tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36152315313833497292024-03-17T07:52:44.901+13:00The Sewing AtticCatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.comBlogger439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-77319404481319881902015-09-22T22:48:00.001+12:002015-09-22T22:48:06.585+12:00A perfect day in Byron bay....<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bSTZ3FcwOkI/VgEpxdG2rqI/AAAAAAAAEOg/V9Z7cnzrpws/s640/blogger-image--1961849478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bSTZ3FcwOkI/VgEpxdG2rqI/AAAAAAAAEOg/V9Z7cnzrpws/s640/blogger-image--1961849478.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent a perfect summers day swimming in the crystal clear waters of Byron bay and sunbathing just a wee bit too long . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tDWAtdhrTFg/VgEoR3gMy2I/AAAAAAAAEOE/wE3uDa2NgZA/s640/blogger-image--1165443829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tDWAtdhrTFg/VgEoR3gMy2I/AAAAAAAAEOE/wE3uDa2NgZA/s640/blogger-image--1165443829.jpg"></a></div>After lunch at one of the many local Cafes we drove up to the lighthouse to take in the breathtaking views of beautiful blue ocean and coastline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ALLRiv8Fqds/VgEx4BAAYqI/AAAAAAAAEPA/WHLKkxK0okM/s640/blogger-image-1498189515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ALLRiv8Fqds/VgEx4BAAYqI/AAAAAAAAEPA/WHLKkxK0okM/s640/blogger-image-1498189515.jpg"></a></div>From this vantage point we watching whales and dolphins playing in the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZmvzY5W09PQ/VgExzVo83DI/AAAAAAAAEO4/rJWaXMpr3RY/s640/blogger-image-922876290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZmvzY5W09PQ/VgExzVo83DI/AAAAAAAAEO4/rJWaXMpr3RY/s640/blogger-image-922876290.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ohulXXUQ110/VgEoV7wK2YI/AAAAAAAAEOM/_uiO7BTlEPg/s640/blogger-image-1382892922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ohulXXUQ110/VgEoV7wK2YI/AAAAAAAAEOM/_uiO7BTlEPg/s640/blogger-image-1382892922.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Jwxl6ncUy0/VgEpuHTT-dI/AAAAAAAAEOY/FQIxKP0Pw2Y/s640/blogger-image--1385875769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Jwxl6ncUy0/VgEpuHTT-dI/AAAAAAAAEOY/FQIxKP0Pw2Y/s640/blogger-image--1385875769.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHa6o9guehE/VgEp1fFVg5I/AAAAAAAAEOo/ARnksgn0T-A/s640/blogger-image-781207367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHa6o9guehE/VgEp1fFVg5I/AAAAAAAAEOo/ARnksgn0T-A/s640/blogger-image-781207367.jpg"></a></div>You wouldn't guess by looking at the photos but at about lunchtime a thunderstorm came across with thankfully no rain just loud thunder.</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com11Gold Coast Gold Coast-28.178193 153.422656tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-33932747886291712822015-09-21T21:53:00.001+12:002015-09-21T21:53:14.872+12:00Sculpture by the sea..<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-09YFgtyu09s/Vf_Ta6F9a_I/AAAAAAAAENk/IV32mfV81pA/s640/blogger-image-1737560554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-09YFgtyu09s/Vf_Ta6F9a_I/AAAAAAAAENk/IV32mfV81pA/s640/blogger-image-1737560554.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Yesterday in the early evening we went to a very cool sculptural exhibition held every year at Currumbin beach. The weather was coolish with brief showers and just a little windy which all added drama to the photos taken of some of my favourite exhibits. I love this one of the word 'Mum' with all the people running around in the wind trying to get a photo quickly and the dramatic sky and breaking waves in the background.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PmFMcugAOqw/Vf_QOW20VUI/AAAAAAAAEMk/TWysgaX_QSs/s640/blogger-image-233480752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PmFMcugAOqw/Vf_QOW20VUI/AAAAAAAAEMk/TWysgaX_QSs/s640/blogger-image-233480752.jpg"></a></div></div>This was one that first caught my eye as the wind made these 'jellyfish' sway as they hung in the tree which is how they would look in their natural setting under the sea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1LOUcOfkMsc/Vf_TUEECWVI/AAAAAAAAENU/A_c4qoFpMjI/s640/blogger-image-414380142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1LOUcOfkMsc/Vf_TUEECWVI/AAAAAAAAENU/A_c4qoFpMjI/s640/blogger-image-414380142.jpg"></a></div>An exhibit that needed to be viewed from front to get the full effect of what it was. It was interesting to see how each feature placed in exactly the right position made up this comical elephant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ihqoI6ogrvw/Vf_TiHjnvyI/AAAAAAAAEN0/1GVHKh51Hhk/s640/blogger-image--952445039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ihqoI6ogrvw/Vf_TiHjnvyI/AAAAAAAAEN0/1GVHKh51Hhk/s640/blogger-image--952445039.jpg"></a></div>This dragon was very cool and quite cleverly made from what seems like chains joined together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QDW2z3oRWDw/Vf_QYj1YHbI/AAAAAAAAEM8/-7UZkXzEMWE/s640/blogger-image-1386107732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QDW2z3oRWDw/Vf_QYj1YHbI/AAAAAAAAEM8/-7UZkXzEMWE/s640/blogger-image-1386107732.jpg"></a></div>A very simple idea but definitely not what you expect to see on the beach. Once again the wind blowing the washing around and the dark clouds hovering over the cityscape on the horizon gives this whole scene a little drama.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkjEEV1032g/Vf_TXUy-5oI/AAAAAAAAENc/6NA-Xxw3KA8/s640/blogger-image--1118459472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkjEEV1032g/Vf_TXUy-5oI/AAAAAAAAENc/6NA-Xxw3KA8/s640/blogger-image--1118459472.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XCPUl-nBmzo/Vf_QVFIRQHI/AAAAAAAAEM0/sVYBalOmfWU/s640/blogger-image--728260012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XCPUl-nBmzo/Vf_QVFIRQHI/AAAAAAAAEM0/sVYBalOmfWU/s640/blogger-image--728260012.jpg"></a></div>This beautiful lion was my favourite exhibit and was very cleverly made from chicken wire. The details were amazing and I can only imagine the number of hours put in to create this exhibit. He was very tactile as there seemed to be a constant flow of children around him making it difficult to take a photo of him on his own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fOgr6kgYLVU/Vf_QRkRwKHI/AAAAAAAAEMs/Cq5I3Lni-lc/s640/blogger-image-36502655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fOgr6kgYLVU/Vf_QRkRwKHI/AAAAAAAAEMs/Cq5I3Lni-lc/s640/blogger-image-36502655.