Update with many thanks.

Have you ever stood over a sink dry reaching and feeling like your heart was going to come flying out?? I have.
Thats when my husband took me up to the Emergency dept of our local hospital.
Cutting a long story short I was to go back to my doctor in the morning.
I had a new xray done and the results showed that nothing has been cleared up.
I have taken enough antibiotics to kill a cat but it has not cleared up my infection at all. I am at this point - off all medication and am to have CT scan on Monday as the doctors cannot tell me what is happening. All they can say is "very unusual."
It is Saturday morning as I write this and am back to square one.......trouble breathing.
Thank you to the bloggers who have emailed me privately and left posts...mailed cards its nice that you have taken the time to say some nice things....they do make a person feel bettter.
I am grateful for my staff who are working things out without me.
Is there anyone who has been in this situation?? I am actually beginning to wonder if it is pneumonia....doctors will not comment till they rule out nasties(their words not mine).
After having learnt to spell pneumonia backwards I think its unfair.What new word awaits me!!
Once again thank you for the nice messages and I will post when I know something positive.

Can I cry now? a medical story

Thank you Di - Chris - Laurel........these ladies have kept the shop going for me in the last few weeks while I am at home "resting" and coughing my heart out due to pneumonia.
It seems that I have had pneumonia for something like a month and was putting all my tiredness down to a touch of flu and working too much.
Then I only went to the doctor because I was due to have an ultra-sound and my doctors office is besides the hospital.
Well I thought I might as well see if I can get some cough medicine for this flu while I am in the area or I guess I could have been in hospital now.
Had to have an ultra-sound due to the periods I shouldn't be having AND when was the last time YOU had a PAP SMEAR?........not knowing the the full extent of why I was sick I had myself dead and buried before the results were available....not a nice feeling.
Ten out of ten to Cessnock Hospital...my various tests x-rays etc went like clock work and also thank you to "Debbie" you made my ultra-sound plus very easy.

So doctor is asking me 50 questions as I sit there trying to breathe. He checks my breathing and then sends me for an x-ray and blood test.
I go back for the x-ray results....pneumonia!!! I nearly fell of the chair. I don't get sick!!
A dear friend told me that pneumonia is known as a silent killer as you can have it and not be aware of how sick you really are.
I have to agree....the weeks before seeing my doctor I was having major problems getting out of bed....nearly in tears sometimes as I felt sooo tired.
I would walk around the shop avoiding anything to do that looked like it would be the slightest bit difficult.......end of day go home and fall into bed.
My blood test showed up anemia - which I was aware off and also showed up a very low Vitamin B12 count which I was not aware off.
This does explain my excessive tiredness. I now have to have something like a dozen injections of Vitamin B12 to build up my system.

I have spent the last two weeks so sick and never want to go through this again. I used to visit the doctors about once every two years........I had better things to do.
After this experience - if I even sneeze I am going to the doctor.
Why am I telling you this?? I put my symptoms down to flu and work....it could have killed me. I knew it wasn't normal but I still didn't go to the doctor!!

So this evening I have managed to sit in front of my computer and put this tale together.
I have coughed till every bone in my body aches and still more to come.
I rattle when I move because of the amount of tabs I am taking - have never been a lover of tabs.
As I have never been this sick before I didn't know what sick is.
I look back and I was stupid playing Russian Roulette with my health. Not worth it. And I have had a few crying moments because of feeling so so unwell for so long.
And by the way when did YOU last have a PAP SMEAR.


You can find heaps of pictures of sickness at www123rf.com

Good to be back

I think from memory there is a song that goes something like .....it's great to go travelling to Paris London and Rome BUT it's oh so good to come home.

If it's a week or a month there's nothing like your own bed and pillow.

I already know when my next break will be. Rags to Riches will be closed over xmas as this ducky is going to be sitting in a comfotable chair on a verandah opposite the beach!!

With a glass or two of wine while I listen to the waves.

Just before I took off a few weeks ago I had Clara come in with her quilt she started in a class with Brenda Smith. Brenda also has a great blog.

