the one where she falls down the stairs

Like a bad rash, I promised that I'd come back to let you know what's been happening in Sydney. When my iron let out a horrid roar and smoke filled the room again, I knew it was time to write. Yes - the new iron - the one that replaced the other new iron that went up in a puff of smoke.  I can't say I'm surprised though. I was ironing the backing for a quilt - a cursed quilt.

I ironed that backing yesterday too, then I spread it out nicely to pin baste. As I was smoothing out the top layer, I toppled over ...head first ...sliding on my back down a flight of stairs. My heart was racing and my head was running in circles.  This is how old people die isn't it?  I'm not quite 40? I have a few weeks before 40...  They are going to find me in a crumpled heap. Thank god, I just cleaned the dust bunnies in the bathroom.  

I'm a bit stiff, and there are a few small bumps; but the biggest bruise was to my ego.  Quilting is an extreme sport. Wear a helmet and wristguards. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Speaking of fire extinguishers, I call mine Craig. He doesn't mind. He's been keeping me quite busy this past month. We've been on the road building a list of places to return to and camp. Our most recent trip was to the Southern Highlands. I never ceased to be amazed by the Australian countryside.

The rest of my time has been filled with a mix of sewing and work. Australian recently held a federal election. This was the first time that I was eligible to vote federally in Australia. If you've been following along a few years ago, you'd remember how much I value the democratic process and the privilege of voting. This year, I didn't just get to vote; I played a key role in the electoral process. I served as the Officer-in-Charge of a polling booth. This meant I did everything from collecting the ballots, to managing staff and doing the local count for the night. It made for a long 17 hour day, but it felt good to know the country put its trust in me.  (Please don't tell them about the stairs, ok?  Let's keep that between us).

My absence from blogging meant a serge in sewing. Within days; I'd finished a few totes, a couple of shirts and made substantial progress on some unfinished quilts. It all rolled along smoothly except for the cursed quilt which has no desire to be finished. I've popped a few things on Flickr, but others have missed the eye of the camera. I'm finding that taking extended breaks from blogging has boosted my creativity, but I haven't forgotten you. I'm glad you stuck around.

This little fella constituted my last official crafty obligation for the year, the sewing room swap. I decided to send a mini pincushion along with nesting baskets made with Nova's pattern. I can't rave enough about the nesting basket pattern. It was laziness that led me to buy a basket pattern, despite making many in the past. I was floored by how comprehensive Nova is - 35 pages of awesome, well worth the $8 investment.

In return, I got this massive bag from Marci, made from Elizabeth Hartman's pattern. Marci also sent me an Echino pouch with deer in hot pink. Boy did she get my number right there! The sewing circle tote is wonderfully huge. I could stash a body in there, if needed. I've already adopted it for carry my Sizzix and dies when I craft on the go. I'm also going on an arts weekend soon, and it will be the perfect travel bag.

It's been an exceptionally busy four weeks -- I've set off smoke alarms, I've fallen down stairs and I even managed to do a fair bit of sewing. How about you?  Has the last month kept you busy?  And what are you looking forward to next?