Material Obsession

New Classes!

Tired of the same old strokes?  In a method routine with design and color?  Want to dive into the deep end of creativity?  Of course you do!  

Brenda Smith, an award winning quilter, (www.serendipitypatchwork.com.au )will be doing  a series of 3-4 one day workshops at Material Obsession over the next few months.  Brenda has created color and design exercises with a few varied themes that open up creative expression in quilters.

Explore fusible web applique, foundation piecing, applique and crazy patchwork while creating quilts that are unique and say something about YOU.  Pinless curves, wavy lines and lots of improvisational projects are only a few techniques discussed ...

Spaces are limited so get in before the MO girls take all the spots!  Set aside a Saturday and join us for what I am sure will be a fun experience.  Stash fabrics welcome!  If you are interested phone the shop or email us.  

Wendy Williams, our Friday workshop teacher has made some gorgeous cushions using machine applique.  The response has been, "When can I learn this?" So we have asked Wendy if she can teach one day workshops on these garden of delight cushions...

Wendy has also made some gorgeous bags using this technique which she might be willing to share...

There is no limit to what she can do!  One day we showed her a wedge ruler and the next week she brought this into class for the ladies to see...

Technicolor garden party with spots and wedge borders and a lot more!

I feel like we are swimming in a talent pool when I see the things quilters do!  One little push and off they go into the deep end of creativity.  If you feel like having a dip in this just let us know!  Take a deep breath and go for an exploration of your possibilites!

Our term two classes have just come to an end and the work produced has been nothing short of fantastic all year.  For all the quilters in the classes, thanks for inspiring me every day and allowing me to share your work on this blog!  For those of you that visit the blog and comment from afar, thanks for the applause as it is always nice to know that the quilts being made are appreciated and that the creative spirit is being shared to all corners of the earth!  The more the merrier I say! Enjoy it all! kathy

Personal Expressions

First off the rank last week in Designer's Circle was Deborah, who you may know as the editor of Down Under Quilts or her blog onceaponceatime.blogspot.com  Deborah has a more traditional quilting background and has spent a lot of time using subdued color combinations.  Her traditional piecing background has lent itself well to a new quilt project that tests her boundaries in other ways...as if there were none!  This quilt started out in a completely different direction that included borders etc but has ended up exciting and fun and reflecting the somewhat unpredictable nature that is Deb to a tee.  I imagine Deb diving into the deep end when I look at this which is why I was happy when she chose this aqua fabric for her background fabric...

There were a lot of suitable choices on the floor for a background that day but in the end this was the winner, the one that said pick me just loud enough to be heard by Deb's inner ear.

On the other hand we have our other Deborah who, it would appear, has no color boundaries...

However this quilt was a bit of a foray into new colors and we did  spend a considerable amount of time wondering if that setting fabric was right.  It was worth the time to consider as the end result is what you see.  If you were to look in Deborah's stash of fabrics, which I have done, you would find divine reproduction fabrics knee deep.  This quilt got a clap all around not only because it is enormous and finished but also because it is STARtacular! and bursting with exciting movement.  It does actually radiate from the center.  

It isn't a requirement at Material Obsession that one dresses in the genre that one quilts but some of us can't resist in a true representation of our inner self.  Would you just have a quiet look at what Melissa is wearing and then at the marvy quilt she is constructing with her endless pile of scrap fabrics!  I have a feeling, because I have known Melissa for a while now, that she could literally wrap this around the world style quilt around the world with her colorful scraps!  It is as bright as her smile and a great use of a square!!!!

And now for the unveiling of Robyn's Freda quilt with its sashing and borders on.  It has wonderful composition with carefully considered detail throughout.  Each step has been pondered and executed with precision that ads to the character of the creation.  I say this because in some cases it seems as though the care taken to get a project right detracts from the spirit of the project but not in this case.  The paths of Freda's life are there in detail and suggestion and the quilt is beautifully composed as well.  Personal expression is a joy to behold.

