21 st Party all over - Wow what a great night

Well where do I start, the last week has been very hectic, Geoffrey and I left for Sydney last Wednesday stopping in to visit Janelle on the way, it was great to see her. Then after a stop in at Peters of Kensington (great shop) we eventually made in to Carmen and Chris' home for the night (they are the parents of Liz, Nicole's travel companion) thanks for an enjoyable evening. Thursday morning early we met the girls at Sydney airport, it was great to see them and catch up on all their adventures over the past 3 months. The 5 hours trip home soon turned into a very long day with a shopping list that we needed to complete before our return home. Nicole had been hoping to have a dress made in Hong Kong for her party but because of Chinese New Year there was no hope so she purchased some gorgeous silk fabric for me to make a dress for her and one for myself to wear to the party (Saturday night).

So Friday sometime I started the dress making, thank goodness the two patterns we picked out were both easy ones, this is a photo of Nicole and I along with Geoffrey, at the party with our new dresses on, they looked great if I must say so myself.

After an enjoyable evening Friday night, with a few of Nicoles school friends staying over it was time to finish off the dresses and make the birthday cake ready for the party. Her party was in Tamworth and what a great night we all had, about 120 family and friends joined us to celebrate her 21st Birthday (it was actually 26/12 while she was in England), the theme for the night was a dash of Oriental, there was lots of finger food to nibble on, champagne and drinks all round, fantastic music to dance to and lots of fun and laughter. It is so hard to believe that my little girl is 21, I am just not sure where the years have gone to. It was so wonderful that so many friends and family could make the trip to Tamworth to share this special time with us, we have heaps of photo's to remember the occasion, I have made a mini album to put them all into so will have to do that one day.

Here is a photo of the cake, we got 3/4's of the way through the evening and realised it was still in the cool bag so after a rushed job this is what it looked like, 60 small chocolate cakes in little oriental boxes with a heart on the top layer. After a late night, Sunday saw lots of the guests arrive for lunch at home which was very nice to have them visit before their long trips home. Nicole has many wonderful friends, so I decided to make her a small quilt using lots of photos of them all, this is her with the start of the quilt top I presented to her at the party, everyone signed the patches, so now I will add lots more photos before completing the quilt which she will have for ever to remember the night.

So after a huge weekend I am ready for a good nights sleep, Happy 21 st Nicole.

Kerry

PS reminder about the draw this week for everyone who comments on my blog to celebrate it's first birthday.

My mind is blank


Well I am just having one of those moments when I am not sure exactly where to start. Last week was a very sad week for my family as we lost a close friend and work mate to cancer, he will be sadly missed around here as he started working for Geoffrey's father at the age of 14, some 40 odd years ago. In true Nundle form his funeral was huge and his send off was shared with a few (or should I say lots) cold beers and lots of stories about his life, 3 cheers for the shearer in the purple suit, we will miss having you around.

I seem to have been really busy creating but haven't got much to show for it yet, I started on a quilt last week using the Angel Among Us range which is coming up well, will post a photo when the quilt top is altogether.

A friend gave me a very cute bag for christmas and inside was a small journal so I was working on it yesterday and decided to make it into my 2006 Christmas Journal, so here is the front cover and one of the pages from inside, these are my two men in my life, 17 year old son Sebastian and my darling husband Geoffrey.

Yesterday Geoffrey and I spent lots of time in the Garden, even though it was a very hot day, we just had to plant out lots of plants I had sitting here in pots. After building a new shed outside the yard last year we decided to extend the fence line again, so hench the garden was then extended out to met the new fence. I will post a photo later when everything starts flowering.

Nicole is due back from her 3 months overseas this week, we will be picking her up at Sydney airport. At present she is in Hong Kong spending the week sight seeing and shopping. Just two days after she arrives home we are having a party to celebrate her 21st, this should be great to catch up with lots of her friends and their families, then it is back to uni for her next week. Last year of her nursing degree.

I fully intend sitting here today by the computer writting my Feb. newsletter, this will be available on my web site www.cottageonthehill.com.au for anyone interested in reading all about what is going on in the shop over the next few months.

