Bloggers Quilt festival

The wonderful Amy of 'Amy's Creative Side' hosts a wonderful Bloggers Quilt Festival each year.

It is great fun to head over and check out some wonderful Quilting Bloggers and their entries.

My entry this year is my 'Winona Caravan Quilt'.

Unfortunately it is only still a quilt top waiting patiently to be quilted.

Time is not to plentiful at the moment.

The vintage caravans are raw edged appliqued and I have done a little bit of 'thread drawing' for some added detail to the caravans.

I was inspired by Mel from Clothworks to have a go at this technique.

I love it because it is imperfect (mine not Mel's) and there is some margin for error.

There is deliberately no pink in this quilt (one of my favourite colours) and therefore it can go on anyone's bed in our caravan.

This is a special quilt to me as I am sure it will become part of the kid's wonderful memories of their many holidays in our Caravan.

'Ella the Brave'

Forget 'Edmund the Brave', Ella has taken the title time and time again in our eyes.

Our wonderful girl is going well but a rollercoaster ride it is at times.

Her sheer spirit and determination astounds us every single day.

We are extremely proud of our Ella.

Brooch love

I have followed Cam from Curlypops for a few years now and have always loved her wares.

My favourite thing has always been her flower brooches.

I bit the bullet the other day and finally bought one.

It is absolutely gorgeous, I love it.

It adds joy to any drab old outfit.

Thanks Cam, love your work!!

A Different Easter this year.....

Easter this year was very different to our usual dreamy campsite at the Coolum caravan park.

Lots of tag-teaming it to the Royal Children's Hospital was on the agenda for us.

The kids "Wonder Factory" at the RCH was a very popular hangout for James and Charlie this Easter.

A very special place indeed.

James and Charlie enjoyed the usual kilogram of chocolate from the Easter Bunny....

(An expression of utter joy and sugar overload)

 (chocolate 'trance')

The Easter Bunny did find Ella in hospital which was truly lovely.

As she was not up to Chocolate, I furiously whipped up a few homemade treats for her which she loved.

The bunny was made from this pattern. Ella named him 'Dougie'.

Scruff the dog was a 'doodle' I found in one of Ella's old school homework books.

She was overjoyed that I brought him to life on a mini-quilt.

A special, but different type of Easter for us all.

I am sure it will be talked about for years to come.

Anzac Day 2011

To all past and present Australian Servicemen and Servicewomen: THANK YOU!!

 You are Heroes in the hearts of all Australians!

We have some wonderful wartime memorabilia from Hubby's family here.

Some medals, letters home to the family, letters of tribute from friends and town councils (above right). 

Truly amazing stuff to help us all appreciate our previous generations.

Unintentional blog break

Times have been a bit tough here at the Olive and Esther household (to say the least).

Our amazing daughter has become ill and has been in hospital for several weeks now. 

(Hence the unintentional blogging break)

The pain of seeing one of your babies sick is shocking and unbearable as I know all of you will understand. 

We have always thought Ella was a special, amazing child and we are ever so proud of her and her incredible spirit during these tough times.

 I will be eternally grateful to the wonderful Royal Children's Hospital and our wonderful friends and family who have helped us out in so many ways. 

Thank you all so much from the bottom of our hearts.

Caravan crazy!

There is no denying it...I love caravans!!

I can't wait to drive off into the sunset with the van on the back and lead a simple, basic life for (6) months exploring our great country with the kids.

After packing a few boxes on Sunday, I decided I needed a bit of 'sewing' therapy.

So instead of continuing to pack boxes, I launched into sewing my retro caravan quilt top.

Very productive!!

So here is a sneak peek........

I don't usually name quilts.

I can't help but feel that this one needs a name......any ideas??.........anyone?????