Cuties not living in Australia. Question:when you think of Australia what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
In October I will be attending a Convention here, with international friends, and want to make some small wall hangings to give away, with Aussie designs etc...thanks in advance for your input...
25546
picked up some nice Aussie print fat quarters today for $2.50 and $3 each...as opposed to $5 and $6 here.
25546What about making ornaments for their Christmas tree with the Aussie designs. Small, light weight and could be hung in a window year round.
Hugs.
1 comment
by kezza2sew
13 Mar 2014
thanks for answering, but this convention will have nothing to do with Christmas, so will pass on this one...hugs Kezza
15626OK... an old well-travelled Aussie here so read on or ignore!!!!
I've read the messages and wondered how many of these ideas would make wall hangings that a person would really want hanging on a wall and decorating the home. Why don't you chose an Aussie animal, an Aussie flower, an Aussie bird and a small saying, like Memories of Down Under or even G'Day Mate, arranged in line or in a pleasant group...... or..... groups of animals, flowers or birds on different wall-hangings, perhaps with small texts like Wonders from Down Under or even From Australia 2014.
I think most people would value memories of the beauty of our country rather than cartoons of Aussie humour that might not necessarily hit the spot.
You're talking about a lot of embroidery here and hours of work - you would want your efforts to be enjoyed for a long time, I imagine. I would go 'elegant' rather than 'humorous' if I were making gifts for overseas visitors.
Ouch!! darned soap-box gets higher every time I climb up on it.
AlmaG.
3 comments
by kezza2sew
12 Mar 2014
Alma, I appreciate your posting. I am thinking about putting date and possible Convention title on it. They will know it was from Australia, and use Australian fabric prints, and yes it will be of our Nature for sure. I thought I may do some mug rugs as well with a small design of animal/flowers/birds etc on them. I am getting plenty ideas all I need now is to start sewing..I know where you are coming from, so thanks very much...hugs Kerry
by dennis999
12 Mar 2014
At last................a sensible post. Well done Alma. You see, Kerry, the word of Aussie experience, and of course, Alma is quite right.
17214Great White sharks and Kevin Bloody Wilson, My DH came home with a CD many years ago and we laugh and laugh . KBW is xx rated so be warned.
1 comment
by kezza2sew
12 Mar 2014
Nothing crude will be used, but I do thank you for your input. Yes I have heard about KBW. listened when I was younger and sillier.
33350Not only do the wonderful animals come to my mind, but the beautiful opals and abalone farms.
1 comment
35167Coalas, cangaroos, Aborigines, Ayers Rock / Uluru, McLeods daughters ;o)
Have to admit that I don't know Rolf Harris but Hugh Jackmann, Kylie Minogue, Inxs, Midnight Oil and also the wonderful Olivia Newton-John.
Greetings from Germany
Bettina
1 comment
by kezza2sew
12 Mar 2014
Bettina, thank you for replying to me. Those singers are great aren't they...love Kerry
339863074My apologies to the 'Unknown Aussie Cutie' but seeing the suggestions about spiders being included, I am reminded of someone's journey back home after an Aussie Cutie Meet n Greet when she was were confronted by a spider in the car. What about doing an embroidery design of the dented biscuit tin used to flatten the spider!!
Alright........sorry.............I think I'm going doolally
4 comments
by nonna57
12 Mar 2014
Dennis you really are a scream. Yes i forgot about the spider on the windscreen. Now that would look good on the wallhanger :)
by kezza2sew
12 Mar 2014
Darn you pair...it was a biscuit packet. ASK ME HOW I KNOW... hey I had almost forgotten about that. thanks for remaindering me guys. And to add to this about one month ago I had a friend in my car and this big huntsman climbed over my windscreen again. I almost went into shock again. This time it was in daylight thank goodness. My friend thought I was about to jump out again. He actually went in behind the side mirror and I was going to spray him when I got home but forgot. I don't leave my windows down on the car anymore to keep it cool. Just remember I live in the bush....'now should I move" arrh NO love it too much here, brown snakes and spiders are not going to move me on...
Funny ha har Dennis. you heard that saying to..now are you an Aussie that just moved over there or what...hehehe...No definitely NO Spiders dear friends...Have a lovely day...
by kezza2sew
13 Mar 2014
I must have been tired writing this post, noticed I put "thanks for Reminding me" is what it should have said.....
by dennis999
13 Mar 2014
As an inhabitant of Woop Woop land, I had to consult my Aussie sources on this question. Apparantly, you should have said "You Rippa" or "Good on ya." I am fair dinkum pleased that you have had so many whako ideas for your project and am sure that she'll be apples come the day of your Convention. So, this just leaves me to say,
Hoo Roo and No Worries.
11929Kangaroos, the Sydney Opera House and the cave drawings. Sch an interesting place.
1 comment
5365Just spotted your letter and the first things that come to mind are sunshine, beaches and spiders.
1 comment
by kezza2sew
12 Mar 2014
Sunshine and beaches BUT no spiders for me I am afraid...read my answer just above this,,, thanks for replying...
2958I think of kangaroos running and hopping around freely. Desert landscape with oasises that have water and beautiful flowers but what do I know? I've never been there but have always wanted to see it. I'm sure that like the States, it depends on where you are as to the different landscapes and terrain.
Meri
1 comment
by kezza2sew
12 Mar 2014
Thank you, yes that is true, different things in each state, but Kangaroos can be in all of them I think...lovely to hear from you.
15572What a great idea for a keepsake. Several years ago my husband worked with a man from France and when he and his wife were transferred back to Europe I made them a small wallhanging with Texas remembrances, first the Texas flag, then a pair of cowboy boots and lastly a cactus. Good luck in you project. Hugs. Nan W
1 comment
11927Dennis bought to my notice the news about Rolf Harris. I would like to apologize to all the Australian Cuties who I may have offended by my post. I had absolutely no idea. I remember him so well when I was growing up but if he is found guilty of these horrendous crimes they can lock him up forever as far as I am concerned.
4 comments
by dennis999
12 Mar 2014
Hey, you have no reason to apologize. The man is innocent until proven otherwise in my book. I too have very fond memories of his humour and talents. I am sorry to say that there have been far too many similar instances involving well-known individuals here in the UK that have come to light recently and even more embarrassed to say that there are elements of UK society and governance that are frankly rotten to the core.
by sewtired
12 Mar 2014
Sadly, I'm afraid they are everywhere. Certainly there are plenty in the USA.
255049Some really good answers here & mine will be similar...........koalas n kangas & the Sydney Opera house & one day we will visit, as it I on my to do list. I am told that NSW has better reefs is this true? Of course I am told this by vacationers from NSW but would like to know. ~Hugs Loralye~
1 comment
by kezza2sew
12 Mar 2014
Oh no!!!! A debate could happen here, I would say Queensland has the better reefs. It is called The Great Barrier Reef...now where does that start again, off what part of our coast....and yes it truly is a beautiful place to visit. thank you dear for your reply...
2995594384Ok Kerry from one Aussie to another.... Sorry cannot resist. What about a swagman with the saying G'day Mate.....
2 comments
by killiecrankie
12 Mar 2014
Someone had a free design of a koala wearing hat ,shirt & pants called Drifter ,not quiet Blinky Bill.Can't remember who had it
42046Vegemit.....ewww.
Muffy :)
1 comment
by kezza2sew
12 Mar 2014
I used to eat vegemite sandwiches for school lunch 5 days a week, why:becuause I loved it.....yes I still eat it especially on toast....thanks
517224424first things that comes in my mind: kangaroo and "down under"
1 comment
743281If each wall hanging is to be different and following the nature theme, I would recommend drawing from all forms of nature. That is mammal, fish, bird, reptile, etc and flora as well as fauna. You already have some great suggestions. I wish I could be one of your visitors. I've never had the chance to leave the North American continent. Good luck with you endeavors and like the others, I look forward to seeing the results.
