cheers...........

the only thing you need to bring is drinks.............

We have also booked the coolroom as thought it would be much easier for everyone with drinks............

Not sure if there are wine/champagne glasses and if there are how many............

so if you're fussy as to what you drink out of bring your own.......

5 sleeps...........

Chookyblue

Hallelujah daylight savings ends tomorrow.............woohoo..........

Hi everyone, I know I'm a bit late to the party but hello! 

I'm Tina, I live in Campbelltown with my hubby and two fur-babies, Dexter and Bear. I have three beautiful 'human' children. My eldest Charlotte is married with a son, my beautiful grandson Silas is 1 year old and very very cheeky. I have another daughter Harriet she's the creative, she will be coming to the retreat with me, and my son Joshua, he is getting married next year.

I have been sewing for years and years and got into quilting a few years ago, I've just finished a woodland themed quilt for my grandson.

My daughter Harriet has recently started sewing and is interested in quilting, she will be working on her first quilt during the retreat. 

My daughter and I love the movies, we try to go regularly. We love our gigs too, the house is alive with the sound of music in our household. My daughters and I recently saw Ed Sheeran and he didn't disappoint us. 

We try not to take life too seriously, laughter is the best medicine after all. We look forward to meeting you all and getting are quilting on.

Did you hear that sound? From Lynda...

I believe it was the sound of Chooky falling over while fainting because here is a post from me.

This photo is the most recent one of me and was taken last Saturday at Jenny Doan's trunk show on the Gold Coast. I am the old girl on the right. (I can say that because Jenny is about 4 months younger
than I am.)
Quite a few people know me as I attended Girl's Day in the Country for 9 years. I only missed the first one because I didn't know about it. But when I did learn about it, it looked like so much fun that I wanted to join in.
I live in Brisbane, my husband and I have six children between us - his two, my two and our two.

I am hoping Chooky has recovered by now.

Annette....

Hi everyone, I’m Annette and I live in in glorious Armidale. We moved to a small farm here 12months ago and I’m loving it!!

Annette at the front with Sandy behind her............

I’ve been knitting since I was 7, cross stitching and sewing since my early 20’s and quilting sporadically since my 30’s. 

My middle name should be procrastination.....or easily distracted! I don’t actually seem to get much finished but I do have fun along the way. 

I’m really looking forward to my 4 days at Baradine and I’m hoping that I can focus and get stuck into a couple of projects, I shop faster than I stitch, so my stash is out of control!!

This is the beautiful view out my sewing window.

Annette

(posted by Chookyblue)

7 sleeps........

OMG tomorrow is going to be major organising day......maybe even pack the car............it's only going to be in the shed until I go to Baradine.........I'll take the buzz box to work.........I thought I had 4 days of luxury nothing this weekend......plenty of time to play........but looks like cattle work.......sheep work for shearing.........

Was trying to find a good pic to go with this...........

I love the one above............

But since we are in the scrub this one may be more appropriate...........

Anyway this time next week we will all be together (insert excited squeal)............kicked back stitching and enjoying a drink...........

constant chatter buzzing away in the room..............

Catch you in 7 sleeps.............

Chookyblue.........

Oh Julieeeee!

The heading?? well those who remember me from the first Bathurst Blog meet, I had Mum with me, and she was forever reprimanding me for my comments with "Oh Julieeee!"

Unfortunately, Mum won't be coming this time, as she has very bad dementia and is now in permanent care at a nursing home here in Dungog.

So, let me introduce myself to the many who have not met me... 

I "just" became a "Senior Citizen" (turned 60) and I never did act my age and still don't!  I married for the second time 2 years ago to a wonderful country man (Bruce), who is the complete opposite to me.  We live in Hicksville Dungog (1.5 hours north west of Newcastle) which is a small town that was once a timber town, then a dairy town, now more beef cattle and tourism.  We own a 17 acre property "just" out of town.  We have 4 Hereford steers and a dog. Bruce has a very green thumb and keeps a wonderful vege garden, rose & flower garden and some fruit trees.

