Material Obsession

Sisters Here we come...

Ok, My bags are under my feet and there are only a few hours left before this exciting journey begins. Just a note...I am bringing a Material Obsession posse with me! Carolyn , Cath and Liesel are all either on their way or making last minute plans.  Always take the weather (good weather!) with you!  They are of course all going to have fun doing classes and partaking in the variety of picnics, lectures and events scheduled for the week.  We will have a lot of tales to tell at the end.

Also traveling with me part of the trip is Sam and my niece Grace.  They are heading to Michigan to spend a week on a lake.  My brother just skyped me about teen dances, tubing, wake boarding and the rest....what an adventure for them too!

At this point I am thinking about all of you that are taking my classes at The Quiltes Affair.  I hope you are bringing a wide range of fabrics no matter which class you are doing.
Here are a couple of things to consider: 

1.  Blank Slate:  Come prepared to think differently about your fabric. 

2.  Bring fabrics you love but don't know how to use.

3.  Bring as much as you can and if you are game, be prepared to share...ideas, fabric and chat.

For Garden Party we will be looking at creating contrast with contemporary fabrics.

For Red Centre we will be playing with one unit design and contrasting fabrics.  This is a great opportunity to have some fun!

And in Scrap Management we are exploring how you think about colour with my Soul Searching quilt!!!  Bring as many different fabrics in each colour way as you can in 2 1/2" strips.

For those of you that aren't coming, maybe next time?  Here we go...here we go...here we go!  The sweet excitement of adventure....k

packing again!!!

Read between the lines: "If I don't look up she won't make me get off this bed...x2."  This is Kate snuggled up with my pup Cheeky who obviously loves her.  We had some early starts last week when Kate came to help with the stall at the show.  This was the last day when we got to stay in bed until the sun was up!!! It is fast becoming a tradition for Kate to make the treck from Singapore to hang at the Doughty house, sleep on a made up bed and to make conversation with my boys.  They try not to talk but it is nearly impossible as Kate asks just the right questions and is obviously, very much at home!

I have a few other snaps of the week.  We had a rest and recharge area just near our booth...

  

It looks a bit like an airport lounge and I think this guy had the right idea! 

Future generations of quilters warmed my heart!  My friend Ruby brought a few friends along and they were full of stories of purchased treasures and things they had seen at the show.

 

Each day these tables sit ready for thousands of guests to come and refresh.  They look great as a pattern from above.

The perspective of the show changes from guest to guest, space to space and booth to booth.  I wonder how many times I ran up and down these aisles last week.  Almost always stopping to visit Frances Ergen designs...and many others.  On the other side of the walkway was a view to the quilts. Diversity is ceratainly the name of the game.  Every shape, colour, dimension possible can be interpreted here.

My mind is full to bursting with all the input from last week.  We have had a busy week getting it all sorted back into the shop.  Thanks to all the happy quilters that visited the booth and made orders on line.  It is certainly fun to know you still find us inspiring. 

This week someone should have been packing suitcases instead of mail orders but hey..we were still wading through the orders with most things in the post.  Yikes. It has been a bit scary going at a fast pace with such a foggy mind brought on by overstimulation and a sniffle flu.

I am most definitely looking forward to a long nap on the plane tomorrow....never thought I'd say that but it will be nice to sit still and go numb for a bit.  We have a stop over in LA for a day with my friend which will be spent mostly on the hop and then...and THEN...off to Oregon!!!!

Not sure how or when I'll be back on line at the moment.  I do know my two bags are packed up with quilts and patterns and summer clothes and my mind is full of anticipation...more to come, as per usual.  k

roller coaster ride

On your bikes, ready, set go!  The Quilt & Craft Show opened on Wednesday and I have to say that it is better than ever!  We have had an absolute riot at Darling Harbour working in the booth, meeting up with lots and lots of new and old friends and simply enjoying being in such a creative environment.  