1 comment
by kezza2sew
12 Mar 2014
thank you. I plan on making every one different, thought I my make some tissues holders in Aussie fabrics also. Items will need to be small, I am thinking of other small items as well.
11506Given your decision to adopt the 'nature' theme, in addition to the many suggestions you already have, you may wish to consider the following:
The Platypus
Fruit bats
Sharks
Tasmanian Devil
How about one of the many short poems about Australia (assuming you could get copyright clearance). There are some lovely poems.
And finally, how about a bouquet of Australian flowers with the names of all the Australian Cuties in the centre. You can't get any closer to Natural Australia than that.
2 comments
by kezza2sew
12 Mar 2014
wow more suggestions, I had not realized we had so many wonderful icons....aren't we lucky...thanks Dennis
11929Rolf Harris.
5 comments
by dennis999
11 Mar 2014
I would have agreed but you may wish to consider his impending court trial.........................................
by airyfairy
12 Mar 2014
What has he done Dennis. This is SA we do not get much news. I will have a look on the internet.
255049you have some beaut comment Kerry. Look forward to seeing the wall hangings.
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16529Kookaburras and Kangaroos. But the stitch count would probably be more than you have time for. But would be very effective. Hugs and Congratulations !!
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6196If you are looking for designs .Janome has small Australian designs.Brother has a set of Australian animals & one of flowers.I don't know if it is still available but Sue Box had a set called True Blue Australian & NZ designs.Embroidery library has Aussie flowers ,animals & Sydney Opera House.
4 comments
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
Wow you are really tuned in on these, lovely. It will be fun looking for tiny designs...thank you..
by killiecrankie
12 Mar 2014
Last century GD went to Japan on a school exchange trip & they couldn't find anything Australian to give people in the way of a small gift that was not made in Asia.So I embroidered washers using the Janome designs & stamped note paper with Australian animals & flowers.Evidently her gifts were a great hit & a year later we meet a couple of the girls when they came over here.We still remember the Japanese girls singing Eidleweiss in our loungeroom.
25212Wow..................what an opportunity to comment but you appear to already have all the responses that you need for your wall hangings.
Unfortunately, I missed my early opportunity to comment as I've been a tad crook over the weekend and now I'm raring to go you have your answers. Mind you, I still can't let you get away without some input:
Naturally friendly people; confident; jolly; love of the outdoors including sport, the beach and barbies.
9 out of the 10 of the worlds most poisonous arachnids live in Australia.
Most Australians do not actually live in Australia but in Earls Court in London.
The Australians conversion of most words into their form of slang, such as:
Ankle biter - child
Arvo - afternoon
Rellie or Relo - family relative
Scratchy - instant lotto ticket
Yewy - a U turn
Sayings such as G'Day; She'll be right, mate: No worries; etc.
Whys so many women are named 'Sheila' when the choice of girls names is so much more extensive.
The downside: Holders of our Ashes Urn (well, not the real one); the use of the raised tonal inflection (which is catching on extensively by youngsters here in the UK.
I have many more ideas, if you need them........lol.
5 comments
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
You crack me up Dennis, especially knowing about our Yewy...What about 'put a shrimp on the Barb-B" Paul Hogan used that saying to promote Australia in a TV commercial...I plan on going with Nature things, not so much man made things...thanks for the laughs. Kerry
by pennifold
12 Mar 2014
Dear Dennis,
Good on yer mate! That was bonza! I can't remember reading a funnier answer! Don't forget we also have the most venomous snakes here too! And you are right us Aussies have a can do attitude! We'll always have a go at anything and are also know as a nation of "betters" - would bet on a fly going up a wall. We have "two-up" on ANZAC day - where you toss a coin in the air and you bet on whether it lands heads or tails! Lots of great answers here for you Kerry. I hope you get lots of designs. Love Chris
119291931Kangaroos, Crocodile Dundee. My daughter is worried about large spiders or insects. "Put another steak on the barbie."