I have one daughter (from my first marriage) who has given me 2 grandchildren (Jordarna 13 & Diesel 9).  They live in Toowoomba and we get to see each other about 5 times a year.

I own a Gammill Long Arm Quilting Machine, and quilt for whoever sends me a quilt, plus make my own quilts and items, which I sell thru Facebook (the "dark side" as Chooky calls it), I have a stall at Quiltarama and I have a sale just before Christmas when I hire the CWA Hall and hang all my quilts for sale.  I do have a blog (http://jewells58.blogspot.com.au), however I don't keep it up to date as much as I use to.

The past few years, I have been making children's THICK WARM WINTER PYJAMAS, and I will be bringing them with me to sell on the "Trade Table".. great  for all your grandkids???

Sizes 1 & 2 = $7 each

Sizes 4 & 6 = $10 each 

Don't forget, if you want me to quilt something for you, bring it with you and I will take it home with me.  I have quilted for Chooky, Cheryll (Dory), Peg & Dale to name a few..

See you REAL soon.. I am travelling with Diddles & Lea!

Julie (aka Jewells)

Templates

Don’t stress, we are caring and sharing ladies - so we will al be fine. I have also managed to get stock of the template needed and will have a dozen for sale. Just because I know that the paper piecing addiction is real!!  Chooky has a way of mesmerising you with it!!!!

Questions answered..........

Susan asked about parking and walking and carting sewing supplies..............

We are staying in the first 3 cabins that you come to.............

Parking is  on the edge of the brown woodchip/mulch........So yes you can park right in front of your cabin............But may be best to park and drop your stuff then move your car anywhere really there is heaps of space.........just so others can get close to drop there gear too.

As for your sewing supplies..........the dining room is the peaked roof you can see just to the right of the big pine tree.......at the far end of this row of cabins.... (not the one at the end that you can see easy.....that is a show pavillion)

The front door for the dining room is on the other side of the building........you can park right at the front door..........dump your stuff and move your car so everyone else can do the same thing......

There is a short cement path into the building............

So you can use a trolley bag to bring things in.......BUT........it is a very short distance that you would have to carry anything.......completely up to you...........

There are no cement paths between the buildings just dirt or woodchip.........
&&&&&&
Suze asked about fridges............there is a small standard size fridge in each cabin..........clearly I have seen how much a few people in a cabin in Nundle jam into a fridge so clearly a cabin of 10-11 women will not fit...........

We have a huge coolroom in the dining room for all drinks so will be best to put all your drinks in there........we will be hanging out in the dining room all the time anyway.........

Sandy - linen provided

Any other questions????

Fire away now..........
I'll post about the weather on Sunday or Monday..........
lets just say it is not good until then....too warm still........

Catch you later.........Chookyblue........

10 days and counting

only 10 days..... OMG....


o  Basic Sewing Machine tool kit -  This weekend is about Rest, Relaxation, Fun, Socialising oh and SEWING!!!!  So bring whatever you wish to work on.

But if you wish to just enjoy the weekend and go home with something completed and unexpected then we have it covered.  Donna and I spent many glasses of bubbles coming up with a perfect little project for you all to work on over the weekend. We hope that you enjoy it. The Kit will have all your need to complete this project, with the aid of the following recommended items.

NOTE - Don't stress if you don't have the item on hand, we are a caring sharing group and am sure that you will be able to beg, borrow, trade for the item you need. 

• Sewing Machine and thread - clean and in good working order, Appropriate power & foot peddle, Extra sewing machine needles. Pre-wound bobbins (when you can) or extra empty bobbins. If you were not planning on bringing one then just use Chooky's.....
• Fabric Scissors
• Rotary cutter - Chooky will have ruler & mats (unless you plan on cutting lots yourself)
• Pins
• Embroidery Hoop (if you use one)
• Crewel size 9 needle
• cardboard for cutting circles or template plastic or Karen buckley’s perfect circles. 
• 1 inch elongated/honeycomb template
• Milliners size 11 Needle
• Bottom line thread
• Roxannes glue (only if you already have some..........pins will work fine.........)