Sue has been working on the border for her zig zag quilt.  The zigs have it going on but the giant zags in the border make it a happening project for sure.  Then just when we thought it was together this little beauty appeared as a bit of spacing border...imagine one slightly excitable person jumping up and down in excitement over a great choice and a vicarious thrill!

There is a thrill in making choices.  I hear myself say so often that "I have to do this..." or "that".  Are we all falling into patchwork in order to release the inner child among us?  The one that says "I want this" or "that"...the one that says do a handstand because there is no reason to think not to do it.  Some of us search high and low for that exact color, texture, or value to solve the patchwork puzzle and some just stumble on it by accident.  Is this our version of the proverbial hunt?  Whatever or whyever, it is fun to imagine and create.  I have very much enjoyed this past term of classes watching decisions being made and quilts progressing in a joyful spirit.  Well done to everyone so far and keep up the good "work"!

By the way, if I haven't mentioned it before we are stocked to the brim with the new Kaffe Fassett range! In a subliminal manner I think I might have been keeping it a secret so the MO staff can get our hands on it before it is all gone which in fact almost caused the reverse!  Brandon Mably has produced another fun line that compliments the new Kaffe fabrics beautifully and for the traditional William Morris fans, Phillip Jacobs has done some old master style interpretations that we are loving.  Get in while the getting is good. 

For those of you that can't walk into the shop, our on-line shop is in re-construction at the moment.  We are working on it but it does take time.  I am sorry to deprive you all of the ability to get in on the action but in a short time, all will be revealed!  In the meanwhile, if you would like a bundle of Kaffe give me ring or an email and I'll post one out to you.  

So, without fear and with total abandon express yourself creatively, it's like a deep breath of joy. kathy

Personal Expressions

First off the rank last week in Designer's Circle was Deborah, who you may know as the editor of Down Under Quilts or her blog onceaponceatime.blogspot.com  Deborah has a more traditional quilting background and has spent a lot of time using subdued color combinations.  Her traditional piecing background has lent itself well to a new quilt project that tests her boundaries in other ways...as if there were none!  This quilt started out in a completely different direction that included borders etc but has ended up exciting and fun and reflecting the somewhat unpredictable nature that is Deb to a tee.  I imagine Deb diving into the deep end when I look at this which is why I was happy when she chose this aqua fabric for her background fabric...

There were a lot of suitable choices on the floor for a background that day but in the end this was the winner, the one that said pick me just loud enough to be heard by Deb's inner ear.

On the other hand we have our other Deborah who, it would appear, has no color boundaries...

However this quilt was a bit of a foray into new colors and we did  spend a considerable amount of time wondering if that setting fabric was right.  It was worth the time to consider as the end result is what you see.  If you were to look in Deborah's stash of fabrics, which I have done, you would find divine reproduction fabrics knee deep.  This quilt got a clap all around not only because it is enormous and finished but also because it is STARtacular! and bursting with exciting movement.  It does actually radiate from the center.  

It isn't a requirement at Material Obsession that one dresses in the genre that one quilts but some of us can't resist in a true representation of our inner self.  Would you just have a quiet look at what Melissa is wearing and then at the marvy quilt she is constructing with her endless pile of scrap fabrics!  I have a feeling, because I have known Melissa for a while now, that she could literally wrap this around the world style quilt around the world with her colorful scraps!  It is as bright as her smile and a great use of a square!!!!

And now for the unveiling of Robyn's Freda quilt with its sashing and borders on.  It has wonderful composition with carefully considered detail throughout.  Each step has been pondered and executed with precision that ads to the character of the creation.  I say this because in some cases it seems as though the care taken to get a project right detracts from the spirit of the project but not in this case.  The paths of Freda's life are there in detail and suggestion and the quilt is beautifully composed as well.  Personal expression is a joy to behold.

Sue has been working on the border for her zig zag quilt.  The zigs have it going on but the giant zags in the border make it a happening project for sure.  Then just when we thought it was together this little beauty appeared as a bit of spacing border...imagine one slightly excitable person jumping up and down in excitement over a great choice and a vicarious thrill!