Clara has not made heaps of quilts but what she has made are truely beautiful. In the top photo Clara and Christine are discussing the quilting that has been done on the quilt. This quilt is for her husband Rod.

I know Rod a little as he only really comes into the shop to say hello to Chalky.

Clara has a French background so when I want a word for a quilt name she is my translator.

An Aussie accent with a French twist. Sounds great.

Another stunning quilt Clara.

Chalky loves her and she can't help herself but spoil him.

I love Meggies boys and that beautiful cat but I love my Chalky more.

Catching up with winners Pt 2

As Rags to Riches celebrates five years of being open in July I thought it would be nice to give a few things away. Customers who visited the shop in July were in the draw for one of three prizes.

The first thing was a Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine.
And the winner is.......she already has picked up her macine and is very excited.
Mavis Shaw was visiting with friends from Nelson Bay and she ended up with the machine.

Second was a set of carry bags suitable for taking your machine and stuff to classes. This was won by Shellie Roberts from Millfield (local). Shellie came in with her friend Donna who was visiting from the Blue Mountains.
Third was a $50.00 gift voucher ......this was Shellie again..... a very excited lady when I rang......."oh Alison I never win anything" is all she could say. Two out of three ain't bad. Shellie had a good day.
Thank you to all customers for your visits and support. I myself have certainly learnt a lot and hope to enjoy my work another five years.

Catching up on winners. Pt 1

You can see the rules for the Rags to Riches quilt challenge in the top picture.

The winning wallhanging was by Christine Hare and a lovely piece of work. Christine felt guilty about winning because it only took her a few hours to sew up. The first picture is the back of the quilt and the next picture is the front. A really great piece of work.

I'm very fortunate to have Chris working for me and this lady knows how to sew.

I'm going to include a picture of The Roaring Twenties - this was the winner of the best interpretation of the subject. The winner Bev Moore is still in shock but definately a great subject and well done Bev.

I am now thinking about a subject for next year. Thinking thinking thinking.....can't make it too easy.

Lissa and her quilt and her cat.

Lissa visits regular and this time she brought her Leannes House quilt in to show me. The quilting has been done and what a great job. This quilt has so much detail and is beautiful and it's great to see the quilting work with the quilt.

Lissa also has a cat that I think is sooo beautiful even though she goes crook on him a lot. I won't tell you you what she calls him.....you will have to visit her blog to find out. I keep telling her he would love to come over to my place and play with Chalky.

Actually in the last week I have had read two blogs where the owners went crook on their animals AND used the "b" word at them. Of course Lissa and Meggie know who I mean. It's all in black and white.

Lissa also introduced me to a Lasagne quilt....but more on that later. Great name for a quilt and so easy.

Retro visit pt2

If you have just read the last entry....this is not tomorrow....only as close as I could get.
The quilt that Donna has made is wonderful. If you spend your life agonising over what matches and what doesn't ....don't worry it will look fabulous. Always add some of "you" to the quilt.
Live dangerously!! it is only fabric...enjoy the journey.
Donna bought most of the fabrics in this quilt from Rags to Riches . I love her work as much as I love traditonal stuff. Check it out spots - checks- colour mix like you wouldn't believe and it's "her" quilt. Thanks for the show Donna.

Bubblegum pink? visit

I can only call part of yesterday as being "wasted" but believe me waste is good. Donna and her friend Shelley call in now and then. What I like is that Donna always has a a bit of fabric or she has an old or new quilt to show me. On Wednesday she had both!!

An old quilt that she is going to pull apart and then resew the blocks to something else. How about some of the fabrics in the star blocks and the mix of fabric prints...........makes your heart sing. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

This is the old quilt post.......tomorrow I will show you pictures of her New Retro quilt.

Not just your average matchbox.

I joined the matchbox swap that Natasha arranged and look what my terific partner sent me.

Don't you just love surprises!! Thank you Beth. Some beautiful vintage pieces and what about the wrapping paper.

Pretty smart cookie to get so much in a matchbox.....of course it was a bit bigger than your average matchbox.....but I don't care......I love it.