o  Snacks  we know you all like to bring them, but all meals are covered, but if you have special dietary needs then suggest you pack your favourites. otherwise its the usual
NO NEED TO BRING NIBBLES AS WE HAVE THAT IN THE BUDGET TOO - WE WILL SUPPLY

BRING DRINKS

• Beer, wine, preferred tipple
• Sweets: Candy, Chocolate

o  Extras

• Extension cord/power board - Chooky 5 power boards and several extension cords ( maybe talk to your traveling buddies and bring one between you just incase if you plan on machine sewing or need a light........
• Surge protector if you are fussy
• Additional task lighting
• Reading glasses
• Chair cushion
• Comfy shoes (especially for any day that you’ll be doing a lot of standing or perhaps fitting in a WALK/RUN), socks or slippers, light jacket or jumper
• Spending Money - we hope to have a couple of shops available with some treasures for you.

Excitedly counting down the days 

Sonia and Chooky.

Sunday prep time............

Its Sunday prep time..........just incase you are busy at easter............mine will be quiet which will be great.......but if you are busy for easter then today is the day to get organised......

Swap gifts..........have you made it or are you going to fake it........... information here.

Block Lotto.........are you joining in.......I sure hope so...........you could even make something on the weekend......information here.......

Pink dinner..........got your glad bags or accessories organised???? info here........

Show and Tell...........what are you bringing for show and tell...........i've got some quilt tops and quilts to bring........we all LOVE show and tell..........be it blocks in a new project or a finished quilt.........anything in between........Kylie will have some wool projects I am sure.........

Sewing........whatever your going to work on.............

Walking gear.......remember its stitch camp boot camp.........I got to keep you girls moving.........i'm hitting my walking goal this morning for my Cancer Council walk...........120kms...........only 6 more days to go for March Charge but hope to do many more kms before the end of the month.........So i won't make you walk 6kms.......but a couple will be good for all of us..........

ok gotta go walk.........

Catch you later..............Chookyblue..........

Hi everyone, I’m Diane from The Sloan Patch. I live on a little bit of acreage at Telegraph Point along NSW’s mid north coast. My kids have all finished school now (just) and are at different stages of work/study so there’s definitely a bit more time for ‘me’.

I started blogging just a couple of years ago when I needed a little inspiration after starting full time work. I’ve enjoyed being part of the community so much – and find the virtual sew ins particularly inspiring. Like many of you, Chooky got me started, and although I’ve dropped out of ‘blogland’ when times are particularly busy, I always try to jump back in.

I started my patchwork journey about 15 years ago when my beautiful friend Sally put the call out for volunteers to help make some craft projects to be sold at our local school country fair. I was handy with a sewing machine – making clothes all through my ‘poor’ uni days – but I’d never done any other sewing and didn’t fancy it too much. But boy, did I enjoy the sisterhood, so we decided to meet regularly and try our hand at patchwork.

The beautiful Sally (right)

Wednesdays at my place became the highlight of my week. And although I don’t have a lot to show for all those years I certainly enjoyed lots of tea and cake! In saying that, Sally generously taught me some valuable patchworking skills, and I have since taken lots of classes with my friend Debbie at Everything Country.

I particularly enjoy handwork and love projects which offer a variety – embroidery, applique, EPP etc. I’ve just recently started hand piecing and I love it. I’ve always liked the country colour palette, but I’ve found myself straying a little lately and it’s been fun. Like many of you I get excited by new projects, but they seem to take me an incredibly long time to finish. I do finish some of them…the others are still happening, I promise J.

I’ve read all your posts from previous GDITC with envy, so am very excited about joining you this year. And I’m especially happy to be bringing Sally along. It seems only right to share this experience with the person who got me started!

See you soon.

I'm coming....I'm Sandy...

Hello everyone. I thought I'd introduce myself. I am Sandy, I used to be a 'good' blogger, but recently I'm a very bad blogger but lookie here, Miss Chooky, I am actually managing to remember how to do it tonight!

