Material Obsession

inspiration overload

The mind boggles.  So many things to look at, touch, consider, experience and plan to do! Working at the Quilt and Craft Show is work in a way but play in sooooo many others.  Firstly, my friend Kate comes from Singapor and stays with us.  It is wonderful to have a companion in the evenings in my house because normally no one is very interested in my stories.  We spend the evening chatting and laughing about the days events which are many.  In fact, seeing so many friends at the show is one of my favorite things about it... Not only did I have the company of the beautiful Kate all week but Sally came up for the day from Canberra as well and Alison came from Newcastle..

These were only a few of the fabulous faces and friends that we caught up with over the last few days. 

This bag from Cash Palace could have become an old friend but I watched it out the door with Alison as well as several gorgeous scarves, tapestries, Kantha quilts and coats and the rest.  That stall is a veritable treasure trove.

But before we got a chance to troll around the stalls we had the show and prize giving ceremony.  Our Cath, president extraordinary of the NSW Quilters Guild did the presentation looking officially casual and in control.  She had the honor of delivery... the news we all wait for...the call that says please attend the ceremony.

We had a few happy people on the day...Our Wendy got a prize...for a quilt that will be revealed in her...wait for it...new book due out with C&T Publishing in early 2014!!!!!!

Gary, a frequent fabric addict at MO showed us his quilt ages ago and we were thrilled to see him standing in the crowd, then hearing his name as he collected his prize...

AND, Megan our rising star got second place in predominently applique for her version of Kim McLean's Garden Party done on Reece's shot cottons...picture to follow later this week!

Each day Wendy and I have done our presentation of Adding Layers which is our talk about how we work with fabric, technique and imagination. Congratulations to all the prize winners and to all the participants in the show.  There is nothing like a trip through the aisles to remind us that...the mind boggles at the creativity of quitlers!!!  Technique, imagination and interpretation of ideas makes the head spin.

 

In the stalls I have to say that this year tops them all.  I have a large collection of textures, tools and ideas for new projects in the near future.  We staff our stall so that we can all escape and gather up what is on offer and this year there is a FANTASTIC mix.  I don't know if I am just experienced and know how to work a stall but every time I move away from the stall I meet an interesting vendor with something to make the mind go forward.  We have made contact with lots of guilds and groups to take our talk on the road as well. Be sure to let us know if you are interested in an MO visit!

 

So I that note, I must dash to the shower and then to the show for the last day.  If you are in Sydney and you haven't visited Darling Harbor this weekend, drop what you are doing and head into see over 400 high quality quilts and lots of other tempting things...running late...k

Quilt shows

Here we go...it is the dawn of the morning of the quilt show.  BING! The mind is full of things not to forget...suffice to say that in fact the mind is just full.  I had a bit of dread as my mind was full of more personal things this year which makes it hard to concentrate at times.  However, all I had to do was step into the hall of quilts and I was reminded of what makes me tick.  It is the artist statement...the idea that becomes clear from hours of work, thought, imagination, choices and belief in one's self.  I look forward to discovering more about the statements made by the 400 entries.  Will their stories viewed with respect?  I hope so.  Congratulations to Cath Babidge, President of the NSW Quilters Guild for heading up the squad and in detail to Deb Laurie and Sandra Laird for pulling it all together into such a nice presentation!

On the other side of the quilt show hall is where we gather to show our wares....

 Elaine, holder of the key to Pandora's box is right across the hall with her rocking Casbah show of treasures at Cash Palace!  Reece Scannell is right behind the wall with a few new inventions in his fabric range and Pru Trollop from Balmain has made a first appearance.  We said hi to Anni Downs from Hatched and Patched but really, there was so much setting up that there was not much time to chat!

Our three new irresistable and a few pre-loved block of the month quilts are hanging in a row ready for inspection!!!!

And our colour packed new quilts, cushions and bags are ready to be reviewed.  WE look forward to seeing all of you at E28 and don't forget that every day Wendy Williams and I will be conducting the Adding Layers Master Class at 10am.  Visit the Material Obsession stall at E28 to get your ticket and we'll see you there!