And remember my blog is one year old on Feb. 16th, anyone leaving a comment will go into the draw to win the page pictured a couple of posts back, so all those that visit my blog leave a message it's easy, simply click on comments at the bottom of this post and follow the directions.

So until I post again, thanks for dropping by , have a great week

Kerry

Australia Day 2007

Australia Day 2007

Well for all those that don't exactly know where Nundle is , it is only 45 minutes drive south east of Tamworth, which is known as the Country Music Captial. At this time of the year it comes alive with The Annual Country Music festival, I think the figures are something like over 800 live performances, talents quests, hundreds of Buskers in the streets, free concerts in the parks, you name it, it's happens in Tamworth during the festival. We ventured in there yesterday on a bus with lots of friends from around the area. First stop was the Long Yard Hotel, and that was as far as Geoffrey and I got. We spent the afternoon chatting to friends and listening to the free bands before making our way to the Goonoo Goonoo Room to watch the Bush Whackers, they have been around for years but they were still brilliant, we had such a great time, ears were ringing, hands aching from clapping and feet sore from taping along to their incredible beat. Before joining the rest of the group for the road trip home we had and enjoyable dinner with friends to top a great day out. It always feels good to be part of such a fantastic festival.
Sorry no photos, didn't feel like taking my camera.
I am planning on sewing this afternoon, working on another quilt for a shop sample so will post a photo when I get it finished.
Have a great weekend.
Kerry
PS. I forgot to mention that Sebastian was awarded an Australian Day Medal at our local celebrations in Nundle, he was awarded the Sportmans Medal for his sporting acheivements over the last 3 years, he first received this award back on Australia Day 2004. Typical Mum but I am extremely proud of him (also extremely proud of Nicole) but thats what mothers are meant to be.

Thanks for dropping by and Competition

Thanks to everyone who pops in to read what I've been up to here on the hill, I have changed my settings so that anyone can comment so please if you pop in leave me a message, everyone who leaves a message over the next few weeks will go in the draw to win a bag.
On Feb 16th it will be one year since my first posting so to celebrate my blogs birthday I will draw my competition, so be in it to win. I look forward to seeing how many of you leave messages.








I have found a little time to sew this week, in between many other jobs, I decided to grap a jelly roll off the shelves and make up a quilt top with it, this post and rail design was very simple and so so easy with the pre cut Jelly roll. I just have to wait for some fabrics to come in to sew on the borders, so will post it again when totally finished. I was very pleased with this quilt and it took all of about 3 hours to sew up, that includes talking time. The jelly rolls really are a great way to go.















I can't believe there is only one week left of the long summer school holidays, they have just flown. Even Sebastian can't believe that they are nearly over.
We have a very busy week ahead with our Annual on property Ram sale on Thursday, Geoffrey will be very happy when that is over, these are a few of the little chaps on sale, hopefully they bring good dollars.


Have a great weekend to all, look forward to seeing some more comments.

Kerry

some of my new quilts for 2007

Just a short post, it far too hot to be out here in my office with my computer on, so I will make it fast.
These are 3 of my latest quilts,
Chocolate Treats, is a very simple one, made using 2 charm packs plus borders, I have kits cut ready for it using different fabrics for the borders.














This quilt is a child's quilt I have made using fabulous circus fabric, the photo doesn't do it justice at all, in each of the main blocks Betty has quilted a bunch of balloons and the circus prints are so cute. I have made it up into a kit as well.



















The 3rd quilt is the one I have been working on over the past few days, finished it yesterday.
This is a pattern I bought from Cananda, called Butterscotch Pie, I have used Thimbleberries Charm Packs, as well as lots of other fabrics, once again it is available in kit form. I have cut the quilt using my Tri Rec ruler set. It will be in the post tomorrow to be quilted so will be hanging in the shop soon.




















