sunrise to sew in

This morning I woke up and realised if I stayed in bed for 10 minutes I could watch the light creep over the treetops and into the window.  After months of rising in the total cold of darkness this is the time of year that wakes me up inside.  It is also the time of year that always reminds me of having tiny people in the house that woke with the sun no matter what the clock said.  From now until the clocks spring ahead was always a time of early rising and walks along the cliffs & beaches of Coogee where we lived. 

I found this photo the other day of that time of our lives...advantage of photographer husband.  Not only does he understand the features of traveling light but he also took photos of the boys when they were babies.  It's a good thing we have recorded memories because the reality might belie the existance of the other.  

I thought rugby season was over but we decided to head out to see #1 son play at North Sydney Oval on Saturday.  It is a picturesque venue reminiscent of times gone by with wooden covers and bleachers and a ladies room that looks like a crime scene from The Bill.

And a fig tree that John says used to fill up with spectators in a day when rules of safety weren't so important.

It was a grey day that would have been a good sewing day but I couldn't resist a bit more sport.

an

We went for a short walk to the overpass.

And stopped to watch a few minutes of the bowles.  Couldn't help but wonder at which point one becomes a bowler.  They seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely.  There was lots of chat and serious ball watching.  I haven't got a clue how this game works but those that play seem to be very into the strategy as well as the lifestyle.

Anyway...we have some new things in the shop that I am very excited about.  For one, new Kaffe Fassett ribbons.

As is our way at Material Obsession we are now diving into the box and coming up with a few fun things to do with these delightful streams of colour. ( I am trying not to concentrate on sewing them to the ruff edges of my bell bottom jeans like I would have in the 1970's!)  

We are also very excited about a new range of wool that just came in.  Working the wool with linen has kept Wendy busy for a few days and we now announce her new quilt, Hooterville!  A whimsical evening garden that has everyone hooting! 

We have lots of springy linens that would make great backgrounds for this project as well as nearly 50 colours of the wool. 

The Zoo is another one of Wendy's fun quilts and it would look gorgeous made from the wool as well appliqued onto any backing.  The wool is perfect for cutting out shapes and appliquing in place as an option to the solid homespuns.  I love a bit of needleturn these days but this would be quick done in the wool and how sweet would some of that ribbon be...oh dear, the creative juices start flowing and I am distracted from typing as I can imagine a few of my "to do" quilts coming together with the wool and linen.  Gotta go. 

We have one spot left in this class on Thursday.  We even have a suprise guest coming to visit from Canberra...the lovely Sally Harding will be visiting for the day and doing the class which is a big thrill as we miss her smiley happy face working in the shop.

We have some interesting new fabrics in store at the moment too.  A while back while searching the web I came upon an artist named Dan Bennet. http://www.dan-bennett.co.uk/blog.htm  His work immediately got my mind working due to the detailed organic level of designs.  This would make great fabric I thought to myself so I contacted a few people and before I knew it, he had a line with Westminster.  It is really exciting to see his fabrics appearing in the rep's bags.   Check out his blog and watch a few of his videos.  Not only is he an incredible artist but through his blog he takes us rock climbing, camping and generally into a world of nature experiences.  Not only that, he makes great art.  We have a selection of his new line in stock now and are using it in the BOM program as well.  

The block of the month program is one of our favourite ways of working the new designs.  We try to use the latest and greatest designs in new and inventive ways. It is not about passing off what we can't sell but rather what we love!

Fussy cutting is fun and rewarding.

This one repeats in very exciting ways.  It isn't a fabric everyone would pick up off the shelf but to us it is a real beauty.  I was recently very proud to hear that generally our bom programs are reputed to have great instructions, photos and fabrics.  It makes spending our evenings testing patterns and doing sample blocks all the more enjoyable knowing people appreciate the work that goes into the packages each month.

I will admit that my mind moves quickly from one project to another as I sit down in the evenings to work but I keep finding my hands picking up the bom.  Yes, I have to stay ahead of the pack but I am loving watching it come together.  There were times when I thought applique and hexagons were for someone else.  Now I love them mixed in with my quick fixes.

Speaking of BOM's...round one of our seven programs are in the hands of happy quilters all over the world now.  Phew.  First months are always full of anxiety.  Did we get it all together in time?  I think so. 

Yesterday Barbara got her quilt back from being quilted and showed it off yesterday.  This is Fractured for her grandson.  It is perfect for a boy any age and is fun to make! 

So, things are as busy as ever with new fabrics and toys arriving daily.  So much so that tonight we are have a staff sew in!  Yes, the MO team is gathering with the door locked to enjoy some sewing time together this evening.  We run past each other all day in the middle of half finished conversations as we meet with customers or answer the phone so it will be fun to sit together with a needle tonight...and some of Cath's chicken curry!

By the way, sometimes people ask me about parking at the shop.  As I passed this empty car park I thought I should mention that most days there are hundreds of empty spots in this parking lot less than a flat 50m from the front door of the shop.  Park here, cross the street and enjoy three hours of browsing, chatting and US in our cozy new home!  

Not into the driving the car?  The other great feature of our new location is that there is a city bus stop on Victoria Rd just in front of the shop.  It has been fantastic for international travellers who can easily navigate to and from us.  Simply take any west bound bus and in 10 minutes get off at the Birkenhead Point stop and you have arrived!  Husbands welcome for a cup of tea or they can head over to the marina or do the Bay Run...(or walk).Speaking of which, the sun is totally up now, my coffee is done and my report on life at the shop is over.  enjoy. k 

Comments

[cardygirl]

Just lovely to sit & listen to you "chat" and share the beginning of your day. Walk done and now readying for work, I feel lighter with a touch of MO & what you are creating!

[Liane]

I'm about to run out the door, but had to comment on Wendy's new quilt, Hooterville - I just love it! Will get back to you later about the pattern.
Can't wait to see your shop next time I'm in Sydney.
I'm doing a class with Wendy in Toowoomba soon and am really looking forward to it.

[squeaksqueal]

Lovely to see Nth Sydney Oval again, I grew up right near there and my brother wore the red and black.
Thanks for the bus directions, I must come down to your shop soon and check out those Kaffe ribbons and other wonderful products. Appreciate your blog.

[Cathy]

I love your posts Kathy, your energy and thoughts on life never cease to amaze me. I do hope to make it to your new shop one of these days, it's not that far from Melbourne to Sydney after all?!!! PS, the Kaffe ribbons would look great on the jeans!!! xo

[Judy Sternberg]

Love the Hooterville quilt. Is the pattern available? It definately makes one smile...

[Em]

Wow and more wow! What a feast for my eyes and my creative juices are a gushing!!!!! Thank you for sharing all of the beauty and for inspiring me to go home early and get creating!!!!!!!! Sunshine to you! Em

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