Material Obsession

Thinking outside the Square!

He's on the plane.  After several weeks of email snippets from beautiful sounding places like Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Paris, London, Dublin, Amsterdam...after all kinds of adventures Oscar is on his way home at this minute.   I am curious to see how this experience has changed my oldest son.  How he has grown and what he has learned about himself and the world over there are questions that keep running through my mind.  I am also quite pleased he will be returning with my camera since the new one is still backordered. 

 Oh the delights I have seen this week and cannot share except for these photos from Lindy in Thinking Outside the Square on Tuesday.  It all starts with an assortment of fabrics.  We are looking for contrast here.  Subtle contrast and blaring contrast, balanced to give continuity, flow and balance to the final quilt.  In this grouping we were considering pattern size and light v. dark to keep the future Dinozag quilt top flowing.  

This is a stage that should take some time and the photo really helps to define the strength of the arrangement.  LIndy had started here...

But we all got confused using the pieces so went to the top photo arrangement for clarity.  Sometimes while constructing a quilt there are issues that glog the view and we just need to go back a step for clarity.

Laurel's project is coming along really well too.  The blocks were all done and the sashing strips are growing to fill in the white spaces.  This is a time where we all do it, we can see the end and we want to stop and get it all together.  Using the design wall in class was a great opportunity for Laurel to see what was needed to complete the quilt...two more blocks.  Is there anything worse than thinking you are finished and finding out that...well, there is more to do.  It's worth it in the end.

We had all kinds of projects that day.  Jacquie sits quietly doing her thing with the room spinning around her.

This is one block in a series the Jacquie is doing with applique designs and then sashing.  This is one of those combinations that just looks beautiful.

Judy, spent her school holidays piecing these Kaleidoblocks together.  The stripe Kaffe Fassett fabric really adds zing to an already poppin' quilt.  The left over triangles initiated a border and soon this will be a quilt!

Kate is working with half square triangles.  There are possibilities with half square triangles until infinity!  Here is what Kate is doing....

These fabrics are from the new Kaffe Fassett range and some of the Amy Butler solids (which are in my opinion to die for!!!) and some homespuns.  If the truth be told, this kind of block drives me and some other people nuts.  It is easy...so easy that often times the blocks get sewn together in the wrong order.  To avoid this problem we turn to the portable design board.  What is that, you ask?? Get a bit of cardboard or ply and cover it with wadding.  It only need be about 50cm (20") square, just big enough for one block.  You can set up the block, take it to the sewing machine and keep everything in order until the rhythm of the block sets in and the confusion is gone.    

That's it for this morning.  I am off to the gym to get the cobwebs out and then for an exciting day of machine applique in Wendy's workshop this  morning.  The gals requested this...

so that's what they get today...oh dear, class from the kitchen dashing off...enjoy! k

Welcome to MO!

 It's been a few weeks of out of town visitors which is always fantastic!  Yesterday Susan Sally popped in while visiting all the way from Vancouver.  They took a ferry from Manly across the harbour to Hunters Hill and then a bus up the hill.  It was an absolutely glorious day to be on the water I am sure as the weather was so unseasonably wonderful.  It was great fun to meet her and have a chat.  Susan is here with her friend whose name I never got...some people just start talking before they start thinking and I'd be one so excuse me here please for no name,particularly because I kept thinking to ask her name! Thing is when talking about quilting there is so  much to say that sometimes the polite necessities of life get left in the dust of the excitement.  We had a great time showing quilts and tools in person and sharing the quilting life stories.  Quilting makes us all instant friends.

Here we are in blog land, me in my pj's with my morning coffee and all of you anywhere in the world.  It was fascinating yesterday to talk with Susan about her quilting life and to see what it is about the shop that is of interest.  It is also quite startling to mention a fact about life and find that Susan was already clued into the details...hmmm.  Fortunately I am not a private person, fortunately or obviously!  Anyway, I wonder what other quilt shops are like because people are often surprised when they arrive at MO.  We are not a big shop but I guess there is a lot to see in a small space.  

I have borrowed Kate's camera.  My new one still hasn't arrived and I feel as though someone has chopped off my hand.  Things are revving up as Term 3 starts in the shop and there has been a lot to see this week.  Although I spent some time cleaning up, the shop looks very lived in as soon as we open the doors to the classroom. 

Check it out, they are all busy working here, heads down, projects on the go...

Francis arrived back with her main blocks in Liberty Fields completed and is now working on the half square sashing strips...hence the head down at the sewing machine as there are a lot of them!  According to Francis, this was an enjoyable quilt to put together.  Rosalin has been working on her dolls and houses.  Considering two kids and her husband away during the holidays I think this is a huge achievement!  So from here we start looking at connecting the houses and dolls.  This Gwen and Freddy approach to quilting is fun to do but it is a lot more work than people expect.  Once this little bits get made up I find quilters often get stumped as to what happens next.  It's like building blocks...

Rosalin was a bit concerned that the quilt looked bland with so much pink.  So, he first thing we did was find a fabric that would make all the detail of the blocks show up.  Rosalind chose some nice cool blues and greens to contrast with the warm pink backgrounds. Then by playing with some strips of the fabric we started shaping the blocks of the quilt.  It's picking up soon and will soon be it's own suburb!  