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHlBC4CwRjY/Vf_TeQw7VNI/AAAAAAAAENs/aXdQMaCMyr0/s640/blogger-image--1436487359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHlBC4CwRjY/Vf_TeQw7VNI/AAAAAAAAENs/aXdQMaCMyr0/s640/blogger-image--1436487359.jpg"></a></div>And I couldn't help but take another couple of shots of the sea and the darkening sky.</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com2Currumbin Valley Currumbin Valley-28.178204 153.422701tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-79700023328187821372015-09-20T20:45:00.001+12:002015-09-20T20:45:39.487+12:00Taking a break....<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KXydlSHvnAU/Vf5x9CJcZqI/AAAAAAAAELs/615Yiw3966c/s640/blogger-image-1553392093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KXydlSHvnAU/Vf5x9CJcZqI/AAAAAAAAELs/615Yiw3966c/s640/blogger-image-1553392093.jpg"></a></div>Caitlin and I have just arrived in this beautiful piece of Australian paradise for a bit of quality mother/daughter bonding for the next few days... We are very grateful to have been invited over to stay with some friends who are house sitting here on the Gold Coast.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E6dBRiTE38s/Vf5x6PT0YwI/AAAAAAAAELk/PP8SECdVDBk/s640/blogger-image--389997184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E6dBRiTE38s/Vf5x6PT0YwI/AAAAAAAAELk/PP8SECdVDBk/s640/blogger-image--389997184.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Even though we live in a beautiful beach town, it is nice to have a complete break away and enjoy being in holiday mode.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxiu8ILPjRQ/Vf5yI2f-beI/AAAAAAAAEMM/R9VXNtOVWUQ/s640/blogger-image-406190966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxiu8ILPjRQ/Vf5yI2f-beI/AAAAAAAAEMM/R9VXNtOVWUQ/s640/blogger-image-406190966.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Loving this photo of the 'cityscape' on the horizon....such a contrast to the expanse of ocean</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5HnWrOmWz5c/Vf5yC8t9ceI/AAAAAAAAEL8/0TpJ2QBHz6o/s640/blogger-image-1656052998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5HnWrOmWz5c/Vf5yC8t9ceI/AAAAAAAAEL8/0TpJ2QBHz6o/s640/blogger-image-1656052998.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">This photo is taken by my budding photographer daughter as are the next couple of photos.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IpTdkLANiXk/Vf5yMRDxU-I/AAAAAAAAEMU/ai0GfM37YcA/s640/blogger-image--1451742791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IpTdkLANiXk/Vf5yMRDxU-I/AAAAAAAAEMU/ai0GfM37YcA/s640/blogger-image--1451742791.jpg"></a></div></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vb4sQBQfq48/Vf5yF2w7pEI/AAAAAAAAEME/O6g7JO76mAI/s640/blogger-image--700731473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vb4sQBQfq48/Vf5yF2w7pEI/AAAAAAAAEME/O6g7JO76mAI/s640/blogger-image--700731473.jpg"></a></div></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6e_4chJA1YU/Vf5x_z-ki-I/AAAAAAAAEL0/aHzt-gWgFWs/s640/blogger-image--1157159420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6e_4chJA1YU/Vf5x_z-ki-I/AAAAAAAAEL0/aHzt-gWgFWs/s640/blogger-image--1157159420.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-49043200290064412132015-09-15T21:49:00.000+12:002015-09-15T21:49:36.674+12:00A coastal walk....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On clear sunny days it seems like you can see for miles from this lookout overlooking our town of Whangamata. These photos are taken on another walk I did a couple of weeks ago with my daughter Amelia and her boyfriend. I felt grateful to have had the afternoon off on such a stunningly beautiful day...</div>
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Clark island on the left can be accessed by foot at low tides..</div>
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A couple of paddle-boarders taking advantage of the waves coming in on the 'bar'. I tried paddle-boarding for the first time last summer and I am addicted and looking forward to doing more this summer...</div>
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A little known, secluded beach in between Onemana and Whangamata..</div>
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Feeling blessed to have been able to spend some quality time with these two...</div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-43910714897328001972015-09-12T22:12:00.000+12:002015-09-12T22:12:18.966+12:00Little bliss balls....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been making these little balls of sweet goodness for a few weeks now. They are the perfect sweet treat for those moments when you crave something sweet but know you shouldn't. They look and taste like they are too good to be healthy but contain no sugar or fat.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rc8wHSwI36k/VfPo12eGsWI/AAAAAAAAEIo/u4AXhCTD1RQ/s1600/IMG_4691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rc8wHSwI36k/VfPo12eGsWI/AAAAAAAAEIo/u4AXhCTD1RQ/s640/IMG_4691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They are naturally sweetened with a mixture of dried fruit such as dates, sultanas, prunes and figs or whatever you have on hand along with cocoa, nuts and peanut butter. This latest batch contains dried cranberries rather than sultanas and figs because I like the crunchy texture of the fig seeds. You could coat them in coconut, cocoa, finely chopped nuts or toasted sesame seeds too or make them even healthier by adding chai seeds or flaxseeds. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ot978FiNqfA/VfPo2UWtlII/AAAAAAAAEIk/dBBwwCkOEjw/s1600/IMG_4693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ot978FiNqfA/VfPo2UWtlII/AAAAAAAAEIk/dBBwwCkOEjw/s640/IMG_4693.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the basic recipe which I always double as 10 balls is not enough ;-) ....</div>
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Ingredients:-</div>
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<li>1 tablespoon peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)</li>
<li>1/2 cup dates, soaked in boiling water then chopped finely</li>
<li>2 tablespoons cocoa powder</li>
<li>1/2 cup dried sultanas</li>
<li>1/3 cup dried prunes, soaked in boiling water then chopped finely</li>
<li>1/2 cup unsalted peanuts finely chopped</li>
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<li>Place all ingredients in a food processor and mix well to form a tight mixture.</li>
