Monday 17 February 2014

Progress on Quilt Top

Hello everyone, I hope this finds you all well - and safe and dry, those of you who are going through such a dreadful time in Britain; my heart goes out to you suffering through this prolonged period of wet and stormy winter!

This is just a quick progress report on the hearts and fabrics that have been captivating my attention, as well as causing me to fall behind in my following of your lovely blogs; this I managed to pretty well remedy this morning though, so that makes me happy! I would hate to miss out on anything you've been up to, or the inspiration and encouragement I derive from this wonderful pastime! 




This is the quilt top as it stands right now, but, we've had a few hiccups this little piece and I, so let me show you more . . . . . .




. . . . . . planning and placing did not come easily and I fiddled around with this and that before making a real start to putting together the blocks - and after that I slowly played it by ear until I felt it was as well balanced as it could be - if you've done any of this sort of thing I'm sure you know what I'm getting at!

So much effort and time went into getting the blocks as right as I could that it just didn't hit me until everything was all stitched up that the hearts really could have been better placed! You know how sometimes we can look and look but somehow don't see? I didn't see!!!


Spot the difference!




You saw it straight away, didn't you! I knew you would! I didn't get upset, I didn't throw it across the room . . . . . . I thought about it for a little while but knew it couldn't be left like that, I'd never be happy with it, it would stare me in the face every time I looked at it, so the unpicking began; that was the easy bit, it didn't take long at all! 

The re-placing and sewing back into position? Don't ask! Only a couple of expletives - not too bad - and this little quilt top is back together now anyway so better not to go there! We have a couple of little wrinkly bits that I'm sure weren't there before but I guess a good ironing and the quilting work done and it won't be noticeable. Do you think it looks better? Do you think it was worth the effort? What would you have done? I'd be really interested to hear your views for I realise it was a bit of a risk to take!

There's lots more work to do yet of course, next step being borders . . . . . . at the moment this is what's been decided but watch this space, for anything could happen! The spotty one is also for the backing.




I am linking up with  Chrissie  again this week - do pop over and see what she, and other talented crafters are busy with, it's always inspirational over there!




For the past few weeks I've been trying to get some decent pics of kangaroos to post but it's not the easiest thing in the world to do even though they are close by in various locations. Anyway, on Sunday morning as we drove up a steep hill, not five minutes away from home, around an area where there are homes with bush and paddock around them, we spotted these ones. Now this is the back of someone's home, just off the road that takes us up that hill and can you believe how tame they are? If I had stepped out of the car no doubt they would have taken off but because I just reached out the window with my phone you can see, they hardly budged an inch! Incidentally, the address is Peace Street!




I haven't tweaked these pics at all except to crop them because it's apparent to me that my phone doesn't  capture subject matter nearly as clearly as my 'real' camera, but I really did want to show you these big boomers!

No garden pics today folks, sorry, but I am sending you loads of good wishes and hopes for lovely sunshine and blue skies, as well as lots of time to spend crafting and doing all the things you enjoy best!

With my love,
Joy xoxo


69 comments:

  1. Well I saw the difference in a couple of the photos, lol. But I doubt very much that I would have noticed if you didn't say anything. I think the colours of the quilt are lovely and I like the added dimension to the quilt provided by the blue fabric. Hugs. xx

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    1. Many thanks Joyful - I just had to do it, haha! Hugs, Joy x

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  2. Well done with that beautiful quilt top - I know I would've done the same unpicking as you, it has to be *just right* doesn't it? Quilting must get easier the more you do, but I think I have a long way to go! I'm so enjoying watching this project come together, dear Joy, and thank you so much for those kangaroo pics! :-) Chrissie x

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    1. Ah yes Chrissie, it must be right or it's all wrong!!! I certainly have a long way to go, but do love it! Such a challenge! Love, Joy x

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  3. Hi Joy, kangaroos in your neighbourhood! Wow, amazing, what a wonderful sight? Do they do damage to peoples gardens or are they well behaved? Thanks for the piccie. Your quilt is gorgeous, I'm loving the colours you are using. If you weren't happy with the placement then you did the right thing to unpick and put right so well done for not chucking it across the room! It just would've bothered you for evermore otherwise. I'm constantly striving for perfection with my quilts but am so far from it that I allow myself a tolerance, some things I'll let through and others I do again. The decision is made on the 'howmuchwillitannoyyou' scale and anyway, Im not perfect and am still loved, so I can still love my un-perfect quilts, lol. Yours is gorgeous though, and is now perfect!!! Sam xxx

