Material Obsession

Thank you to Theresa who has suggested that perhaps this be my new portrait shot.  Seriously considering it...  Thank you to Jenny for bringing in her beautifully embellished Sue Spargo block.    The detail could go on forever.  Nothing like an insect to make it seem real...and check out that couching!!!
The beads, the layers...it all works.
Congratulations to the five winners of Book two and thank you so much to all the rest of you that have come in or phoned up for a copy.  It is a heartwarming experience to be so supported.  I hope you love it and find the inspiration you seek inside.   And for he six of you that supported Jason, thanks for that as well. The cd went to Sally, last but not least!  Enjoy the music...
The school holidays are over but just before we brought them to a close we had a Gypsy Kisses workshop for Kay, Chris, Wendy, Joy and Karen.  These girls got busy!!

 The gals came down from Newcastle (and DARWIN) to do the class with stacks of fabrics to make the quilt.  We spent a bit of time talking about the design elements and then everyone got down to work.  It was a very productive day with fabulous results from everyone!  Chris used retro colors and is setting hers on a piece of Arcadia after considering lots of different options.

I don't think Wendy finally decided on this pretty background but it did look good with her first few sets.
In one day we made a lot of progress picking fabrics, establishing the direction of the quilts and foundation piecing.  It will be fun to see them progress over the next few months.  This quilt has lots of stages so we'll keep you posted.  Each one looks different...and lovely.

The next day was just as visually exciting.  Sue Ross was in the house and the walls were alive with color and graphic energy...
Sue has admittedly been working on this one for a while, each block a journey through color choices, each one with a personality of it's own but all of them working together really well.

This pattern has so much going on that eyes were popping out of heads, in a good way.  The actual piecing doesn't look too tricky but each block has been carefully considered.  It's a structured scrap quilt and no matter what they did it was working really well.  Sue brings out the best in everyone.
Kate is making progress with her hand pieced blocks.  It'll be good to see them on these backgrounds soon. 
Sue also left us these bundles of gorgeous wools to sell for the Sue Spargo kits to be couched from one corner to the next. 
So, as you can see, works in progress all over the place.  The new design wall is already covered in threads but proving to be just what we all need to get these acts together...no wonder I am cross-eyed...how much gorgeous stuff can one gal take!  More later, I promise after three more days of classes already this week.
AND, if you are in Sydney don't forget the Eastwood Quilters Show this weekend at Brush Farm.  It's a show that always has something for everyone and in the new venue it will be a great day out.  If you need more info ring the shop on 9817 2733 for details.  Enjoy! k

What time is it?

It's time, after hours of piecing and quilting and pattern writing and blurb writing and pattern editing and photo taking and photo editing and reviewing and reviewing and then waiting and waiting...It's time NOW to open these hot boxes FULL of something exciting!!!!!

(Are there enough exclamation points in the world).....wait for it....wait...hang on....the first Material Obsession Two out of the box!

We have stacks of books even though more than a few went out the door today.  Please, don't feel pressure to buy one as soon as possible just because you can!!!!

Ring up or email us to get one posted out to you, that is if you just can't wait.  BUT, if you have pre-ordered one hang on as I'll be going through all the names tonight and contacting you tomorrow if you are one of the five lucky winners! 
Is it good?  It is hard to answer and be objective having poured over every word, detail and image so I'll just say that I hope, really hope you enjoy your material obsession too!

And if that isn't enough for tonight,...the next time someone asks you what time it is, say "It's QUILTING Time!" with one of these hot new clock kits (say that fast if you can!)  This is real time sitting on a gorgeous clock face.

Kits are available with instructions and mechanisms to make either one of these styles which we are loving in the shop. 

Great when they say, Yes, we are open and hard to believe when we say, it's QUITING time! I admit that it is heaps of fun hanging around in the shop looking at everyone's quilts, picking fabrics and generally living the quilter life.    John was in yesterday doing some odd jobs around the place (oh so fun sprucing  things up!) and I was a bit worried that he would see how much I love being at work.  That could only mean trouble since the laundry is a bit piled high and a few things could use a tidy up around our house.  Anyway, tonight it is sit back and re-read the new book time just for fun.  I feel a little bit like Horton the Elephant ...from the egg that we'd sat on so long and so well ,Horton the Elephant was happy 100%!
Enjoy.  kathy

Be Content

I love this.  I drive by this wall on my way to and from everywhere.  Some days I'm stressing work, some days family, some days projects and I drive by this and immediately crack a smile...all worries gone.  It is that simple.  I wonder who wrote it and what they were thinking.  Is it a reminder to the author to be happy in life or a message to the world from a more powerful source? I sometimes feel as though I am in a movie and this line has been put there specifically for me.  The simplicity of the message inspires me to live life appreciating the bounty of my life.  Funny thing is, the good things are often the things we forget first so its nice to have a constant reminder.  I live in fear someone will paint it away.