<li>Use wet hands to mould 10 balls, squeezing mixture tightly so it sticks together.</li>
<li>Place in refrigerator to chill for 2 hours or overnight. Store chilled in a sealed container for up to 10 days, if they last that long....</li>
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Enjoy!!</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-19570697231700249032015-09-10T22:52:00.000+12:002015-09-10T22:52:00.676+12:00Untouched and peaceful....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dN9-mS5SniE/VfE_abfer4I/AAAAAAAAEGM/Eknf-BRpyqc/s1600/File%2B9-09-15%2B8%2B41%2B16%2Bpm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dN9-mS5SniE/VfE_abfer4I/AAAAAAAAEGM/Eknf-BRpyqc/s640/File%2B9-09-15%2B8%2B41%2B16%2Bpm.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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For the past couple of weeks I have had my eldest daughter Amelia, home from university for the mid semester break along with her boyfriend, Bayley. Its been really lovely to have a full house again and to hear her and her sister Caitlin, have there normal sister banter going on and to also have a male voice added to the mix as well. Their visit home also coincided with Caitlin's 16th birthday and Caitlin's first school ball which was nice for them both. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjjkCqmAFl4/VfE_aHaE-QI/AAAAAAAAEGI/lbmpwAzwjvA/s1600/File%2B9-09-15%2B8%2B43%2B35%2Bpm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjjkCqmAFl4/VfE_aHaE-QI/AAAAAAAAEGI/lbmpwAzwjvA/s640/File%2B9-09-15%2B8%2B43%2B35%2Bpm.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately I was working most of the time they were here but I did manage to get a couple of afternoons off to spend some time with them and show Bayley around our part of the country. These photos are taken at Opoutere beach, an untouched and often deserted beach north of Whangamata. Its easy to take the scenery around where you live for granted so when you show visitors around its like seeing those places with new eyes. Plus it's also a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful part of New Zealand. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaTLJGvhJLE/VfE_W91vdGI/AAAAAAAAEGA/Sr2gau82LeA/s1600/File%2B9-09-15%2B8%2B45%2B34%2Bpm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaTLJGvhJLE/VfE_W91vdGI/AAAAAAAAEGA/Sr2gau82LeA/s640/File%2B9-09-15%2B8%2B45%2B34%2Bpm.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The afternoon we did this beach walk was quite windy and it had showered intermittently all day hence the dark clouds in the photos which I think adds a little moodiness to them. </div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-20797966474726397922015-09-07T21:37:00.000+12:002015-09-07T21:37:13.765+12:00Hand stitched....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QE49phujLdI/Ve1TUTSqoCI/AAAAAAAAEE8/XmK0cnRWPcY/s1600/IMG_4645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QE49phujLdI/Ve1TUTSqoCI/AAAAAAAAEE8/XmK0cnRWPcY/s640/IMG_4645.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Freshly added to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/nz/shop/InezandJames?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/247113076/modern-hand-quilted-patchwork-baby-quilt?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Inez&James</a> is this hand-quilted baby quilt that has been given the royal seal of approval from my daughters cat who just had to get in on the shot.</div>
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Made from a modern selection of predominately blue and green prints with a theme of pretty butterflies and blossoms just in time for the southern hemisphere spring season. These butterflies have been patiently waiting in my fabric collection for that perfect project ;-)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLtwaNKGDBc/Ve1UDbtS9cI/AAAAAAAAEFo/DPsTWnuEF-M/s1600/IMG_4648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLtwaNKGDBc/Ve1UDbtS9cI/AAAAAAAAEFo/DPsTWnuEF-M/s640/IMG_4648.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Converging circles have been hand-quilted to give a subtle texture and to break up the straight lines of the simple piecing.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7rIvp1UsuY/Ve1UCyKGiAI/AAAAAAAAEFk/6EHDg4YMFkg/s1600/IMG_4640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7rIvp1UsuY/Ve1UCyKGiAI/AAAAAAAAEFk/6EHDg4YMFkg/s640/IMG_4640.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NDjWE-RFjk/Ve1TgK6KVNI/AAAAAAAAEFI/s_7qTuQaNXg/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NDjWE-RFjk/Ve1TgK6KVNI/AAAAAAAAEFI/s_7qTuQaNXg/s640/IMG_4649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A hand-stamped label attached to the back with a blanket stitch adds the finishing touch...</div>
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Available for purchase<a href="https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/247113076/modern-hand-quilted-patchwork-baby-quilt?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank"> here..</a></div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-76105878654355623952015-06-09T23:00:00.000+12:002015-06-09T23:21:50.571+12:00Amelia's quilt....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-koW-4Shz2As/VXa0cOR3sQI/AAAAAAAAEB8/UjdLizkzO-o/s1600/IMG_4628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-koW-4Shz2As/VXa0cOR3sQI/AAAAAAAAEB8/UjdLizkzO-o/s640/IMG_4628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My eldest daughter Amelia turned 18 last month and since it's been a few years since I've made a quilt for her I decided an 18th birthday was special enough to make her one. This year has been a big year for both her and I as she moved out of home and into a Halls of residence in Wellington. She is doing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Victoria University majoring in Film and Theatre. It was so very hard to leave her in Wellington once I had helped move her in but it has been so very rewarding to see her grow and mature into an independent young adult. She loves her new life down in Wellington as a student and loves what she is studying. She has a sign on her bedroom door at home that reads "Sorry out living the dream" and that is exactly what she is doing. I am so very proud of who she is becoming and what she is achieving so far. I can remember when she was just a few weeks old, pushing her along the road and commenting to someone who had stopped to admire her that I couldn't wait to see what and who she was going to grow into. I was eager to see the future her but also enjoying that first time motherhood period. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jF6iWPWwqMg/VXa02N3Pf9I/AAAAAAAAECc/7jV4-24qOj8/s1600/IMG_4634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jF6iWPWwqMg/VXa02N3Pf9I/AAAAAAAAECc/7jV4-24qOj8/s640/IMG_4634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ma4XyFlVPX0/VXa70kELdzI/AAAAAAAAEDA/JSlx7KlBWmY/s1600/IMG_4631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ma4XyFlVPX0/VXa70kELdzI/AAAAAAAAEDA/JSlx7KlBWmY/s640/IMG_4631.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When we were choosing items for her new room she had a definite colour scheme in mind of tuquiose, aqua, green. Once all her room was dressed with all her new things it looked fresh and modern which helped me choose a fresh, simple and modern quilt design. It had to be fairly simple as I didn't leave myself much time to complete it.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyDaLfgZSrw/VXa00ABQN5I/AAAAAAAAECU/rluYBBPrzx8/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyDaLfgZSrw/VXa00ABQN5I/AAAAAAAAECU/rluYBBPrzx8/s640/IMG_4636.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All of the prints are from my stash of fabrics so the only purchase was some more solid grey print and the aqua and white spot for the backing.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pT7sbun_OOs/VXa1ABHGnEI/AAAAAAAAECs/6iExZEpTKqk/s1600/IMG_4638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pT7sbun_OOs/VXa1ABHGnEI/AAAAAAAAECs/6iExZEpTKqk/s640/IMG_4638.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I gave myself added pressure by being determined to hand-quilt it but I just love the look of a hand-quilted quilt.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_P4oXXixEcQ/VXa08p88X1I/AAAAAAAAECo/5X2jP1EaBjw/s1600/IMG_4629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_P4oXXixEcQ/VXa08p88X1I/AAAAAAAAECo/5X2jP1EaBjw/s640/IMG_4629.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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It should keep her nice and warm in Wellington's slightly cooler temperatures with it's inner layer of wool/polyester batting.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmtAv6OYtVg/VXa0ewh8hwI/AAAAAAAAECQ/3qUL-bvyQns/s1600/IMG_4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmtAv6OYtVg/VXa0ewh8hwI/AAAAAAAAECQ/3qUL-bvyQns/s640/IMG_4625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And of course a quilt isn't complete without a label. "Inez and James" is my new Etsy shop.</div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-54297894386138596642015-04-20T15:03:00.000+12:002015-04-20T15:04:39.562+12:00Simply hand-stitched.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6feRM6Rzik/VTRONz-cMkI/AAAAAAAAD_c/nD68D14AcMY/s1600/IMG_4547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6feRM6Rzik/VTRONz-cMkI/AAAAAAAAD_c/nD68D14AcMY/s1600/IMG_4547.JPG" height="500" width="640" /></a></div>
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These 3 hand-stitched cushion covers have been freshly added to my new shop/label "Inez & James" which is all about simplicity, those all important small details, vibrant colours and quality fabrics.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XJMSnbXozI/VTROYHDrxAI/AAAAAAAAD_s/VY67cwkJxZE/s1600/IMG_4553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XJMSnbXozI/VTROYHDrxAI/AAAAAAAAD_s/VY67cwkJxZE/s1600/IMG_4553.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The charcoal grey cushion has 5 hand-stitched sets of 3 decreasing circles in different shades of Perle cotton. I seem to have a thing with circles at the moment as they are appearing frequently in my work.</div>
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The aqua cushion has this playful "noughts and cross's " design that I think would look good anywhere but may be particular suitable for a child's room...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOmDL80ANoA/VTRO430vyyI/AAAAAAAAEAk/bvjwAiDBALU/s1600/IMG_4576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOmDL80ANoA/VTRO430vyyI/AAAAAAAAEAk/bvjwAiDBALU/s1600/IMG_4576.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think the green one is my favourite just because I love this shade of green. It has 6 simple star designs in 6 different shades of the Perle cotton. All 3 cushions are made with quality 'shot cotton' that has a beautiful vibrant deep colour and a almost natural linen look to the weave.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7NV9zFFLLa0/VTROkKJgOiI/AAAAAAAAD_8/dQ4HDzDZg2Y/s1600/IMG_4559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7NV9zFFLLa0/VTROkKJgOiI/AAAAAAAAD_8/dQ4HDzDZg2Y/s1600/IMG_4559.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are my new labels which are hand-stamped with specialised textile ink for longevity. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmjCc0hwfZE/VTROfpDqDkI/AAAAAAAAD_0/6EDuVlOCirk/s1600/IMG_4562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmjCc0hwfZE/VTROfpDqDkI/AAAAAAAAD_0/6EDuVlOCirk/s1600/IMG_4562.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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All 3 have a generous envelope back enclosure and are finished with a 1/4 inch edging. You can purchase them <a href="https://www.etsy.com/nz/shop/InezandJames?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">here</a> or customise your own by switching around the colours and designs. Oh and more designs and colours to come :-)</div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-47951849481288775152015-04-14T22:59:00.000+12:002015-04-14T22:59:20.565+12:00Good things take time....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PnsyLbltN8I/VSzt0FpMv4I/AAAAAAAAD-8/TaA5Vmb84yE/s1600/File%2B14-04-15%2B10%2B22%2B28%2Bpm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PnsyLbltN8I/VSzt0FpMv4I/AAAAAAAAD-8/TaA5Vmb84yE/s1600/File%2B14-04-15%2B10%2B22%2B28%2Bpm.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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So about a year ago I sold <a href="http://thesewingattic.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/a-good-days-work.html" target="_blank">these chairs</a> to a lady in Auckland who was redecorating her house and was hoping to have it featured in the "Your home and garden" magazine. Since I hadn't heard back from her regarding the magazine feature and it had been so long ago I had kind of given up on it ever happening let alone a picture of my chairs being included. About a month ago though I received a brief email from her asking for my business details and this month my chairs have been included as part of the feature of her redecorated home.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_0bwU0ez38/VSzt0AW22sI/AAAAAAAAD_A/TbRxTqepJuY/s1600/File%2B14-04-15%2B6%2B33%2B55%2Bpm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_0bwU0ez38/VSzt0AW22sI/AAAAAAAAD_A/TbRxTqepJuY/s1600/File%2B14-04-15%2B6%2B33%2B55%2Bpm.jpeg" height="640" width="596" /></a></div>