My Flamingo!

To buy or not to buy....that was the question.

While escaping from the shop I made a few visits to my favourite "used" goods places.

and the story goes this way:

I walked past it and then turned around to get a better look. I then walked all of three steps back to have an even closer look. Covered in dust but only one very very small scratch that I could see.

I put it down and walked away........all of three steps.

Then went back again and had a look at the price....not expensive. Oh my..... I don't need this item.....but I do like it and you don't see many around.

At this point it is still in my hands and I am trying to think of one good reason why I should buy it!!

After turning it around in my hands as if to be looking for faults I decide that if the seller drops the price by $2.00 I will buy.

I walk straight up to her and ask if she will haggle. She looks me in the eye and says I will take $5.00 off the price. Of course I bought it.

Have you ever been there......you know you don't need it but.

So carefully I took it back to the shop and went into this story to girls in class. They all agreed I did the right thing. Aren't they nice.

I think it one of those pieces that I would have been sorry if I didn't buy it.

It is now on display in the shop....come and have a look.

Redwork in progress...still

A slow work in progress.

I decided about this time last year to do Polka Dot Girls as a BOM ready for February (2007). The easy part was asking Judith Pickard to do the embroidery. Can you pick up the beautiful hand work on the close up of the embroidery pictures and using only one strand of DMC thread.

As I said that was the easy part.

I then decide to use only red fabric in making up the quilt then changed my mind and used florals in a mix of colours then ran out of time and had to put it away till this week.

Back to the red fabrics and with Christines help in sewing up the quilt it is starting to look terrific.

For the ladies that are waiting - it's nearly ready.

Annual pilgrimage to Nundle

It must be awful for these and other quilters who go up to Nundle because they pass Rags to Riches and of course stop and have a look or buy more fabric.

Sometimes lots of fabric ...which is good....so that I can pay the supplier so that I can buy more fabric so that you can come along and buy lots of fabric so that I can pay the supplier.......you get the drift....

This is Jennifer Annette and Denise stopping for a break on their annual pilgrimage to Nundle.

I checked in the dictionary what "pilgrimage" actually meant....just to make sure you girls were not doing something wrong.

You will be happy to know it means "a journey made to the same sacred place" and that is exactly what you are doing!!

Have a couple of great days and make sure Kerry takes some pictures.

So many chenille kits...

Just in case anyone thinks I have nothing to do all day but fondle fabric and think about the next sample that needs to be sewn ........ these pictures tell a different story.
Have you ever seen a carpeted floor after packaging 500 or so chenille squares......not a pretty site .....especially when you are the one who has to clean it up.
As soon as chenille comes in it is being packed into kits and mailed out to waiting customers.
Thank you to the ladies who have taken time to email me and tell me about how much they love the chenille kits when they are sewn up. I know there are a few that were supposed to be presents but we won't mention any names.
It is still a 2-3 week waiting period.

They are wonderful to wrap yourself in and think of another slower time without the hussle and bussle of today.

Chalky and Pearl

Paula this is Chalky.

I was visiting a few blogs and came across Pink Roses and a Pearl.

I promised Paula my next post would include a picture of Chalky who I thought was just as beautiful as she thought Pearl was. Pearl is a black poodle.

I was bragging about Chalky to her so we decided that everyone can see "Ebony and Ivory"

If you visit Paula's blog you can see "Ebony"

They are both beautiful.

I have made myself a note to get some updated pictures of Chalky as these are from last winter.

I made a quilt from chenille and flannel last year and draped it over a comfy chair in the shop and within the day Chalky claimed it as his own. He can see everyone that comes in and can have a snooze and not miss anything. But loves everyone.....especially if you play chasings around the shop.

And the winners are......

I know...it's an awful picture. My camera hates anything white!!
But I did want to show you Jenny picking the winner for the main fabric prize.
....and the winner is Kim at Niesz Vintage Home and Fabric.
Congratulations Kim and hope you enjoy the prize. Let me know a postal address so that I can get this off to you.


Thank you to all the people who entered this giveaway. It has been fun to meet you all and see what great talent there is around.
I am now going to look out for some great items
to give away for my 100 post. Hope to see everyone coming by for a look and a comment.
It was so nice to meet you. and thank you.

It's wonderful to have two weeks off and come back and give things away.

So the" best sewing hint". I have posted pictures of a couple of the girls reading all the hints that came in and trying to decide the winner. It's very interesting how everyone voted but the winner for this prize as decided by my Tuesday girls was Meggie who has a blog called Lifes Free Treats If you would contact me Meggie and give me a posting address where to send your fabric.

Giveaway closing times

I have been busy this morning cutting up little pieces of paper with entry names and placing them in my pretty pink bucket. I will continue to add names until 3pm (AEST)on Friday 25th May.
As there will be a group of girls doing a Jenny Rofe class on Friday they can all watch as the winner is selected. I have decided that Jenny can do the honours.
Because of time zones Australia will be having winners announced first.
Before leaving work on Friday I will post the winning names.
The Tuesday girls will be selecting what they think is the best hint this week and we will continue to add your name if you leave a hint till Friday 3.00pm

Anyone still thinking about it......do it now.....time is running out. Don't forget if you leave a sewing hint you get a second chance.
I hope you all enjoyed tripping around entering your names in this giveaway. I also have entered my name in a few. What a great way to find out what is on offer in blog land.

Don't forget to keep a look out for my 100 post. Am looking for something very very nice to give away.

Last Update on Giveaway

First of all I would like to say thank you to everyone who has visited this blog.
It still amazes me that we can be so far apart in the world but in a matter of minutes be able to comunicate.
Thank you very much for the nice words and I know everyone can't be a winner but we can be friends.

Just make a note *****I will be looking at "stuff" to giveaway when my 100 post comes along. Not just fabric....I will have to give it some thought. It has to be nice of course.*****
To refresh your memory the Giveaway was arranged by Kim and she has a complete list of all the blogs in this giveaway. I hope you have visited and entered your names. How about some the prizes .......there are going to be some happy people next week.
I have posted a few more pictures below to remind you of what is on offer:
1 metre ParisBebe fabric
25cm of each Stripe and spot to match
12 Fancy chenille squares
1 pattern (very beautiful)
also
1/m metre Parisbebe fabric for the best hint on sewing as judged by my Tuesday girls. And I am including a pattern also.
Just one week to go!!

Another great find and one memory

This is my "memory" I came across this beautiful vase of roses given to me last year by one of the teachers. It really was a beautiful bunch of roses from her garden. So I decided it was worth showing you again.
And the vase is a $2.00 buy. It was dusty and neglected when I found it.








The suffolk puff quilt was another "in the right place at the right time buy"
Only $35.oo on Ebay and I just love it!! There is not a fabric that has not been used to make the puffs. It's pretty old but I cannot find any other info on it.

Fabulous thrift find!!

Have to fit this in among Kims great swap details.



This is the first set....












this is the second set.....














this is the third set.....

this is the fourth set....














this the set facing up.....

and this is the set facing down.

It's just wonderful to have some time off and to be in the right place at the right time. I just happened to walk into a local thrift type store and there as I walked in the door - just happened to be a set of four different coloured cups and saucers sitting there - waiting for me

I'm sure.

Great price $2.00 per set - I couldn't pick them up fast enough. Sooo pretty and not chip or crack in any of them.

Yep - sometimes you can be in the right place at the right time.

Giveaway Update

Thank you to all the bloggers who are visiting here and by email. Where are you Judy P.....don't see your name Robyn.......come out of the woodwork Lee. Everyone making a comment is in the draw to win beautiful fabric.

It's nice to meet you and your blog pages are wonderful. So much to learn from everyone.
What a great creative streak blogger has uncovered. Its like having your own encyclopedia so full of every kind of information. Does that makes sense??
Thank you Kim for this great idea. I only noticed today that at the top of her page Kim has written "Out with the new and in with the old" So I know I would be welcome.