The year, albeit a very busy and challenging time, is shaping up nicely.  Another  thing I am loving is  the Dolly Quilt program (small monthly quilt projects featuring a new technique each month) and doing their own thing.  For a real thinking outside the box prize we have two cushions made with Mini Fractured and Zig and Zag.  (Imagine me jumping up and down when Michelle brought these in!)

Here is an example of a colorful cot quilt made using the 60 degree triangle from a quilt last year.  After learning to make them small it was only a small leap to make them big enough for a cot quilt.

The 60 degree ruler is the most reliably fun tool I own. The love affair started five years ago when I picked one up and I have never stopped using it.  This is my latest which I love for the movement.  What you can't see in this shocking photo (please lean your head to  one side to see it right!) is that the black triangles are actually a black with pink spot which looks fab.  The other sweet thing is the inner border in a Japanese fabric that works beautifully with the Art Gallery fabrics used in the strips. 

Soon we will have DinoZag...
This is the King Single version of the Dolly Quilt!  This particular quilt is done in masculine colors as this is a great quilt for a boy/guy/man type person.  However, I am now seeing this in a variety of  fabulous combinations from all the gorgeous new fabrics arriving daily.  I made this quilt with a side set triangle ruler which made it a simple and quick project. It's off to get quilted now but we'll be putting together some great kits for this for up coming shows. Let us know if you'd like one!
 
Here's another one from the "to be quilted pile" called Harperville.  It is made with, wait for it, the most delicious flannel...YES!  Flannel fabric ever.  This stuff has to be touched to be believed and applique is soooooooooo easy using the flannel.   I absolutely fell in love with these fabrics and will be getting them in very soon.  If you are new to applique or looking for something to keep your fingers happy give this one a go!  And, the sashing is my new favorite trick, also from Mini Fractured.  It is such a fun way to make little borders. 
One of the things people say frequently in the shop is, "I just want to make a quick cot quilt for a baby."  So, here is a kit for the easiest and possibly cutest cot quilt ever!
I think I'll have to call this Zig Zag Zoo just to keep the theme going. 
One last thing before I head off. I just got this basted.  Its a Wagga and for those of you that don't know, a Wagga is a traditional Australian quilt syle made from necessity with wool bits and leftovers from life.  This one is for the Hunters Hill Quilt Group Wagga Challenge.  We are all making them to sell a the next show but having a little contest first.  The waggas that have been done already are so gorgeous that I could hardly start one from a state of complete insecurity.  However, I love this for it's recycled nature.  It is lined with an old flannel sheet, has an old sheet for backing and uses up some wonderful bits of wool from my stash.  In addition, it has a some bits of screen printed hessian, linen and hemp which I think is quite symbolic.  I used to make quilts for Julie Patterson at Cloth (check her out for a bit of eye candy clothfabric.com) and was left with heaps of gorgeous scraps.  I loved using them here and I can't wait to get quitling all of these projects.
It's never enough done is it?  There are so many wonderful ways to spend our time that it is hard to always be happy with what we have accomplished.  I think I might get in the car and drive around the block to remind myself to be content with what I have done. k

"I'm Yours"...

I love an early morning.  I just love to wake up, make coffee and address all the thoughts and ideas that brewed during the night whilst enjoying the peaceful part of the day when everyone else is still dreaming.  (Except for my lovely pooch that needs a walk apparently RIGHT NOW!)
Anyway, this is not one of those cozy, thoughtful and rewarding mornings because last night we went to see Jason Mraz sing his heart out.  As a result I am tired, bleary eyed and sniffy with a cold.  Having said that, I absolutely love this guy.  His lyrics are thoughtful and dynamic, his stage presence is engaging and entertaining and his melodies make my heart sing.  We met him many years ago (one of my best friends has been his manager for nearly 10 years!) and have followed his career through the smaller venues of Sydney for years.  It was a delight last night to see so many fans gather at the Horden Pavilion having apparently discovered what we have known all along...this guy makes great music to quilt to!!!

