Shenandoah Valley Botanical Album Quilt 1858.

I have decided to become part of a sew-along of the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley Botanical Album Quilt 1858.  Every month, one block from the original pattern will be stitched.  There is loads of information on their blog SVBotanicalquilt. 
This month's block is a simple crossed pineapple block, not too hard and not a difficult fabric selection from the stash.

A little green and pink applique ready for this evening.

A little Cross Stitching.

Whilst away at Summer School, we were treated to a cross stitch lesson/refresher by Karen  from The Stitching Post  in Katoomba.  Karen also runs an online needlework shop Linen and Threads, and does the most beautiful cross stitch I've ever seen.
A simple request to "show us how to stitch" became a wonderfully informative 2 hour lesson on the finer points of cross stitch.  Karen generously provided all those interested with a small kit that could become a pin cushion or a framed picture. 

Eeek, in taking this picture, I've just realised the bottom 2 pink flowers aren't finished.  Tomorrow's job!
This little kit rekindled my long lost love of cross stitch, so I purchased a pattern whilst at Summer School. 

I guess there is nothing like jumping in with both feet to the deep end!

January Summer School.

As usual, I made the annual trek up the highway to Karen Cunningham's Summer School in Blackheath, Blue Mountains.  A fantastic destination for a sewing retreat, so picturesque and relaxed.
Project 1 this year was a beautiful applique and pieced block quilt.

I apologise for the poor photography,the quilt was absolutely gorgeous in person.  For 2 fantastic days, we worked on this quilt.  The applique is stunning, but so achievable, the pieced blocks set the quilt off so beautifully.  Do I sound like I love this quilt?  I do!  I'm currently working on the applique blocks using back-basteing for the applique.  This is a new technique to me, but I'm finding that it is very accurate in keeping the pieces exactly where I want them.
The last 2 days of our retreat I started a project with Rhonda Pearce- " The Ann Randoll Coverlet".  Rhonda taught this quilt at last years retreat, but I was unable to attend.  I was so happy when I saw that she was offering it again this year.

This quilt dates from approx. 1802.  Too gorgeous.
My centre block is coming along slowly,

Only 1 border to go.  I'm using a freezer paper template to applique this little strip to the block.
I'm choosing not to think about the gazillion triangles in the next large border. 

As for most people at this time of the year, it's been quite busy.  The kids have finished school for the year, and Christmas-times days with friends are always wonderful.
I had the great pleasure of meeting up with some very good friends just prior to Christmas.  We've been sewing together for about 10 years, and it's always a pleasure to see them.

Unfortunately, we missed Annette who had to work.  A lovely day of eating, drinking and exchange of gifts.  Oh, and a  little sewing occurred too.