Special things

I stood in my sewing room full of frustration that hinged on anger.  So many things to do and no clear path forward.  Feeling a bit lost and without real intent I picked up a piece of fabric, cut a shape and put it on the wall...an idea appeared.  Instantly I felt a wave of happiness.  That was all it took.

Here are a few other things that brought instant happiness:

We took MO on the GO! up to Marg's sewing group in the Blue Mountains.  There was a bit of a frenzy over fabrics and things and then we all sat around the table and did "our thing".  It was magic to be absorbed into such a creative group of women.  When I go to my friend's homes I am what some might call nosey.  It fascinates me to see the collections of things that make up the personal space and Marg's home was a treasure trove of the  most beautiful things.  Everywhere I looked my eye was captured by the concept of special....which included her collection of friends.

Overwhelmed by the newness of my situation I nearly missed show and tell. This is a popular quilt design at the moment.  Each one has an individual slant.  Bijanne has used a bit of broderie perse and lots of hexagons in a variety of layouts.

I admire the ability some women have to actually make their vision come to life.  In my mind, my house has lovely handmade cushions made up on lounges...

Friends gathered together and a table full of projects on the go.

Collections of colourful, beautiful things.

Outside was the same.  As we got out of the car I felt the swallowing effect of a fairy tale garden...a place where children would want to go and run, hide, discover special spaces and places.

No fence but an inviting gate.  Perfect. 

My footsteps were virtually soundless on the soft ground and under the protective canopy of these trees. At my feet was a map of Australia made of stone and surrounded by buds of blue that match the sky.

Sometimes, when I drive by homes with garden furniture or balconies I pine for a time when it would be possible to sit and enjoy the space.  This was just the kind of space that draws one in and demands that time be taken, enjoyed, used properly.  Inviting...beautifully inviting.

If like minds attract like minds this was a room full of like minded very creative women. We were surrounded by handmade delicacies of special efforts of the hand and heart...and did I mention the delicious food?  Cath and I made our way down from the Blue Mountains feeling rejeuvenated...holding a bit of the special thing that was our day.

 

We had special guests on Friday.  My friends Deb and Anne from Wellington came to give the shop a serious workout.  They were lucky to get a look in at the work being done as Marg's class is always mind blowing.  

The next day was more as it was a Marg class day in the shop.  Penny is working on a quilt with hexagon lozenges and has now progressed to the diamond border.  The strength of the diamonds in the border works really well.

Kim always works at a very high standard but I think she may have outdone herself here. Lots of ideas are presented, discussed, reviewed before a work like this one gets made.

 

Margaret jumped right in and used the new Brandon Mably here in the setting triangles.  Not only that but she made delicious morning tea.  Some days I know I need to get in a big run before going to work and Friday is usually one of those days!

So, with so many visions of loveliness I now turn to the work at hand....and oh, it was Cath's birthday yesterday.  She was participating in a Gloria Loughman workshop.  I popped in to say happy birthday and had a small peek at the exciting work being done there.  Happy birthday to a special friend! k

Comments

[Lisa]

Always so inspiring! Love the eye candy. The garden photos make me wish I could just pop into them!

[Karen]

your blog inspires me - I don't see this kind of originality (or hand work) in my corner of the US - you have given me so many ideas - now to finish up some projects so I can start putting some of the Australian ideas into play

[Heather B.]

Wow Kathy! This is all so inspiring. How lovely to be given a peek at this beautiful house and garden and then all those amazing quilts. Just loved it! Thank you!

[Michelle]

What a fabulous time in the Blue Mountains! I felt like I was there with you!

The design wall thing and the playing - I am so with you there. In fact I'm about to move my design wall INTO the sewing room so I can lock myself away and play until my bad mood goes.

[Adidas Js Wings]

I'm not certain I altogether agree with you on this post. Even so I am normally open to innovative options. Will have to think about it. Nice blog incidentally.