Nothing but a Memory!

The tents went up in the drizzle and despite showers throughout the day they served their purpose.

Before I even start with the photos of the day let me say stop and say a heartfelt thank you to the absolutely wonderful woment that surround me each day. Carolyn who has tirelessly supported Material Obsession (and me!) from the first day and all the others in no particular order: Liesel, our gal in the shop always calm, always helpful, always remembering, Wendy, Wendy and Grace for their inspirational teaching, patience, quiltmaking and helpful hands and ideas, Cath for coming on board just when we needed her to bring a flair to the shop displays and for all the others that lend a helping hand: Gai, Kim and the Tuesday night group, Robin and all the other happy, friendly, talented women that visit us...or teach with us: Sue Ross, Marg George, Brigitte Giblin, Brenda Smith, Kim Bradley...and to Bundle...the support beam of it all...many many many thanks.  Material Obsession is nothing without all of you.

Having said that...The troops all assembled and things started to fall into place for SWAP Day 2010! Our guests all set up their tables bringing color and fun to the circus!

These gals had all the sweet treats from Prints Charming.    The handprinted linen, the colours, the swirling twirling desings becon us to sit and stitch in a now twist on tradition. Thanks for coming!

Sarah London brightened up the day with her Hip to Hook patterns and kits and display of not so granny squares!!

Joanna brings along the international flair with products from our friend Francis Ergen in Istanbul.  Here we have a small display of some of the brightly coloured hand made items.  Hot spot indeed!

Got a kinda spooky relationship in your life?  This lovely woman, Sue Ross, (sporting one of the prettiest jackets ever made) came with some new projects for 2011.  On Saturday I heard s squeal and ran to see Liesel admiring blocks that Sue had made not only the same blocks but the same pattern as a project I just whipped up! I don't know how this happens but with frequency Sue and I will start working on a project using the same block or often the same fabric without consulting each other or without any knowledge of the other's knowledge. All I can say is great minds think a like!

Here is hers and here is mine....

If we were competitive and if it was a competition I would be the winner because my top is done but we aren't and it isn't so I win anyway.

Then we have the swap corner that was run by Grace and was very active all day long.  Things coming in and things going out!

 

 

Coleen Tracey is a familiar face around Hunters Hill and her jewelry is simply inspired.  Gorgeous handmade bits of splendor that I am sure will be wrapped up in a few personally chosen Christmas gifts.

Liesel had a stand of her goodies which were also very popular.  Hand covered journals and zipper bags for everything done in the cutest of fabrics were walking out the door.

 

Upstairs we had childrends clothes by Caroline and her daughter Michell...complete with baby Ashley who drew a lot of attention throughout the day herself!

 

Only the brave would display quilts with threats of rain.  These were Cath's contribution to the display.  We had hoped to see this grow and cover the fence all around but...but...but...coulda shoulda woulda.

Prints Charming have done us a bit of a panel...just for us that we'll be includig in our Dolly Program this year!

And on display were some samples of old and new doll quilts.

Kim McLean patterns are back in stock as well as a few interesting patterns from Susan Powel.  Susan came to visit us a year or so ago and was working on one of these patterns at the time.  They have some very different blocks in them and I just couldn't resist something new...imagine that.

Brenda Smith came along with some of her Twelve by Twelve quitls and quilts from her workshops.  Brenda is not he NSW Quilters Guild Webmaster and the blog is a good read.  Check it out!

 

Here's a power duo!  June and Cath.  June was on her way to the NSW Guild meeting sadly scheduled on the same day as our event but managed an appearance with us.  I think June might have been trying to steal Cath (NSW Guild VP)away to the meeting but I had first dibs!

 

One can only wonder what Wendy is thinking here as when she gets this look on her face I know a quilt is brewing!

What can I say about this! Absolutely divine!

We took donations and purchased a sewing machine for these ladies to take back to their sewing school as well as a car boot full of fabric! Anna has been teaching sewing to women from Sudan living in Sydney for 10 years.  This was our first meeting and I have to say I was touched by these two women.  At this point in the day I was shattered and yet when we spoke and they smiled I was overwhelmed with hope.  I am afraid we might have awakened a quilting idea in their minds as they were pretty keen.  I suggested I would like to teach quilting and within a blink of an eye Anna had her calendar out and asked "what day?!" 

Terry had his sewing machines on display.  These little Singer Featherweights are in perfect working order and come with Terry's guarantee for 12 months.  Pretty good deal compared to buying one on the net!

Then we had our hard working duo on the class sign up table.  As you can see behind them is the engine of MO!  What a mess!  It's hard to believe we get anything done down there in the "Office" space.
 

And finally, at the end of the day, we all hit the floor to laugh and have a bit of a drink.  It's been a long year full of events of all natures.  For me, SWAP Day is always the icing on the cake.  It's a chance for us to say hi and thanks to everyone for all the support of our classes throughout the year.  So, thanks for all your support and input!  Time to relax and enjoy the holidays!  k

Comments

[Kate Conklin]

I'm sorry I couldn't make it. Looked like a great day! Thanks for all the pics.

[Gina Swanson]

Kathy I simply love your blog and all the pictures that you post. So very inspiring. Keep up the great work.

[pat sloan]

some day I'll make it to Australia and hopefully see all this with my own eyes!

[Bec Johnson]

Oh I so wish I could have made it. What an amazing market!! Such an inspiring celebration of creativity. Looks like a lot of fun and so many goodies!! Have a wonderful Christmas Kathy, see you in the New Year!! Xxx

[Lynette]

Thanks for sharing all your pictures over the year - I just love your blog - its so inspirational and you are amazing - have a well earned break and a wonderful christmas and a fabulous new year.

[Annie]

Thanks for all the photos, all looked like they were having such fun. I'm so envious, sure wish you weren't thousands of miles away.

[quiltmom]

Sarah,
I love your books_ I have both. I have just dropped in to say hi from Jackie's blog where she is giving away a couple of fat bundles of your fabric. What a great set of fabrics.
I have had your blog on my blog list for quite a long time. I have a collection of Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazines that date back nearly 10 years. It is interesting to see the differences and the same-ness of quilting from different parts of the world.
I live in Western Canada where winter has arrived. It is snowing this afternoon and there is lots of white fluffy stuff covering the ground.
I enjoyed reading about your swap day- there were some beautiful things there. I am especially fond of the patterns found in shawls so the Instanbul booth looked fascinating.
I love Kaffe's fabrics- I had the opportunity to see him speak locally this fall when he did his tour of Western Canada. I love his passion for color and the vividness of his designs.
Fabric and quilting do feed my creative soul. I can see that they do the same for you.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna