Working on more charity quilts

Thanks to some very generous people we nearly have two more quilts for Hope Homes International.

Generous people alert - Jennifer J - sorry no blog to refer you to. Jennifer contacted me as she is downsizing her home and wanted to giveaway some part completed quilt tops. The cat quilt and the dolphins above. I got them in the mail yesterday.

Hazel has given me a pile of material as she is sifting through her stash of what she will use and finish and what no longer interests her. Wow a whole finished top ready to go.

So last night my sister brought her sewing machine over and we cut, ironed, sewed and pinned. Jennifer your quilt looks amazing all bordered. This photo does not do it justice. It is actually a lot brighter than that.

I spent my time making two backings for the quilts out of bits of flannelette I had and pining out the bright quilt. Anna put borders on the cat quilt and then quilted the bright quilt together. Another sewing night and we will have two finished quilts. What a satisfying evening.

Linking to these places

When things seem too hard

Sometimes things just seem too big to tackle so I either put it off, try to ignore it, make a million excuses or use the procrastination technique that Aaron is so good at.

The last time I studied was in 2008 but I had still not finished my university qualification. I stopped with three papers to go. I found all sort of excuses... no time.. sick children... husband studying... full time work,...moving house...costs too much.  

Over the last 6 years these excuses have been removed one by one. We are healthy, we are settled in our new home, Aaron finished his degree, I work part time, it no longer costs as much.

So I took the plunge and enrolled. As soon as I had I found a million other things to do than to start. I now have a super clean oven, some clean windows (not all), a seat for the end of the bed, a tidy sewing room. 

But in actual fact, once I got over my first few days where I did hissy fits and was stressed 

It's actually not that bad and I am really interested in my subject, I feel it relates well to my work and it is fascinating me. 

But I had to put myself through all that to get to this point!!!

I thought I had finished.

I have slowly been completing more blocks for this quilt and had calculated on 12. All done, including using the offcuts. But I think that it will be too small and make the quilt difficult to use. 

 So although I have finished my blocks. I am now starting again and will make another row. Love red and grey together.
Linking to these places and finish it up friday.

White fleshed nectarine

 When we moved it was autumn and difficult to tell what the different fruit trees were. Our predecessors obviously were like me though. We have now discovered that we have one "Mabel" nectarine. A golden fleshed nectarine and this white fleshed nectarine.

Juicy and delicious and I think it could be another Mabel. To prove that all I will need to do is cook it as Mabel is like a Black Boy peach.  If cooked or bottled they turn dark purple. Unlike the Black Boy peach you don't have to deal with a furry outside. So fantastic for school lunches.

Today this was my breakfast, along with coffee, in front of the computer watching my first university lecture! I have enrolled to finish my Graduate Diploma in HR and am so nervous about it. The term started this week and I have exhibited stress to my family!!! Concerned about the amount of time, understanding referencing requirements etc etc. I feel exhausted. 

But I have to say this has got to be the most relaxed way to study. Everyone who knows me well will understand me being in my dressing gown. 

There are many other people who are raising families, working and trying to juggle study. At least I have empathy with them - another great HR skillset. Best dash. Have time for a walk before my next online at 12noon. Sigh no more free time on a Thursday.