It is sometimes like a scarf and jumper contest to see who can have the best of textile art.  Zig Zags and folk art are everywhere.  We find ourselves sometimes chasing strangers down the aisle to see their bags up close or to have a closer look at a skirt, cardigan or jacket.

Sometimes we just have to note that our quilting buddies match the fabric that they are buying.  Its been very exciting.  We had an incident in the booth the other day when someone, who shall remain nameless, had a bit of a faint.  We all dashed to make her comfortable and before we knew it she was coming around.  Was she upset?  Was she worried about herself and what had happened?  NO!  Her only query was, "Where's my wallet I have to buy that fabric NOW!"   My goodness.  It has been a frenzy.

Even local wildlife has come in for a look at some of the quilts!

Local wildlife of another sort have appeared as well.  We had Kate , Toni  and Rebecca visit the stall with baby Grace in tow.

As promised, Kate arrived on Wednesday night for a visit and to help with manning the stall.  We then had the absolute delight of catching up with Sally.  It was like old times at Material Obsession with both Kate and Sally around.  

Sally  brought Elliot.  Once just a bump, now a bouncing boy with a shy smile and a beautiful nature.

 

On the other side of the wall we have the dynamic duo or Reece and Mateo with their shot cottons.  Reece and I have been doing colour workshops together every day which has been really fun.  I listen to him and learn something new everyday.  

Allison spent a bit of time with us also.  It is always fun to meet the bloggers.  AND, it has been fun to meet the women of Quilt Mania!!!! More on that one later.  

Quilts, did someone say  quilts?  There are gorgeous quilts to be seen and lots of goodies to pick up.  We have all found a bit of warmth with our annual visit to Clare Patterson's stall.  This year I acquired a gorgeous poncho that doubles as a jumper...very nice.

In the evenings Kate and I drop off the gals and head home to a roaring fire, dinner prepared by John (very nice by the way) and a bit of a chat before we admit defeat and head off to sleep.

So yes, it is a bit of a roller coaster ride.  We are talking, laughing, and generally enjoying the hugeness of the week with lovely creative people in a hopping environment.  

and now my friends I am about to hit the hay....one more sleep and we pack up before packing up for the USA!!!! Oh yeah, the fun never stops at this fair! deliriously signing off...kathy

Last minute details..

Most of my 30 year working career has been spent doing events of one kind or another.  It has taught me that there is no way to avoid the freak out over the last minute detail...or it wouldn't be the last minute freak out but rather some other kind of freak out.  It is nearly time for the arrival of the last minute gathering of stuff tomorrow morning.  Ticking things off my list...

Cloth doll kits.  Check.  Lydia (the name I saved for the daughter I never had...) is guarding her soon to be made up mates.

Lots of kits for new quilts. Check.  

Yoga bag, market bag, Jen's bag kits in to die for fabric combinations. Check.

Nut bag. Check.

Old bag loosing it in day-glo safety gear. Check.
 

Placemat kits made from chalk fabric. check

Quilters in front of their quilts. Check  (it out!).  Watch this guy...Josh makes great quilts and will one day be famous for it...you heard it here.

  Tomorrow at 11 O'clock we get to see the winners of the show accept their awards.  

A few details...Wendy is doing her nifty pin cusions at 9:30am in the craft circle each day. We have heaps of kits made up for this in Kaffe Fassett fabrics.  Make one with Wendy for $18.

Then join Reece and I for an adventure in colour at 12pm.  Then on Thursday at 2pm I'll do a talking tour of the quilts.  Big week for small players.  

And I would be remiss not to say at this stage....Thank you to all the wonderful Material Obsession women that have worked in such a cheery fashion over the last few weeks. Believe me when I say I don't do it all by myself. I love you all for your individual talents, your laughs, unbelievable energy even when I find something for you to do just when you thought you could escape... and the gentle way you manage me which I admit here before all is not always easy.  The planning, packing, printing...it doesn't just happen.    I am literally surrounded by big hearted women...lucky me.  What else could we need...I don't think we'll know until the very last minute! See you there! Kathy

Sneak Peeking...

