Melbourne Cup weekend

I've got the borders sewn on and have started the applique bits.  There's just 12 so they won't take me long. 

Started my dressmaking projects.  Finished one top and started the dress.  Pictures to follow.
It's the Monday before the Melbourne Cup.  Everyone is in bed asleep despite being 10 am.  It's a long weekend for a lot of people. One of my daughters is wagging school.  Hubby has a holiday day, and the other daughter - well she's a uni student - every day she chooses to stay in bed - or not.  Melbourne is divided into two camps today - those who have to work - and those that can get away with staying in bed.  And of course all of Melbourne has tomorrow off, to drink and gamble (!)  Sewing is a much healthier way to spend your time, in fact why don't we have a public holiday dedicated to all things crafty? instead of a silly horse race? :-)

A national holiday dedicated to sewing, crafting, or reading.  A national stay in bed and relax day.  One day where we weren't allowed to even think of doing the dishes, but dedicate ourselves to the things we love to do.  I think we'd all be better off.

Friday Update

Thought it was time to post some photos of what we're making.  I've been auditioning borders for this quilt which I bought as a block of the month quite some time ago and am slowly finishing it off.  The above photo is of the border recomended on the pattern.  Too heavy I think and takes away from the central stitcheries which afterall should be the main focus.

I have decided on a much narrower black border and then another border in gold which matches the gold already in the quilt.  You can't see it too well here because the light wasn't good for photos this afternoon but I am much happier with this combination.  The gold fabric was a lucky find in my stash.  Looking forward to getting the top finished now and can't wait to try out the blanket stitch on my new machine to applique the finishing touches.  The quilting will have to wait though as this long weekend I have planned to make two tops and one simple sun-dress.  They're already cut out and waiting for me.

Louise showed us this finished top for a quilt she is making for her mother for Christmas.  She has finally found the right backing fabric and will now go full steam ahead on quilting straight lines with her walking foot.  (And maybe a little hand-stitching in the central squares for that extra special touch?)

And Anne did some knitting and showed us some pretty fabric she has cut out ready to make some pot-holders.
More project photos to come soon.  I must remember to carry my camera around more often!