Where have I been and what have I been up to?????

Today is officially the first day of winter here in the southern hemisphere…….not so wintery here in the tropical north of Australia though, we’ve had temps still in the high 20’s and early 30’s up till last week, but it is the official passing of my birthday, which is on the last day of autumn……..yesterday.  And wasn’t I blessed??
Here are some of the gorgeous gifts I received from the girls in my Birthday Club Swap group

some gorgeous fabrics, gifts of chocolates, patterns, coffee and plenty of other goodies, including this gorgeous fest from my birthday swap partner, Melody…..

I certainly do feel like I’ve been showered with blessings this weekend.  Thank you,  just doesn’t do it justice! I AM blessed!



I know I’ve been missing the past couple of weeks….but deadlines have been hitting me headlong and believe me, even the housework’s been suffering!!!!   But I can show you what’s been keeping my head low  (probably should only show you sneakies, but I’m soooo happy with this one) ….

It’s my newest design which I’m calling “I’ll Be Gnome For Christmas”  hee hee……I’m soooo pleased with it, and  it’s going to be released in a little while in an upcoming Australian Patchwork & Stitching magazine….and after I’ve written the pattern (which I AM doing today! (touch of procrastination happening...)) I’ll add it to my Craftsy shop for overseas purchasers and those who just can’t wait!   (If you zoom in on the photo, you’ll see my little mushroom Christmas trees... sooo cute! (but I’m a touch biased on this one! Hope you like it too.

So “Gnome” can go into my OPAM list of finishes for May….along with this one I finished last month but wasn’t added to the count…..another finish for an upcoming  Patchwork & Stitching edition…..

This design was heavily influence by my father-in-law’s recent stay in hospital and was made whilst I sat by his bedside.  The stitchery on the front of butterflies and flowers and some lovely dots, hexies and chevrons…….all feelgood things for me… reminds me to continue to always Love the Life we’ve been gifted.  I’ll add it to the Craftsy shop for you too…

I’ve also been stitching some hexi flowers for a hexi swap……here are the ones I’ve made so far…..

I have a resurgent love for hexies…..how about you??? 
Have you signed up for Chookyblue’s  2nd Birthday Party celebrations???

I have, and I must admit, I’ve been celebrating along with her…really truly!!!!!!!   I even popped the cork on the Riccadonna Ruby last night and got a bit of secret sewing in!!!!  (after my own birthday celebrations!!!)  Not as much as I’d hoped, but I did, I promise……look………….

Why don’t you pop on over and see what everyone got up to over the weekend.
And before I head back to my pattern-writing *eeergh* ……have you signed up for QuiltJane’s Nested Churn Dash QuiltALong???





I know it starts today but I really need to get this pattern done…..I’ll start mine tomorrow??  hee hee……Check it out and then you’ll be able to prompt me along!!!!
Okley Dokely….I MUST go.  There’s a brief catch up…..thank you so much for your concerns, but all is good in Sugarlane World…..my head was just buried under a pile of catchups, I promise.  
Sugary hugs :o) xox