More later!!!! k

creative bug

Lately I am very aware of a particular moment of the day.  It is that moment when the day comes to an end as I lay my head on the pillow.  The routine is always the same.  I get in bed, read until the words blur, turn on the alarm and turn out the light before rolling to the left and closing my eyes.  As I close them I think, "how the heck did that happen again?"   What is curious to me is where the days go as that is my most conscious moment. Anyone with me on that? 

We are loving Alexander Henry designs at the moment at MO.  How can you go wrong using designs like these to start a quilt off?  Deidre is nearly finished with this quilt for her daughter.  The inspiration was butterflies, a medallion and a free spirit to trust that it will all come together in the spirit in which it was started!  Is it me or can you practically hear those wings flutter in the soft breeze of spring?

We are loading up with fabric treasures like this to bring to the Quilt Show!  One piece of inspired fabric and it is only a matter of time until it all comes together. 

Marina was working with my favourite shape at the moment, the 12'' 60 degree triangle.  Cut and sew...or more aptly, cut, layout and stare...then sew!  Helena has made some progress on her Mark Heard's rooster!  This has been a really fun idea that we are all exercising with pleasure!

I even got one from Raylene who saw the idea and joined in the fun

Moira has moved out of the chook yard and into the city
 The ABC here runs great artist profile stories on Sunday afternoons when I am often in my studio.  I have learned so much about so many varied styles of art from these series and the latest was about how the romantics were commenting on industrialization was threatening the quality of their lives!!! This scene is reminding me of William Wordsmith and his days as a writer in that period. He was greatly concerned to see the beauty of nature give way to cities.  Imagine if they lived now and could see how we have devasted the earth. 

Kelly missed the session when we started these mad roosters but quickly picked up the pace.  It is an effective way to get in touch with how you see and use fabric to create an image or tell a story.
Kelly also had her made fabric from Victoria's workshop.  She made the fabric and used our Popstars template to cut the shapes and started to decide how to lay them out but the rooster got in the way!!

Telling stories is a source of inspiration for all of us.  Sheila wanted to make a cot quilt, in a hurry.  With no place to start we just started talking about who it was for looking for a starting place.  The clue was in the fact that the dad is from Columbia...South America filled with mountains...and it was only a short time until we had a design of mountains to remind him of his homeland!  The fabrics were from Sheila's stash but with only two additions it came together.

Then we moved on to Sheila's Fractured quilt which has only one square to go!  Just a teaser for those of you doing this class with me at The Quitlers Affair in Sisters or at Quilting by the Lake in NY.  There is some confusion out there about cutting instructions.  These blocks are made from two strips cut 5'' WOF that contrast in value or color so that the lines show up.  If you are preparing and are confused pop me an email.

It is easy to see how the days disappear with all these projects happening. Aside from a busy class schedule, we are manic at the moment preparing for the show next week.  We are cutting kits, making brochures and adding the last corners to new block of the month quilts (and oh we have outdone ourselves this time!!!).  When our eyes meet they spin out of control...in a particularly freaky moment Wendy said to me, "Just remember that even our bad days are good days."  No greater truth has ever been spoken on so many levels.  Her words remind me to be grateful for having a creative life and to be surrounded by so many like minded people.  It is a place to smile and enjoy...even if we have to do it fast.

 

But really, why am I here this morning?  Well, one of the other things on the list at the moment is preparing classes for creative bug. 

 

Big space because I am sure you clicked on the link, went there and spent an hour or so watching the gorgeous artist statements!  From knitting to paper, quilting to dress making, embroidery to making tee pees, they have it all.  What I really love is how the artists are presented in their true spirit. Kaffe, Liza, Anna Maria and so many more...Go there, have a look and I am sure you will see what I saw. This morning I watched this link  creative bug  on how they got started a year ago and well, suffice to say I can't wait to walk into their studio...go check them out!!! k

 

 

June? Really???

The calendar flipped to June this weekend which means the first day of winter!!! as well as the 2013 NSW Quilt Guild Show at Darling Harbor and less than a month until we head off to the USA for a whilrwind of activities. It is just over a week until the quilt show.  This year is a big one...my sources reveal that there are over 400 quilts on exhibition this year.  That might mean one day of simply quilt viewing and one day of doing the rest of the show.