1 comment
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
oh the spider, yeah the Red Back,,,thanks for answering, much appreciated...hugs.
463406The song Waltzing Matilda.
1 comment
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
funny you say that, I was thinking if anyone would remember the extremely large "Mitilda Kangaroo" Australia used for the opening of the Olympic games one year long ago...anyway love that song, thanks.
66907Besides roos, and koala's how about the magical words; Billy bong, didgeridoo, the Aborigines, Walk about etc. Don't know any more but these conjure images. Hope this helps.
5 comments
by pennifold
10 Mar 2014
Dear Leaha,
Your word "Billy bong" bought a smile to my face - it is actually Billabong. "Billabong is a Wiradjuri word that is used for an isolated pond that is left behind after a river changes course. Billabongs are usually formed when the path of a creek or river changes, leaving the former branch with a dead end." Wikipedia. I'm still giggling at this image! Love Chris
by Leaha
10 Mar 2014
Dear Chris,
Glad I could contribute to a chuckle. I've not been anywhere as exotic as Australia. Middle USA is just that. No disrespect in to anyone intended and thanks for helping me understand. It's nice to know what it is :O
Leaha
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
yes I had a laugh to, but in a lovely way not at you, I will search my files for Kangaroos and Koalas me thinking....thanks Leaha.
by Leaha
11 Mar 2014
I'm glad we are all chuckling over this, I know I am and I didn't take it as being at me...but with me, the cuties on this site aren't that cruel. pennifold's comment added a new strange word that is magical...Wiradjuri. Keep chuckling for smiles are contagious and laughter is medicine for the soul. Leaha
35301koalas n kangas
4 comments
by ajmmjs
11 Mar 2014
you are sooooo sweet!!! i think anything you do is really going to be wonderful!!!sincerely, lynne
516557801Don't forget our beautiful flowers, some don't grow anywhere else in the world! Ohh and our parrots!
1 comment
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
Yes I had, this Convention will be held in Melbourne. I have the Brother card of all our lovely flowers...I will keep some of them in mind also....
6833
148884cute, cuddly looking, adorable faced, Koalas !!! :)
1 comment
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
I have actually held a Koala at one of our Zoos, they are even more beautiful in the real life...thank you.
13216My eldest son and (now) wife visited Australia for six months in 2009/2010, my youngest son visited for a week while volunteering for
one year in New Zealand and one of my twin-daughters (actually also volunteering in a NZ college for one year) will fly over for a one week visit in April too. All started in Sydney and I think of the opera house,
the kangaroos, Koala bears, Great Barrier reef. Also I love the flag and the scheme of your continent - and of course the Aborigines should have their place. Hope you will show us your wall hanging
Love from Germany - hope to see Australia too some day - Maria
1 comment
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
Lovely answer, we actually say "we live in the lucky country" it is very lovely...Maria I hope you get your chance to visit also, have a plan as this country is spread out lots...thanks for replying my dear.
54557I am from Cologne - If I think of your wonderful country which I have not yet visited there come koalas, kangarooh, cockatoo, great barrier riff and waves and your aborigine culture in my mind. I hope to visit Australia soon!
3379The Red Rock out in the middle of nowhere. I am 77, handicapped and my first item in the bucket is a trip to your fair land.
1 comment
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
What a sweet answer, not sure of other countries but over here, our Government has made sure handicapped people are supported as the able bodied man, and all sorts of plans have been made to accommodate them. A lot of wheel chair friendly areas in public places...take care, love Kerry
2753Koalas came first. Then Kangaroos. Then Kookaburras.