Until it cools down, I am going to have to turn this computer off and head back to the shop to the air conditioning.
Have a good week
Kerry

How Lucky am I

Today in the mail I received a parcel all the way from Fort North in the USA, it was a surprise parcel from Linda from Craft Apple Creations, I sent her a copy of 'Blackberry Jam & Cream" for Christmas and in return she sent me an original, handmade Seamstress Apron. She has just released this as her very first pattern, I am so thrilled to have received it, I am sure I will be able to put it to good use. Thanks Heaps Linda. Also enclosed was a copy of the pattern and a beautiful hand made card. I treasure anything handmade that I receive as a gift.



The apron has lots of pockets to hold pencil, rotary cutter, tape measure, scissors etc.
It will be very handy in the shop.








Wow another very hot day, I did manage to finish off piecing the quilt top I ve been working on just need to sew on the borders, so I will take a photo tomorrow and let everyone have a look, then it will be off to Betty to be quilted, before I display it in the shop as one of the new quilts for this years Workshops.
Until then lets pray for a change in the weather, rain would be good.
Kerry

Gracie Ann Finished

Just a really short post before heading off to bed on this very hot evening, I thought I would share with you a photo of My Angel doll that I started on the weekend, she is finished and ready to find a home in my home. I do hope she watches over me.
Have been busy trying to fit in some sewing, I have just about pieced a quilt top together, called Butterscotch Pie, its looking fantastic so will share a photo as soon as I finish off the top. I had to stop sewing tonight as the insects were so bad inside, just had to turn off the lights, now they are crawling all over me sitting by the computer.
So until next time, stay safe
Kerry

Lots of Angels, tall Angels

At my Christmas Gathering, Fiona, a wonderful kindred spirit, inspired us with her interpretation of an Angel that was in homepsun magazine earlier in 2006. There was a group of us that fell in love with her and decided to all get together yesterday to make one each. There were 15 of us, the shop was filled with chatter, laughter, a few crude stories, while we spent the day creating our extremely tall but stunning Angels. Thanks heaps to Fiona for her tips along the way and for Craig for his wood work skills, we couldn't have finished them without him.
Here is a couple of photos of the group with some nearly completed Angels, I must add mine is still in an unfinished state as per usual, I never seem to find time to sew when there is a class on.
Hopefully today I might get her finished.

Thanks girls for a great day, and yes we will do it again when I have a free Saturday. Any suggestions for a class just let me know.
I will try and pop back later to post a photo of the first completed quilt for 2007.
Have a great day.
Kerry

Happy New Year...........................

It's New Years Eve and its raining, I don't think the young ones are too happy with the rain, it has spoilt their plans for this evening, but we are not complaining, it's just lovely. Brings smiles to our faces.
2006 has been a great year, a few words that come to mind to reflect the last 12 months - hectic, busy, drought, creative, family, friends old and new, good times, learnt heaps, adventures, celebrations I suppose the list could go on and on. It has been a good year so to everyone who has been apart of my year thanks for your friendship, your love and support.


My thoughts and prays go out to my daughter Nicole and her friend Elizabeth who have had a awful ordeal in Prague over the last couple of days, its hard being a parent on the other side of the world feeling useless. Do hope they see the good side of Prague tonight and have a safe return to England tomorrow.


Enjoy yourselves tonight but most of all stay safe and well, I look forward to a fantastic and happy 2007.

Kerry

Where do I start
Well Christmas has come and gone, do hope you all had a happy and safe time.
We celebrated quitely with friends for a ymmy festive dinner Christmas eve, then just the 3 of us on Christmas day, while I was at Church, Geoffrey & Sebastian feed the Rams and the cattle so that we could head over to my parents place at Tuncurry, just 3 hours drive away on Christmas afternoon. Mum and Dad were by themselves so we thought we could manage a day away. It was sad not having Nicole with us, for her first Christmas away, but the world is such a small place and we spoke a couple of times on the phone which was nice. She had friends with her so that made her day happy and enjoyable.

Boxing Day, saw my baby girl turn 21 years old, and here she is thousands of miles away, once again we sopke a few time on the phone to bridge the gap. We are planning a party to celebrate her 21st when she arrives home in Feburary. I ve become an Ebay shopper and purchased all this beautiful Royal Winton for her 21st. She started a collection when she was about 12years old, so this will be something to remember her 21st by in years to come.