Make note and don' t miss our MASTER CLASS!!!!  Wendy and I have put together a  fun project for the Master Class full of creative tips so put that on your schedule (please!).  Visit our booth E28 and sign up for Adding Layers...working fabric, tools and design into your quilts to be held at 10am every day of the show.

We'll have lots of fun things on display so be sure to look for us.

I enjoyed seeing how happy Helena was with her quilt. This was a special program full of information on using colorful fabrics and understanding our motivation in the process.  The inner panel was designed by Victoria Findlay Wolfe and adds to the story of using symbolism in our quilts to tell stories.

 

The block of the month program is something we are really proud of producing.  The designs apply the best choice fabric selections from the shop, any new technique or template we like and lots and lots of imagination...our favourite element.  This year we will be introducing at least 3 new programs while offering a few practiced favorites!

We release the programs at the quilt show and will then offer images on line to those of you far away so that everyone can get in on the game.  I might also brag that even with the thousands of packages that we send to nearly every corner of the world there was only one mistaken delivery this year and it happened in the last month!  Not one package went missing which is a fact worthy of the word "Amazing!"

Last week I got a visit in my sewing room from Martina, Oscar's girlfriend.  A few years ago for Christmas I gave this non sewing college student a Hexagon starter pack with little to no hope of seeing it ever get done.  Much to my pleasant surprise she arrived stating that she would like to finish the cushion now.  We spent a few evenings working out the finishing details and now, VOILA! 

One gorgeous Hexagon starter kit cushion finished by one happy chick!  I am so teary just looking at her smiling at the accomplishment.  I am so excited by this that we will be doing more hexagon starter kits!!!  Come see us for colourful scrap bags complete with all the materials needed to get started with hexagons for  that someone in your life that you would like to introduce to quilting with only the most remote chance of interest.  I never thought this day would come!

 

After my slow teaching start to the year it is exciting to see quilts coming together in classes.  In Stash

Sarah wanted to try using some different colours from what she normally used and here she has a great start.

One of my themes this year is to constantly engage the imagination in the quilting process in hopes of tapping into our individual spirit and ability to tell stories.  We were talking about this while Maree was thinking of making Garden Party.  The background is comprised of the sky, the bushy level and the earth.  It was a thrill to see that Maree had taken the idea of the sky and added in the clouds.  It is worth rejoicing when one idea has a layer added to it like that!

Jenny was working up a border with the 60 degree strip ruler for the quilt she started with Victoria in the 15 Minutes of Play workshops.

The made fabric squares are surrounded by Marcia Derse (one of my favourite designers) which adds a bit of earthy quality to the brighter fabrics.  Then, that dynomite paisley Kaffe recoloured this year...my my my.
 There is a lot of exciting energy in this quilt and it all started with scrap fabric, a few tools and lots of forward thinking. and next up for Jenny...red hexagons!
Marie has made up my Fairlawn quilt from Making Quilts.  She has the Material Obsession 2 book as well so when she ran out of fabric and couldn't finish the last block she filled in with a bit of something else!  This was the first quilt that I made with the 45 degree strip ruler and since then I am totally hooked as it makes seemingly endless blocks come together with ease!
Pam is stretching her imagination on a few levels. Elements of this quilt are very traditional and others are very modern.  It is a learning process selecting fabrics and patterns but how fun it is to see it all coming together now.

 

And in another corner, Anne has been working hard on a block I love.  We found this leafing throug a book of antique quilts and although it looks simple, it took hours of drafting, finding templates and piecing while discovering paths and stumbling blocks.  She stuck too the plan and in the end had the block together!  Is there a quilt here? We'll see!

It is hard to sit still at the moment as there are so many things on the go.  Last week most afternoons John and I slipped away to special spots around Sydney to shoot quilts for our next book.  Yes, the patterns are all edited beautifully by Allison at C&T.  She has an incredible mind for seeing a clear path through the details and I loved learning more about what I do with her help.

 

Many years ago I fell in love with this guy watching him take photos.  There is something about watching someone loose themselves a process they know so well that I find intriguing.  It is a great source of pride for me that John has done all the photography for both the Material Obsession books and my two latest books.  It is satisfying to be involved in the process although in someone's mind I might just be a complication!  There are moments as I lug heavy quilts around cliffs that I wonder what I am doing.  It is hard work that sometimes needs a quick assessment and sometimes a bit more patience than I was born with but we get there in the end.  We are nearly done now and just in time for the big quilt show push!!!