3 comments
by pennifold
10 Mar 2014
Hi Jan, "To your friends be true! Bah Ram Ewe!" Watched it the other day with Phels and she loves it! Love Chris
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
Oh love the top 3 answers, but had to laugh at Babe, but have to admit have watched it many times with the G.children of course...and once with hubby. hehehe...thanks sweetie for replying to my post.
59631The kangaroo comes to mind. Guess I have read too many stereotypic books. My uncle and aunt got to visit your beautiful country before he died and it was a trip of their lifetime. They had a wonderful time and my aunt would love to make the trip again. Her daughter lived there for a time and fabric was about double what we pay in the US so she took her daughter a suitcase of fabric to feed her habit. Good cotton here is now $8.00 - $14.00 a yard. What are you paying?
tiggy000@yahoo.com
5 comments
by ajmmjs
10 Mar 2014
i am a cheapskate and i wait for the sales and use coupons at hancocks fabric and jo anns fabric.also buy lots of bolt ends.very rarely will i pay a price higher than $7 or $8 a yard. and then that is usually a registered kid or university fabric.
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
Oh yes fabric is still over priced, I am actually buying online from America at the moment for a quilt I am working on. When I was a small child my Dad used to bring home orphaned baby kangaroos, he was a wood cutter and would come across them in the bush. We loved taking care of them, we had wood stoves in those days and keep them warm near the stove to...thanks for answering tiggy.
1378Oh I only think embroidery, Sue Box best designs ever
1 comment
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
that is funny,,,,I have some of her designs and I know she is one of our Best digitizers. Do you know of Jenny Haskins also, and her beautiful designs...
21044
25510aboriginal art and the big red rock
1 comment
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
oh yeah, have you seen all the aboriginal cotton fabric on ebay for sale, I looked it is all fabulous..thanks for answering.
20463
360641My first favorite singer Olivia Newton-John! The Sydney Opera House, Kangaroos, Koala bears, boomerangs, Crocodile Hunter and Crocodile Dundee...crocodiles. The "G'Day" saying.
1 comment
by kezza2sew
11 Mar 2014
you made me smile, I think only a couple of them I would have designs of...thanks for replying.
4102...ah, so many wonderful things...Koalas, Kangaroos, and the Sydney Opera House...all wonders!!
1 comment
by kezza2sew
10 Mar 2014
thank you these 3 are really popular so I have a feeling they may make the grade for sure....
318426OK the usual and the big long truck convoys that go through the outback. Also Steve the animal guy who graced us with his knowledge and animal wisdom before he passed away too young.
1 comment
by kezza2sew
10 Mar 2014
oh poor Steve he was the best wasn't he....his children are following in his footsteps lovely now a days. I am only and hour and a bit from his Zoo. thank you.
173692Oh lucky you! I got to visit Australia and I so want to go back. I see you already got a choice of answers.
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169064I always think kangaroo or koala. And EmbLibrary has a great small koala design with not too many stitches (D4103) or their Australian wild flowers would be great in a small frame. (Kangaroo Paw flower G5476)
Don't forget to date it, whatever you make.
1 comment
by kezza2sew
10 Mar 2014
oh yes that is great info, definitely the date, thanks for letting me know..will check them out..
1686The Sydney Opera house sitting in Port Jackson ( from the olympic coverage) and Roos!
1 comment
158715Koalas and wombats! I have never visited Australia but have family there. They sent some beautiful books to my girls when they were young and it was always the koalas and wombats that we all loved the most!
2 comments
by bobbies
10 Mar 2014
Hi, you are the first "non-Aussie" that I have found that knows what a wombat is :) My mum collects them, and finding designs of them is very difficult!
841Aborigines, Ayers Rock (don't think its called this anymore so apologies) kangaroos, koalas, the Sydney Bridge beautiful flowers and its huge
2 comments
by muflotex
edited 10 Mar 2014
read comments first 8-) than answer, upps aloomost same as my thoughts
115749