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    1. Oh yes Sam, they eat the gardens so fences must be up to protect the poor plants!
      I like your way of thinking - there has to be a bit of leeway otherwise we'd drive ourselves mad wouldn't we! But some things just have to be put right, like proper placing of hearts, haha!!! Many thanks for your sweet words Sam, I so appreciate them. Hugs, Joy xo

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  4. Mistake,no,mistake. I simply love it. Such sweet material and hearts are my very favourite shape. I think this quilt us going to be a real beauty when it is finished. Most importantly I am glad you are happy with it now. Lots o love to you and the kangaroos x

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    1. How sweet you are Linda, thank you - sending you much love also, Joy xo

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  5. beautiful quilt top. I too would have unpicked as it would have annoyed me too!

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    1. Yes, thank you Wendy, some things just have to be fixed! Joy x

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  6. The quilt top is beautiful Joy....all the extra effort you have put in has been worth it. Unpicking things is a right pain but I'm sure it would have just annoyed you more had you left it! Anyway, it is stunning, love those pretty hearts! And kangaroos so close by?! How cool is that!
    Marianne x

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    1. Thank you Marianne, I'm so glad you like it! Yes, kangaroos all over the place and especially on the golf course. I wouldn't want to get too close though, they can be unpredictable and extremely strong!!! Take care, hugs, Joy xo

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  7. Oh Joy your quilt is a beauty, you have worked hard on this and it shows. The detail is outstanding x

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    1. I'm really enjoying it Joy, thanks so much! Joy x

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  8. Such a happy smiley quilt - all that hard work has paid off, beautiful xx

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    1. Hello Hawthorn - that is such a lovely way to describe it, thank you! Joy xo

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  9. Dear Joy
    The quilt is beautiful! Another gorgeous project - you are so clever!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Lovely message thank you Ellie - it's so nice to be back into sewing!
      The best to you too dear, Joy x

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  10. Your quilt is lovely! You have put so much effort into it and I'll look forward to seeing it finished :) Adorable photos of the kangaroos too! xx

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    1. Thank you Elisabeth - it's an enjoyable challenge and so nice when things work out nicely isn't it! We are so fortunate to have so many crafts and hobbies available to us, don't you think! Hugs, Joy xo

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  11. Look at you go Joy! this quilt is amazing! so sorry you were having a little fuss with it...I can so relate to that, and I would have fix the mix up to. Lord knows I've rip out a few quilts and started over.
    Great job. LOVE the photos of the kangaroos.....that's amazing to see in someones yard. We don't have kangaroos here so the only time we can see one is to visit a local zoo and they only have one! Beautiful animal!
    Hugs to you....Shari

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    1. Many thanks Shari, I knew you would understand; I'm really enjoying working on this piece!
      They are beautiful looking animals, but to be treated with caution!!! Warm hugs, Joy x

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  12. How lovely your hearts and embroidered flowers look incorporated into that quilt! How satisfying to see it take shape!

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    1. I'm really happy to receive your kind message Sandra, many thanks! Those craft cotton fabrics were half price when I bought them - to have them handy, just in case! Joy x

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  13. Hello Joy, your quilt is amazing and so beautiful. I love the mix of colours and little bits of embroidery. Joy I'm with you about small details, if it's not as you like no matter how much you try to convince youself it will do, it won't and you will not be happy until you have unpicked it.
    Wonderful photos of the kangaroos and inside a back garden - brilliant, the street is so aptly named.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. Thanks so much Irene, we're on the same wavelength!
      The kangaroos were very considerate to keep still for me, weren't they! Love, Joy x

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  14. Your roo pics are great Joy!! They do look so relaxed and peaceful, most unusual for a roo!! Your quilt is coming along beautifully, I really like the mix of colours and the white and the different fabrics that you have chosen. Sorry that you have had a little trouble with it, I hope that it will all be plain sailing from now on! xx

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    1. Ah, it's unusual to hear someone other than an Aussie call them 'roos', Amy - are you familiar with Australian ways and their strong tendency to nickname etc.?
      Thanks so much for your kind words on my 'new baby'! Hugs, Joy xo

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    2. I was born in Australia Joy! I say that I speak English three ways, English English, Australian English and American English!! Talk about confused. You know the thing in the kitchen on top of the cupboards - a bench for me, but countertop in America and worktop here in England, I cause all sorts of language chaos!! xx

