I am feeling pretty down today. Tomorrow is my birthday, I will be 35, but it is not my age that is getting me down (I’m a spring chicken after all). Tomorrow will not be the same because my twin brother will be spending his birthday where he has been for a while now – in hospital. We are hoping he will be well enough to come out for about an hour for lunch, but if not it will be a very subdued occasion.
To cheer me up I have been looking at the fabric I bought on our girls weekend away. The two lovely green batik fat quarters caught my eye at Patchwork Charm in Shepparton. There are so many colours squeezed into those fabrics, but I can see I am developing a fascination with my favourite colour at the moment -soft apple green. The fabric under the fat quarters is one I purchased recently for the sashing of my fat quarter quilt.
The fabrics above are all from The Country Thyme Patchwork Shop in Mooroopna – the store that ran the “Girls’ Day Out”. They are for another one of my secret projects, most likely a male softie.
The fabrics below are from a store that is just a year old -“Anam Cara”, in Kialla Lakes, Shepparton (No Web address)
The fat eighths just caught my eye – take it from someone that loves applique, you can do quite bit with a piece of fabric this size. I hadn’t really considered it until recently, but the metric fat quarter and eighth are slightly larger than the imperial ones – something that has to be considered by the budding designer you know. The beige has a crackle pattern that I have been looking for, for stitcheries, for ages. The spot is a lovely soft coffee colour that somehow seems to go really well with brighter, clearer fabrics – it is for stitcheries as well.
These lovely fabrics are from the Shepparton “Spotlight” store. They seemed to have a pretty good selection, (I often can’t find anything I like at my local Spotlight – although I have not been there for a while) and like all Spotlight stores, the fabrics were of a good price. This stack adds up to 2 metres, and cost only $25, which would be pretty unheard of at an independent patchwork store here in Australia. I think this pile is going to be a secret female softie, (hopefully I will be able to spill the beans about my secret some time soon).
Anyway, writing this post and looking at my fabric has really cheered me up, and I am sure my kids and hubby will make my birthday special, even if it is not the same without Julian.
(((Claire))) I wondered if the medical issues you mentioned earlier had to do with your brother, and I’m sad to hear my hunch was right. Birthday wishes to both of you.
M
Sending you all good wishes for your Birthday…i’m sure your brother is getting good care in hospital. May that ease your mind. Brothers (and sisters) are so very special and yours is very blessed to have you!! ((hug))
Returning the birthday wishes to you & your brother. Tis a shame we get such crappy weather every birthday, but thems the breaks for june babies…
Happy Birthday Claire, and to your brother too. I hope he is doing ok and that you are able to have your birthday lunch together. Lovely fabrics too, especially that bottom pile – gorgeous pinks!
((hugs)) Rachel x
I do hope you had as lovely a day as possible, and that your brother makes a speedy recovery.
Much love to you all.
Oops, I missed it!
Happy birthday hugs to both you and Julian.
hey claire,
great to catch up with you last night and i hope that all the lovely gifties you got helped cheer you up and finish your birthday on a hight note.
remember you will get my birthday gift later in the year 🙂 always nice to get another gift later!!
hope your bro is doing ok. will be thinking of you all
hugs
Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday Claire 🙂 We are both Gemini’s I guess !
Hope you enjoyed your day 🙂
Hi Claire,
I hope your birthday was a good one and that your brother is feeling better soon. All the best. Leah