No rest for the weary...pushing ahead. k

 

whoooosh...

What just happened?  Was that a weekend?  A week?   This time of year is always a blur for us at MO.  We wrap up our BOM's and set our sights on the NSW Quilt Show which is coming up 12-16 June.  It means we look hard at what we are doing and pack up the best of it for all the visitors to the show.  This year the guild has over 400 quilts to hang which I think is a record and would certainly mean that it is worth at least one full day wandering amongst the quilts if not two...

However, life goes on and things happen inside and outside the shop.  In the past analogies of hurdle races and marathons have been made as a plan is set and then one interruption after another makes the path...well...exciting? Frightening?  MANIC! 

For Christmas this year my boys gave me a voucher for a spa treatment.  Recently there have been a few comments about the fact that I hadn't used it yet.  So, I set the appointment regardless of my "BUSY" schedule and headed over for a full facial.  For me, breaking the pace is hard.  BUT..BUT...it was the perfect experience.  I headed over toMissy's Place  in Willoughby.  What I found was a business not unlike my own.  Here's their philosophy:

 - where clients have the best treatments
- where staff love being and who love their clients
- that is relaxed but has an air of grace and specialness about it
- where clients feel cared about, nurtured
- where you leave feeling better than when you arrived
- where therapists inspire each other to be better
- where like minded therapists all come together to be successful
- that is part of the community
- that is fun and leaves you smiling
- that is based on relationships

It was that and more.  I felt my worries, plans, schedules and stresses leave my body as my face drank up the moisture treatment.  Bliss.  Really relaxing bliss.   I left my treatment floating on a cloud of happy.    My face felt incredible, my brain was relaxed and well, I just had to talk about it because good things are good to share.  I always laugh at myself as I walk out the door and immediately start running to the next "thing"!  Last week after 30 days of dry, glistening sun we had a dump of rain.  Number 2 son is a rugby coach and despite the rain and his recent shoulder surgery he was a training with the boys.  As his post surgery designated driver I get to see him in action and on this occassion, late in the evening and in the cold rain I witnessed his team having the time of their life tackling each other in the mud.  As they ran off to the warm clean cars I heard them say, "that was the best training ever!"  I stood as an observer under my umbrella smiling at the memories of my boys playing rugby in the backyard in conditions like this...mud everywhere and the thrill of being absolutely out of routine.  Cute? Is that the word? 
Saturday was our usual round up of sports but at the end of the day the house promised to clear!  I was relishing the thought of being ALONE!  Alone and accompanied by only my fabrics and sewing machine to work on a few exciting projects!!! Before the house emptied I got to hang around these handsome guys as they prepared for a Casino Royal party.  They were surprisingly animated despite their sophisticated gear  and the unmistakable thrill of heading off to a party that promised to be fun made me yearn to be 17 again...if that is possible! The car ride to the party was one full of easy laughs, sly remarks in secret teenage code for..."lets party" and as I drove off my mind filled with memories of that feeling...that special feeling of promise which now usually comes from a stack of fabric...oh dear.

On a completely different kid front, we all googled over Alice Babidge's recent Design Award in In Style Magazine.  Yes, our Cath has raised a pretty talented gal and doesn't she just look the part!

Need a closer look?  Full of talent and promise Alice is reaching her stride in costume and theatre.  I love hearing stories about her work, travel and success.  Its a different kind of thrill that we experience through our kids when they take their life in their own hands and do something wonderful!

Ok.  Back to class!  Deidre has added a bit more to her medallion quilt which is really exciting.  Those butterflies are just taking off and the evidence is in the motion of the border.


 Judy has chosen to do one of the medallions in Kaffe's V&A book and her colour sense is working overtie.  There are a variety of fabric styles here bu they are working beautifully together.

 

Sue is onto her final border carrying on the square theme.  Katha, a visitor to Sydney and our classes brought along some random fabrics which she is pulling together with the Alexander Henry fabric.

Audrey is using the same fabric but it looks really different with her borders made from a quilt she started but never finished about 10 years ago!  That is using your stash....