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Sorry about the quality of the photo but here are my chairs looking very at home in their new owners house don't you think ;-) It's a very cool feeling to have something that I spent hours creating be featured in a beautiful magazine like this....</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-75810648341899437892015-02-04T22:07:00.002+13:002015-02-04T22:07:31.451+13:00Making tomato sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think I mentioned here before that I had planted twice as many tomato plants as I normally do because I planned on making tomato sauce. Over the weekend I picked a bucketful of tomatoes (approx. 6 kgs) and on Monday I made what I think will be a years supply of tomato sauce for us since Amelia is off to university in a couple of weeks which leaves just Caitlin and I. Might have to give some away....along with some fresh tomatoes as there are still many more tomatoes to ripen and pick. The recipe I used is an old recipe given to me by a friend but can also be found in the <a href="https://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/The-Aunt-Daisy-Cookbook/3176055?gclid=COaQgcD3x8MCFYWWvQodVqEATw" target="_blank">Aunt Daisy cookbook</a>.</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-73889407902624426462015-01-02T22:54:00.000+13:002015-01-02T22:54:21.238+13:00Paper patchwork.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A couple of months ago my china cabinet got water damaged from a burst water pipe. I've had a few burst water pipes in the last year or so but this one was quite spectacular in that it was coming out of the wall in a fountain across the room. Unfortunately this china cabinet was directly underneath it....<br />
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On the plus side of this unfortunate incident was that I had always intended to remove the ugly old wallpaper that graced its interior but just hadn't been able to prioritise it to the top of my 'to do' list. Every time I opened it I was greeted with a grandmotherly musty smell. I dragged it out onto my deck so I could make the removal job of the old paper a bit more pleasant by doing it in the sun. It took quite a few hours to scrape off the layers of paper as I discovered the top layer was covering 2 more layers of ugly old wallpaper.</div>
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I have had a collection of Amy Butler prints for a while now waiting for a perfect project to show them off on although I did use a few on<a href="http://thesewingattic.blogspot.co.nz/2013/11/keeping-busy.html" target="_blank"> this table</a> here last year. I cut out the paper squares and pasted them on all in one evening. So much more pleasurable than scraping off the old paper.</div>
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I'm so very pleased with how this cabinet looks now. It really has given it a new lease of life with its modern vintage look.</div>
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Oh and it smells so much nicer now :-)</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-48852766647482117602014-12-29T23:25:00.001+13:002014-12-29T23:25:25.660+13:00Abundance.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer seems to have finally arrived in my part of the world and my garden is looking very lush and almost jungle like especially around my veggie patch. The potato plants are now too heavy to keep upright and are covered with flowers so freshly dug spuds will be on our menu in just a couple of weeks. The self seeded pumpkins have taken over the spaces in between a couple of the raised beds and if all the flowers turn into pumpkins I shall hopefully have enough to give away to friends and neighbours. </div>
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The tomato plants are laden with ripening tomatoes with more flowers still being produced. Looking forward to an abundant crop so I can make my own tomato sauce!</div>
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Have just harvested my first crop of beetroot ever. </div>
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I grow strawberries every year and have previously bought new plants every 2 years which the 'experts' suggest you do. This year being on a limited budget I decided to ignore that expert advice and just take the runners off my old plants and re-plant them in as many pots as I could find along with a few mixed in with my raised herb garden. I used mostly purchased compost to plant them in and have fed them regularly with some strawberry food leftover from previous years. All that work of dividing and re-planting is now paying off as each plant is laden with fruit and every day there is a small handful of good sized berries ready to pick and eat :-)</div>
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When the weathers good I often spend a couple of hours in my garden on a Sunday afternoon. Its a nice time to spend alone lost in my own thoughts although I'm often not quite on my own as Leo likes to follow me around resting in the shade where he can. </div>
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And when its just too hot outside he puts himself to bed.....yes that would be my bed in exactly the spot where I sleep with his head resting on my pj's because I hadn't quite got around to making my bed that day....</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-74436584041341451522014-12-23T23:25:00.000+13:002014-12-23T23:40:09.961+13:00A little like Christmas....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">Our tree is up and decorated with some favourite decorations along with some handmade wreaths around the house. Our little street is looking like a disco with a few of the houses going slightly overboard with outdoor Christmas lights bringing a steady stream of cars crawling up our street.</span><br />