There is a thrill in making choices.  I hear myself say so often that "I have to do this..." or "that".  Are we all falling into patchwork in order to release the inner child among us?  The one that says "I want this" or "that"...the one that says do a handstand because there is no reason to think not to do it.  Some of us search high and low for that exact color, texture, or value to solve the patchwork puzzle and some just stumble on it by accident.  Is this our version of the proverbial hunt?  Whatever or whyever, it is fun to imagine and create.  I have very much enjoyed this past term of classes watching decisions being made and quilts progressing in a joyful spirit.  Well done to everyone so far and keep up the good "work"!

By the way, if I haven't mentioned it before we are stocked to the brim with the new Kaffe Fassett range! In a subliminal manner I think I might have been keeping it a secret so the MO staff can get our hands on it before it is all gone which in fact almost caused the reverse!  Brandon Mably has produced another fun line that compliments the new Kaffe fabrics beautifully and for the traditional William Morris fans, Phillip Jacobs has done some old master style interpretations that we are loving.  Get in while the getting is good. 

For those of you that can't walk into the shop, our on-line shop is in re-construction at the moment.  We are working on it but it does take time.  I am sorry to deprive you all of the ability to get in on the action but in a short time, all will be revealed!  In the meanwhile, if you would like a bundle of Kaffe give me ring or an email and I'll post one out to you.  

So, without fear and with total abandon express yourself creatively, it's like a deep breath of joy. kathy

Stash Managed...term 2 wrap up

It's the end of term 2 and it shows with the number of fabulous projects that have been finished this past week. In Stash Management, Lindy has finished her Antique Rose Star top.  The all over print background fabric gives a slightly modern twist to her beautiful hand pieced blocks and was a terrific find. The red inner border helps bring out the red points in all the stars for perfect harmony.  Lindy's next project is Brigitte Giblin's Tesselation kit.

Paper templates are fun and easy.  We like to refer to them as Slow Burners, projects that can be packed up and taken anywhere.  They brew in the background and suddenly, they are done!  Sometime Lindy also found the initiative to make this stunner for her friend. 

Gil brought a lot of different pieces of this quilt to the first class and was wondering how to put them all together.  She has consistently made progress here by setting the medallion and then working out the borders and by learning a lot of new techniques along the way created a lovely soft quilt in blues.

 Gils project for next term is traveling to Europe and the US so have a nice trip!

Judy got that buggy border by Jane Sassaman on and I can say that this top is basted and being quilted already!  It's a very exciting looking quilt that got lots of inspection by admiring fans at quilt group last week while on the basting table.  No dust on Judy, here is her next project revving up the creative engine.

 The name of the class is Stash Management and although there are a few sashings, borders and background thrown in, the majority of these quilts are made from the home stash...with a bit of stimulation. I am not saying that some of these stashes weren't created recently but the fact is there is a real joy in combining what we have with tweaks of new things and by really looking at what we are doing. Judy played around with the Kaleido ruler and had made heaps of these blocks.  They look great and use up scraps really well.  The red isolates the blocks while the hot new Kaffe stripe adds zing to the sashing...

 I know I showed this before but since it is part of the class and part of the finished top theme I thought I'd give it another go.  Notice the use again of fabric (Brandon Mably's fab graphic zig zag color boosting winner!)  This quilt has a celestial quality to it.  Those stars really sparkle in all their bits.  Kate learned a lot here.  Strip piecing is fun and creates a wonderful result but there are tricks to the trade.  It's a thrill to work with quilters that will step off the beaten track and try working without patterns...using their imagination and acquiring skills all the time.

