also managed today to add to my Dear Jane blocks.
This quilt is definitely going to be a "slowly but surely" quilt!!!

3 nice, easy quick blocks with minimal piecing and some applique.

Hope you are managing to get some sewing done today too! It's been so hot here lately, but today is a little cooler... thank goodness.... which makes it a bit easier and more comfortable to sew.
Have a great weekend!

What Makes Me Happy 9/1/2012

2012-01-09T17:41:00.003+10:00

Making me happy today is this wonderful parcel of goodies I received in the mail...all the way from Belgium. My lovely blogging friend Katrien sent me this for Christmas and it was definitely worth the wait (thanks to the overworked postman!!)
How lucky am I? The serviettes have the cutest little animals (including my favourite, the owl) on them with Santa hats. There's a lovely little packet of Christmas tissues that are way too nice to use! Some delicious chocolates which survived the month long trip over to Australia... but then only lasted about 15 minutes! (he he)
And my absolute favourite little needle holder... "Bob"...
I first saw him on Katriens blog and I fell in love with him...
I tried to get the pattern myself, but failed...
So imagine my joy when I opened the parcel and found, not only the pattern for Bob in there... but a kit for him as well!!!

I was so thrilled.... I made him up straight away!
First of all, though, I had to translate the Dutch instructions!
I love Google translate!!!

Thank you so much Katrien for this wonderful surprise...
I just love it!!!
I hope you are having a Happy Monday too!

Family

2012-01-07T15:10:00.007+10:00

The last few days have been focused on family and it's been wonderful. James has been home for a few days and made the most of his time... fishing and motorbiking with his dad!

My Mum has been home also for a few days and we had a BIG family get together at my Dads....

My Dad... ever the entertainer... amazed us all (including himself) with this trick dropping the ice cube into the drink... and it actually made it in without spilling a drop...he he!

Me, my boys and my sister enjoying Dads barbecue immensely...

My gorgeous brother and sister in-law!

Me and my Mum...
Such a great night... so much laughter and fun... so much hugging and kissing!!!

The following night we all went into West End to the Greek restaurant, Ouzeri, and had dinner for James 21st birthday and also to wish him "Bon Voyage" for his trip next week. It was the best night as there was so much family able to attend. Many of us are spread all over the country these days, so it was perfect timing to have so many of us there.

Another fun night!

There was 24 of us, so you can imagine our one long table. A lot of my family and my husbands family haven't seen each other for years, so it was wonderful to all get together again.
It was great to see everyone chatting and telling "Remember when..." stories.

James and his grandfather....Some of the girls...
Hubby and I trying to get a nice photo of the two of us and getting photo bombed by James in the process...he he.... I love this pic!
Jack and Jess and (if you look closely) the 2 Daniels trying their hardest to be in the photo too!!!
The food was delicious...
We had the Greek banquet and food just kept appearing on the table.......
Of course the deserts were divine... Baklava!!!
It was a truly wonderful night and my face is still aching from all the laughing and smiling!
I love my family!!!
It's been a crazy, hectic few days... but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

A couple of finishes....

2012-01-05T11:39:00.006+10:00

Over on Shez blog (here) I saw a wonderful bag a friend had made for her. The black and white fabric she had used had a picture of Audrey Hepburn on it. I checked out where she got the fabric from and it was actually upholstery fabric and there was also a Marilyn Monroe piece. They were perfect for cushion covers and match my purchased Eiffel Tower cushion on our lounge chair.

So lovely and easy to make and the fabric is like tapestry.

Each half metre of fabric has 3 squares on it of the faces, so you can make 3 cushions or bags (like Shez) or whatever.. I've left a couple of squares of each print as I'd really like to make a bag (or two) as well.

This is the fabric I used for the back of the cushions, so either way they look great (and comfy).

In my last post I showed you a piece of fabric that I wanted to make something out of. It's called Blue Paris and has such a large, gorgeous print on it, that I didn't want to cut it up too much and destroy the print. I decided to make bags out of it and there was enough to make 2 generous tote bags....One for my Mum and one for myself (maybe!!)...

I found a piece of blue fabric in my stash that matched perfectly for the lining and added a pocket to the inside.
I am going to see my Mum today as she's here for 2 days on her way from Cairns to Moree. Most of the family will be there, so I'm really looking forward to it.
It's been so nice to get the sewing machine out and make a few things and I hope that mojo sticks around for a bit... it went missing over Christmas!
Hope you're having a wonderful Thursday!!!

Just Mooching Around...

