Mini holiday in Sydney

My fiance Daniel and I visited Sydney 2 weeks ago primarily to attend a 3 day conference about wealth, success and happiness.  There were about 12 speakers who each told of their financial success and offered advice relating to business, internet marketing, real estate, stock trading etc.  It was eye opening to see what others have achieved in their lives and to see that this could be possible for anyone if they are willing to put in the time to see it through.

We went down a few days early so we could explore the city and visit Taronga zoo.  You would not believe the obstacles we came across on one of the days.  We headed out early (on a Sunday) with the goal in mind to go to Paddington Markets, as we'd gone past them the day before, and then go straight to the zoo from there, be there by 10:30am.  So we head out of the hotel and as we weren't exactly sure where to go and we didn't have time to waste, as we wanted to go to the zoo as well, we hopped in a taxi.

Well the roads we needed to go down were blocked off so the taxi driver took a detour.  We spent about half an hour going 200 meters.  Then a young lady ran in front of the taxi (she didn't look before running across the road) and of course the taxi driver crashed into her.  She was ok though, luckily he wasn't driving fast.  She would have had some nasty bruises though.

Then we get to the street the taxi driver was trying to get on since taking the detour and it was blocked off also!  We decided to walk the rest of the way, which was about 2 blocks, in the sun.  40 minutes later we reach where the markets usually take place only to find they don't open on a Sunday, oh my gosh!  This was now 10am already and we had just spent all morning trying to get to markets that were not open.

We hopped in another taxi to get back to the city as we needed to hop on a ferry to get to the zoo.  On the way back the roads were blocked still and we had to walk again (not as far this time) to get to the ferry but on the way we discovered the reason the roads were blocked:

There was a fun run being conducted through the city.  We of course were on the wrong side of the road and had to literally dodge between the runners to get to the other side that we needed to be lol.  We ended up making it through and jumped on the ferry, now off to the zoo.  Does anyone else have days like this?

Here's a pic of Dan and I on the boat, with the Opera House in the background:

And here's the Harbour Bridge:

Finally arrived at the zoo.  The animals were all gorgeous (I'm an animal lover).

I'm certain this lion just spotted lunch!:

There was a bunch of us standing outside the glass and the lion had her eyes fixated on someone because every time they moved the lion would move her head and stare intently.  Scary.

This was one of the most beautiful pelicans I have ever seen, the photo doesn't do it justice though.  It was immaculately groomed, definitely well looked after.

Giraffes, with a view of the harbour!:

Can you spot the Chameleon?:

This baby elephant was just adorable!  It was rolling around in the water having the time of it's life with the elder elephants looking on in awe.  So cute:

All in all it ended up being a great day, and week, out and about in Sydney.

Shoe bag

I have been meaning to put together a bag for my work shoes for some time and managed to sew one up today. I found the pattern on the internet and found it difficult to interpret the instructions. After a few incorrect seams and a lot of unpicking I realised where I went wrong. Here are some pics:

The zigzag stitch was the most challenging. I've rarely ever used it before, as I'm relatively new to using a sewing machine, and it ended up bunching the fabric. I tried re-threading the machine but that didn't seem to make a difference. I think the fabric was too light and thin. In the end it turned out ok though and I can now carry my shoes in a much nicer bag than a spare plastic shopping bag :)

Kitties

I thought I should introduce you to the loves of my life!

This is Baci (pronounced Barchy, like the chocolates):

And this is Meeka:

They are three and a half years young and full of personality.  Baci is a Seal Point Siamese and Meeka is a Lilac Point Siamese.  Never a dull moment, or should I say quiet moment, with these two around.  They just love to talk to you :)  Baci is a bit of a sook and demands your attention often!  Meeka is more independent but my gosh when she wants a pat you'd better drop what you are doing and give her one or her meowing will get louder LOL.  It's true what they say, it is not you who owns the cat but rather the cat who owns you!

Santa cross-stitch

Have picked up the Santa cross-stitch again. Am currently working across the top of the design. This pattern is quite complex in the sense that many of the colours require multiple threads, up to 5 threads for half cross stitch. Some stitches also have two different threads for the one stitch.  It is a bit bulky because of the extra threads used but I suppose it gives it some depth. Will be so happy to finish off the greenery. Next cross-stitch will definitely be a simple one.

Ducks

Can't believe I missed posting this pic earlier. It is hanging on the wall in our laundry so I see it everyday. Amazing how you can look at something each day and not really "see it" if you know what I mean.

This design was painted many years ago back when I was attending folk art lessons. I just love the pumpkin!

Jitterbug

The first two blocks of the Jitterbug quilt are now pieced together :) Was good to use the sewing machine again. The first block seemed to come out better than the second with the points all meeting up perfectly. 

Yesterday I was sewing together the second block only to finish then realize the colour pattern didn't line up (the same colour triangles are used in the opposite diagonal and I had them lined up next to one another).  I then had to unpick a few rows to re-position then sew together again.  I think the fabric stretched as a result because it was virtually impossible to line up the points accurately.  I managed to sew it together okay in the end and it should still look fine when the whole quilt is sewn together.

Jitterbug

Now that the Bears Paw quilt is off at the quilters I have already started on my next one. Spent 6 hours yesterday cutting out the pieces for the next quilt. The assorted colours above are from one jelly roll so these came pre-cut at 2 1/2inches wide, I just had to measure the length to cut which was easy and fun.

Cutting out the white fabric was a bit more challenging though. It came as one big piece so it had to be cut down into 2 1/2 inch srips then cut to the relevant length. Turns out I didn't quite order enough of the white fabric, it is short by one 2 1/2 inch strip! I am actually planning on turning this into a queen size quilt though so I will need to buy more white fabric anyway. 

Below is a picture from the book I am working from which shows the overall pattern it will have when put together.