Lucky for me,years ago, Chooky thought I was the 'nice' Sandy and she invested the time to get me blogging, and did for me what she has done for so many, offered the beautiful friendship and inclusion to this magical friendship group of like-minded sewers.
On my first, very nervous trip to Nundle, I took my Mum, not knowing anyone, but certain I would meet the blogging celebrity, "Chooky". Well meet her I did, along with the lovely Jenny aka Bird on the Border, and Trish aka Googygirl, and the friendships just grew and grew, and became many many more in numbers, and immense value.
(hmmm...how do I insert a picture???....some things never change, Chooky..lol)

This was my first Girls Day in the Country.

Donna and I have enjoyed many more since, and developed a lovely friendship.
Oh, I just realised, Chooky, this was the piccie when you got my gift in the swap.....

And then there's Jenny. Well we met at my first GDITC being popped on the same table with Googy as well (nailed it Kerry!), we became room buddies the next year, Jen and I, and we are travelling together to Scrub Stitchin'... like sisters us duo!







I love hand sewing, am an addicted EPP er, and I like to work with reproduction fabrics.

Who would have thought that the blog name, which Chooky and I agonised over, Shiralee Stitches, would go on to become my business name?...well it did. Shiralee is the name of our cattle property in Northern NSW.... and most of you know that I have a little patchwork business, mobile and online.
You can check me out at www.shiraleestitches.com.au 
I design a lot of the projects in my shop and run a few BOM programs, which many of the bloggy girls have done or are doing...

Chooky and Sonia have twisted my arm to bring a few goodies to Scrub, although Jen and I have to fit our sewing gear in her car, so if you really want anything in particular, you'd better let me know. We just might have to ditch the stock at Jenny's place in Goondi if we can't fit the bubbles and the other essentials in...lol...

Chooky and Sonia...you are doing an amazing job, and I thank you so much for organising this opportunity to have a blast again..bring on the laughs, the show and tell, the hideous behaviour that only we 'get', and all the fun and antics.....oh, and the sewing....hehe....can't wait to see you all again.
(hope this post works...)

If only......

If only you could see in these envelopes you would be able to see the pattern........ Oh shame it's not a see thru envelope..........

'Snoops' will just have to wait........

OK gotta go packing too go pick up Fairy Girl...... Woo hoo...... Bring on the school holidays (qld) ......... 

Catch you later...... 

Chookyblue.......

Ps maybe we might see some more intros here while I am gone....... 

Susan Oh 2 Sew Intro

I figured I best get on the band wagon too.

A lot of you have met me at GDITC - I am a reasonably regular blogger (here) - and went to GDITC each year from 2014 to 2017.

I am originally from Sydney and now live in Brisbane - have two girls - aged 28 and 26.  I started cross stitch in the mid 80s and then patchwork a few years later.  Cross stitch eventually faded out of the scene - although recently I have done a few smaller items.

For my patchwork style, I prefer brighter colours - although I like the look of civil war, reproductions etc - it just isn't me.  And I haven't been bitten by the EPP bug.  I prefer making tops rather than quilting them.  And for me it is about the process of making them not so much the end result.
Yes, I do like Purple but I love any of the jewel colours just as much.

I am so easily sucked in by new projects, new ideas -  a lot of you will understand that!!
I am so good at starting a new project - not so much about finishing.
I belong to 3 sewing groups - so rarely have a weekend without a sewing day in it.

I will be travelling with my bestest buddy, Maureen, - most of you know her from some GDITC trips too - stopping at a few shops along the way....if we find them.
Maureen and I met at work - we spent our lunchtimes sewing in one of the spare offices.

I am very much looking forward to seeing all those I know again - meeting some newbies - especially the ones that I know via blogging - and having a long break from work - since this trip is just after Easter and I need to leave Wednesday to get there by midday Thursday - I figured there wasn't a lot of point in going to work on Tuesday - so I will start Easter on Wednesday night - I don't work Thursdays - and will have all the week after Easter off.  Mind you I think I am going to be pretty tired on Monday after a long trip home...oh well - so sad - too bad.

Not long to go now - 18 sleeps til we leave!!!

. . . .

Feeling hot hot hot...........

I can hear Sonia singing this one now..............

Thankgoodness we got the weekend we wanted in April.................this was one of the options............one I didn't really want......its a too hot here.......