2012-01-03T13:35:00.003+10:00

This morning I was feeling just like my cat....
not very motivational....
sleepy and slow.....
just mooching around.....This was me last night... sitting with my feet up with my best friend on my lap, watching the tennis! Not even a sign of any stitching to be found!!!!Then after a yummy breakfast.....I started reading a few blogs and all of a sudden the inspiration and enthusiasm came flooding back.
This is a NEW YEAR...
full of possibilities, and endless imagination...new challenges, new goals, adventures to be taken, new projects to start and old projects to finish, UFO lists to conquer, dreams to fire up the imagination and....
EVERY SECOND COUNTS!!!
So the tennis is still on the TV, and I'm listening to it! .... but I'm also on fire to achieve something today and every day...

First things first, I've got this gorgeous piece of fabric to make something out of....

* * *
So much happening this week...
Tomorrow the boys are going fishing with their Dad and Grandfather... something they haven't done together for years....
My Mum is here on Thursday for one evening only!!!!! so it's off to Dad's for the day and evening to catch up with her...
Friday we're going out with as much family as we can, to celebrate James 21st Birthday....
Before he heads off to the UK next week...
Holy Cow.... So much to do, but at least now I'm not mooching...
Hope you're finding your New Year Mojo too!!!
Have a great day!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-12-31T09:17:00.004+10:00

I wish you all the best for the New Year!
I hope 2012 is a year full of love, happiness, good health and good fortune.

Being my last post for 2011 I wanted to share a picture of my youngest son and I last week on Christmas Eve. We work at the same place, but rarely work at the same time. Last week we spent Christmas Eve working together and today, New Years Eve, we'll be working together again. It's very strange to see him at work, but I love it.
Last week he wore a Santa suit for the first couple of hours, but as it got too hot he had to take it off... though we both managed to keep our Santa hats on for most of the day.
Well I'd better go and start work...
All the best to you and I will see you soon, in the New Year!
Have a great day!!!!

Swap Gifts Given

2011-12-30T14:42:00.006+10:00

These are the presents I sent to my partner in the Friends in Stitching Swap. Five small presents leading up to Christmas.....And this bag was the main present. It's a Lynette Anderson design with embroidery on the pocket.

I've never used these handles before, but I love them.

I was also in Fees Advent swap again this year, and this is what I sent to my partner Maree.

For the main present I made Maree a table runner....

This is one of Robyn, of Daisy Quilts, patterns and I've made this runner twice now. I just love this pattern and the clever way it is put together.

I hope my partners liked their presents as much as I enjoyed making the presents for them.
Have a great day!!!

Gifts Received

2011-12-29T15:13:00.004+10:00

I am in love with my new speakers!!! This is what Jack gave me for Christmas and I just love it. It's the pig from the game Angry Birds, but the sound these speakers give out is amazing. That's my new phone in the top and it's playing music my son James gave me - the Black Keys and Gotye.

I have been very spoilt with this DVD (Jack), my lovely Parisian plate (Brock) and this book I've been wanting for ages (James)..... Thank you so much xxxxxx

In the mail, just before Christmas, I received this gorgeous hexagon doily and scissor fob from Melody... aren't they just beautiful? It was a wonderful surprise!The beautiful cup and plate with Paris scene, and cute little stitchery is from my lovely friend Virginia.... she knows me soooo well! I love them and can't believe how spoilt I've been this Christmas. This is what I received in my Friends in Stitching Swap. My partner was Jane and she made me this gorgeous embroidered table topper and journal cover. The embroidery is just beautiful especially on the crisp white... I just love them.
I also received all these goodies in the same swap... dainty crochet flowers, lace, threads, tissue cover, body lotion and other beautiful smelling sachets and bath bombs and yummy chocolates and candy canes. In Fees advent swap I received all these wonderful little goodies from my partner Maree. There are so many wonderful presents here... I especially love the little pattern, keyring, Tilda threads and notepad... This was soooo much fun to open and I love them all.

The main present from Maree is this little cushion. The fabrics and colours are just ME! Thanks so much Maree!

I received so many lovely things for Christmas and I am so lucky to have such wonderful, thoughtful family and friends.....
I will be back to show you what I gave my partners in my swaps this year!
Have a great day!!!

Christmas Day/Boxing Day

2011-12-27T11:06:00.003+10:00

Christmas Day was wonderful this year as James was home with us.

We spent Christmas day at my in-laws and the evenings card game was a lot of fun..... So much fun that on Boxing Day.......

Michael was feeling a little under the weather!!!
We spent Boxing Day at my Dads and although many of the family weren't here this year, we had a lovely time.

It's always special when I get to see my brother!!!

What Makes Me Happy 26/12/2011

2011-12-26T20:39:00.004+10:00

Ahhhhh.....without a doubt... making me very happy is having both my boys home and spending precious time with them over the last 2 days.
I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and were able to spend your time with those you love as well....
Will be back to show you some of the gorgeous presents I've been lucky enough to receive soon.
Happy Monday!

Merry Christmas to you!

2011-12-24T06:25:00.000+10:00

I would like to wish all my friends and their families a very
Merry Christmas full of
love, joy and happiness!
I hope you get to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy every second.