(American) Star Quilt

I started this quilt a few months ago for my husband's birthday and have to finish it now! He returns from Ghana next week -13th Sept - and I really want to give it to him. The hand stitching takes very long as I also have a few other projects that I'm working on in between as well, but I have to now get finished!

Here's a sneak peek....

I enjoy visiting my dear friend Tiki Brophy, where we happily stitch and chat in her Quilt Room. You can also follow her on her blog...www.tikisquiltroom.tumblr.com. I always feel so motivated and inspired when I spend time with her.

I was on facebook a couple of years ago and then took myself off, because of some misconceptions I had, but now am back on (with my daughter's assistance and Tiki's persistance) and have no regrets. I have discovered a 'treasure trove' and wealth of information at my finger tips. I don't like talking nonsense to people - just to say something. I love following a handful of people and chatting to them, especially from other countries. Who knows.... I may just learn Italian, Spanish or French? The ladies are so sweet, friendly and knowledgeable with the products that they sell! They are deep, warm, intelligent, inspiring, creative and very helpful!! I have purchased some items overseas and they have been so helpful. I could go on and on. Perhaps I should share their names with you and you can see for yourselves. Of course I have a few close friends and family members here and overseas, and....that's it!!
I really enjoy spending time working on my hobbies, gardening and interior of my home that I don't have time for empty things.

Here are my favourite people and their facebook pages that I follow. Please do yourselves a favour and
have a look at them.....

I'm sure that I will also add more to this list as time passes by.

- Primitive Quilting - gorgeous fabrics and patterns and very affordable compared to our S.A prices! Crystal is a darling!

- Ines Marta Quilt House - they have just brought out their latest book! Absolutely awesome! Such kind and helpful ladies.

- Victoria's Webb - a real sweetheart who sells such amazing vintage products from the U.K. She will also accommodate your every need.

- Rouge Cerise - beautiful lady and fb page.

- Jugando Con Telas Inma - gorgeous!

- Country Life and Other Passions - Anna is so creative and a talented jewellery maker. She also goes by the name of Anna Giganto. Beautiful lady.

- Linen Closet Designs -Dawn Heese - A beautiful quilter who designs quilt and cross stitch patterns and fabric with a vintage feel.

- Hekel - Crochet Accessories - my favourite South African. Beautiful Hester will make a plan to supply all our creative needs for crochet supplies. She's amazing and creative herself, kind and friendly.

I love them all and appreciate their efforts and hard work with the service they are providing for us around the world.

Some inspiration.....  for our house in the Karoo...

I have soooo many small pieces of fabric in my stash and can quite easily convert a crochet tablecloth or something for the valance. Hope it also inspires you to do something special and inexpensive for a window treatment?

I recently saw this dresser in a local shop here in our town and had my eye on it for a long time. After trying to convince the owner to sell it to me, he decided that he wanted to keep it for the shop. I sadly left my name and cell number in case he changed his mind, and went home.

I popped around there last week and asked where the dresser was. The shop assistant told me that it was sold!!! can you believe it? I often wonder why people do that??

Anyway, I consoled myself with the fact that I will find a better one at a later stage. Who knows????

Good morning!!

We are already in full swing into the new week! Gee, but time is flying... just too fast!!!

I visited our local Nursery some time ago and found these beautiful rustic signs! They can be found at Irene Lifestyle Garden Centre in Klerksdorp and are not that expensive either. There was such a big variety to choose from at the time. In fact i had the first one "A busy Quilter lives here" especially made for myself. I just love the rusty simple material - metal- that the artist uses. Apparantely she lives not too far from Klerksdorp either. You can join Irene Lifestyle Garden Centre on facebook. Go have a look at their page, as they have recently changed ownership and I've known Cobus Swanepoel & his wife Annemarie for many years. Awesome people who will go the 'extra mile' for you!!

Have a beautiful day!

Sooo cold here today!!!....

Have to haul out the quilts again!!

How many of the above qualities do we all have in our lives that we can hold onto?

Here's hoping you will have a warm weekend!

Mom Joyce ....

My mom, daughter and I spent a few hours on Tuesday morning with a group of special friends at Tiki's house. You see, Tiki's mom decided she was too young for the old age home she was staying in and wanted to be on her own again and fend for herself!! A very brave decision. I also call her mom because she accepted me so lovingly with open arms right from the start. We missed Petro Nel as she was tied up with her work but I believe she popped in later on. Elise (Tiki's sister), Florence, Margaret, Hayla, Cheney, my mom Florence and I attended.....and of course... the gracious hostess... Tiki.

Mom Joyce just loved all the gifts and surprises and it was the 'best' to see her delight and enjoyment as she unwrapped all her gifts.

Florence (mom Joyce's sister),  Margaret & my mom Florence

Always the gracious hostess Tiki

Lovely Hayla - Tiki's school friend helping mom Joyce

Mom Joyce & Cheney

3x generations - myself, Cheney and my mom.

Mom's Showcase......

I just love my mom's showcase!! So decided to share her collection of Royal Albert and other pieces!

Beautiful!

Quilt.....

One of the earlier quilts I made. I subsequently donated it to my kids' school for a raffle to raise money for hungry children in Somalia. That happened to be my daughter's idea. I believe the school raised quite a large sum of money! So, that gives me a warm , happy feeling! This is one of Tiki Brophy's designs. You can follow her on her delightful blog : www.tikisquiltroom.tumblr.com.
Think I should make another one soon.

Have a beautiful week!