Of special note about this experience is how going to concerts has changed.  We took a bunch of teenagers...(four of them are hiding from their embarrassing parent with a camera because they know they'd be featured here!!!!)  Wise to my tricks they are!  I couldn't help but laugh to myself that this is my new concert "gang" and really how fun it was to go with all of them.  Life is so full of changes from the old days.  I cracked up when the security guard asked me if I had any gum because GUM isn't  allowed at a concert!  WHAT!  They used to search our bags for alcohol and things to smoke and now gum!  LIFE, I laugh at you!
Anyway, jason mraz is where you can learn more about him if you don't already know. Let me know what you think.  And hey, can I get some applause for doing a link here! I am after all  computer challenged.  It's tough in this land of blogs to stay up to date with all the options for linking and sharing stuff.  I have a default button in my brain that always says, "DON'T try that because you don't know what will happen!"  I don't know why it wasn't working from 1970-1990 but it works now!
Time to walk that dog and full quilt updates when the fog clears.  But hey, I have a jason mraz "We Sing, We Dane, We Steal Things" cd here... a contest forming in my brain (that is two sets of applause...one for the link and one for a give away)  Comment with your favorite line from a Jason song and I'll send you the cd!  And to quote his closing line last night, "Practice living life with gratitude!" kathy

Good Friday

Lets start with Marnie.  Please stand up and applaud Marnie for her quilt and her enthusiasm!  Marnie visited the shop recently with her mom and dad and we could see it in her wide open eyes that she was a budding quilter!  She sent me this photo of her beautiful quilt (and smile).  What a great start to a long life of quilting discoveries.  I wish I had started at 8 like Marnie!
And since it is Friday I thought I'd introduce our new Friday workshop teacher, Wendy Williams!

Wendy has been teaching the Friday workshops all year and we are loving her input.  This is one of her quilts.  It is done with machine applique and a great sense of color and whimsy.  You would recognize lots of other quilts that Wendy has made in the magazines over the years.  Her pattern company is called Flying Fish and has lots of great designs. 
Wendy has a strong background in design, is a wonderful teacher and we welcome her with open arms to the shop staff!  (don't be offended that it took me two months to do this!)  In the Friday class we have Niki who is relatively new to quilting but was able to do this in just a few short weeks...
She is a GOER!  Wendy and Niki worked this out while I was in Melbourne in early Feb and now just look at it!  Off you go, try this!  Simple and effective!
In our Friday class we have had lots of work getting finished.  Connie started her version of Sarah's Potting Shed and her it is!
And there are lots of other things on the go in the class as well...Rosalie, for example, has started quilting
one, left one to get quilted and then pulled these blocks out of a box to get them sewn together.  It always amazes me how many people have sampler blocks from oh so long ago that they never put together.  Now with all our great fabric choices these blocks can come to life.  Many of the samplers are all about light, medium and dark fabrics where now we work color in many other ways as well.
And now for the long awayited reveal at the Doughty homestead (nestled in an urban area).  About 10 years ago we put in a pool and the process of building it wrecked our driveway which is 90m long down a gradual slope to the street.  We had gravel put down and every time we had a big storm the gravel would wash down with the rushing water into the street.  Then we would have to shovel it all up into at least 25 wheelbarrow loads and push them back up the drive.  "Busy schedules" for  my three boys often meant I did this job.  I could feel the neighbors watching from their windows as I madly shoveled the gravel.  It was hard work.  However,  FINALLY, FINALLY we were able to get it fixed!!!  I now drive up the drive and imagine I can still feel myself bumping up the ruts made by the rain.  But wait...

  there's more to this...
This part of the drive has become our basketball court!!!!  The boys immediately got the basketball out and every day they have a game.  Sounds funny but I have waited a long time to hear that thudding of the ball and the shouts of the game.  Basketball hoops were always a part of the sound of summer and such a great boy thing to do.  We still have a lot of gardening to do (and that old toilet bowl has been removed!)
But last night the two half pipe ramps got revamped so now it is also a skate park...will wonders never cease for  my boys! As for me, I see twinkle lights, a dance floor and party decorations in this space under the trees.
Special thanks go out to Moira for sevice above and beyond the call of duty.  Last Monday she picked up Wendy and Sue and brought them to the shop for the day.  While Moira was here she managed to pick up a few choice items for her quilt started in the workshop which I am sure, due to the excitement in her eyes will be glorious.  It was a special treat to have the opportunity to share the shop and the day with everyone so thanks to everyone that came and said hello.  Thanks also to Kate, Sheena, Cath and Cheryl for bringing in morning tea.  (looking at this photo I think maybe someone who was running around like a chicken with her head cut off could  have at least put away the iron and set the table to show off the tasty treats better!)
We certainly had an exciting day and I thank everyone for making Sue and Wendy feel welcome.
By the way, Wendy left with fabric and our book and a plan to make a quilt!  Another one falls for the addiction!!!