 

Every June for the last nine years the Quilt Show rolls around.  It is a time to reflect on what we have achieved in the quilting department since the last show while preparing for this show.  Like any labor...as soon as it starts one wonders how yet again we can endure the pain.  However, there is something about the thrill of it that I can't resist and each year the excitement mounts as I know we will be seeing so many of you in person as well as seeing over 400 fabulous quilts on display.  Catch me doing a walking tour of the show...as soon as I find out when that it is happening.... 

The yummiest of kits are packed, labled and ready to go to a new home!!!

The bargain bundles and Wacky Backs are all cut and  rolled up ready to roll out.

Fabric samples are cut.

And this year we are rolling out a brand new collection of templates for our quilt kits!  You'll find a nicely priced template for nearly all of our new release quilts this year which is something we are very proud of at the moment.  That makes some things that might appear a bit difficult very easy to accomplish!

How about this one!  Marquee Diamonds...this one was the result of the workshops we did at the start of the year with Kaffe and Brandon.  As soon as they drove away I went into frantic make mode and this was the result.  To see it hanging the right way check it out in the show!

The diamond template is included in the kit with all the shapes you need to make this quilt a BREEZE!

We also have some gorgeous kits for Carolyn Davis' Pansy Patch...ah, yeah, another kit featuring Kaffe fabrics with a few other guests as well.

And here is Turkish Crush...inspired by a photo of a Turkmeni patchwork quilt....the original...

                             

Also inspired by the geomtric patterns of the Middle East is  Uzbek

 

Uzbek features original hand dyed silk Ikat fabrics so get in quick if you want one as quantities are limited!  It also includes a template shape to make this work beautifully!

That is enough horn tooting for now as it is time to manage the really important things in life like lunches and dog walks.  And news just in...our good friend Kate is returning from Singapore to help out at the show.  Nothing like a five day slumber party when the days are long and there is much to talk about!  

This is what awaits me at the shop this morning before my class begins...it is a wonder we can get anything done with all these papers stacked.

BOM orders are rolling in...thanks for signing up!  We can't wait to get these new programs up and running as all systems are go!  Ta ta for now...kathy

 

Ramble on....

When you are a blogger sometimes funny things happen that would never happen if you were not a blogger.  One thing that I never get used to is not seeing one of my good friends for a while and when I do I tell them a story (because I am a story teller) and they say, "I know, I know, I read your blog."  Disaster.  Sometimes the same thing happens with people I don't even know.  Weird.  It is so easy to sit here and tell you everything without a care...rambling on and on.

Anyway, I choose to start this story here!  Liesel, our gorgeous, mild mannered, kind and super smart shop manager brought this quilt in last night for quilting.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  I had no idea she was making one of my patterns and quite frankly I was honored.  Liesel is a b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l quilter.  Long before she graced us on a daily basis she used to bring in her quilts and we would  fold them up and put them away for quilting but unbeknownst (is that really a word?) to Liesel when she was gone I would often get them back out and have a look at the perfect sewing job, perfect pressing, and the lovely way she manages her colour.  I often refer to this as the curly / hair straight syndrome...we always want what we don't have.  I can't do precision without a labotomy.  Anyway, not only did she do the Red Centre pattern (and I assume not even from one of the many blog tutorials I have seen for this pattern) but she did it b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l-l-y.  Nice job.

Naugty but nice...sneak peak of Twist it again...coming soon to a BOM just for you!  Ok, we are getting a large number of emails about the block of the month.  We have had a slight technical set back in that my web manager husband spent some time in hospital recently (he is getting better daily btw) and then our computer hard drive melted into itself taking with it all our recent work.  Yes, the dreaded experience we all fear.  Last backed up a few months ago...UGH.  So we are a tiny bit behind and running as fast as we can.  If you have emailed interest in the bom's you are on the list.  We are taking deposits now and the link will be working soon.  DON'T PANIC.  Although it would appear we are out of control we are NOT.  All good.  Sometimes life gets in the way of work.  Anyway, how about that block!  more to be revealed soonish.

