Friday 24 July 2009

Black & White quilt


Forgot to mention that the pattern and instructions are in the magazine and on the DVD as well

Quilters Companion & DVD



I have just received my copy of the latest Quilters Companion (Vol 8.4 No 38) with the DVD that Clare Mooney the Editor talked me into doing!! It is so surreal watching yourself on TV...........do I really look like that......do I really talk like that??!!! Amazing how it turned out with all the giggling and 'stuff-ups' that happened on the day - the make-up and hair was fun too!

But what an honour and a privilege to be asked to do it. The DVD is like being in a design and machine applique class with me, so pick it up from your favourite quilt shop or newsagent and say Hi!

And check out these amazing cupcakes......I have been trying to fill my stand for months and came across a shop in Wagga when we travelling that makes them out of soap......they look like you could eat them!!

And thanks for your comments regarding the new sampler.....Ruth B I love your idea. I was thinking along those lines already so when I have your address a pattern of your choice is on its way!

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Morris Floral Sampler No 2


Here are the blocks for Floral Sampler No 2. I made my first William Morris Floral Sampler (now No 1) in 2004 and it is still popular today - in fact 'Stitchin' Heaven' from Texas in the USA have just ordered 110 patterns as it is going to be a block of the month; http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/block_of_the_month_programs.asp#william(And that was a heavy load - $360 in postage - phew!) How exciting though!!

I have run out of the background fabric for the Sampler so not sure where to go from here :-(
I still need to design the large centre and I might sash the blocks or use the centre fabric for an outside swag border. Let me know what you would like to see.......the best suggestion wins a pattern so please leave a message.

I have used the new Morris Workshop range from Barbara Brackman........(see previous blog for more images and info.....http://www.unitednotions.com/fcc_the_morris_workshop.pdf
It does take a while to download the PDF but it is well worth it! Do drop by on Barbara Brackman's blog too - she has some very interesting articles on her speciality of historical quilts and textiles; http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.com/2009/07/stars-on-point.html).
The image of the fabrics was taken in the excitement at Patchwork by Sea on Saturday on my mobile phone (so not very clear); http://www.patchworkbysea.com.au/
we all bought metres of it - once it is gone we will no longer be able to get it.
But Barbara tells me there will be another Morris range coming in 2010/2011. I do love the teal blues and browns and the fabric is very soft and lovely to work with.

Waterhouse natural history art prize

This years winner is "Fish" by Matilda Michell. (Photo from the South Australian Museum website)

This amazing exhibition is something I look forward to every year. There are entries from all around the world and it is such a wonderful thing that it is in our own city..see website:
If you are in Adelaide do go and check it out. All mediums are represented including glass, wood and even textiles - not just paintings.
I am back at the sewing machine trying to complete the new sampler. I will get pictures up tonight. I am using the new William Morris range of fabric from Barbara Brackman (for Moda), and it has just arrived in the shops. Have a look at the beautiful range; http://www.unitednotions.com/fcc_the_morris_workshop.pdf

It does take a while to download the PDF but it is well worth it! The fabrics are a lovely quality and I am enjoying appliqueing them. .......more later! Do drop by on Barbara Brackman's blog too - she has some very interesting articles on her speciality of historical quilts and textiles; http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.com/2009/07/stars-on-point.html
This entry is a lovely way to 'showcase' the fabrics and I do love blocks on point even if they are all pieced!!

Wednesday 15 July 2009

Cohuna workshop




Here are a couple of photos that Lisa Walton kindly took from the 'Applique design' workshop. It is such a thrill to see what people can produce when they think they can't draw!! Hope you girls don't mind your picture here.......thanks so much for coming

Back to the computer





I can't believe it has been 6 weeks since I recorded anything! Now that I have met some of you that visit I had better make it more interesting for you!!

We have been away for over 3 weeks, travelling 3300kms and spending wonderful times with quilters in Cohuna and Jamberoo. My thanks to Lee and Marilyn for asking me - what a privilege and thanks so much to those of you who bravely came on the designing journey!! It was also lovely in Cohuna to meet Brenda Ryan; http://www.brendaryan.com.au/ and Lisa Walton; http://fibreinspirations.blogspot.com/

Lisa kindly sent me some photos of student achievements for me which I will put up shortly. I was under the weather that weekend and didn't even have my camera handy!!......thanks Lisa.

Then we headed to Bright for a few days, then Canberra and finally Jamberoo. 17 students in the Jamberoo workshop and I was teaching with Lee Cleland; http://www.leecleland.com/, Judy Turner; http://www.judyturnerquilts.com/, Beth Miller and Lessa Siegele. What amazing tutors we have here in Australia and it was an honour to be sharing the classrooms with talent of this calibre.

I did finish some quilting and applique while I was away as well. I have enclosed a couple of shots from our travels (Mt Buffalo views) and the Morris Garden quilt that I finally finished.

Till next time........Hi to those visiting - I promise to write more often!