Another week comes to a screeching halt as much of the world stops and stands still to do a bit of soul searching on Good Friday.  Personally, I love this day as it always really makes me think.  As I sit in church and listen to the fate of Jesus unroll every year I dread what I know is the end of the journey.  I want to scream out "Can't you see what you are doing!" I want to stop them so that we can hear more of what Jesus had to say.  But every year the same thing happens and we are left with our own thoughts to guide us.  May they be good thoughts.  It's a good Friday. k

But wait, there's more and more and more!

If you missed the workshop and seeing photos of what went on has inspired you to learn more...have I got some news for you!  Sue and Wendy are coming to Material Obsession on Monday to "sit, sew and have a chat".  Feel free to come in and say hi if you are in town and available!

Sue demonstrated lots of embellishing techniques which we all loved learning.
Immediately, the skills were put to use.
Couching (and no, that doesn't mean what I was doing on the sofa when I got home yesterday...or the day before that!) with yarns and satin strings...layering and generally pushing limitis all around...Eyes were opened...
People were really challenging themselves by learning new skills and working outside their normal colors which was fun as they all appeared to really enjoy themselves. The thing is that until you see these quilts up close, their beauty is not complete.  I thought I knew what it was all about but NO!  I am awake to a new, enchanting style of quilting...more on more on more...
Come and join in the fun and the more the merrier!!!!
 Bring your Sue Spargo books if you would like them signed or your quilts if you would like to show them off!  Lets show Sue and Wendy a good Aussie welcome so she'll come back and do more fantastic and fun workshops!  Come and have a good close up look at the quilts, you'll be glad you did.
See you Monday at Material Obsession!  144 Pittwater Road Gladesville 9817 2733  ENJOY! kathy

ps and check out the new Arcadia line that arrived while we were out at the workshop.  I swear, can't leave that place for a minute without missing something exciting!

Sue Spargo Day Two

When is too much fun never enough?  When Sue Spargo and her sister Wendy put on a workshop!
Today was the first day of the two day workshop featuring the new Magnolia pattern. 
It is interesting what intrigues us when we look at a quilt.  At first I thought it was the nature of the design...the delightful shapes and textures but I decided today it was the carefully chosen palette of the quilts.  The greens, plums, oranges with splashes of aqua and browns really set the tone...and don't forget that acid green (chartruse?I can't spell because I am so tired!)
Today we had a look at the quilts and then the room simply erupted into frantic energetic creative activity as everyone pulled out their bits and pieces and got straight into work on this lovely quilt.  It isn't as easy to get the color the same without the ample supply of the gorgeous hand dyed wools that Wendy supplies to Sue.  The colors are to dye FOR!  When we live in a land of sheep is hard to imagine why we don't have more wool available to play with.  However, creativity is often about making do with what we have at hand and that certainly was the case today.  We witnessed a lot or resourcefulness.
There were piles of fabric everywhere.  It is also interesting to note how everyone works differently.  Some people got busy selecting their pieces for the background, cutting them to the right size and then putting them in place.
Other people got straight into their favorite block in the quilt.
The house is the main focus so that was a popular choice.
And lots of people worked on the flower blocks...

each one different from the next one
Some people had lots of experience doing applique and there were others that were trying it for the first time but everyone made progress.
One fun tool was the Fiskar hole punch used for making those unbelievable small dots.  There were lots of neat tips for getting the effect right and Sue made plenty of time to help everyone in the room.