 What else do we have stored up in the photo file you ask?  Hopefully a lot as number oneson took my camera with him to London on the weekend!!!!  We discussed the need for a camera quite regularly but  he didn't sound interested until we were packing up Friday night. Ok, take it, I'll make do.  A concept one reserves for our last minute thinkers.  Honestly, I then had to stomp my feet to get him to put something besides rugby shorts in his back pack.  Read the motherly sigh here.  Where, I asked, do you think you will be wearing these in Paris??????  We do our best and then, WHAM...they are a finished product with lots of quirks.  I wish I had a photo of his face, full of doubt and confusion as to what I could be talking about in regard to traveling in very short white sport shorts.  His identity was in crisis fully facing my own identity crisis.  Thankfully, his grandmother won't be over there to see him in his sporty gear at the Louvre!  If you are and you see him, ask where his pants are please! Enjoy taking chances creatively...kathy

flexible outcomes

One might think I spend all my time making quilts, teaching quilts, thinking about quilts or making plans for quilters and you could be forgiven for thinking that.  However, last night I arrived home from the shop with plans for a quiet evening doing just that...several exciting projects on the go that I would love to fall into and progres... HOWEVER, Oscar had other plans.  

He is off to Europe on Saturday for a month with a couple of mates so he had decided to have a tiny going away bbq for 15, at the last minute. Unfortunately, due to the  afore mentioned fixation with quilts, quilting and quilters I had NO FOOD in the house at all. Fortunately, I have a flexible, helpful, hands on husband who went shopping and cooking with me.   Two hours later we were setting out a spread that was consumed in a matter of seconds by this crew of laughing boys.  Now, as I write this the next  morning they are sprawled from one corner of the house to the other gently snoring on every bed, mattress and sofa space available!!!!!  The stay over is a regular thing for young men this age which is great as it keeps them off the roads at night after a couple beers.

NOW, thank you so much for your enthusiastic response to the Sue Ross BOM!  We were inundated with requests to sign up.  I think we got back to all the inquiries but the general information is that the program is $35 per month, it starts at the end of July this year and runs approximately 10 months.  The end result is a bit of a mystery but will be a quilt filled with traditional blocks made with contemporary colors either in Soft Contemporary or simply Contemporary combinations. The monthly package contains the fabric for the block, the pattern and any templates necessary to make it up.  FUN!  If you would like to sign up and haven't simply ring us on 029817 2733 or email with any questions.  It is very exciting to think we will be sharing this program around the world with all of you!  Much appreciated.

Ah, that's better, something quilty.   

Although introducing the BOM was a big even this week the shop has been going full tilt with classes.  The quilts of the term are coming together nicely and it was one WOW moment after another.  In Stash Management we had Kate finish her top strip star top.  The best thing with this quilt is that Kate examined a lot of ideas as she went along and tried lots of new things.  We never would have anticipated this result but it is fantastic fun to look at with lots of layering and a result, lots of interest.  

Laurel also has been experimenting with layout with her blocks. The quilt she started was from a magazine and set in straight rows.  Laurel is a willing game player so we took some of her blocks and a strip pieced sashing that she liked and tried a few options...

Good start, lets see those blocks on point.

Then back to the orginal pattern layout with the blocks in straight rows with the sashing option.

ok. that is more and the colorful sashing is really making those blocks jump and connect...so we went back to the on point option...

and really liked it so...

And Voila!!! How smashing is that!  We were jumping up and down and Laurel packed up to go home and get this top finished with a smile.  The story for the week in classes was about what an author had said on the radio in and interview about writer's block.  She said that writers that are going in a single direction can get stuck.  It is flexibility of characters, story lines and outcomes that allows the writer to move forward with the story.  This is true in any creative field.  We have to be able to swap and change direction based on the results of the first steps.  In the surprise outcome is always a bit of joy or an opportunity to try something new.  I have more on this but must go unless this story ends with me driving to the station and the gym in my pj's and no lunch for the boys...not the best surprise outcome this morning!  Lesson of the day...be flexible and go with the flow!!!!!! kathy

Tradition, with a twist!!!!

 

Here's some exciting news!  Sue Ross is one of our very popular tutors at the shop.  She is a former patchwork shop owner come teacher with an eclectic style matched perfectly with a traditional quilting base.  This is the concept that makes us tick at Material Obsession.  Tradition, with a twist.  Quirky color combinations blended with stylish designs.  When I post about Sue's class I am inundated with requests for patterns so....your wish is my command.  We have put together a Sue Ross Block of the Month!!!!  

