Walking

Tonight's moon took my breath away. "Maybe I'll catch the last of the sunset" I thought but as soon as I walked onto the bridge I realised I was too late - but then I turned the other way! Wow! Quickly I backtracked and came up on the other side of the bridge and stared in awe at the moon.

Yesterday morning I had opportunity for a quick a ten minute walk, so I took it and discovered that someone had had the ingenious idea of planting bright colour amongst the roadside fig tree roots!

Whether it be early in the morning, late in the afternoon or even just past sunset - I love to walk, and my camera and I catch happy memories together.


Sharing at SkyWatch Friday.

Creating Sunshine

Working on my Musical Stairs quilt feels like I'm making my own sunshine! Thankfully the quilting is finished, the largest quilt I've ever wrestled through my old Janome. The binding is a happy green and matches both the front and back perfectly. By the end of the weekend there will only be quilting threads to tie off and a label to contemplate.

Mother's Day came early for me this year. Last weekend I bought some seedlings and for my gift I requested gardening labour to weed, prune and plant the seedlings where required. This was what I really wanted and knew it would add sunshine to many a day. I made mention of maybe some chocolate too, I love a surprise, so I will have to wait and see what tomorrow brings......


NB My Musical Stairs quilt is based on Sarah Fielke's Bass Line quilt.

Fabric details: The backing is Flower Shop in Sunny by Patty Young, part of her Lush range.
Binding is Holly Folly in green from Michael Miller's Nordic Holiday fabric range.
Both fabrics were bought at special/clearance prices over a year ago so may be very difficult to source.

Update: I have just stumbled on this site here in Australia which seems to have the backing fabric in stock - however it is very expensive by US standards at $4.75 AU per fat quarter (I usually buy fabric from the US due to our high prices here in Australia). Anyway - if you were just after a small amount you may be interested.

Sharing at WIP Wednesday.

Sometimes

Sometimes the simple yet glorious sights and sounds of nature are all that's needed to make the soul soar.

And if I happen to capture the moment on camera, all the better.....


Noisy Corellas flying over the river into Tuesday's sunset.



Sharing at SkyWatch Friday.

The Perfect EPP Thread?

There is a new thread in my life! A few weeks ago I shared with you my thoughts and comparison of Sew All polyester thread by Gutermann with Bottom Line by Superior Threads, concluding that I preferred the Gutermann for number of reasons, despite the fact that it was thicker than Bottom Line thread. 

Shortly afterwards I was contacted by Gutermann, to inform me of a relatively new thread in their range - the Extra Fine Polyester. Gutermann Australia sent me two reels of Extra Fine for me to trial in my EPP.

I have been delighted with the qualities of the Extra Fine thread. It is decidedly finer than the Sew All but not as fine as Bottom Line. To be expected it's not as strong as the thicker Sew All thread yet is similar in strength to Bottom Line and also Gutermann's regular cotton thread. It is definitely stronger than Aurifil's 28wt cotton thread. I have not had the Extra Fine break at all during my sewing.

Guterman's Extra Fine has all the same tactile properties I prefer in a traditional thread over the wispy, slightly elastic/nylon feel of Bottom Line. This is just my personal preference, as detailed in the post mentioned above.

My stack of EPP flowers for my Fresh Fields quilt has gradually grown a little taller over the last few weeks, as has my pleasure in stitching with the addition of the new thread.

The Extra Fine polyester is designed for machine use, particularly for very fine fabrics (like Art Gallery, Liberty fabrics or synthetics), decorative stitching and of course for fine hand stitching such as in EPP and appliqué. 

As soon as I tried Gutermann's Extra Fine I wanted to know where I could buy more and what colours it came in. It is quite new and as yet hasn't been rolled out in the US. I know of one Australian online shop, JM-Embroideries, which stocks the Extra Fine in all 60 colours and they ship worldwide! No doubt many other retailers also stock this thread. It comes on a small reel but it holds 200m, making it cheaper per metre than the regular Gutermann Sew All polyester. 

I feeling like I'm treating myself to a little luxury every time I stitch with this beautiful fine thread, and if you look closely enough you can notice a small difference in the finished stitching too. It is indeed a welcome addition to my collection of threads. 


Sharing at Work In Progress Wednesday, Slow Sunday Stitching. 

A Windswept Calm

From church this morning, a few kangaroos dotting the grassy flat

Calm people don't let negative thoughts control their lives. 

They look at failure as a learning opportunity, and personal growth as a daily event. 

As a result, they improve in some way every single day.  

Daniel Wallen

Just as today's brisk autumn winds are making music in the sky, so this season as a family is somewhat windswept. Peace will come in due course. In the midst of this there is definitely opportunity for personal growth every single day - and to appreciate the beauty which only the wind can make.