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Somehow even though we are surrounded by festive Christmas lights and our house is suitably decorated we are somehow not feeling very festive this year. My eldest daughter Amelia commented that I hadn't done any Christmas baking like I normally do each year. So in an effort to make at least my daughters feel a little more festive, yesterday afternoon we decided to make some chocolate peppermint bark. It's an easy recipe to make just a bit of waiting time for each layer to set before adding the next. We started melting chocolate then realised we didn't have any candy canes. A quick trip to the supermarket revealed that they were all sold out so we decided to improvise and make do with what we did have and we came up with triple chocolate peppermint and pistachio bark.</div>
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Not much of a recipe to share but here it is:</div>
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<li>Melt 200 gms white chocolate with 1/2 tsp peppermint essence and 20 gms kremelta (vegetable shortening) and spread onto base of a lined sponge roll tin. Place in freezer to set.</li>
<li>Melt 200 gms milk chocolate with 1/2 tsp peppermint essence and 20 gms kremelta and spread onto set white chocolate layer then sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Place in freezer to set.</li>
<li>Melt 100 gms dark chocolate with 1/4 tsp peppermint and 10 gms of kremelta and spread over second layer. Melt 100 gms white chocolate with 1/4 tsp peppermint essence and 10 gms of kremelta and place on dark chocolate then using a skewer marble the two layers together. Finally sprinkle with more chopped pistachios.</li>
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Another recipe I usually make each Christmas are these fresh ginger biscuits which I made this afternoon using a variety of Christmas themed cookie cutters. This recipe makes a lot so they are good for giving away ;-)</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">375g softened butter</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 3/4 cups brown sugar</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 egg</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 1/2 tbsp grated fresh ginger</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">grated rind of 2 lemons or oranges</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">3 3/4 cups flour</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">2 tblsp ground ginger</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 tbsp cinnamon</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 1/4 tsp baking powder</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/2 tsp ground white pepper</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/4 ground cloves</li>
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<li>Beat butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Beat in the egg, grated rind and fresh ginger.</li>
<li>Sift together all dry ingredients and stir into creamed mixture until well combined.</li>
<li>Roll out the dough to 0.5mm thick and cut out shapes using various cookie cutters.</li>
<li>Bake at 180C for 10-12 mins. Cool before storing in an airtight tin.</li>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-27136217770365873522014-11-17T22:48:00.000+13:002014-11-17T22:48:37.246+13:003 Retro chair makeovers...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Earlier this year I inherited three of these retro 70's lounge chairs from my Mother who was moving to a smaller home. There were originally six of these chairs which were purchased to go in my parents shoe shop and then once that was sold three of them ended up in my parents home.</div>
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That lovely faded yellow boucle` fabric which was once a bright "70's" orange had to go and the wooden arm rests were in desperate need of some 'TLC'.</div>
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And here they are, finally finished with 3 different but much more cheerful Scandinavian prints purchased at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Andshine?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Andshine on Etsy.</a> </div>
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The metal chair frames were given a fresh coat of blue/grey spray paint. Much nicer than their original dreary brown don't you think ;-)</div>
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I'm really pleased with how the arm-rests turned out which I sanded back then applied 3 layers of polyurethane to bring out the lovely wood grain.</div>
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I like them all but this pretty butterfly print is my favourite and is designed and printed by an old Swedish fabric company called<a href="http://www.klippan.ca/" target="_blank"> "Klippan"</a>, a family run business that was established back in 1879.</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-70087187507737194662014-11-02T23:02:00.000+13:002014-11-02T23:02:21.635+13:00November in my garden.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring seems to be the most colourful time in my garden. The camellia's and azalea's have nearly finished flowering but my many rhododendrons are just starting. </div>
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This old fashioned lilac bush has been in my garden for a few years struggling to survive until last year I moved it to a sunnier spot in the front garden. This is the first time it has produced flowers.</div>
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For the past few weekends I've been working on my veggie garden...weeding, digging in compost and re-arranging my herb garden from one end to the other and I'm now pretty pleased with how its looking. I have potatoes planted in the right-hand end one, and in the left-hand end one is now my herb garden along with a few strawberry plants. The middle three have tomatoes, spring onions, lettuces, basil, beetroot, red onions, rhubarb and self-seeded pumpkin plants. In each of the pots in between the containers are more strawberry plants. Some of my tomatoes have flowers forming already and we have been eating freshly picked lettuce and herbs. It's feels so satisfying to pick and eat our own vegetables and herbs plus of course they taste so much better than the store bought veggies. </div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-76265578848756443742014-10-01T15:54:00.000+13:002014-10-01T15:54:10.052+13:00Upcycling ......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Feeling pretty pleased to have some finishes this week to show everyone. The painted stool took a lot longer than I anticipated but now it is finally finished I am very happy with how it's turned out. It took a good couple of days to sand off the original dirty off-white paint to reveal yet another layer of an ugly wood dark stain. Forgot to photograph some before shots but they were both in well need of a freshen-up :-)</div>