I popped in for one of the Saturday Sue Ross classes last week and found everyone busy at work making dynomite quilts.  This pattern is the rage at the moment and this version with the French General stripe works a treat. 

Great minds working in tandem here to come up with just the right fabrics to finish off this version that is playing around with that irresistable mustard colour that is so hot right now.

Isn't this a clever idea?  Carolyn, carrying twins and lots of blocks has them hanging on a skirt hanger.  She is about to finish her Twisted Tradition BOM but with the babies due any minute...well...this could take a while. Here she is working an antique rose block and enjoying what might be the last few hours of peace and quiet.  Twins are fun, my dad is one and brother has twins as well so she has lots of fun ahead but the next few months might be a tad testing for patchwork achievement.  Perhaps that is not always the priority for everyone?

There were lots of fabrics being auditioned, lots of helpful reviews taking place and generally a few laughs around the room which is always a boost on a Saturday, particularly one usually spent on the sidelines hoping teeth don't get knocked out...by the way, go the BLUE's last night in the State of Origin rugby match.  We finally had a few smiles around here!

Here is one of my recent stories.  The other day I was on my way to work to prepare for the Quilt show coming up next week.  It was a holiday so I checked the bus schedule and headed off.  I was dashing as per usual and carrying a lot of stuff like my laptop which is sort of heavy and a quilt and a lot of papers.  Anway, got to the bus stop and noted the time.  The website hadn't updated to holiday status and maybe because on such a dull day everyone with any brains was staying home and in bed which I suddenly wished I was doing.  Then I looked at my ticket and it was out of rides.  Weird I thought because I had just purchased a new one.  Bugger....must have thrown out the new one and kept the old one.  This bussing to and from work takes some organising I thought and decided to just go buy a new ticket since I had a 40 minute wait.  I got the new ticket all the while wonderig what the heck happened to the ticket I had bought just last week and cursing my loosing it somehow.  I must slow down and think more I decided.  Then all of a sudden I had an urge to put my hand in my jeans pocket and...well, there it was!  My ticket that I had already taken out for the bus and put in my handy pocket. Now I have two tickets but still 30 minutes until the bus so I decided to go for a bit of a walk.

This is  my favorite place to walk my dog.  I love that tree over the lane.  I often stop and have a look up under that big branch.  It looks protective & sheltering hanging there.  It is a nice line to the space.  The road beckons before me.  I had my camera (as well as the comuter and the quilts and papers) with me so I took a photo.  Then I decided there might be other things to snap so I started looking.

I found a puddle the shape of Australia.

Leaves just hanging in mid air.  Must be some kind of massive spider web.
A cactus tree which might look normal in Arizona but in suburban Sydney...What the?

This isn't the best photo but it is a good idea for a quilt.

Evidence of days gone by.

I am fascinated by fences and gates.  They always make me wonder about the craftsmen that made them with a seemingly endless supply of designs.  A lot like us and our quilts really.
A couple of chooks or is that a photo of the chain link fence?
and a ladder going nowhere but to the sky which then completely opened up and rained on me.  By this time I was well away from the bus stop shelter so it was a bit of a soggy day.  Despite the bad weather we have packed up some delightful goodies for the show.  Every single corner, cupboard, shelf and space in the shop is loaded with treats for next week.  V. exciting. 

I am thinking that maybe a little less story telling and I might not always be so busy!  Rambling on.. k

Sing it Baby!!!

Sometimes we just need to play the fabric like a favourite song! These bolts came out of the boxes and we had them all over the shop singing along to the beat of the radio and the magic of the fabric!

Oh we do get carried away sometimes.  However, I have to say that this range by Anna Maria Horner is perfect.  I also have to say that four bolts sold out in one day!  More on the way but to say we were feeling the scarcity yesterday was an understatement.  The roses, the graphics, the colours....yeah yeah yeah...howling!

What is particularly fascinating to me is how quilts that start out with such an English flair...quiet, sophisticated and subdued...can end up with these hot new fabrics looking like they were made to go together...

