Busy Weekend

The weekend started off on Friday night with our annual Christmas party. It went off really well with everyone having a great time. Rhonda won the gold ticket prize and everyone else also went home with a gift. Show and tell was a hit again with some stunning pieces on display. It is always great to see what the other classes are up to. Saturday was a busy day for Josey (our bear teacher) as her son got married. The bride had a fabulous dress and the rest of the bridal party looked great also. Josey lived up to her usual standard with a fabulous dress. I am sure they would have fallen in a heap on Sunday as the day was full on. I spent Sunday wrapping Christmas presents as it is creeping up quite quickly and I am not very prepared.

Quilt Market

Over the weekend I attended the quilt market where several designers release new products and patterns and the fabric companies show us what is new for 2010. I have ordered several new patterns that will inspire you to complete some projects in time for Christmas or plan for next year. It is always good to see the designers face to face and have a chat about their plans for their next project. Over the next couple of weeks you will see some of the stock arriving in the shop.

I have finally attached some photos from our trip to Hamilton Island. We had a fantastic time.

Hamilton Island

With a few hiccups at the airport we finally arrived at Hamilton Island. Palm Trees swaying, sun shining and the sound of the waves was just wonderful. Our rooms overlook our private beach at the resort. Life is tough but someone has to do it. A few cocktails later and a stroll along the beach and its time to get ready for dinner. After having dinner at the steakhouse we wander around the marina as the evening is balmy and we are all quite relaxed.
This morning I was up early and went for a 5 km walk up to the lookout. On return a dip in the pool was just what I needed to cool off before heading down to breakfast.I hope to post a couple of pictures later on if I can get the equipment to work up here.

Craft Day

Today we had our little craft day at my house. We have a get together with a small group each month. It is as much a social thing as a work day. Actually today was very much social with very little stitching being done. We had fresh baked bread for lunch that nearly didn't make it as I accidentally stitched off the bread machine half way through a cycle. I took it out of the machine and finished cooking it in the oven and it was o.k.
The countdown has started for our trip to Hamilton Island. Maria's 50th is around the corner and this is our treat for our birthdays. We have been lucky enough that 4 friends are joining us. I know it was hard convincing them but we could twist their arms.

Remember When - "Create" Block

Libby from Artsmart Craft Cottage is currently designing her new block of the month. I have just completed one of the blocks to give you a glimpse of what is coming. I hope you like it.

Xmas has arrived

Today we worked in the shop all day re-arranging which enabled us to put out Xmas stock. We have done a new window display and are both exhausted. There are plenty of good buys as we were able to purchase some stock at very good prices.

Annette's birthday

Today Annette one of our class ladies celebrated her 45th birthday. Everyone had made some morning tea and there were plently of laughs going around as the whole group shared in her birthday celebrations. I don't know if much stitching took place but I know everyone had fun judging by the sounds coming from the back of the shop.

This weekend Maria and I are preparing to transform the shop ready for Christmas. I know this sounds a bit scary but it will be here before you know it.

The weekend has gone by in a blink. It seems to be the same every weekend. At least we enjoyed some great weather. Come on summer I say. As promised pictures of what Maria completed over the holiday break.

Back from Holidays

It hasn't taken long to get back into full swing after having a lovely break. I had a fantastic time in W.A. It was hard coming back to the cooler weather as we had enjoyed some warmer days in the West. Maria has kept herself busy while I was relaxing. (Good to see!!) Tomorrow I will post a couple of photos of what she completed while I was away.