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Once it was stripped back bare I applied 2 coats of undercoat then 3 coats of each colour of top coat. Each triangle had to be taped up with painters tape to get those nice clean straight edges so that slowed the process down a lot but so worth the extra time and effort. Then to protect all that painting from wear and tear I applied 3 coats of polyurethane. </div>
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And this stool has been waiting very patiently for its makeover since I bought it way back in January. I just couldn't find/decide on the perfect fabric. The fabric I have used is a Scandinavian print produced by Swedish textile company "<a href="http://www.klippan.ca/" target="_blank">Klippan</a>" who only use top quality natural fibres and incidentally use New Zealand lambswool for their blankets. This particular print is 50% cotton & 50% linen and was purchased from "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Andshine?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Andshine</a>" on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a> </div>
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Just love the way piping gives such a professional look to an item.</div>
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And this is what is keeping my hands busy at night. I think I'm nearly 2/3 finished.</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-83511182571188914362014-09-10T11:19:00.000+12:002014-09-10T11:19:39.543+12:00Work in progress....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Working with these yummy colours today on my one of my current projects. I know, I just can't get away from the 'blue/green' combo but they looked good together on the "Pinterest" photo that inspired this paint effect :-) I picked them out yesterday down at my local Bunnings shop where I have to say the staff there are very helpful and friendly and don't make me feel like I have know idea what I'm talking about. </div>
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This stool is just one of my current 'work in progress' projects that I seem to be multi-tasking on at present. I have chairs that are awaiting fabric, chairs that are awaiting new foam for the seats and another 2 stools that are awaiting fabric to arrive. It doesn't go with my personality to have so many projects half done as I generally like to finish a project completely and move on but I'm learning to be flexible :-)</div>
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My painting assistant taking a break from playing with my brushes and trying to drink the water that is meant for cleaning the brushes....</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-35734947124450524742014-09-01T20:09:00.001+12:002014-09-01T20:11:30.418+12:00Inspired by spring......<br />
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While it is officially the first day of spring here, the wild, wet and cold weather is not feeling very spring-like. I did manage to pick a few spring flowering blooms from my garden late this afternoon during a small break from the constant rain. </div>
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This pretty Scandinavian fabric arrived late last week just in time for some spring inspired sewing. It's going to help brighten up a couple 70's lounge chairs I have been working on lately and maybe a cushion or two as well.... </div>
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In between sanding and applying polyurethane to a couple of pieces of furniture last week I did manage to cut and sew these 3 aprons for a lady at church, finishing them off on Saturday night just in time to give them to her on Sunday morning. They are to be sold at a stall to raise funds for the local <a href="http://www.parkinsons.org.nz/" target="_blank">'Parkinson's' group</a>. </div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-52822809560784343572014-08-19T19:12:00.000+12:002014-08-19T19:12:11.504+12:00Modern baby quilts in the making....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Creativity seems to be flowing from within me this past week. I've managed to whip up 3 cot sized modern baby quilts in just 4 days and that includes pulling out the perfect groupings of fabrics together, often the part that takes me way too long. Each quilt has either one or two <a href="http://www.valoriwells.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Valorie Wells fabrics</a> in them which was my starting point in coordinating the perfect mix of colours and patterns. I love this improvisational style of piecing, its like putting together a big jigsaw puzzle and is a great way to make favourite prints stand out.</div>
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My inspiration fabric for this blue/green quilt top was the large scale butterfly print on a white background which started a bit of a butterfly theme happening. I've had the two smaller butterfly prints for quite some time in the "waiting for the perfect project" pile :-)</div>
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I think this one is my favourite...I love the large scale birds from<a href="http://www.valoriwells.com/portfolio-designs.htm" target="_blank"> Valorie's Nest fabric line</a> and also the line of red butterflies through the centre. </div>
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This was the first quilt top to be put together with the large scale butterfly print in a blue colourway as the starting point. I like the fun retro feel this collection of prints has given this quilt top. Now I have a few evenings of relaxing hand-quilting in front of me....</div>