We are all taking it easy tonight.  I seriously made the coffee and sat on the sofa and woke up 30 minutes later.  Love that coffee nap!  Just enough rest to get groceries and dinner ready for those unexpected teenage boy guests. NO PROBLEM BOYS!!!
Here are few others and these gals get my vote for the messiest table while still accomplishing heaps!
the next photo would be of me in my jammies heading off to pillow land.  That's how much fun is never enough, since you asked!  Looking forward to tomorrow and more energetic creative discovery.  kathy

Welcome Sue Spargo

Sue Spargo has arrived in Sydney all the way from Ohio and we welcomed her to the Applique Embellishment Workshop today.  I think a few of us wondered just what embellishing of a simple applique block could mean and how could it take all day but we were quickly rewarded with an answer.  Layer upon layer of thoughtful stitches, shapes and shades of color make quilts which are rich in imagination and whimsy.  Seeing Sue's quilts and touching them was a real experience!  The images of her life are endearing and the texture of the expression really takes us with her on the journey.  Here are a few images of the day supplied by Peta...as fate would have it I took one photo and bing bing bing...battery exhausted.  Oh YEAH!!!

Everyone prepared the same block and within a short period of time, they all started looking different.

The tables were full of treasures...buttons, velvets, ribbons, laces, whatever was found in the cupboard and saved for just the right thing...
Participants shared the day and some ideas while working away.
It was fun to see everyone concentrating on their work. And the quilts....oh yeah, the quilts were magnificent to pour over... So much personality in these quilts. I was amazed to learn that they are machine quilted.  The wool takes the machine quilting really well and added yet another layer of texture to the projects.  Some were finished and some were works in progress. The palette is heaven and earth all in one and the characters within tell a real story of observing life.  We also really enjoyed looking at Sue's journals.  Little images sketched in place show that these works evolve over time...that they brew and stew and develop as ideas.  Lovely.  We really enjoyed Sue today and look forward to more during the two day workshop starting in the morning!
Thank you all for coming to the day and I hope it was enjoyable for everyone.  I can imagine dreams all over town of bullions and buttons and birds and leaves and stems...Live and Learn. more later...kathy

Starts and Finishes...What Next?!

Putting a quilt together is always exciting.  We love the process of selecting the fabrics and learning the methods to make the idea come to life.  Then, ah yes, then there is the chore of basting the quilt together.  There is  the luxury of having the quilt basted but when there is a deadline we often need to do it ourselves.  Rosalind recently got some free time away from two little kids to join the Wednesday workshop.  She has worked hard to complete these stately stars in a short period of time and needs to get quilting.  There is a deadline and with two little kids demanding time and attention things need to progress or get left behind in the rush of life.  So today we tested out a new and exciting addition to the shop...the BASTING TABLE!!!
Cheryl showed us how to do this in Cut Loose one day and now that we have a huge long table we can offer this service to those of you that want to get a quilt basted without back breaking crawling around on the floor!  Just look how happy Rosalind is working away on her quilt with no back or knee pain!  If you are interested for booking in to baste your quilt give us a call and we'll fill you in on the details.  It isn't magic, it still takes a bit of time but it is such an improvement to crawling on the floor and you're welcome to bring some helping handy friends along.  Make a basting party of it!

Trish is also moving her project along.  This one is a study in sophisticated Japanese fabrics.  Trish had some Samuri Warrior print squares to use and has appliqued them raw edge on to strips.  It's nearly ready to be put together with the border now.

In Scrap Management this pile of fabric is about to become something fabulous.  Deidre has been working through her stash of solids doing all kinds of Amish patterns from Courthouse Steps to  9 patches.  However, yesterday she got inspired by another idea and this is the start of something exciting...
  Talk about living through the efforts of another...I am loving this!!!  Can't wait to see what happens as Deidre did whisper that she didn't think she'd be able to sleep now that this is started...me either!  Keep working...keep working...
Rhonda and Gretel, made these two twin version so of my Green Scrap Eater quilt...Rhonda chose a cheery yellow main color

and Gretel chose green...

Both are delightful and both consumed heaps of scraps...but there is more where that came from to be sure.  Rhonda also brought in this quilt she has made which is a nice blend of bright colors toned done with a lot of white.
Stash Management is a cracker of a class.  We explore lots of ideas and boldly go where we have never gone before.  Leaps of faith into the fabric piles of our lives!  I'll keep you posted on how these quilts grow.
It is also exciting to note that the Sue Spargo workshops start tomorrow!  We look forward to seeing everyone booked in and I'll be sure to keep you posted on how everyone goes over the next few days.
As the day draws to a close I guess we all look forward to dreaming of finishing and starting new projects.  All Good.  kathy