As per usual, there is always at least one person making a quilt that matches their clothes!

Helena was working with the Madonna fabric and wanted to do something a bit different with it.  She used our Sunburst template and a bit of lateral thinking and came up with this fab block...

 

I have decided to book into Wendy's class.  Every time I go down there I get drawn into what they are doing.  Rhonda has taken Wendy's Flannel Scarf project and added a bit of her own needle woman talents to make these flowers.

Need a closer look????

 

Immediately upon seeing these flannel flowers I am transported to the bush and walking along a path surrounded by the delicate flannel flowers.  These softer than soft flowers are a marvel to me as they sit quietly in perfect beauty in such a harsh setting...surrounded by prickly plants and deadly snakes the beg to be touched softly...just like these reproductions.  The other great reason to visit this class beside the good work being done is that Rhonda generally brings us something chocolate and gooey for morning tea!

Wendy always gives a good lesson.  What do you think of this advance preview of one of our next bom's????

Or how about these bags for the Quilt Show!!!!!  Ho Ho Ho....merry Christmas!! Creative gifts all around.

 

So whooooooshing out of here to see what is in store this week!  Is it my imagination or is it just getting better and better to be a quilter these days?  k

cock-a-doodle-doooooooo

What do you see?  One of the things we work on consistently in classes is deciding on what we see and how to bring it to life.  The longer I quilt the more committed I become to making quilts that rely on my own decisions.  Patterns, tools and fabrics all help to bring it together in varying degrees but the "I" in quilt is important.  It is how we committ to telling the story.  So, in Out of Line we looked at the work of Mark Hearld's Workbook (thank you Bronwyn for giving me the book!) and started thinking.

It started as a bit of a mess as most of our projects do!  There is a process to this kind of quilt that is fun and revealing...go there if you dare!
Here is our starting point, a rooster full of shape, texture, colour and attitude!  Plenty of room for interpretation.  We got started and soon the chook yard started to fill with individuals...
There was Kantha chook,
Curry Chook and headless chook (we all know who that is!)

 

Then there was the mad crazy chook..
until the yard was full...

There is something important in the process of thinking about what we see.  As we make decisions about the fabrics, consider the technique and engage our imagination things start to happen before our eyes.  We have the elements at our fingers to create great fun things and in so doing cement what we like...what colours...what textures...what scale or shape.  Our identity firms up in our own minds strengthening all future ideas....its something to crow about! k

How we work

I am looking at the various processes that people use to make their quilts.  Sue Cody has a care filled process that allows her to see where she is and where she is going.  When I see her work in progress I always want to go where she's going...like with these triangles.  They just look so beautifully and tidy.

I frequetly get distracted watching how Wendy works as well.  Her demonstrations in class are always inspiring.  Here she is working out blocks for the next bom...yes...the current ones are nearly done so we are getting next year's programs ready and the blocks get a work out in classes...

It is nice to see Kaffe's Rice Bowls making a resurgence!

And isn't this a beauty on the way...












Such wonderful variety and lots of great projects on the way.  It is enough to make our heads spin...as mentioned, the last lot of our block of the month programs are getting packed up so I am off...k

May

May is a big month at MO.  It brings our block of the month program to its final month!  The Twist Again quilt si full of interesting blocks and piecing challenges.  We incorporate acrylic template sets, foundation and even paper piecing into this skill building program while challenging the traditional, contemporary and pretty fabric categories in the shop so that there is an ecclectic mix of fabrics.  When finished, this is a quilt that you look at and think, I learned a lot along the way.  That is one of the things about quilting that I love the  most...never time to get bored as there is so much to learn.  It is so much about adding layers of understanding to our use of fabric and technique while telling a story.  We acknowledge the past while but live now and our quilts show that in so many ways.

 

Mother's Day always makes me ponder the meaing of mom.  I am not one to worry much about being fussed over and that is a good thing in my house.  To want outward signs of affection would be to set myself up for disappointment so best to relax back and just know.  Although it is at times difficult to tell what they are thinking, feeling, wanting...DOING! I know my boys love me.   Cath reminded me in a moment of doubt last week that it is all about the book from a few decades back, I'm OK, You're OK. If we assume it is all good, it is all good.  So yesterday started like any normal day except I got a smile and a greeting from each of the boys.  A huge step up from the normal grunt.  Number one son actually stopped for flowers and chocolates on his way home from the gym...(I think he needs money for yet another European vacation ...)
There was a bustle in the kitchen as breakfast was prepared...about 2pm!  (Better late than never) and the usual camera avoidence techniques in play.