One thing Sue does well is "pretty" with a dash of spice.  For those of  you who may want to play but not go wild we have two color ways to choose from.  One is Contemporary and one is Pretty Contemporary.

There will be ten months in the program delivered to you straight from the Material Obsession shelves. Some traditional blocks look tricky but we are lucky to live in the age of tools so as we go along the construction of the blocks will be aided by acrylic templates that we make just for the program as well as tips from Sue.  The templates are fun to use as they ensure consistent, accurate cutting, marking and sewing.  (Personally, I have fallen in love with the first blocks presented and have been sneaking off to make them whenever possible!!) 

Watching Sue's class this year has opened all of our eyes to new combinations of fabric and blocks. 

 We have stretched possibilities and learned to be confident going in new directions.   The look is scrappy but elegant at the same time.  The unexpected combinations give the quilts a grasp of honesty and authenticity.  

So think about that and let us know if you would like to be included in this first time offer.  What could be more exciting than a bit of colorful fabric and a fun pattern delivered to your door...except the unique and gorgeous quilt you end up with at the end!  Enjoy for sure, tradition, with a twist. kathy

Tabula "Fulla"

Sue Spargo applique workshop project. Done...tick.  Bag with spotty elephant done as well!  Sue has given us a lot of fun ideas to play with this season but that is just the beginning of the tabula fulla!  On Wednesday we celebrated our Judges Commendation for our Cut Loose quilt, For the Love of Gee's Bend!   Then we moved on to new projects and challenges...as we do!  A big hit at the show were the Bargain Bundles.  Each person got a bundle and a challenge to make something with it. Cath did this in just a few short days.  It's DinoZag...goes Amish...

Just sit and stare at that for a while...I do.  Just loving the way solids are working at the moment.  The simplicity is startlingly wonderful.  

Once it was up on the wall Cath decided to change the yellow to black and maybe add a plaid somewhere...

A previous challenge was about each of us doing our own tree of life.  Cheryl has started here after brewing the concept and changing it from the wheels of life..

What is happening here is a veritable churning of ideas and experience...it all comes together so beautifully with just a bit of consideration.  Each  month we gather for a chat and show and tell and then something wonderful appears the next month.  

Sheena has been working on her tree of life using the cut up method.  I don't know what you call it but doesn't it just work a treat here!!!  We are loving this tree thing.  It started with a whisper of an idea and now can't you just hear the silent footsteps through the woods?!  I love the moodiness and growth in stages as well as the filtered light effects.  Oh, yea, I can go on but what appeals is the fact that we are all traveling on the journey here.  Quilts aren't just photos, they are experiences.

Here is Cath's germinating tree.  It is a fine line we walk when doing the discussions about these quilts.  I thought they were the seeds of the trees but Cath's intention was that they were the leaves...so where does that take us?  One has to wonder about that darned chicken and the egg idea...or what is beyond the universe.  STOP.

Back to reality.  Here's a real tree.  Propped up in it's new position.  I can't help but wonder if it will take to the new spot and grow big and strong again as a transplanted life form.  Are it's roots tingling in search of nourishment or is it in a tree coma?  waiting for spring...energy and life blood.  One can only hope. k

Tabula Rosa

Tabula Rosa... blank slate... is a concept that has stuck in my mind since a psychology class at university.  The idea of no idea, having no experience and starting life with a clean, clear fresh blank mind void of knowledge gained by experience always intrigues me.    Here is my blank slate...tabula rosa if you will.  I took the day off yesterday and stayed home with this in mind.  Yes, there are emails and kits to cut...plans to make...things to do but down time is important too so I stood before my blank wall and smiled happily to myself wondering what the day would bring to fruition.  

Two things appeal to me at this opportunistic junction of time and desire.  One is a quick and easy design to get the dust out and the other is a more complicated, slow brewing, evolving project.  So, while the day was fresh I got out the large Drunkard's Path template, cut and sewed these blocks using my new Curved Seam Presser Foot.  The fabrics are from the new Kokka range 

and some Anna Griffin texture prints I have been admiring as they walk out the door.  For immediate satisfaction I need look no further!  My other fascination is a secondary pattern which is just beginning to appear here interrupting the ribbon flow...more later.  

