Anzac Centenary Commemorative Ornament Exchange.

As part of the  Anzac Centenary for April 25th this year, I joined a commemorative ornament exchange. This commemorates the landing of Australian & New Zealand forces at Gallipoli, in the first world war, all those years ago. It is a major commemoration for both of our nations this year. It is celebrated every year in both countries, with a  public holiday, dawn services,  marches through cities & towns with members of all services, although now with only veterans from subsequent wars, along with some representatives from some families.  It is  followed by lunches & time together at RSL clubs, Returned Soldiers Leagues, where in Australia only, a gambling game of  "Two Up" is traditionally allowed on this day.

"Two Up" is a game using two single penny coins, placed on the face of a flat piece of wood, known as the "kip." Each penny is placed in opposite faces & is flipped into the air by the spinner.  Bets are taken & held by the keeper , known as the boxer. When all bets are finished, the boxer calls out "Come in Spinner"  & the coins are flipped. There was always a cockatoo in the wings. (see below). The betting is for both coins to turn up with the same face. 

"Two Up" was traditionally a game played by poorer communities of Irish & English citizens  in the 18th century.  When the convicts arrived in Australia, the game was first noticed in New South Wales, in 1798.
It  was an illegal betting game &  the Cockatoo, also know as "the cocky" was the person who was the lookout for incoming police raids. Cockatoos were phased out in the late 1930's & legislation was passed for "Two Up" to be played openly, only on Anzac Day.


 I've made a couple of pieces. The photo below is of one, now that it has been received by one of the recipients.

I cut one of the poppies from the fabric used on the backing, then embroidered it to the front, within the printing. At the top of the label at the back, I embroidered a small piece of  Rosemary for remembrance.
I was encouraged from childhood, to wear a sprig of Rosemary, pinned to my clothing on Anzac Day, a tradition seen everywhere on this day. On November 11th, we also wore a sprig of Rosemary under a red Poppy for Armistice Day. Poppies being the reminder of the sacrifices of the Great War,  the Poppy Fields of Flanders.

Kay.

Sparkle in a Grey Day.

In this part of the world we have experienced a truly enjoyable, although dry, summer. Autumn started well & up until last week we still had warm days. Since Monday, we have felt a distinct cooling in the late afternoon, when the sun moves off the house. Yesterday morning we awoke to heavy mist & light rain, which changed to heavy rain around lunchtime & lasted into the evening. Today it has been the similar so far,  with more of the same for tomorrow. To add some cheer, here is a photo of a contained, brilliant coloured, Black Eyed Susan, situated just outside my kitchen door. It brings great joy on such dreary days. I hope it will  bring a sparkle to your day wherever you may be located.  Kay. 

One Day Challenge.

I entered a One Day Challenge for April, with subject matter Spring or Easter. In this hemisphere although our calender fixture for Easter falls on the same day, except for time differences,  we have just entered Autumn.  Easter was my choice for this challenge. I hope you like my small piece.

I stitched it into a small pillow for completion,  using this wonderfully, colourful, Kaffe Fassett fabric.

This is a freebie design from  http://www.palkolap.blogspot.com
I managed to stitch it within the specified time, it was a very enjoyable challenge. Kay.