Summer Solstice

Today is the longest day of the year: the summer solstice here in Australia.  

It is also my birthday and I have had a lovely day.  Several emails and calls from friends and family were great and then this evening I saw my husband's Aunt and Uncle (in UK)  on Skype which was good.  As usual on Wednesdays I minded the little twins, Chelsea & Caitlin and my father in law is staying with us.  

 

These days we don't buy presents for each other unless there is something we particularly want.

The pic on the right shows what I received from my dear husband.

This little raised garden is outside our bedroom window and has always been really messy.  I have been wanting pebbles to finish it off and so this week I received 12 bags of pebbles.  That is what I call a perfect gift.

Oh, by the way, the first pic is of a Santa I made last year.  It is my own design and is called Swaggy Santa, reflecting the Australian bush. 

SANTA - TAKING SHAPE

While I was away I managed to fit in quite a few hours of stitching. 
We were travelling light so I just took some of santa's costume, a few threads and needles.

I finished adding the leaves but still have a few crystals to apply on the border of the skirt.

The bodice is to be decorated with some native flora.   On the back and over one shoulder is some yellow wattle.  One sleeve has some daisies and the front and another sleeve features gum blossom.  

I am hoping to finish this project by Monday. There are still quite a few details to be taken care of but I am fairly confident it will look ok when I finish.  I am especially pleased with the hands.  They look really "human" in expression and colour.

The perfume from this gorgeous gardenia filled the humid air after a short rain shower.  It is so creamy and perfect.   It is in the garden of the house we stayed at in Noosaville.

santa - the continuing story

Santa is coming along really well.  I  finished quilting the underskirt while sitting in the waiting room at the doctor.  Almost all of the lace is attached around the edge: each piece is secured with a crystal.  
I am so pleased with how this is coming along.  The grandchildren have given it the big tick of approval which is most important.

EARLY BIRDS & BUSY STITCHING

This morning the birds were lined up on the rails of the veranda waiting for their breakfast.

First in line was this little baby butcher bird.

This little baby magpie was quite capable of feeding itself but as soon as mother bird appeared it started squawking until it was fed.  

I have made some progress with Santa.  I have a clear image of what he will look like now. 

I have hand quilted the damask skirt in the same colour as the overskirt.

I am using some of my dyed lace to trim the edges and he is wearing a straw hat which will be covered in felt.

These are some of the green threads I had to choose from.  It always amazing me that I can have so many shades of one colour but not be able to find exactly what I want. 

SANTA IS ON HIS WAY

At last I have made a start on my Santa.  These are just rough ideas at this stage but I am looking forward to how it works out.