We have had a very busy holiday considering we've not done anything much! :)
When I was sorting my photos for this post I came across this photo that reminded me that we did go across to Ballarat to the Blog Meet a couple of weeks ago which I have realised I never mentioned ...
This was the only photo taken of the actual meet .. Megan was the official photographer on the day with her new camera courtesy of Santa!
I dragged the whole family along using it as an excuse for quality family time. We did have a really nice time my husband took the kids to the pool next to the park while I got to spend some time chatting. It was so nice to put a face to the blogs! If you aren't familiar with these blogs do your self a favor and go take a peek at;
Jodie, Gillian, Bernadette, Jo, Rachel, Kathryn, Annie, Emma, Janette, Lara, Holly, Trash, Jan, Nikki & Sonya
The kids have had three weeks of swimming classes which soaked up each morning and often part of the afternoon as well. But they have accomplished so much in that time that the 6am starts have been well worth it!
For most of the first week Joshua was the only student in his class so he has gone from total terror to being able to independently torpedo along with his face under the water. Ben and Jessie can now swim 4 laps of a 25m pool combining freestyle & backstroke. Jessica motors along like a speed boat and is justifiably proud of herself. Ben on the other hand although he manages quite well does look like he is about to drown at any moment! Megan has become a very accomplished swimmer easily able to swim 8 laps of the pool in freestyle, backstroke or breast stroke - she is quite amazing and looks so natural in the water. I would recommend VicSwim to any Victorian parent it really is a terrific program!
Putting together the patterns for my shop also took up so much time. Thank you for taking a look and a huge thank you to everyone who bought one or two! If anyone has tried to purchase a pattern and has been told by Paypal that Idon't ship to your area ... well Paypal is just kidding ... I do it is just that I haven't added your country to my shipping list. Please email me and I will sort it out for you.
And now with only a few short days before school starts back it has dawned upon me that I haven't organised anything for the term ahead ... so I'm off to get sorted and to cuddle the kids a bit before the time is totally up ...
... plus I've got to somehow find some time to finish this ...
... I have the hots for circles at the moment! :)
Have a great week and I'll see you all again once I have my little family settled back in school.Forgive me for not doing my usual visits to your blogs ... for now my life is getting in my way!
Kellie
Looks like you're super busy!! Hope you get some time to get that sewing done when the kids get back to school!!
Posted by: Maree @ Farmyardcrafts | January 27, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I am loving appliquing circles myself! Lollypop Trees by Kim McLean at GloriousColor.com. What a treat!
Posted by: Mary Beth | January 27, 2009 at 01:03 PM
I just recently found your blog and I am totally in love with your work! This new project you are working on looks fantastic!
Posted by: Jackie | January 27, 2009 at 01:12 PM
The blog meet looked like fun. I'll have to try to get along to one of those at some stage.
Your new projects are looking fab.
Glad the new shop is kicking along nicely.
Now its time for you to design some fabric, or write a book, or something.
Andi :-)
Posted by: andi | January 27, 2009 at 01:15 PM
Oooh, that quilt you're working on looks so awesome -- I love all the colors AND the circles. The picture of you is just adorable too -- you're so cute with your little angel in your lap. I was quit jealous that all the other girlies got to meet you!
Posted by: thimbleanna | January 27, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Your work is absolutely beautiful. It is always so cheerful and lovely to look at. It brings lots of smiles.
Posted by: Deb | January 27, 2009 at 04:40 PM
I am so in love with your creations! They are so positive and vibrant and at the same time very tasteful.
Question: are the appliqués "just" fused on, without folding the sides underneath? and do you do the stitching by machine?
(I kn ow nothing about appliqué) I have become very ionspired by the lovelities you make :)
Thanks for sharing with us!
Posted by: kvinta | January 27, 2009 at 06:00 PM
Your circle project looks lovely Kellie - you always use such bright, pretty, and cheerful fabrics. Glad your summer is going well - it is such a shame it has to come to an end. Good luck in getting your family organised for the school year ahead.
Posted by: Lisa | January 27, 2009 at 06:23 PM
I know exactly how you feel Kellie. My two have been in holiday swimming lessons as well and school starts tomorrow! I'm looking forward to getting back to normal routines and hopefully finding some time to sew. Your circles look great!
Posted by: soo | January 27, 2009 at 07:54 PM
I am simply in love with everything you make! Everything looks so fantastic Kellie!
Posted by: Hayley | January 27, 2009 at 08:38 PM
I know what you mean, I'm still ploughing through my hundreds of Blogger posts! I've really been enjoying the Quilter's Companion magazine, I can't wait for the second part of your quilt :)
Posted by: Louise | January 27, 2009 at 08:56 PM
I have the magazine, & of course, have enjoyed every minute of it!
Your projects are so fresh & exciting.
Also loved the profile on 'our Tracey'. the world of blog is a great invention!!