After breakfast everyone resumed their normal routines of study, car washing, rugby on tv and all was well.  The embarrassing part of the day passed with little to no mention of feelings.  In the back of my mind all day I wanted to talk about how important it is to acknowledge what others do for us.  Mothers Day isn't for me, the mom, but rather for them to learn how to express themselves.  Little things mean Then later when I finally put my head on the pillow I realised we are all of the same stuff.... happiest going about our day doing what we want to do and not making too much of a fuss about each other and that's what makes our family us.

On the other side of the globe my family has teenagers about to graduate from high school and move on to college.  Kat, #5 is leaving behind a fierce team of Volleyball players and so much more as she moves on to college.  The emails about reviewing roommates options on Facebook sounds fun! 

My other niece has just been awarded with a local scholarship as she also heads off to college.  

That means that four grandchildren in the Gowland family will wrap up high school in 2012 and bring about the end of an era!!! 

Another May event is about wool...wool is on fire in the shop.  Wooly bits are turning into beautiful things before our very eyes.  Wendy has just introduced this wooly duo made with soft flannel flower colours on flannelette in both a cushion and a scarf just in time for the quilt show season...

Wendy normally works in bright colours but how divine are these flowers in soft pink and grey.  There is nothing like the softness of a flannel flower, my favourite of the Australian flora.  There is no way when bush walking that I can pass them by without a moment to take in the unreal texture of these flowers and in the wool that feeling comes across load and clear.

A few months back, the woman behind this quilt (figuratively and literally) sat stumped at her sewing machine in frustration.  It was a moment we have all experienced.  What is nice about patchwork is that there is always someone there to push you through that awkward moment....we have all been there and can relate.  The other day I walked into the room to find said woman completely recovered and full of pride at having achieved!!!! She has combined Wendy's Bundle's Bag design with the Urban Owls pattern and made this quilt...and is now nearly finished hand quilting it.  So, congratulations, marvelous result.  And for all the rest of us, when sitting in a moment of "I can't go on!"  there is hope.  Here is more proof!

and more with Anne's Sunburst blocks...

And finally, because really, it is time to get moving this morning...Restraint...so named because a while back I made this quilt with only two fabrics.  Two fabrics is not my MO but I had seen this quilt in an antique book and loved it.  Even designed a simple template to make it so that it was a bit of a no brainer.

Now, a steps further into life and Megan has used the template, a bit of Victoria Findlay style made fabric and a variety of homespuns to make this one which she has appropriately named "No Restraint Here".

There is something a bit funky going on with my camera here but isn't it fantastic!  Look for a pattern and starter kits coming soon.  Time now to restrain myself and get a move on to work...lots to do!  k

 

good things to look at...

 

Gotta love a quilt show and all that it brings to the table.  For us, there is always the preparation that includes lots of decisions, packing, planning and team effort.  In a quiet moment I sat on the floor in the shop making packs of simply irresistable combinations of fabrics.  There is a calming delight in the process of assembling these packs.  

But once the show starts there is no stopping the energy.  It is a good time to inspect the quilts and then reconnect with our quilting friends.  The Eastwood Quilters did a beautiful job of presenting a lovely show of quilts at a high standard.  The from the quilts to the sandwiches it all went to plan demonstrating all the wonderful things about a show of quilts.  Community, sharing, conversation...

Opening night was full of the claps for and the smiles of the prize winners.

There were tables and tables of pretty craft. The best of show by Louise was made with French General fabrics and lots and lots of hours of applique and hand piecing.

Cath, as per usual, taking her roll as president of the NSW Quilters Guild most seriously!!!!

Here's Wendy feeling relief after the prizes were handed out after being on the judging panel.  

 Jill won a prize for the second time in a row she has won a prize and I am happy to say both times she did it with a Material Obsession BOM program.  This quilt looked spectacular.