Yes, Meegan is going for it and using this divine fabric for the border.  Nice mix of new and old.  (By the way, we are now taking sign up deposits for this BOM...Fly Away with Me by Marg Sampson.  It's under BOM's on the website...if you are on the waiting list you get first dibs!)

Lynn has been busy with her hexagons in Marg's class.  Let the border competition begin!  Again, it is worth while to examine lots of options for borders.  There can be lots of unexpected results worth considering.  These two options could take this quilt in two completely different directions.  We'll have to wait and see what Lynn decides.

It was a hexagon city sit in on Friday with the heater under the table warming everyone's toes and hot soup and crusty warm bread for lunch...very cozy.  Some days are just made for quilt work. 

It is pouring with rain yet again but a good day for a workout considering it is nose to the grindstone in preparation for the Quilt and Craft show from here on out.  I have heard that this year there are about 400 quilts on display.  Even if we already have enough fabric, tools and gadgets going to see the quilts is a MUST!  It might also be fun to come and see us...oh here's a sneak preview of Reece Scannell's latest screen print fabrics... Reece and MO are teaming up for Working With Colour workshops which should be FUN!

I may have lots of samples and packing to do but one night composing a piece to quilt won't hurt...will it? La la la la LAAAAAAAAAA! Toodles...k

ps Cath, I am sure you are having a good time BUT return from Vietnam right now!!!!!  please. 

 

Unpack & pack it up again!

 

When traveling I always pack things to do...don't you?  We think we'll take the time to while away an evening sewing or on the plane.  This past weekend I didn't take internet access so for four days I lived in my own head!  By the end of the weekend I was amazed to hear someone talking to me...ME!  I think I found my sanity. 

Upon arrival in Wellington I was very taken aback by this city.  Nestled between rugged coast and a busy harbor was a very special treat.   First, my hotel was filled with artwork which captivated my eye.

 

I arrived at night and in the dark but dropped my bags and had a quick walk around town.  It was lively and full of people of all ages coming and going out of many inviting establishments.  There was music in the streets from open faced pubs and restaurants from corner to corner.  So inviting it was that if I had had fun on my mind that night it would have been easy to find it.  I woke to this view out my hotel window.  Quiet streets and misty day.

I found the street fascinating.  Although there were things to look at everywhere what was missing was the bustle.  No competition for space or race against time visible anywhere.

 

 The lines of the city were beautiful to me.  Splatches of colour and a variety of shapes everywhere.

 

There was only one familiar face this past weekend.  Margaret has been on what I often refer to as a "drip feed" from Material Obsession for over five years now.  It was fun to have someone I know as part of the weekend...particularly when she was sporting such an obvious MO product!

 

 I am back on planet earth and in full Craft and Quilt show mode.  I recently read the program of booths and found that Stitch & Bitch, Anna Stretton's twisty turny 10 option dress company will be coming from NZ for the event.  She was one of my fellow teachers at Handmade.  http://www.annahstretton.co.nz/stitchnbitch.html

 

Back in the shop I found my MO team had been busy at it and things were going to plan.  Cath finished this month's Starter Block...The Dove in the Window...

And the template had arrived as well!!!!  Just in time to get packed up in those kits I showed you...yes, kits are available for the Quilt & Craft show in less than TWO WEEKS...(oh yeah, like labour pains the memory of these preparations wakes me with a start each day!!!)

Classes were in full swing yesterday.  This is a scene I love.  Everyone busy on their own projects in Wendy's capable hands.  Something different happening in all corners. 
If you think that you have plateaued with your quilting and are looking either for new ways to work with technique or colour contact us.  Our classes offer a lot of variety from beginner to advanced skills.   

We always have exciting options available for regular workshops or for drop in sessions if you need help with a particular project. 
This term will be coming to an end soon and new classes will be starting up for term 3 so check in with us for an update soon. 

