Trust the Universe

One of the things I love the most about our new location is how many out of towners can find us easily!  Yesterday we had a treat of a visit with Sarah and Peter.  They have been on a working holiday in Australia for nearly two years.   Stories of mango and avocado packing, forest work and surprising road events kept us entertained while Sarah filled a bag for her quilting sister back in Canada.  Liesel and I thought it would be a good idea to get them working in the shop.

Ok.  Obviously not quilters but a few quick lessons and they were hard at it!

See!  Sewing and cutting away!  There was so much to enjoy about this couple.  The free spirit with which they approached their travel and future intrigued me.  How wonderful it must be to trust the universe and go forth knowing that everything will work out.  I spent a night wondering who would buy their van at the end of the journey in Brisbane next week but to them it would just happen.

If you too worry about outcomes of the quilting variety we are about to start a new term of classes.  From Beginner to workshop to design sessions we have an opening or two.  For starters, Wendy's Wednesday workshop has a spot for any project you want to progress. 

For example, there is a lot of interest in this Hooterville pattern and/or kit.  If you want to jump start this project with a bit of help from Wendy it is a great opportunity to do so.  Wendy can teach you anything from squares to applique and is always eager to help everyone...including me with technique.

We also have a spot in Liberated Quilting.  At this time of year who doesn't have a few bits that are left over and can be combined into a quilt...besides we have a baker in this class. Yum!

 If you don't have the time for the whole term check in with us for one day opportunities.

Want to play with a stack of your fabric using the design wall and some guided design discussion?  We do this in Design classes and it is a lot of fun.  From reproduction fabrics with exciting borders to Cloth...all areas are an option and sometimes it is just the jump start you need to activate that project in a pile...come on...look at it...look at it!  Let's go!

Yesterday we did lots of fun things including skirts!

Marina had a nice combination of voiles which will make a great swishy spring skirt.  Deidre chose Cloth and in the other area we had all kinds of things going on from a technique discussion on inset seams to borders.

This is one of those projects that has been in a pile a while.  No names will be mentioned to protect the innocent offender but it is full of fun bits that really need to be brought together to justify their existence!  You know who you are, I know where you live...prioritise.  Some people might be intimidated by my need to progress your projects but you know it is for your own good...don't you!  

Other people don't need any help.  they just keep pulling things out of their bag.  Here Marina has worked to combine several of her old blocks into one quilt.  She has some early blocks from many years ago as well as most recently made blocks and combined lots of different directions into one composite piece.  It's like a time warp contained in a top and maybe has some room to grow some more.

Jackie's Tessellations are now set on dots.  The time has come for corners and borders so we spent a while examining options.

Sometimes you have to experiment with size and colour a few times to get it right and it is helpful to get a bit of input.

Carefully made descisions are made eventually.  I don't have a photo of the final outcome but it was decided to reduce the cornerstone to a square on point and then use the triangles in the border...the continued use of the 60 degree triangle looked fabulous in the border.  

Kate is really trying new things with these wool bits she got recently.  There are lots of things going on but each month we see a bit of progress as she decides which things will be keepers and which things will be changed.  

Number one son is standing here waiting for a ride to the airport.  Look out New Zealand, he is on the way to the world cup to see a few of the games and a bit of countryside.  For those of us that stay behind, it is always exciting in the Material Obsession classroom so if you need some input, give us a call and we'll find a spot just for you!  Happy Travels. k

Comments

[Cardygirl]

Quilting is like a lot of life I suppose...trust and have faith and it will be okay!Lovely to have interesting visitors, and I love all the work in progress.

[Scohen174@cox.net]

I looked at the picture of the travelers, and thought that someday my husband will be taking a picture of me in your shop, don't know when, but given that I always read your blog and covet the quilts that come out of your classes, I know I'm going to need to take lots of FQ's from your place, even though I can get all those fabrics here. Can't wait to have my pic taken with you----But glad I won't have to be selling a van....Sara

[Peter and Sarah's mom in BC Canada]

Well, well, well. It does not surprise me that Peter and Sarah ended up in your store!!! Their travels have always brought them to interesting places and amazing people, people like YOU!!! Thanks for taking them in, showing them the quilting trade, but mostly for loving them and acknowledging their awesome unique spirit.

[Jessica]

Great story about Peter and Sarah. One day I will make it to your store too.
I have been dreaming about that Hooterville pattern since you showed it here a while ago, can you tell me how much it is?
Thanks for sharing all the inspiring things that happen in your shop!

[Susannah]

Really need to move to Australia... You always have the most stimulating photos of everyone's projects. Lucky Peter and Sarah!

[Peter & Sarah]

Kathy and Liesel it was great to meet you both and browse your lovely shop. Thanks for the great patterns/material and conversations. Very inspiring -even for the non-quilter!

[griffey shoes]

Thanks for your great post.I gonna be back definitely to check the new.
It is great that something interesting here could be found.Excellent work!

[Dawn]

Just discovered you blog..its fab...will have to read more a bit later...well I just love that you got to chance meet some very intriuging people and their love of life is obvious...Hope they start a blog one day...If you see this Peter and Sarah..please do your travles would be so nice to follow... what an awesome story of how to 'Love on others'... I too will have to visit one day
Hugs Dawn x x

[gloria g. Walls]

Yes I too love that Hooterville Pattern. Is it available in the United States, or what would the cost be to the U.S. I looked for it on your site but couldn't find it. Great blog. And looks like maybe two new quilters in this world.....

gloria g. in South Carolina

[Linda HOrn]

I love your blog and have looked on your site as well for the Hooterville pattern. I also live in the US and would love to get a pattern and perhaps even a kit, since it is done so well, and love all the colors. If you could send me info on obtaining the pattern and/or kit that would be wonderful.

Great blog, and love your books as well.
Linda Horn
Hailey, ID

[LilMissRedTShirt]

Pretty quilts!

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