Go along and visit all the other bloggers who are joining in with their great gifts. I wonder if anyone will win more than once.

ivyandlacecottage.blogspot.com nieszvintagefabric.blogspot.com

midwest neurotica Nonie Mae Shabby Shack

Home Made Simplicity Hidden Haven Homestead

Like Merchant Ships Hearth and Home

I hope you all enjoy your tripping around the globe.

One Womans Cottage Life - Giveaway

Hope everyone enjoys visiting all the blogs who have taken up Kims giveaway challenge.

Here at Rags to Riches I have decided that we should give away five items.

1 metre of beautiful Parisbebe fabric
1/4 metre of stripe to match
1/4 metre of white spot on blue
12 pieces of 6 1/2 inch fancy chenille to match also.
1 surprise pattern ( very pretty)



Visit our blog and you will automatically go into the draw to win this lovely fabric.
You also have a second chance if you tell my Tuesday girls something they didn't know about patchwork.




As we love giving at Rags to Riches we are going to give 1/2 m piece of ParisBebe fabric to the person who gives us the best hint about quilting or patchwork.
The girls in my Tuesday class who have been with me forever will decide who will be the winner for this fabric.

It is getting exciting.

Cessnock Quilt Show Pt 2

I took a few photos from the quilt show and am only able to load a few.
First of all this is Terrina - trying to set up. If you want really good beads then she has a shop opposite Rags to Riches.

A shot of Rags to Riches setting up.
The new baby born are so life like. Scary.

This is the raffle quilt which looks great.


I have bought tickets.


Meryl you did a good job in the design department








The freestyle stitching by Christine Rae is fabulous. Also goes to show a little paint never hurt a scene.

This quilt belongs to Chris. The centre is a panel.
One of the best works using a panel you will see. Her son loves it.

Chris is a "beginner" bought the panel - came to the shop and we sorted out some colours to go with the panel - then went home and worked out the blocks etc. Some beginner.

Love this lady's work.


Beautiful work Marcia. There is no light shining on the quilt it is the illusion of light (or no light)this lady does very well.

I am not a lover of machine embroidery but this quilt has been made beautifully. Don't come complaining to me Jean - about not being able to get a quilt together. This is done really well.

This is a label on the back of one of the quilts - love it!

Robyn sits quietly in the group on a Thursday and if you ask her what she is doing she will usually say something like "Just doing some work on a quilt"


Love your work Robyn and so do others.

It's time for tea.


Wish my figure was as good as hers.

The Cessnock Quilters and Embroiderers celebrate their 21st year and so a cake was in order. And they even had wonderful Hunter Valley wines to drink. I had orange juice... I know boring!!

Cottage Charm Giveaway

Rags to Riches is going to join Kim at her Cottage Charm Give Away Day on May 26th.

This is a multi blog contest and you might end up with all the give aways.

I will post rules for this giveaway - as soon as I work out how to pick a winner and the gift I would like to give them. It will be fun.

In the mean time you can keep up with everyone who is joining this give away by visiting Cottage Charm.

Cessnock Quilt Show

Some before pictures. The Cessnock Quilters and Embroiderers will be holding their show this coming week from the 19th-22nd April. This is the area that I have to work with for our vendor area. To the right is the entry door so it will be nice to say hello to a lot of quilters.

A great venue with plenty of room and light. Just great for displaying quilts. Will post more "after" pictures later on in the week.

Hope you can visit and say hello.

Rags to Riches will be open normal hours plus on Sunday from 10.00am-1.oopm.

Visiting Rags to Riches

I had to do a few photos for upcoming classes and thought it would be nice to show a bit more of the shop. The view is as you walk in the door.

The Feathered Star quilt is made by Louise Allen and is a class we have coming up in May. What Louise doesn't know about quick piecing is not worth knowing. Louise makes points pain free!

The bright "arty" quilt is quite stunning and was made by Christine Hare in a Brenda Smith class. This was Christines first jump into freeform style quilting and she has done a terrific job. I am hoping to get Brenda back next year to do a workshop.

The larger quilt at the end of the picture is called Jacobean Delight ...this class is full.