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  15. Your quilt is so beautiful, Joy. I love the bright colors with white, it really makes everything "pop" and it all just looks fantastic. You're doing a beautiful job with it. I love the roo photos! Wow, I can't even imagine having kangaroos just living nearby. I suppose it's like having deer, coyotes and bears, like we do here, but kangaroos just seem so exotic. Thanks for sharing your photos, they look so cute to me just lazing about on the grass. And big too! They're really big animals. I hope you have a great week, Joy. :)

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    1. So glad you are liking my quilt, Jennifer, thank you!
      The kangaroos are certainly impressive, but don't be fooled by them, they can be dangerously strong creatures! Happy days to you and yours my friend, Hugs, Joy x

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  16. I love your kangaroo pictures Joy they are fantastic, they look quite content lying there. Now for your quilt, well first of all I think it looks beautiful and you have done a lovely job of balancing the colours. I have to be honest it took me a while to see what you were getting at but when I did, I thought the hearts looked good either way, although I must admit I prefer the finished result so it's good you took the trouble to fix it the way you intended it to be and now you can be happy with the way it looks. I'm looking forward to seeing it all complete. :)

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    1. Thank you so much for your sweet message Linda - I just had to change that part, but I have turned a blind eye to another little thing that is not as important to me - just to prove that perfection is not TOO high in my books, haha!!! Hugs, Joy x

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  17. Ooh it's going to be a beauty Joy, I love the fabric choices and the hearts are so pretty, like you I would have had to alter it once I had noticed otherwise everytime I saw it it would urk me. So lovely you have kangeroos nearby. Have a lovely week
    Clare x

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    1. Thank you Clare - I'm really enjoying working on it! Joy x

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  18. Maddening when something like that happens isnt it? It will be absolutely beautiful when its finished Joy, well worth the unpicking and redoing.
    Loving the kangaroo pics!

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    1. Thank you Anne - those things can be really annoying but I'm quite happy to report that the older I get the less 'ratty' I become when such things come about - life happens doesn't it!
      Hugs, Joy x

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  19. Hi Joy, I must say it took me a while to work out the error , I was looking for upside down or sideways blocks or nine patches that were only six. Then it twigged. Yeah if something is really gonna bug ya, ya gotta fix it. However in times to come should you make other little slips just remember unless a quilt is hanging in a show to be judged it will be scrunched up or wrapped around a warm body and little slips will not be noticed generally.
    Good on you for putting on your big girl pants and not throwing it around, hahahaha, I thought I was the only one! ;-)

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    1. Hi lovely Susan - love your sense of humour! And I will remember your good advice - though I must add that at the moment I can hardly bear to think of it being scrunched up, no matter who's warm body it's wrapped around - I must become less precious about these things, mustn't I, haha!!! Hugs to you, Joy x

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  20. Hello my dear friend and wowsa what a gorgeous quilt you are making. I am loving it and I think you will be so pleased for all the time you are investing in it. Yes, I would have unpicked it as it just didn't work on the eye, there is symmetry now and it works and it looks so much better. It is funny though as I would have done it in exactly the same way as you would think that the blues and reds would work so much better like that, but interestingly it just didn't. I am loving the look of that border fabric, lush!!! and I am sure you will have heaps of fun continuing your work on this, it is such an enjoyable process and in fact I can't wait to start my next. It is on hold for now whilst I have these little monsters home. What a fabulous back garden to have with so many kangaroos lazing around. Thank you for sharing this with us, it really is quite special. I hope you are keeping well and that your head is behaving. I am sending you heaps of love my dear xoxo

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    1. Dear Hannapat, you are so very kind to me, thank you so much! The general consensus seems to be that I did the right thing and that it does look better now - isn't it wonderful how blogging friends are so very supportive and encouraging, helping us through these little dilemmas that come about in our crafting projects! I truly am enjoying putting this project together and can understand your itch to get back into yours - and I am so looking forward to seeing it progress, expecting another beautiful creation! In the meantime enjoy your little ones (I know how much you do!) My head is behaving much better thank you for asking, and I have high hopes that things will keep improving. Lots of love, Joy xoxo

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  21. Great quilt. I love all the vibrant fabrics.