One class a day isn't enough so on Wednsesday we rolled into Cut Loose.  Sheena has been working on a border for this work in progress known affectionately around the traps now as Green Acres...(I can hear you all singing about that green countryside!!!! and farm living...)

Can you stop looking at this quilt?  The variety of lines and values really grabs and entertains the eye. 

Simple lines are intriguing as well.  Here is  a simply constructed quilt of squares that is a nice compliment to Green Acres.  The subtle colors work really well against the white.  Cath made this as a gift but was told it wasn't traditional enough.  For some of us that would have been the end of the road for that gift but not for Cath. 

She made it again and used a tone on tone sashing that gives this quilt a real flash back to a bygone era!  There are as many solutions as there are problems out there when making quilts.

On a completely different note, Cath has progressed her tree of life project.  The last time we  met she selected the background and now just look at it!  

Suggestions of life abound!...even the chain style graphic says something here and those pods just burst with possibility.

It was suggested by Cath's son Angus that trees need roots.  Of course they do!!!!

So yes that's nearly a week back at the shop.  Already that relaxed feeling of having rested my mind is gone.  Resting this mind is not a natural state.  However, I will admit that I giggled as I pulled up the blinds last Monday and thought to myself that I love being in a place where creative possibility is just about to walk in the door.  

And as a side note, the voice of reason that lives in our house said it's not a good time for a new dog.  Stomping feet ensued but fingers are still crossed.  dashing to "work" now...kathy

Adopt a Pet

The tv was on the other day while I was sewing and Iooked up to see a Pedigree ad for their adoption service.  For some reason, perhaps the sense of loss since loosing Duke, I went straight to the computer and lost time here:  http://www.pedigreeadoption.com.au/   There are so many gorgeous dogs on offer but this one caught my eye...

I am completely besotted with this photo as she looks just like Duke did when he was a puppy.  I showed Noah and Sam the page on Cheeky who was described as being a people dog with a funny personality and we were all in agreement that we had look into adopting this dog.  I might have missed the boat on her as the foster carer told me there are a few people already interested in adopting Cheeky.  I have to wait to see.  If things don't turn out I'll get back onto the website and have another look.  The descriptions are broken down by dog/cat, size, and State so it is easy to manage and it includes a full health check.  I applaud Pedigree for putting advertising dollars behind such a great service.  Fingers crossed.

It's been great being on a break from the school routine.  The days just flow by  without too much rush or fuss.  At the moment it's still movies and hang out time for the boys but soon they will put on their uniforms and go back to school.  I didn't wear a uniform to school but I love this concept.  The kids manage to maintain a sense of individuality despite having restrictions on what they can wear.  Here in this quilt we can see a sample of that.  Lee has used the Gwen Marston technique for making people from Collaborative Quilting and made these charming young ladies with bits and pieces of her daughter's high school uniforms.  Each girl, has a look of her own and soon all of them will l join up to raise money at a fund raising event.  It's a clever idea and one I am sure that will bring in dollars as everyone will want this memento of school!  

Classes have started back up at the shop this week as well.  It was nice to have a bit of a breather but it is also exciting to see what everyone has done over the holidays.  Of course, I am still without a camera which is like having my right hand tied behind my back.  Yesterday there were all kinds of goodies on display...I am looking forward to seeing this one finished though.

Francis has made Chook Yard only she made it bigger by a row. I'll admit that I thought the Queen of the May blocks would keep her busy longer but they are actually very quick to put together.  This quilt  had us all clucking approval. Francis will surely have made progress over the school holiday weeks since she finished this quilt top on her new project, Liberty Fields...

I had a bit of time to progress some projects over the last week.  After my lovely breather down the coast I made a couple skirts, found a lost interest in food and did the shop inventory!!! All things that needed doing for one reason or another and crossing them off m y list left me giggling as I opened the blinds yesterday.  It was good to feel the thrill of starting a new day in the shop.  It was then a day full of lively chicks chattering away about life. 

Time to fly the coop.  Cross fingers my new camera arrives today! enjoy. k   

Perfect

The allure of the beach is strong even in winter.  All that open uncluttered space, the rhythm of the waves pounding on the shore, the soft neutral colors of the landscape, the warmth of the sun shattered by the cool sea breeze and the automatic peaceful feeling that all will be well.  In the quiet little beach town that we visited it was the "off season".  Not many cars on the roads, not many people in the coffee shop and lots of empty cottages. For my lovely hostess and myself it was anything but off, and rather perfect.

Perfect for lunching on nibble foods.

Perfect for basting and careful consideration of quilting patterns.

Perfect for magazines, making a mess and big cups of slow brewed tea.

