on a jet plane...don't know when I'll be back again...oh babe, I hate to go...as if. Can't wait! I am off to New Zealand, Handmade in Wellington actually, today on another Material Obsession adventure. Although New Zealand is rather a close country when you live in Australia I have not yet been there and I am very much looking forward to getting a brief but intense look at what is going on there. I have a suspicion that New Zealand quilters will teach me a thing or two about original thinking, use of colour and the genesis of trends that come from a somewhat isolated existence. In this modern day none of us are able to avoid international influences in our lives but when you are an Island by nature of the surround...things happen differntly. Can't wait to see how!
Back at the ranch we have been very busy getting kits ready for the Craft & Quilt Show at Darling Harbor. Although I haven't seen it yet, I hear the WHAT'S HOT brochure is out and we are in it for Wendy's dynamic fold & sew pin cushion...
People are already ringing the shop to sign up for a space which is exciting. We are first up at 9:30 each day so get in quick for a bit of fun with Wendy!!! Later in the day when you need a sit down join Reece Scannel and me for colour talks which are sure to be...ahem...lively!! Put both events on your must do at the fair list....please. Also, be sure to come and visit Quilt Mania's booth. The more I learn the more excited I am to see their quilts, books, and magazines and not mention the women of Quilt Mania as well. Recenty I heard that the women of Den Haan & Wagenmakers will be here as well with some inspired Dutch fabrics...
In the meanwhile, we are making up some gorgeous kits. Funny thing is when we make them up they often sell right out of our hands. This one is from a range we just got in that I absolutely love. Is it bright? NO! Is it gorgeous? Absolutely! The block is a take on a very traditional block, Dove in the Window...but...wait for it...I have made up a template that makes this block super easy to make and is only $6.50!!!! The protype is in and tested and will be available in the kits!!! How fun is that I ask you! In fact, we have been on a roll making up templates for all of our new release quilt kits of which there are five brand new ones! Yes my friends, we have been very busy.
Despite the mad rush to get kits and lovely stuff packed up for the really big show. the show at MO continues to go on. In the design classes this month we have been talking quilting. Yes. We have been addressing the question everyone eventually asks, "How should I quilt this quilt?" The answers are many and varied but it has been a great exercise to stop and think about the last and very imporant layer of making the quilt.
There were many examples of a wide variety of quilts that we inspected and discussed. Kate brought in her version of Chook Yard which she did in hot pinks and yellows and oragnes...as if you can't see that!
The blocks are made with our Queen of the May acrylic templates so they go together easily and acurately.
A bit of "custom cutting" and you are on the way. Custom cutting takes on new meaning when the shapes are bigger. Bronwyn is nearing the final stages of her quilt from the Kaffe workshops. She is finishing it off with one of the new colorations of the Kaffe Shirting stripe which looks fab!
Jackie brought in her version of Fractured for Luke, her son. I have known Jackie since she was making quilts with dinosaurs on it for Luke which at this point seems like a long time ago.
I would really like to see this quilt done in "girl" colours...like a heartbeating...
Marina wanted to whip up something to quilt so she made this in imitation of Anna Maria's bookend fabric. This is what we are talking about. Marina noticed a pattern on a chair cover in the shop. It stuck in her mind and she interpreted the design in her own fabrics.
Here is a quilt made with love for a friend of Jackie's. It's one of Kaffe's patterns but obviously done in different fabrics. With the leftovers Jackie made her sister a bag. Resourceful.
Talk about glorious colour! This Wattle tree is near my house. I walk under it's branches nearly every day. However, one day each year I round the corner and it has exploded into this outrageously beautiful vision.
So many pretty details about this tree. The wonderful colour is one thing but the shape of the flower itself, the soft grey green of the leaves...the criss cross of the branches underneath...
and the way it matches the recycling bin in the background! So much to stop and stare at and absorb.
So...keep your eyes open as you travel for pretty things and enjoy. k
Hi Kathy, have a great trip. New Zealand is just so beautiful. Also had a great day on Saturday at Sue's class and will see you at the show
Posted by: marg | Friday, 03 June 2011 at 11:10 AM
Den Haan and Wagenmakers? Really? I love their fabrics! I have a small collection of them courtesy of my mum who was visiting at the time. Will have to ask my resident nurse/nag if I can make the show this year (my bet is he will say NO, and probably rightly so).
Have a wonderful time in Wellington! I think you will love it there. It's such a beautiful and unique city.
Posted by: Michelle | Friday, 03 June 2011 at 04:13 PM
Have a fabulous time in NZ! I love to travel--to take a break from the regular landscape and scenery and take in some new sights. I'll look forward to it on your blog. Love that tree! We have our jacarandas blooming now and they are all breathtaking. I think your tree and our jacarandas (bluey-lavender) would look great together. Hmmm. . . an idea is cooking!
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from here in singapore i wish i had taught you to sms before you left...how was it?
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Just discovered your quilting site, Living in Texas, I have never seen the glorious wattle tree! Does it smell nice? it sure is gorgeous. I will enoy going back through the postings to see what you've been working on!
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