Monday 29 September 2014

Long Weekend...

Yep, we have a long weekend which doesn't really feel like one, because it's the start of the school holidays for mr14.
The reason for this long weekend is that today is a public holiday to mark the birthday of The Queen... but this has always confused me, because while Western Australia gets it in September, all other States & Territories get it in June. (WA already has a public hol in June for another reason). Add to that, her actual date of birth is 21 April, & there's a separate 'official' birthday!

So I finally decided to do some research & find out why all these dates...it's all to do with the what time of the year is most likely to provide favourable weather for the Birthday Parade, aka Trooping The Colour... so if a British Monarch was born in the months of a dreary British winter, public birthday festivities were held off until sunshine returned & outdoor parades could be held.
Ah yes, something only the British Royal Family could imagine doing, huh?!
(more can be read here if you're interested)

Anyway, now that I have satisfied my curiosity, it's time to share something that's hopefully a bit more interesting!

Another stitchery is now complete, the 12th for my Tis The Season wall hanging. I am going to stitch all 13 of the designs provided in the book, so I can use one as a label for the back. While I'm stitching the last one, I'll have to cast my mind to where I've stored the fabrics I want to use for it; I've put them away so carefully that I can't remember for the moment where they are!
I'm not entirely happy with the standard of the stitching on this one, so I might end up re-doing it; getting the shapes & definition in Santa was quite tricky, & the door looks a bit odd.
yes, I am my own worst critic!
 

I've cut all of the remaining bright-coloured fq's into strips, ready to sew more Trip Around The World blocks. I didn't want any of it hanging around unused, so I'm just going to sew it all, & get it out of my Sewing Space. There will certainly be more than enough blocks to have fun with! This pic is closest to the colours, but they are not quite so bright...

The binding for my Halloween wall hanging has been stitched down, & I'm ready to start playing with my Halloween buttons to add some quirky interest.

And lastly, I created uproar in the family late last week, by agreeing to have The Site Manager clipped short... his coat had become so very thick during the winter that it would have been a bit of a trauma for him to get it brushed out... so here he is, all FOUR KILO'S of him...
Poor little guy can't even look at me he is so disgusted!
 
He gets cold so easily now, so I bought him a little jacket, which he happily trots around in (pics soon). And he's also keeping warm by rolling up on my lap when I sit to the sewing machine... yes, he's that small!

Sorry for such a long post... thanks for sticking with me...
Have a wonderful week ahead xx

16 comments:

Christine M said...

Your TTS block looks fine to me, Anthea. The site Manager is a bit like a patchwork quilt himself with all his markings. I had to zoom in on him in the first picture as I couldn't make him out properly. I thought you had left him a beard!

Noela said...

I think your block looks fine too Anthea. Poor doggy, he does look a bit sad but will be happy when the hot weather hits. Hugs......

Susan said...

I agree, your block looks fine, some of mine were a bit like that too and it just adds to the charm. Find those fabrics and get it stitched up for Christmas.!

marina said...

you have been busy!
researching, sewing, cutting, losing fabric, terrorising the supervisor lol
He will thankyou once the hotter weather arrives..

Kim said...

Can't see anything wrong with your stitchery it looks great to me. Love your brights. What a cute dog. Have a great week.

Maria said...

Interesting facts re the Queens Birthday..

You have been keeping busy and it's nice to see all your lovely projects.

Oh the poor Site Manager... Pleased you got him a coat..

Jindi's Cottage said...

Well done on block 12, darn safe place it swallows stuff! hope you find your fabric soon...the Site Manager will be much more appreciative when the weather heats up soon and he is nice and cool without a thick fur coat on...

Cheryl said...

Love TTS and you're almost at the end. Our two hate getting clipped as well, but they get over it

Kate said...

Such an interesting post, Anthea. I like all the projects you're working on .... you're a busy lady. Isn't it funny how dogs look embarrassed following a haircut ... our used to be the same. You might mention to Site Manager that I think he looks rather charming. :)

Pinnylea Creations said...

Queen's Birthday Long Weekend is an odd one for sure (don't get such a thing i the UK)... Poor site manager - no wonder he won't look at you but he'll appreciate all the effort as the temperatures rise. Love the bright colours xx

gracie said...

Thanks for the Queen's birthday celebration explanation.... as for the pooch, I think he looks adorable. I send him warmth from Arizona USA.

Fiona said...

Isnt it funny how a dog will feel so embarrassed and exposed after a hair cut? I love all the goodies you are making and such a good idea to use up your leftovers for something so quickly...
Hugz

Binsa said...

Hello Anthea, Mr Site Manager looks so sad, so reminded me of our Monty. He hated his coat being shorn.Hugs O'faigh

Dawn said...

Cant wait to see the finished wall hanging for Christmas, it looks terrific so far. Poor Mr Site Manger, he reminds me of my two little ones, they give me the same look...

Lin said...

Hello Anthea - just catching up with your posts. Your Christmas stitcheries are looking great - not sure what you find wrong with Fr C though. I know what you mean about the advent calendars. A friend brought one here last year for me to help her construct. However, she did make a lovely, simple nativity to put in the pockets. Poor site manager though I am sure he is much better for it! xx

Sisbabestitches said...

Q b-day information is so interesting, though who figured June in Victoria would be good weatherwise is questionable! Poor SM, he must be so confused :)

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