Perfect for dogs and gals to sit back and relax by the fire after a day of fresh air. How does one resume the hectic routines of life after a nice couple of time out days?  I'm not sure but I might think about it for a while and decide later.   I am most grateful for having had a chance to stop and enjoy the simple things in life...a good friend, dogs, coffee and a passion for quilting all the while knowing I had a family waiting for me at home, also a nice place to be. k

The end of the photos

So here they are in London eating...yep, not my imagination, Subway!  Oscar, Wally (Steven by birth) and Harry...lads on a mission of fun.  The only news I have had of Oscar was an email stating that London is the coolest place he has ever been and that he really liked the "hectic marching by the guys in the red coats..."  Ah, the joy of education.  Since this scene they have traveled to Dublin to visit the Guiness Brewery and they are now somewhere in Amsterdam.  On to Paris for a touch of what I would imagine will be..."hectic racing of guys on bikes" and then spain where I hope they don't meet up with any hectic bulls...oh to be young and free.

I am at the end of my stored photos since Oscar has my camera.  Here are the last few little beauties...

Judith from Hunters Hill quilters has organized her end of the table to do his lovely applique quilt as a fund raiser for the Hunters Hill High School.  It's a little bit Baltimore and so much more.  I am sure the raffle tickets will go fast for this after June, Robin, Iris and Jenny get their hands quilting on it.  It is so much fun to see these ideas become quilts. 

Nikki  had a play with the wedge ruler and came up with a  subtle quilt.  Quiet and understated but drawing you in to the soft, pretty feel.

Don't know how I missed Nikki's quilt or these little eye poppers by Wendy Williams.

 More playing with the 18 degree ruler only this time squaring up the blocks.  Funky mind blowing fun they are.

And that my friends is it for me for a few days.  I am off quietly for the weekend to a dreamy place... to enjoy the southern coast, drink coffee, chat, sleep late, run on the beach and generally turn off my weary brain. Good things come to those that wait.  k

ps here's a beatiful thing my dear friend Anne in NYC sent me recently which is gorgeous to watch http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741

Say  hi to Liesle, our newest staff member and Tuesday pm class.  She has made this Spiderweb and sadly I have to admit with absolutely no help from me.  This is always a fun block and one of my all time favorites.  It was the second quilt pattern I ever chose and the only one I have liked so much I made it twice (actually 2 1/2 times!) It absolutely eats fabric so if you are trying to stash bust this is a quilt for you.

Kim has been beavering away in the corner making up quilt tops for all kinds of people. ( I didn't say beavering just because the next one is Log Cabin" either!) This one is a version of DinoZag done in  browns which has turned out mighty nice.  Great pattern for a quick fix.

Kate has taken off for her trip to Iceland etc but got this finished or nearly finished just in time.  Now stop and have a look at the border fabric she chose here.  Kate came to us strictly, firmly, undeniably standing in the reproduction section of the shop.  She would stand and stare at the mustards, browns, reds and navy blue fabrics.  How does her garden grow now I ask you!  NO more boundaries.  That Jane Sassaman border is a wildly perfect choice to set off the colors of the blocks.  It is very exciting, don't you agree?!

Now it is take a step back and relax time as we "rest" from the hectic routines of school days.  We are currently reviewing the class lists and there are a few openings for next term.  If you are on the waiting lists or have expressed an interest we should be contacting you soon.  

Of particular interest to some might be that there are one or two spaces with Brigitte Giblin on the first Thursday of the month.  Brigitte teaches a fun class based on her wonderful designs.  If you aren't familiar with her work here is a standard that everyone loves making...mostly hand work with some clever ideas for machining thrown in for fun. If you are interested email me or ring up.  There are lots of gorgeous quilts to make in this class and Brigitte is a generous and well liked quilting teacher with heaps of skills to offer you.

Another housekeeping idea is all about the boring topic of machine maintenance. People in classes are often surprised to hear that a needle should be changed at the completion of every project.  (I heard that gasp!)  It's true, good new needles are important.  

 We very often have a machine go haywire in a class and find upon closer inspection that it is simply a pile up of dust balls in the bobbin area.  It is a simple procedure to clean this out and absolutely essential for keeping your machine in optimum operation.  In addition, sewing machines should get a good service annually.  We have a top notch repair service available at the shop if this topic is making you cringe. Drop off your machine for a check up or to fix an annoying problem.  Terry will have a look at it and let you know if there are any serious issues before doing the work and get it back to you asap.

Speaking of machines, Kim Bradley is offering an advanced Machine Quilting class that offers "Thrills and Frills" as an extension to the skills you may have already practice or have acquired in her classes.  If you need more practice or want to further what you are already doing there are a couple spaces left in the class which is scheduled for 25 July 10-3:00pm.    Kim's introduction class is on this Saturday and there is one spot left.  If you are at all interested in learning how to creatively machine quilt your projects at home I highly recommend this class.  It's not about stitch in the ditch! although that is also covered.  It is really fun and useful information.

For a bit of light relief, Sam has been busy with pen and paper so far these holidays.  This is just the start of the endless pages of graffiti he has produced over the last few days.  Fortunately he has a keen sense of awareness that this belongs on paper and not walls. I find it amusing that he has found this art form as part of my past life was working with street artists in NYC when it was all very new and done to the beat of the Fat Boys and Run DMC.  One has to wonder if some things other than eyes and hair color are genetic.   

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