OMG – Blue Ridge Beauty

I’m determined to spend more time doing the things I enjoy this year, and sewing would have to be at the top very of the my list of how I like to spend my time. My sewing room is full to the brim and theres quite a few WIPs (works in progress) and UFO’s (unfinished objects) waiting for my attention.

I’m joining up with Elm St Quilts One Month Challenge with a goal of finishing piecing the top of Blue Ridge Beauty, a Bonnie Hunter quilt from her book Adventures with Leaders & Enders.

I started this early last year but its been packed away for months now. So I unpacked it and heres what I’ve done so far.

I’ve got 190 x 4 patches pieced and trimmed, not even half the number I need!

I’ve got 270 untrimmed half square triangles, so a bit over half done.

I’ve been working on some batwraps and joey bags this morning. Hoping to get them done by Monday and then I can get to work on this quilt top.

A good week all round!

Its feels like its been a big week here. Since I last posted I’ve been busy sewing for our local wildlife rescue group, joey pouches, batwraps and hanging joey bags. The bushfires have been so devastating and it feels good to be able to help out the rescuers who are going out in the heat & smoke to feed and rescue animals.

 In the last few days the group has exploded to the point where its become overwhelming and everything is on pause while they stocktake. I can tell you there are days when I have cried reading the posts from people all over the world wanting to help and reporting on whats happening here. It really does help people to keep hopeful to see how much the world cares about our wildlife, as well as our people.

Locally things are improving. In the last three days the birds have returned, chattering away in the early morning in our front garden. Last night the flock of white galahs that lives in the park opposite flew over screeching- it was wonderful! – they haven’t been around for about 6 weeks due to the smoke. I can actually hear them outside now. We have also been able to open our windows again since Thursday – OMG – how I have missed being able to open windows! And we can see blue skies again.

Last night the temperature dropped and I finally got a decent nights sleep. We’ve had temps of 40C recently and between the heat and the smoke I think all of Australia is sleep deprived! With the smoke reducing, the birds returning and some sleep – it feels like a very good week!

I went back to work this week and I was asked for the second time to return to my second job – the one I really enjoy. So I am going back one afternoon a week starting in March. The money will go off the mortgage and honestly, its the best part of my working week so it will help me cope with the day job stress.

 The other  exciting news is that we have reached our five year retirement funds goal – current balance is $507,628!

…busy busy busy!

I’ve been getting heaps done over the weekend!  Unfortunately I dropped my phone and it broke so I can’t take any pics to post, but I have got a lot done in the sewing room.

I’ve been alternating with an hour or so of sewing ( its the only way to reduce the amount of fabric stash!) and a half hour of decluttering. I’ve sewn a heap of 9 patches for childrens quilts, some baby leggings, 6 dresses, 4 jelly rolls joined ready to be cut into patches for quilt tops and half a dozen bunny rugs. I’ve really enjoyed myself and posted off another bag of goodies to a charity this morning.

Today I’ve started on the paperwork and the cooking, with a bit of sewing now again because I can’t resist. Its cooled down here a lot overnight which is good – I have more energy when its not too hot.

Well, I better get back into it, its nice to have the time and energy to just get things done and not be interrupted by having to go to work!