I think that every show I have worked over the last 10 years I have been accompanied by this ever ready battery of a gal.  Carolyn is always there with a helpful attitude and a dogged determination to serve quilters looking for a treasure.  One of the treats at the booth this time was Wendy's flannel flower scarf and cusion. What a look!!!

We had watched this quilt being made at certain points in time.  It is one of those quilts that I find myself wondering about the moment it started.  There are a lot of personal decisions evident in the finished result which is captivating.

 

But the most special moment was meeting Charlotte.  She perused the booth and I could tell from across the room that she had a budding but keen interest in what was happening around her.  I can't resist a young quilter looking in at a lifetime of possibilities with fabric and thread.  We had a few small kits so I gave her one.  Low and behold the next day she returned with the finished block.

Congratulations to Charlotte and her beautiful work on this block.  We are looking forward to seeing what she can accomplish before the next show!!! The seed has been planted and lets watch it grow...of all the treasures at the show this was the most special moment! Many happy years to you quilting!!!! k

preparing

Life seems to be an endless stream of preparing, experiencing, reviewing and moving on to the next thing.  NEXT! is a common thought as one thing wraps up and the next thing rears up.  This week we are preparing for the Eastwood Quilt show which is this weekend at Brush Farm in Eastwood.  Somewhere someone is reveiwing rosters, floor plans and possibly sewing on bindings in preparation for the big weekend.   It is a great time to introduce quilting to a friend.  If you are planning on coming to the show this weekend it might be a good idea to bring a non quilting friend along.  I know Eastwood Quilters are making a big effort to turn beginners into quilting enthusiasts by showing quilts but also doing demonstrations!

Robyn not only works at MO on Mondays but is also the show convenor for Eastwood Quilters this year.  Normally enthusiastic and keen to get involved wherever she can she has worked hard to make this show really appealing to all kinds of people.  Here is a sign of Robyn's keen ingenuity!

 She has made a take along cutting mat, sandpaper board but over and above the commercial brands available she has also made pockets for small rulers and rotary cutters.  Lets give Robyn a clap because she did a beautiful job making these and I am sure they will sell fast on the craft stall.   The flap closes to reveal a properly insulated surface for ironing as well. 

Robyn isn't the only one that has been making beautiful things.  Each day somone at MO brings in a new item.  Of particular interest is where Cath is going with her wool bits.
Cath has found inspiration in a huge pile of saved greeting cards and turned them into treasures like this one framed and ready to hang on the wall!  How magnetic is it!?!  But wait, as the saying goes, there is more...

There are times when you see a made item that take you back.  This quilt makes me feel as though I am riding the back fence of our yard when I was 9.  We rode the rails as though they were horses whooping and laughing in chase of cowboys or indians.  Just the tiniest bits of childhood game memories are enough to bring that playful feeling right back.  I am in love with how this snuggle rug makes me feel...as if I am wrapped in warm reminders of the days of make believe!

We took some family time out to watch the number one son play rugby on Saturday.  Watching the big boys play is full of conflicting emotions. The sky was blue over the fig tree as we shared the bench with our opposing team parents.  It got a bit confusing working out which team to barrack for but it was a glorious time out.

Then we had another outing on Sunday to the Springwood Quilt show.  It was a lovely collection of a wide variety of quilts hung beautifully in a hall filled with craft stalls and a kitchen serving quilt show sandwiches and backed goods!

We came across this table of goodies and recognised Susana from Chop Chop Sew Design.  We met in the shop when Susana did Wendy's Working with Wool class.  Now look at her!  Making up lots of sweet things to buy...

I have also been working with the wool but for me it might be called wool for dummies!  Not one to get overly involved in stitches I can't remember or even worse...not one to be able to sit still long enough to enjoy process I go straight for simple.
Not quite finished but I am enjoying the work with wool. Cutting shapes and sewing in place is just plain fun!

And this week the prize for dressing to match your quilt goes to Kerry!  How fab is that sweater with that quilt!  On a serious note, that quilt has perfect balance.  Using so many colours can be tricky but Kerry has a real knack for working with her colours so that each one has it's own place. 

So, I am off to pack boxes of fun things to take to the show this weekend. I hope you are putting it on your calendar and bringing a friend as well to enlighten them to all the joys of living a quilting life.  Where would we be without it???? k