Getting ready for tour de fleece

 As July gets closer it is that time of the year when I start to think about getting ready for the tour de fleece.  I thought I would start with some clearing of my bobbins which meant spinning up some plain colour to use to ply an existing bobbin.

All was going well until it wasn't.  My tension kept going slack and then....

My poor old band, which is the original one broke. I was trying to work out how old my wheel is but I am guessing the band has lasted close to 15 years. So I think it has done a great job lasting this long. 

It is just such a bad timing as I prepare for the tour. Luckily I have an electric wheel I can use as a backup. 

episode 61. May makings, eco dyeing, socks and animal crackers

Mothers day 2025

 This year I celebrated mothers day with the family at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hobart.  One of my favourite Gardens filled with lots of memories from my childhood and as a place I enjoyed with my children.

I wasn't quick enough to get a photo of my children but I did snap this one of the older folk.

This is one of my favourite sections of the garden. The Japanese garden. The reflections, the movement of water and all those colours. How could you not enjoy the relaxing beauty of this style of garden.

Tha duck pond has always been a favourite as well. I used to dream of having a pond of water lillies but my ducks had other ideas. 

Look at that reflection, so beautiful. 

Eco dye fun

I have been revisiting some of my eco dyed samples. Since moving I have been trying to remember where I had stored all my fabric samples. Luckily I found these pieces which I hope to use as some slow stitched projects.

I am always drawn to the variations in cc colour and pattern that are created while eco dying. Finding where to cut these pieces will be the challenge for me. 

 

Happy Easter. Episode 60

Oatlands by night

 Have I ever told you I love a Tasmanian town by night. I love the peace and calm of walking around towns at night, and I am lucky to live on a very safe island.

This is the Callington mill. It was built in 1837 and is a Lincolnshire tower windmill. It is the 3rd oldest in Australia. It is now part of the Callington mill distillery. I stayed next to the mill and found it full of atmosphere at night time. I was hopeful of seeing a past occupant while on my walk but nothing appeared. 

Maybe it was for the best, all was very peaceful.

Oatlands trip day 2

 One of the beauty spots in Oatlands is this lake. This is Lake Dulverton. It is always a stunning view, no matter what time of the year. And at the moment it is black swan time. 

I love black swans. And some pairs had baby cygnets with them.

Look at this amazing lichen growing on this bench. Beautiful pattern, I feel so lucky  to live with so much natural beauty so close by.

And if anyone was wondering, it is autumn.

A little holiday in Oatlands

 I had a little holiday in Oatlands. This is a town in the Midlands if Tasmania, full of lovely old houses and interesting shops.

There is a local history room and outside it is a little wool and sheep items. I love this clipped hedge scene.

Wool bale press.

Some of the gorgeous houses around town. I like to walk around and dream about which house I would love to live in. So many to choose from.

The mural at the local school. Just love it.

Bream creek show

 It is that time of the year again. I love a country show and the Bream creek show is one of my favourite. Here are a few photos from the day. 

I didn't manage to get photos of the light horsemen display. They had a fantastic replica display of WW1 light horsemen's horse skills. 

It wouldn't be a show without wood chopping and these guys certainly put on a great show.

Tasmania is called the apple isle and here's just a few for the judging.

And of course a few photos from the craft display. I did love these quilts.

Episode 59 has arrived.

 Hi, my February video is now up. Come and join me as I chat about what I have been making. 

I have some sewing, cross stitch and knitting to show you. If anyone has any ideas on what I can use my english paper pieced hexi flowers for please leave me a message below as I would love some inspiration.

A relaxing camping trip

 I had a few days away camping and it was one of the most relaxing trips I have had for a long time. We had a site right next to the river in the Huon valley. I had my new cross stitch with me but didn't even have time to get it out. 

Below is the waterhole where I managed to get a couple of swims in as the weather was nice and warm. The water wasn't too bad either. It was definitely much warmer than the river I swam in as a teenager near my parent shack where the water came from the snow, and felt like it too.

This waterhole is also very similar to the one my children swan in as children not to far away from our home Bishopstone.

And of course what fantastic bush all around. There were a few bushfires nearby. Some started from lightning strikes but nothing to worry us.

Did I say this was so very relaxing.