Posted by: meggie | January 27, 2009 at 09:06 PM
looks like you are having a lovely summer , I'm quite envious. I really should take the boys to swimming lessons, G loves the water , Milo not so much ( cries every time it gets in his face). I'm glad to hear your shop is doing well - how could it not with all that gorgeousness :-). I'm starting to see your name and bits of your work appearing on other blogs too - did you see Marees applique ? Enjoy the rest of the holiday with your lovely family.
Lisa x
Posted by: periwinkle | January 27, 2009 at 09:16 PM
Sounds like the kids have been having fun! I need to do the school shoe run tomorrow - it has kind of crept up on us this year! Enjoy your last week!
Posted by: Louise | January 27, 2009 at 09:29 PM
I read on a few of those wonderful blogs that you had popped in to the meeting too. I wish I had known about it too and met you in person. The quilt looks lovely, always fantastic colors and very inspirational. Isabelle starts her swimming lessons again on Saturday but those programs they run over the holidays are always fantastic. Isabelle did one in September last year and improved her swimming skills so much. She is now very confident in the water. I know how you feel about the kids being organised for school too, I need to start tomorrow on their books being covered in wonderful laminated paper.
Posted by: sue | January 27, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Looks and sounds like you have been busy! Have fun before the children go back to school! Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | January 28, 2009 at 04:18 AM
Why did the blog meet have to be so far away?! Alex and Anna are starting swimming lessons next week - I'm terrified but they both seems quite keen, it's got to be a good thing.
I did get the payment for those bags before posting BTW, she's emailed me and we'd agreed a discount - I listed the bags for her with the discount and she bought and paid for them through paypal. I posted them the same day - then she came back to me that night to ask for a second discount. The whole thing has left me feeling distinctly uncomfortable!
Kim xx
Posted by: Kim McBirnie | January 28, 2009 at 05:37 AM
I understand! The return to school is rapidly approaching and I still have so much to do, collect blazers, check uniforms and shoes and collect books!!!
Posted by: The Chocolate Cat | January 28, 2009 at 05:54 AM
Tell me, how do you cut your circles? I need to get the kids stuff ready too, to much to see and do in blog land!
Posted by: Leah | January 28, 2009 at 02:42 PM
I'm a Don't Look Now! - fun as you know, so I'd like to "give" you something :-)please look at my blog. Thanks!
Posted by: violini | January 28, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Isn't it great putting faces to names/blogs. What a treat for you all..... Glad you're back in to the swing of real life and like me, it sometimes gets in the way of blogging.
Posted by: Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crasfts | January 30, 2009 at 07:41 AM
I am SO inspired. Your work is lovely. Just delightfully lovely. I'm excited about color again! Thank you so much for sharing your creativity and the love you have for your family. I'm inspired by both.
Posted by: Dee Anne | January 31, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Kellie, Your projects are amazing. I stumbled onto your blog from a picture of your quilt for the doll quilt swap. I love your color combinations, and am excited to hopefully try one of your patterns. I can't wait to see what this newest quilt looks like, those little dots are so cute! Have you thought about putting together kits?
Posted by: Summer | February 02, 2009 at 04:07 AM
Sounds like a busy break! Hope all is well! Congrats to the 'fish' in the family!!!!!
Posted by: upstatelisa | February 03, 2009 at 05:46 AM
you are AMAZING! I'm going to share your blog with all my blogging friends! They are going to LOVE YOU!!!
Posted by: Julie Isa | February 04, 2009 at 05:13 PM
I love the look of your work. It is so fresh and bright. Makes me smile! I look forward to seeing the circles and flowers piece in full!
Children grow up-up-and-away so fast so enjoy all your time with them and don't feel guilty!
Posted by: Janine | February 07, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Hi Kellie, I hope you have been doing well. It sounds like you are very busy. The new quilt looks great! How did the one you sent to the Amity challenge do? Do we get to see a picture of the whole quilt?
Posted by: Irene | February 09, 2009 at 06:44 AM
Dear Kellie, I read about the fires in Australia. I hope that you and your loved ones have not been affected. (I must admit that I do not know where you live, do you live in Victoria?)
Posted by: Irene | February 10, 2009 at 08:42 AM
Hi Kellie, slightly worried that you haven't posted and I do hope that you and yours are safe and well. Kim McBirnie xx
Posted by: Kim McBirnie | February 10, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Hi Kellie, I too am worried that you have not posted and the fires seem to be extremely bad. I hope to you and your family/friends are all safe and I hope to hear from you soon!
Lynn
Posted by: [email protected] | February 12, 2009 at 08:08 AM
I hope you are safe! - from a reader in the US
Posted by: Angela | February 13, 2009 at 01:32 AM
I totally get the circle thing. I've had it for years.
Posted by: Cheryl Arkison | February 28, 2009 at 03:24 PM