On to the next thing...

A lovely friend gave me an assortment of reproduction wedges she had cut and decided not to use.  I thought they would be nice to play with when opportunity ran so I got them out and found that they are absolutely gorgeous with my favorite bird fabric...More on that later too as my head was literally swimming with ideas.  How elegant is that bird!

It was hard not to be stimulated after this week of classes.  Everyone is full steam ahead and great work is being done with great enthusiasm.  On Tuesday night everyone was quite considerate of my exhaustion and got down to steady work.  Hands were busy everywhere...

Vicki, our newest member of Tuesday night is happily quilting away and participating in the group...

Suzanne is designing her own applique quilt based on the paintings of Gustov Klimt.  

Suzanne is trying all kinds of applique techniques with a brave determination that we all admire!

Meegan is resting on her laurels after finishing two big projects for the Craft and Quilt show!  Selecting binding on this Liberty log cabin quilt was the task at hand...

and in the end I think she chose this Kaffe paisley stripe as it had great punch.

Wednesday turned out to be a big day of creative fun as well.  Francis has her Chook Yard together.  It is a little bigger than the original.  I was walking the dog a while back and passed a back yard with chooks running around freely in the middle of my neighborhood.  It was a fascinating discovery and not unlike looking at this happy combination of color darting all over the space!  The pattern is available in this month's Quilters Companion and more chook fabric is on it's way!!!!

Susan found the red butterflies to border her quilt which has been evolving in Stash Management.  The birds have sweet personality and are surrounded by color.

Time is up for me this morning as my coffee is finished the boys are in the shower or kitchen and the day calls for action.  

My mind is warmed up now and thinking that If we are born with a blank slate and all of our ideas is based on experience and perception...imagination is what makes the possibilities!!!!   The concept of sharing these ideas is one of great responsibility.  It is a pleasure to see bits and pieces transformed into people's projects.  Ownership of ideas is really not possible once we put them out there to be interpreted by another's input.  As I look back through this post I see quilts inspired by artists, nature and other peoples' quilts.  We are all gathering experience and perception and making it our own.  What a cause for celebration!  

off to make creative lunches...k

Life after the show...

Somewhere here in the rows of stalls lived we lived for a week. Yesterday as I walked through the aisles and realized it was the last day I thought that I could hang around a few more days, if only I could have a tiny rest first.  It was fun to see the familiar faces appeared out of the crowd all day for five days.  It was wonderful to see so many happy ones!

For most people it is a day visit but for those of us that work the show it is many days of discovering all kinds of things. In stolen moments we wandered around and found treasures amongst the stalls, people and the quilts.  I love this view of the show as there is no real detail but rather just a blur of stuff we love. Fabrics, wools and the creative endeavors of many.   One of our favorite show stops is Claire Patterson's knitwear stall.  Every year we all head over there and buy a cardigan...or two and sometimes three.  

I was seriously too busy (read entertained!!! or maybe even too busy talking...) to snap off many photos this year.  The quilt show was filled with beauties and if you would like to see them the NSW Guild website has them all here. http://quiltersguildnsw.com/quiltshow/  (can I have some applause for doing a link please!)  Anyway, we are not permitted to show photos of quilts at the show unless we have permission so I didn't bother to take many.  Quilters can be like shy birds only visible in passing and flapping their wings to avoid a photograph.  Here's one I managed to capture in front of her beautiful prize winner.    You can see why it won a prize as it is filled with beautiful detail, perfectly executed and just a bit fresh and quirky stylish grace.

Some of you might remember the workshop I did with Rosalie Dace last February at the AQC.  Jane was in that group and her quilt project was one I watched carefully from across the room.  Here it is, with Jane at the show...Finished!