Jenny Rofe does the most beautiful applique and her new quilt called Lillians Garden will start in 2008 and we already have a couple of names down. This lady is an amazing teacher.

The two little quilts either side of Chris's quilt are samples for our Lisa Walton workshop. Lisa will show you how to do beading on your quilts. As she says do we really need another obsession!

So this is my post today ...hope you enjoy the information and have had a good break.

For romantics only

The White Magnolia Tree
by Helen Deutsch.

I love this poem.
If you have never read the following poem then get your tissues ready....hankies are more romantic. This poem is loved by many people.
This was also on a record in the 60's. Stupid question...but does anybody have a copy. Would love to hear it again. Always makes me cry.
If you are wondering ...there is very little known about Helen Deutsch. This poem is what she is remembered for that I am aware.
I remembered this poem after reading the one Gena found called Romance by Robert Louis Stevenson. As I said for romantics only.

The year when I was twenty-one
(John that year was twenty three)
That was the year that was the spring
We planted the white magnolia tree.

"This tree,"said John "shall grow with us
And every year it will bloom anew.
This is our life. This is our love."
And the white magnolia tree grew and grew...

Oh youth' a thing of fire and ice
And currents that run hot and white
And its world is as bright as the sun....

I was twenty-one...
And I wore a plume in my hat.
And we went to the movies and wept over "Stella Dallas"
And John sang "Moonlight and Roses"
(a little off-key but very nicely really)

And we hurried through our crowded days
With beautiful plans boundless ambitions and golden decisions.
There is so much the young heart clamors for
That it must have and that it cannot live without
And it must be all or nothing
For aren't we the masters of creation?

Oh valiant and untamed were we
When we planted the white magnolia tree!
And the white magnolia grew and grew
Holding our love within its core
And every year it bloomed anew
And we were twenty-one no more.

No more untamed no more so free
Nor so young nor so wild and aflame were we.
Dearer to us grew other things:
Easy sleep books a days quiet holiday
Good talk beside a fire the beauty of old faces...

We have known many things since then:
The death of a child and the bitter lesson
That a heart which breaks can mend itself again
(That it can and must be done)
And what loyalty can mean
And how real a word like courage can become
And that solitude can be rich and gratifying
And quite different from loneliness...

There is so little the serious heart requires:
Friends faith a window open to the world
Pride in work well done
And strength to live in a world at war
And still maintain the heart's own private peace...

Dear Heaven I give thanks to thee
For things I did not know before
For the wisdom of maturity
For bread and a roof and for one thing more...

Thanks because I still can see
The blooms on the white magnolia tree

Beautiful Baby Prints

How busy is busy??

Sometimes it doesn't matter how early one starts to try and play catch up it makes no difference. Not to mention that Sunday is the 1st April....already.

Not allowed to mention the "C" (chenille) word for a while.

I have been working on some baby blankie kits which are coming along just nice. I also realised just how many pretty baby/young child fabrics there are around to choose from when you want to make something for your child.

If you are looking for some prettey pretty baby prints then we have the above ones in stock. So cute.

Beautiful chenille colours

How lovely the colours in these kits look. One is going to Alison in Singleton one is going to Libby in Moree and the other to Julie in Tasmania.
Libby and Julie are so far away from the shop it's nice to give them a preview. Please note that if you order kit #1 or kit #2 there is a three week approx waiting list.

Liz looking!!

In the Lovebirds workshop Liz is looking for something.

There are some photos you shouldn't publish but there are also some photos that you just cannot resist doing just that!!

Of course Liz will have words with me..........nice ones of course.

Cheesecake and Love Birds

Monica and her quilt under discussion

Monica showing a few of her other patterns. It is always great to see a quilt in "real life"

Everyone paying attention. Where are the the other half of the class!

They went to eat cake!...... Cheesecake.

What a wonderful bunch of girls in the Lovebirds workshop today. Thank you Monica for teaching a great class. Layback - no stress -some great homemade pate by Liz and of course yummy cheescake. What more can you ask for.

Took some great photos but my camera and I still don't agree on all pictures!! But have enough to show how the day went.