The week before Christmas, the local ladies in our Paper Bag Quilt, (friendship quilt) which has been running most of the year, got to gether to return the bags to their owners. There were 8 of us in the group, here are a few photos of the blocks they received back, and now the fun begins, we have set a dead line for the quilt tops to be together by 1/3/07.





This is Jo with her collection of Australian fabrics made into stars

Then we have Emily with her Seed Packet Stitcheries

Ros was so pleased with her blocks or should I say rows, looking forward to seeing what she comes up with for her quilt, great country colours.

Bonnie's blocks looked great, I am sure she will have fun putting her quilt together as well.

So sorry to make this such a long post, do hope you all have a great new Years Eve. I look forward to getting stuck into lots of sewing over the next few weeks so keep checking back to see what new quilts I make.

Thanks for dropping by

Kerry

Christmas Gathering

Wow !!!!!!!! after heaps of preparation, lots of late nights and early mornings, yesterday finally arrived, I will thrilled with the way the day worked out, there were 28 ladies who joined me for my annual Christmas Gathering in the shop.

Believe it or not they all had a chair to sit on and a needle in their hand, then it was down to business, there was lots of chatter, eating, sewing, eating a little more, laughing, sharing stories, hugs and kisses, exchanging of gifts, a little more food and a wonderful day had by all.

I had made some yummy Christmas treats for morning tea, the fruit mince slice was a huge hit. Not much left in this photo.





Then everyone sat around and made a simple little Christmas door knob decoration which I had ready in kit form for them, then we had a finger food lunch in my garden which I had decorated with everyones show and tell. All of the quilts, dolls, bags and table runners looked fantastic hanging over the fences, in trees or over a chair. After lunch we returned to the shop for a delicious frozen ice cream and fruit pudding, before everyone had to pack up and return home.













I do hope everyone had a fun day, sharing the spirit of Christmas with like minded kindred spirits, a big thankyou to all those that came as well as everyone else who has supported me throughout 2006, the best part of my job is mixing with so ..................many wonderful people.


I have a big week ahead, heaps of mail order to post, my home to decorate and christmas mail to write, hopefully not as many late nights as last week.
Until my next post, keep safe and cool ( sounds like this week is going to be a scorcher)
Kerry

Nicoles back in England

Things have been busy on the shop front, but with no more retreats for 2006, I am looking forward to making lots of new shop samples over the next 2 months. Stock is starting to roll in from my trip to Melbourne, will have up dates of all of this soon.
Last week was spent packing Niocles bags as Wednesday saw her head back to England just for her Uni holidays, to work for Joanna & Dave, whom she worked for last year. She wasn't looking forward to leaving our hot summer to return to the English winter, but with everything centrally heated over there I am sure she will cope.
Nicoles is working as a Nanny for three very cute little girls, this is a photo of Flora and Polly, then there is Eliza who is only about 18months old.
We are all going to miss Nicole, Christmas will be different without her around for the first time, then Boxing Day is actually her 21st Birthday, so that will be sad not to be with her to help celebrate, but I am sure Liz ( a school friend) who is over there will make up for not having her family around.
Don't forget My Christmas Gathering here in the shop on Saturday, I ve been busy making our small project for the day as well as cooking some yummy Christmas food to be served as morning tea and lunch. If you live in the area and would like to call out, let me know by Friday and we would love to see you.
Until next time I post, thanks for dropping bye,
Kerry