Thought you had seen it all already?  Think again...the single greatest joy of patchwork is that it never stops evolving into something new.  I'd like to sit back and enjoy the ride but it is simply too exciting!

So my bags are just unpacked but the theme now is pack it up.  We are full steam ahead packing up kits for six major NEW quilt releases from me, NEW HOT products, NEW colour workshops, NEW Classes and NEW BOM's!!!!!!!!!!!!  It is in a word HAPPENING!!!!  I have to say it is great to have new products to introduce at the show but it has been practically impossible to keep them all secret.  Make sure you put it in your calendar to come see us at E28...see you there after we unpack. k

 

Handmade Wellington

Meet Lydia, the new friend I made in Wellington at the Homemade event.  Lydia is only one of the many wonderful discoveries I made while visiting New Zealand, my new favorite place.  Talk about a well kept secret, this harbourside town was simply stuffed into a rocky face terrain and full of people going at a wonderful pace.   

Wellington is at the southern tip of the north island of New Zealand.  As I flew in I could see a road marked by street lights that wound all along the harbour and I was immediately intrigued.  A short drive from the airport through streets with NO TRAFFIC and I had reached my destination...The Museum Hotel.  This rock and roll hotel was originally across the street on a different location but it was SOOO worth saving that they moved it and its halls filled with fabulous artwork to a new safe place and built a museum on the old spot.  I walked into the lobby and stood still just taking it all in...so much to SEE.
Artwork and clever furnishings at every glance.  Hmm.  I immediately thought to myself, "I'm going to like this weekend!" and sure enough, I really did enjoy every minute of it!

Handmade Wellington started off with an introduction from the mayor, an inspired talk of a town growing creative people! 

 

Imagine if you will a two day event with 150 things to do on offer!  Melanie Walker and her team of event organisers at Avenues put together a diverse and captivating menu of handmade makers.  There was so much to choose from that one would want to run from one class to another all day.  As the weekend progressed it was obvious that many people were doing just that and then meeting in the cafe to discuss what they had learned, experienced or made.

  Yes, there were opportunities galore to make things from cheese and beer to woven baskets, jewelry, clothing, baby bunting, scarves, upcycled clothing and well, you name it and it was on offer. 

Here's my workshop on Saturday.  These lovely women spent the entire day with me doing the Soul Searching workshop. 

 

We talked colour and then they all got busy.  Very busy!  There was a flurry of cutting and some very busy design walls around the room.  I love teaching this workshop.  It is intense, I think they'll all agree but very revealing.  Proof you ask, at 6pm when the day was done everyone was still concentrating.  That is a big effort! 

We made a big colourful mess but I think they all went home inspired to use colour and fabrics in a new way.  The next day I gave a slide show lecture, Masterclass in the morning on how to make personal quilts, where to find inspiration for quilts and a bit of process...my process...but one that opens doors to looking at things just a bit differently.  It was a big learning experience for me.

However, when that was done I had the afternoon free.  What to do?  Did I wander out to shop the clever gift and fashion shops of the district? NO, NO, NO!  The night before at the Pop Up party I met Helene Web and her Cloth Art Doll kits so... I went straight to her class.

These dolls come with screen printed patterns and great instructions for making an individual doll.  Helene also makes some very nice little bags and a variety of other sweet things...We had a ball making the dolls!

 
Although we were warned that we wouldn't finish one in a day I think we did...smiles all around...

ok, I have a camera full of shots of the town which I want to share but there is a dog here that needs me.  Every few minutes she comes and puts her head on my lap to let me know that it is time to hit the road.  So, I'll save some more for next time.  Suffice to say that when they invited me back for Handmade two next year I certainly said yes!  I am already planning some fun things to take along.  I absolutely loved being in New Zealand!  I came home yesterday feeling full, happy and rested even after "working" all weekend. 

Thank you to all the kind people that shared their time with me over the weekend and to those that planned my travel, hotel and the rest.  It is always a pleasure to be in such a creative and inspiring environment and I can't believe I have to wait a year to enjoy that again!  Take care, k

I'm leaving...

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