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My constant companion Leo having a little rest in between his crazy kitten antics. Thankfully he has fully recovered from a bad infestation of worms and is now his normal full of energy bouncing ball of fluff. A couple of weeks ago he was skin and bone looking very sad and helpless :-(</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-61762902314503594712014-07-24T21:11:00.001+12:002014-07-24T21:11:22.203+12:00The season to come....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After enduring a few rather too cold days this past week today's milder temperature was most welcome and I felt compelled to take a break from my sewing and housework to walk around my winter garden and take a few photos of what is in flower at the moment. Due to a mischievous kitten waking me up early on Sunday morning I had time before church to pick some Daphne, <a href="https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=erlicheer+daffodils&espv=2&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=_MrQU6e_F5L-8QXdxIGACQ&ved=0CBoQsAQ&biw=1420&bih=702" target="_blank">Erlicheer daffodils</a> and Violets to fill our home with their sweet fragrance for the rest of the week.<br />
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These girls are starting to earn their keep this week too... they must have heard me threaten to replace them a few times lately. Store brought eggs are so inferior once you've had your own free-range ones. </div>
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And these two A4 size art supply/journalling folders are what I've produced from my sewing attic this week. I was hoping to list them in my Etsy shop tonight but I'm not happy with how the colours have turned out in the numerous photos I took this afternoon. The colours are really washed out especially with the lighter one on top in the above photo. Will have to try again tomorrow...</div>
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Disappointing photos aside I am happy with how they have turned out. LOVE these vibrant batik fabrics.</div>
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There are 3 large A4 sized pockets to hold sketching pads, an ipad or similar sized tablet along with individual pen pockets and a couple of smaller pockets too. </div>
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Lets hope this milder clear sunny weather lasts throughout the weekend at least. Surely spring must just be around the corner :-)</div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-88013693063810303362014-07-14T20:25:00.002+12:002014-07-14T20:25:46.725+12:00The tumbler quilt...version 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This quilt is the twin sister of Elena's quilt which I finished and posted about<a href="http://thesewingattic.blogspot.co.nz/2014/06/a-quilt-for-elena.html" target="_blank"> back here</a>. I decided that it would not take much more time and effort to cut out enough pieces to make up two quilts, one for Elena and one to sell in my shop. I pinned the 3 layers together on Friday night with no firm idea how I was going to quilt it. Thankfully inspiration came to me over night along with the perfect wet and windy day on Saturday to stay inside and get to work on this modern baby quilt. I'm using 5 different colours of Perle cotton to quilt various sized circles randomly drawn on with a fabric marking pen. </div>
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Unfortunately as cute as Leo our kitten is he is not at all helpful in getting this quilt quilted. Every time he sees the quilt on my lap he seems to think it's an invitation to push his way underneath either to play with the pins or sleep under the quilts warm layers depending on his mood.</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-6441917416081567682014-07-09T22:11:00.000+12:002014-07-09T22:11:03.165+12:00A4 Art/journalling folders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Freshly added to my<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSewingAttic?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank"> Etsy shop</a> today are these A4 size Art/journalling folders made with my favourite colourful and vibrant batik cottons.</div>
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They have each been embellished with some pretty machine embroidery as well as a handmade button and loop enclosure to keep everything securely together.</div>
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Inside are 3 larger A4 sized pockets, 1 smaller pocket for pens or a small writing pad, 3 individual pen pockets and 2 business card pockets.</div>
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Working with these happy colourful fabrics makes these cold wet wintry days more bearable...</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-10128764004398296312014-06-29T22:04:00.000+12:002014-06-29T22:04:10.205+12:00A quilt for Elena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finished this fresh, modern baby quilt yesterday with the final stage of hand-stitching the binding to the back of the quilt. </div>
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Even though it takes a lot longer I think the soft look of hand-quilting is worth the extra time and a couple of sore fingers from pulling the needle through.</div>
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These random wavy lines around the border were harder than I thought. I ended up unpicking my first attempt as it looked too uniform and intentional but I'm glad I persevered because I love the end result.</div>
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This quilt was a custom order for a friends first grand-daughter. The overall design and choice of fabrics were left to me to decide as long as it was predominately blue and modern which I hope I've succeeded in. Tomorrow it will be on its way to Ireland...</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615231531383349729.post-40109108287363906692014-06-14T16:09:00.000+12:002014-06-14T16:09:50.523+12:00Flag inspired retro dining chairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finished up the last of these chairs yesterday afternoon. Once again one of my neighbours helped me out and fixed a couple of the chair seat bases that were in need of some minor strengthening repairs.</div>
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So after I had finished the Union Jack chair, inspiration came to me to do the other two chairs with simple flag designs so they would have not only be a similar colour but also have some sort of theme in common too. A quick search on Google and I came up with the 'Swiss' and 'Norwegian' flag designs chosen because of their simplicity and similar colour combos. I also needed them to look good with the blue and white stripe oilcloth that I already and put aside to cover the seats. So pleased with how they have turned out. Wish I had more of these chairs to re-vamp now... Which one do you like best??<br />
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831950066401909011noreply@blogger.com8