Returned from Melbourne

Just a very quick post to let you all know I had a great time in Melbourne, the Australian Quilt Market was very good. I enjoyed my day there putting faces to voices with some of my wholesalers, meeting up with some old friends from the industry plus meeting new people with lots of wonderful ideas.
I have ordered a new quilt which I will be running as a block of the month during 2007, will keep you all posted on it, I also found lots of new ideas that hopefully I will work on over the chrissy break, so samples should be ready when classes resume in Feb. 2007.
One of the new fabric products to hit Australia are Jelly Rolls, they are 40 pre cut 2 1/2" strips of the lastest fabric ranges from Moda, this is a photo of the rolls I mananged to bring home with me, they sell for $60.00 each and there are half a dozen patterns out to make quilts using these Jelly Rolls.
Once orders arrive there will be new needles, tools, templates, patterns, fabrics etc in store. I fully intend having a complete overhaul of the web site during the next couple of months so keep an eye out there for all these new products.
Don't forget my Christmas Gathering which is to be held on Saturday 9th December, starting at 11am, there will be small kits to work on as well as lunch and a display. Bookings are essential and the day is completely free, so come along and join in the Chrissy spirit with us.
Also a reminder about the Table Runner Swap, only a few days to go, I need to know who is taking part by the end of November. Already have lots in the shop, what a great response.
Until next time,
Kerry

See what I've made

I told you I was going to try and do some sewing and I did, I ve been wanting to make this bag for ages, its one of Monica Pool's patterns called "Paddington", I am so pleased with it, I just love the finished result. Her patterns are so easy to follow and look a million dollars. I used fabrics from the Moda range "Chocolate" to make my bag. Now I am all inspired so hopefully I will continue to make a little time each day to sit at my machine.
This weekend I am flying to Melbourne to attend to Australian Quilt Market, this is a wholesale show for shop owners to view the latest, fabrics, pattern, tools etc. I am sure I will have a great time, hopefully I'll come home with lots of great ideas and fully inspired for the next 12 months.
My Mum is coming with me to Melbourne, we should have a great time together.
I'll be back next week to talk about what I've found, until then keep safe and thanks for dropping by.
Kerry
PS Only a couple more weeks before the Table Runners have to be in for the Chrissy Swap

The years coming to a close

This weekends retreat group were from Tamworth and this was their first retreat with me, I 'am sure they were all very happy with their acheivements, well done to you all, your quilts looked great. Do hope to see you all again soon, it was great getting to know you all a little better.
Its been a busy weekend in Nundle with the Annual Art Show on, Geoffrey and I went along to the opening night on Friday which was very pleasant. Then just up the hill, was a quilt and craft show on at Hanging Rock. I supplied them with about 20 quilts for their show so do hope that went off well.
Tomorrow, Monday, I fully intend staying home and hopefully being able to do some sewing as I just haven't had time to any over the past few months. I have so many unfinished items on the go plus two friend quilts I have to do my part on, then there are all the new designs I am working on, maybe I need to sew for a month not just one day. I will post some photos if I do acheive something.
Anyway I am worn out as per usual.
Good night
Thanks for dropping by
Kerry

PINK PINK & MORE PINK

Today was Melbourne Cup day and usually each year on Melbourne Cup day we forget about Tuesday Classes and just gather for a very informal lunch in my garden. Well today we did just that, there were 10 of us and to be a little different this year I decided to make the day a pink day and raise a few dollars for Breast Cancer. We all dressed in pink, including my bright pink shoes, drank Pink champagne (only a very little, actually I didn't have any), I had pink flowers on the table, we drank out of pink glasses and ate off pink plates. All in all it was a very pink day, but a very happy gathering, thanks to all who came to share the day with me, it was very relaxed with yummy food and great company.
I even managed to kind of work out the self timer on my new camera, that is how come we are all in the photo.
Hope everyone had a good day, with what ever you got up to.
Thanks for stopping by, until next time
take care.
Kerry

Blackberry Jam & Cream

Just a short post to let everyone know that my very first book is finished and is now available in store for $20.00 per copy, it has 8 sewing projects in it as well as over 30 of my favourite recipes.
Thank you to all those very patient ladies who have been waiting for a copy, I have sent out lots and lots of pre ordered books in the past 2 days.
Do hope you all enjoy them.
Kerry

No time

So sorry to all those who have dropped by only to find no new news, well I am back again and have a bit to catch up on.
Life has been very busy, but whats new.
Sorry to Adrene, Tex and friends from Sydney who joined me nearly two weeks ago for a retreat, sorry it has taken me this long to post a photo of you all, hope you all had a safe trip home and I hope those quilts are nearly ready for your show !!!!! (Just joking)
All your quilts looked great.