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    1. Ah you are sweet Cathie, thank you, glad you love it! J x

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  22. HI. I love your quilt. I didn't notice until you said. But, you would have known and your eye would have drawn to it forever. You already have a story to tell about your quilt and I am sure there will be many more xx

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    1. Kelly, thank you - I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a message! Yes, you're right, already the stories around this quilt have begun - you've made me think now! Joy xo

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  23. You asked what we would do with the sewing dilemma ... I would've done the exact same thing as you and ripped out and made it right. You will always see the areas that are "not quite right" and they'll drive you crazy (or worse, you'll point out these mistakes to anyone who is admiring the quilt!). Better to spend a bit of time fixing it up so you can look at it with pride! I can't tell you all the silly mistakes I've made ... let's just say it doesn't matter how long you've been sewing, you'll still make mistakes. I've even hand sewn things in my lap and realized I sewed them to the jeans I was wearing! I'll even rip apart quilt blocks that didn't line up exactly because I know I can fix it to line up better. I always say to myself "I did it once, I can do it again", and then the ripping out and starting again doesn't seem so traumatic. One thing I was taught with quilts is never to use the steam setting on your iron when pressing the pieces as it will stretch out the fabric. I wonder if this may be why you found some wrinkles the second time round. If you put the quilt on top of a thick bath towel and just press without steam and without moving the iron around ... just straight down and straight off again, this might help. Your quilt is looking lovely! I especially like the heart blocks :)

    The kangaroo shots are fantastic too!! Such beautiful creatures. My parents used to have a book on Australian animals, and as a kid I would just be amazed at the unusual animals you have there ... our North American animals seemed so dull in comparison. Thanks for sharing these photos Joy, and have a great week! Wendy x

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    1. Dear Wendy, what a very interesting and informative message, thanks so much! Yes, I've been sewing for so many years I don't care to count them, and still silly things are done; but as this is only the start of quilting for me I really appreciate your thoughts, advice and tips, especially about the steam iron! I'll remember that excellent advice, and thank you so much! It brings a chuckle to think of you sewing your jeans to your project - that takes some doing, haha!
      I think that perhaps the animals in North America are as unusual to us as ours are to you - nice to compare! I must admit though, the kangaroos do seem very appealing in the habitat where I snapped them!
      Happy days to you Wendy, and I hope your weather has improved somewhat by now?
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  24. Hi Joy, it took three looks to see where you had gone wrong, but once I spotted it I knew that if mine I would have had to rectify it too.
    The only wildlife I see near my home are blackbirds and sparrows, no kangaroos here.
    Hugs S xx

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    1. Hi Sarah, I do wonder how kangaroos would fare in your part of the world - anyway, you're much safer with blackbirds and sparrows singing their lovely songs, I can assure you!
      I'm glad I fixed the problem - it would have bothered me no end if I hadn't!
      Hugs to you too, Joy xo

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  25. I wouldn't say you went wrong, it is just more balanced after the change! I am the same as you it would have bugged me so I think it was worth the time to change it around. It is an absolutely beautiful quilt Joy, I love the colours. Thank you for sharing your kangaroo photos.. love them! Julie x

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    1. That's a lovely way to put it Julie, thank you, and I'm so glad you like the quilt - thanks so much for your encouragement! Hugs, Joy xo

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  26. Hello JOY, the final block placements turned out perfect. I absolutely LOVE the wee Heart quilt.. ALL the fabrics you have used are wonderful.. I used to quilt but not for a long time. The Kangaroo photos are amazing. They are very very large animals indeed. They act like our deer that roam around in gardens eating everything. I now have fence to keep them away. VBG

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    1. Hi Judy and thanks so much for your message, I'm so happy you like the quilt - it's a big challenge for me but one I am thoroughly enjoying. Such a shame you had to fence your property but otherwise you would suffer total destruction - the place where I snapped these roos had no garden planted other than grass, but neighbouring folks have had to do same as you to protect their areas. It is lovely to see the animals so content, just lying around, isn't it! Hugs for you, Joy x

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  27. Joy I was going to ooh and ahh over your beautiful stitching and then you show us kangaroos! Oh my goodness! They are so adorable. I love them. How fun that you get to see them, and then you get to show them to all of us.