I love this quilt as it was originally much bigger but Jane pulled it all together into a compressed mini walk through the woods.  It is the first in a series of quilts I look forward to seeing develop.   Looking at Jane's finished quilt is making want to get back to mine as well.  The tree theme is so emotive and full of potential.  Looking at it I can hear the twigs snap under foot and smell the moss.

Cath's quilt was wonderful to see hanging in the show too as it is full of garden secrets and hidden beauty.  There were so many gorgeous quilts this year that revealed themselves more and more every time they were revisited.  It is amazing how much detail comes out the second and third time around.  People were surprised to see me white gloving and not on the stall but it was a great opportunity to walk through the quilts and have a quiet look with all the visitors.

Fractured and Garden Party were two popular kits.  I love that fact that people are following us out onto the proverbial limb!    I very much appreciated all the kind words and support from all the visitors over the week.  It was fun to know that making quilts with a twist is a passion for so many...and that making quilts for boys is an option too!  We heard lots of stories about color adventures and passed out lots of tools for making fun designs.  Thanks for all the encouraging compliments on the books as well.    My boys still can't figure out why anyone would want my autograph!  I'm with them.  I think that the book is representative of where all things color and design collide as a reflection of what is happening in the world...as quilting always has been.

Block Party kits were a fun hit as well.  We put together fabric combinations that we love with free quicky EASY patterns included.  Gone are the days when a quick quilt has to be boring to make.  

So as the lights dimmed we packed up what was left into boxes and went home...only to go back to the shop this  morning for our fabulous Monday group!!!  Moira has already got her DinoZag quilt together and just so you know life is returning to normal...here is a shot of her lush quilt...just before my camera died.

I am thinking we might see a few DinoZags around town soon as it was also a popular pattern at the show. 

 So, so many sentences started with "after the Craft and Quilt show we will..." and now, in the first day after the show we sit and wait to see what a new day will bring...kathy.

Show OFF and running!

How did we fit it all in? Boxes jammed with stock filling every corner until there is only room to throw one's arms in the air in wonder and certainly no room to swing a cat. Dolly quilts, block party quilts. big quilts and fabric...books and stuff everywhere!   

Today was a blast. I love the first day of the show because I can still talk and talk we did, all day.  Six years of quilt show exhibiting and its as close to a family reunion as I get down her in Australia!  Faces of friends appear from the crowd with cheerful greetings and all is good.

We started with a walk through the quilts and although I didn't get a good enough quiet look we did do some joking around in front of For the Love of Gee's Bend!  This is our collaborative group quilt effort from Cut Loose and we proudly accepted a Judges Commendation for it.  We suspected they were giving us an award just for having the nerve to put it in the show.  When I look at it I see a lot of laughs stitched into the blocks.  As you can see, any recognition is enough to get us jumping around in excitement and ridiculous behavior.  We have photos of each of us in every combination.  Ah, the thrill of it all.  

Here's my entry and me looking seriously dorky with my  Kaffe Fanfare which was fun to see hanging flat and square. 

And here is Sheena in front of her quilt

It is always fascinating to see the judges choices for the prize awards each year.  It is a special moment in each woman's life to hear their name called, maybe one of the best.  As they modestly walk up to get their prize it's hard not to imagine how it would feel to be rewarded for all the hours and planning that goes into any quilt. From children to granny quilters it was a special day for many.

Upon arriving home I was pretty happy to have planned ahead last weekend.  We had a roaring fire and a big bowl of soup that had sat just the right amount of time for dinner.  Perfect combination to rest my weary chatter box and feet. (what was I thinking wearing heels?sensible shoes tomorrow!)

By the way, it is a pleasure to hear all of your comments about the blog.  It's nice to know that you are enjoying the photos and finding inspiration amongst the photos of everyone's work.  Creativity breeds creativity and we all feed off of each other's energy...sharing inspiration is the heart of it.  

Enjoy the show if you are lucky enough to get there.  I haven't been through all the shops yet and will be doing some time on my feet tomorrow white gloving and having a huge peep at more quilts.  And now for some hand sewing to relax...is that insane or what! k