38 today.........39 tomorrow...but atleast it's not  humid............

Baradine is always a smiggen cooler but still it would not be so nice............yes we have air con in the room and in the cabins but still........its much nicer with nicer weather..............

OK must go...........stitching is calling in the air  con..........

Chooky..........

…ta da……

Peg, Dale and Kath….

the Narromine gals….

Well, we have clocked up over 190 plus years between the three of us!!!!!!

OMG we must be the old girls of the group….

these two are my besties…love them dearly……

We have all been friends for so so may years…

Dale is my next door neighbour …39 years…. we  have worked together …

Dale was always been there to help me with  out all my the fund raising ventures…

I put  my hand up so may times  when my boys were at school…

I had a real problem and Dale was there always to help out…

Her boys had left school by then…

Now, my very precious Kaffaleena…

We actually met way back in the day of basketball,

Kath was a Dubbo girl and we played in a comp down there, and that was in the early seventies…

Kath married a local painter, I went to School with him and he is a great mate of my DH….

Boys for Kath as well …. 7 boys between the 3 of us…..

our boys all had school and sporting functions that they all participated in and we travelled the countryside ….

and yes, all those school, sport fundraisers Kath was there to help ….lots of street stalls, fetes,

night functions they were the best ever….LOL

we have so many wonderful totally amazing memories…I keep giggling to myself and shaking my head…

Day Day and I dabbled in so may different crafts, we tried it all,

until we found QUILTING…!!!!!

After some travelling to craft shows, fabric shops, we got bestie number 3 convinced to have a bash as well…..

this is a photo taken at at one of our fundraising functions….in the 90’s

the theme was …. 1950’s

We went as the “Pink Ladies” and the boys were the “T Birds”…

yes, we all had wigs, furs, pearls, I had corsages made….

my god we looked hot…LOL……

it was the best ever night…

LOOK OUT THE OLD GIRLS ARE A CUMMING!!!!!!!

My name is Deb...

Hello Ladies
I know I have met most of you attending but for those that haven't. I am a wife, mother, foster carer, nanna and quilter...All titles which I juggle and suit me well. I gave up the corporate life of a Manager for a major Pharmaceutical Wholesaler after the birth of my last baby Maddi ( who is 15 next month OMG)...

I bought a property on the outskirts of Australia's oldest gold Mining village, Sofala NSW and haven't looked back. I used to be a workaholic in Sydney,who flew interstate weekly; to become a stay at home mum. I was bored ( creatively). My mum told me of a new designer Anni Downs who sold patchwork online...and the rest was history. I love all sorts of the quilting techniques but just lurve my EPP... I have many UFOS and do not hesitate to start something new. I love reproduction fabrics, but finding the modern/brights starting to sneak into my stash. I am starting a new business with a friend called Lost in Play, handmade educational play materials for children. Our goal is to create toys and games that will foster a love for nature. 

I started my own patchwork pattern business Frog Cottage Designs (named after the B&B on our property) a month before three gorgeous kids came into my life.  In 2008 Zac 2.5yrs and Taylor 1.5yrs needed a forever home and I raised my hand...Holly came 6 months later as 5 month old. They are 12, 11 and 10 this year and although our lives are hectic I wouldn't change it for the world. Frog Cottage fizzled out a few years ago after I broke my leg (yes the family goat pushed me down a embankment)...

 I am also a proud Mumma of Amanda, Taryn, Caden and Madison..Nanna of Joshua and Lachlan ( who live in Perth sniff sniff) and a Jamie ( who lives in Bathurst)...No pics of her daddy ( my son hates photos lol)

 and last but not least, my hubby who hasn't been well of late, but is now on the road to recovery... hes my biggest supporter whether I'm sewing, quilting, writing or off for another sewing day, he just smiles....and in turn I ignore all (most) of his ebay purchases .....hehe

Cant wait for Baradine!