    Hugs to you,
    Meredith

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    1. Ah but you are still welcome to ooh and ahh over my stitching anyway lovely Meredith, haha! I'm so glad you got a thrill out of seeing the roos and they are a big drawcard for tourists in our area! Happy days to you lovely,
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  28. Thanks for your wonderful post, Joy! I too love your quilt...your color choices and design! I am so impressed you were able to dismantle the quilt top in order to rearrange the hearts! When I have torn out stitches I have sometimes ripped the material in the process, so I appreciate what a wonderful job you did. One of my favorite bloggers posted a picture of her family picnicking in the grass on one of the many lovely quilts she has made. One seam clearly had a boggle in it. In her narrative she typed not one word about the imperfection. She and her blog became all the more dear to me at that moment. I admire you for changing what displeased you, but who knows...a boggle in your work could actually endear you to someone who notices it :)
    I enjoyed seeing the lounging kangaroos, too, and will remember your caution about their strength should I ever meet one face to face! xx

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    1. You have given me a few chuckles Gracie; I can now say that with the little quilt almost finished there may be quite a few 'someones' who are endeared to me! Enough said? I'll say no more then, just 'watch this space', haha!!! Thank you for all your kindness m'dear, I always get a lot out of your lovely messages - you're very sweet!
      If you should ever have a close encounter with a roo, you'll find they either hop off in a hurry or they attack, in which case I'm afraid you would have no chance at all - dreadfully fierce and savage they can be, but yes, lovely to see, peaceful and relaxing. Ah well, we think well of everyone . . . . and everything too!
      I hope your week is going really well lovely lady, hugs, Joy xo

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  29. Hi Sweetie! Joy, it's just like you be working on something again that just took my breath away as soon as I saw it!!! That quilt top is so, so beautiful! I LOVE your color choices, fabrics and those adorable hearts. OMG...it's just so pretty! I can't believe you went through all that work to move the hearts. It was lovely before, but it's even more lovely now! ... You live in the most beautiful, interesting place! You have kangaroos just hanging around outside like we have deer! They're so cute! Have a wonderful week my sweet far away friend! xo

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    1. Wow Paulette - you sound really impressed, thank you so very much - and I do hope you've got your breath back my lovely friend!!! I am very happy with the way it's all come together!
      I knew you would enjoy seeing the kangaroos and am glad that, after many attempts to get decent pics, we finally came across this group! Success at last - if at first you don't succeed, try, try ……..
      There is a huge enclosure (acres and acres of it) about fifteen minutes drive away from us where there are many deer but, sadly, they are being grown for food - but it is so nice to see them. I love deer and seem to have quite an affinity with them!
      Sending warm hugs from across the seas - from one friend to another, Joy xo

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  30. I have just discovered your blog and I am already a little in love. New follower right here :)

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    1. Welcome Emma, I'm very happy to have you here and look forward to catching up with you soon, thank you! Joy x

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  31. Yes it looks better and yes it was worth doing. I really believe that you should put right things like this - there is no point spending hours on a project that you don't really love.

    Great kangaroo photos - imagine just being able to see them by the side of the road! Brilliant. x

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    1. Hiya Gillian - I've just been on your blog too and thoroughly enjoyed your latest post, thank you!
      Yeah, somethings just have to be done about the hearts and leaving it as it was would have bugged me no end, so . . . .
      The area where I snapped the roos is a favourite habitat for them - they are huge creatures!
      Hugs, Joy x

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  32. Hello Joy
    Now you've caught me unawares I wasnt expecting another post so soon...
    Wow you are progressing and it looks fab-u-lous!
    Aw cant believe you had to unpick it the hearts do look lovely. You have done a wonderful job.
    Your kangaroo photos are great! would love to see them in wild.

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    1. Hi FB, my lovely friend - I hope you are well! I'm so glad you like the quilt and sorry to have caught you out - I was wondering where you were!
      Next post coming up soon, watch this space!
      Nearly weekend again - enjoy it! Hugs, Joy xo

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  33. Hi Lovely Joy, sorry I have been absent for a few days, it has been one busy week! My goodness your photographs are just stunning, I could not see the mistake but could only marvel at the beauty of your work. Joy you are such a talented lady and you are an inspiration to me every time I read your posts. You always give so much of yourself to us all, no wonder we all love you. Have a lovely weekend Joy, sending you big hugs and loves as always
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxx

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  34. Ah there you are lovely Dorothy, it sounds like your weeks are becoming busier and busier and I hope you are managing to take time to smell the roses - what roses you say? Well, you know what I mean, don't you!
    Thank you so much for all your wonderfully kind words m'dear - I really appreciate them, and now I'm off to take a look at your new post and see what you've been up to this week!
    Loads of love to you and talk soon, Joy xoxo

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    1. Thank you so much Taci, lovely to hear from you! xx

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