Last Monday I spent a few hours at the printers watching my book "Blackberry Jam and Cream" being printed, it was very exciting to eventually see it come to life, here is a photo of Lauren, the grapic designer who has helped me along the way, without her it would still be along way from finished. I will be heading over to pick it up first thing in the morning so all those ladies patiently waiting for a copy can expect them in the mail this week. If anyone wishes to order a copy they can do so by contacting me.

Then last Wednesday evening I went to a scrapbooking class in Tamworth with the very clever Alison, we made this gorgeous mini album, I will be making a second one and using it to scrap Sebastians last year at school. He started year 12 a couple of weeks back so I ve been busy taking photos and hope to put together an album for him with something about each week in year 12.

Saturday and Sunday saw Betty Field and some friends of hers from Cowra join me for a retreat, we had a great weekend with lots of chating and lots of sewing, do hope you all enjoyed your visit to Nundle, looking forward to seeing you all again. This is a photo of the 4 of them, Betty is the 3rd from the left, for all those ladies that use her quilting service but have never met her. I am sure their are lots of ladies out there who would love to put a face to her name.











Today I spent a few hours sewing with friends in Tamworth, can't share what I was working on as it is a Christmas present for Emily from our Christmas swap from Chrissy in July, still have lots to do on it but they were looking great, will share a photo later in the year.

Hope everyone in NSW is adjusting to the time change, I am not sure I like the shorter mornings as I do enjoy the early mornings, until next time (Maybe I will post a photo of my book tomorrow) thanks for taking the time to drop bye.
Kerry

Countdown................................

The countdown is on with only 6 more retreats let for the year, I really can't believe that we are part way through October. I had another lovely group of ladies this weekend, 7 from the Newcastle area and 2 from Tamworth. It was their first retreat with me, hopefully they all enjoyed themselves enough to come back again. Thanks Suzanne for organising your group.
All of your quilts looked fantastic, hope everyone was pleased with what they acheived for the weekend.
One thing I keep forgetting to mention is that each year through the shop I run some sort of swap, last year it was a bag swap this year it is a Table Runner Swap. If you would like to be part, simply make a Table Runner, any size, shape, colour or theme. Send it to me by the 15th November, along with a short note about yourself and a pre paid postage sachet (500grams).
I will then draw names out of a hat, and post out the Runners, this is a great way to make a friend with another like mined soul.
Oh well I am off to bed, have a big day ahead of us, we are off to Dubbo for the day, Nicole has an exam to do, I 'll catch up with some family then home again hopefully by dark.
Have a great week
Kerry
I really wanted to add a photo of this weekend group to this post, but I am without a printer so will have to do that later, it was struck with lightning last week.

Hi there,

Hi everyone your all probably wondering where I have been, well Geoffrey and I escaped for a well earnt weeks holiday. We flew over to Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand for the week which was wonderful, as usual. Geoffrey and I actually met there nearly 25 years ago so it holds special memories for us. We both love Queenstown, I love the incredible views from every direction, the rugged snow capped mountains and the magical lake that the town is situated on. We didn't do very much for the week, booked ourselves on a bus trip to Milford Sound for a day which was brilliant, the mountains captivate my attention, I never get sick of looking at them. We shopped, ate out, New Zealand has fabulous food, meet with friends, Virginia and Kirsty for a winery tour and did a four wheel drive trip for a day, caught the Gondula up to the Sky Line over looking Queenstown (where we first met), drank cocktails at the Minus 5 bar and went Para gliding over the lake. Apart from all that we had a very relaxing week. But now its back to work, I have a retreat this weekend, then I think there are only about 6 more for the year.

This is a photo taken in Greenstone Valley where we went on our 4 wheel drive trip.

This is another shot on our 4 wheel drive trip

I must finish here, have a big weekend ahead, I will show off a few other photos soon.