20 DAYS AND COUNTING ....omg

20 days and counting......OMG

o  Suitcase -    

• DON’T FORGET THE TOOTHBRUSH and toiletries.
• Comfort is Key – pack your comfy crafting casual clothes, with the weather being so unpredictable, we suggest you pack for both hot and cold options over the weekend.  (Weather update will be posted a few days before we leave home)
• Sunscreen & Hat 
• Walking shoes - as there are plenty of walking trails if you fancy a stroll. (and walking clothes.....)
• Insect Repellent
• Torch
• Camera 

Excitedly counting down the days 

Sonia and Chooky.

Meet Bird on the Border

Let me introduce myself

I am Jenny Morris, AKA,   “birdontheborder”  my name was conjured up on the way home from my first meeting with Chooky at the second Girls Day in The Country.  Bird – there are many in my garden and border – I live in Goondiwindi on the QLD NSW border.

I am bringing my dear friend Sandy Cousins. She is  “Shiralee Stitches  “ so if you love EPP or cute little projects you will have to chat with her she has a beautiful  little business going in that department. Check her out on facebook .

I have always been into sewing but now I love to make quilts. I started simple but now applique quilts and small projects are more my thing.  My favourite designers are Anni Downs, Natalie Bird and Sue Spargo.  

I love to catch up with my blog friends both on the blog and in real life. I love to travel. Combining travel and catching up with my blog friends is the best and this has been a real treat for me in 2017

I belong to a small quilt group and our group has just completed  a Natalie Bird quilt that was featured in Homespun 2016-   Foxley Village 

I love to visit Chooky at the chookshed .  Found these little memories from a very wet visit! Do you know them ? 

 

Sonia find me at Forever Always Online

Introduce yourself she says..... so.....

Hi I am Sonia from Forever Always Online

Brave/silly ....me.....????

or just plain crazy!!!!

So let's start here. I have run17 retreats to be exact, and helping Chooky with Scrub Stitchin really came out of left of field, but I am so glad it did. 

My last retreat was back in July 2012, where I combined my love of papercraft with my passion of stitching. My life was just crazy, and family and my health came first. I was nudged into running a couple of sleepover event at my home in Seaforth, but that was it, I wasn't going to run anymore I was going to enjoy some just for fun for me.

Which is why I Love Girls Day in the Country (GDITC) in Nundle and Bloggers in Bathurst over the years since then, just being a participant in a great weekend away.

SOOOOOO,  after missing the very last GDITC in Nundle I was devastated so much so That when Chooky suggested that we organise something, and that she had a venue in mind, I did think oh my what am I doing. But, I am glad we did it when we did. We both jumped in with 4 very big feet, organising almost every detail in a very short time.

SCRUB STITCHIN' 2018 was born.

Lucky for us we were so excited/organised, as the past 10 months have been super crazy for both us. 33 of you are going to benefit from this crazy decision. But I am sure we will all have an amazing time.

Personally, I sold our home in Seaforth in 6 short weeks later in September and moved to 2 Fig and Pines, a 100 acre homestead in Brombin on the Mid North Coast. WOW what a change. 

My feet haven't really touched the ground. Most days at the moment one or two of us can be found tag teaming on a ride on mower trying to keep on top of the 25 acres of paddocks. the remaining 75 acres is wonderful bushland. As well as working on the renovations that need to be done to make this homestead our forever home.

So this weekend, I plan on doing lots of catching up on both my stitching and my friendships. I will be bringing my Lucy - which I can blame on Chooky for its passion/addiction of paper piecing. I will also bring my Down the Rabbit Hole which I fell in love with thanks to Deb.

I will also be lucky enough that my Daughter will be my travelling buddy. For us this will be special, as she was involved with all 17 of my previous retreats. So for me this is extra special to share some relaxing time stitching with her. Bianca prefers to embroider, and is still very scared of anything sewing machine related.

I also run a little home business where my hubby and I create and design items with a vintage flair. From New and reclaimed materials we produce a wide range of gifts and homewares. I will be bringing a little sample of things with me... so if there is something that you are wanting or like the look of please comment, so I can be sure to pack just what you want to see or purchase.

Well that's me and Bianca.... tag your it... jump in and introduce yourself.

And if you happen to pop over to my blog... it is getting some updating... see Chooky, I am trying to work both sides of the dark dividing line.