Wow!

I have just come across this exciting news from Dwight Spence of Quilt Resource Canada; http://www.quiltsource.blogspot.com/

She goes on to share.............

Top Selling Products for C & T Publishing for 2009
As mentioned in yesterday's posting I ABSOLUTELY LOVE getting these lists. Here is C&T Publishing's top 20 products for 2009
1. CT10686 -Sylvia's Bridal Sampler
2. CT10985 - Carol Doak's Foundation Paper
3. CT10637 - French Braid Obsession
4. CT10702 - William Morris in Applique (wow wee!!)
5. CT10432 - French Braid Quilts
6. CT10695 - Creative Two Block Quilts
7. CT10642 - One Line At A Time
8. CT10619 - Quick Star Quilts & Beyond
9. CT10625 - 101 Fabulous Fat-Quarter Bags
10. CT10618 - Foolproof Machine Quilting
11. CT10708 - Start Quilting with Alex Anderson 3rd edition
12. CT10694 - Intuitive Color & Design
13. CT10652 - A New Light on Storm at Sea Quilts
14. CT20118 - Kaleidoscope Tote (yes Janet has them on order!)
15. CT10428 - One Block Wonders
16. CT10671 - Applique Outside the Lines
17. CT10624 - Fabulous Fabric Art with Lutradur
18. CT20107 - Quilter's Freezer Paper Sheets
19. CT10629 - Sew Simple Quilts # 1 with Alex Anderson
20. CT10662 - Quilter's Academy Volume 1 - Freshman Year

Another wonderful blog

I have come across another wonderful blog; http://preraphaelitepaintings.blogspot.com/

It was here that I read of a competition that the William Morris Gallery are running:

‘Inspired by William Morris’

Call for entries 2010

A group show of works inspired by the life and work of William Morris will be held at the Gallery between October-December 2010.

The competition is open to all London based artists and craftsmen. Following the example of Morris himself- works in all media are eligible. This includes textiles, ceramics, prints, glass, woodwork, painting, film, photography, drawing…

The judging panel will be looking for artists that respond to Morris’ work in the most creative and personal way.

The winner will be awarded a solo show at the William Morris Gallery.

Deadline 1st July 2010.

For more information and for an entry form please contact the William Morris Gallery.

http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/william-morris

Pity I don't live in London!!

William Morris cushions

I have just come across this amazing website of cushions! http://www.williammorriscushioncovers.com/index.html
Marie has been able to use Morris textiles to make these beautiful covers and there are over 40 different designs! The miner's couch can always do with some more cushions - no-one sits on it anyway!!

She has a special offer on at the moment where if you order three covers you get one for free - and of course I have sent my first order!!.........enjoy

Faye's 50th

Happy Birthday Faye!

I know this is a very personal entry but none the less worth sharing. Our wonderful friend Faye turned 50 and I had to share some images!

Faye & Kym

Kelmscott video

Photo of Kelmscott Manor from Kelmscott website; http://www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk/

I came across a delightful 7 minute video of Kelmscott presented by the late Baroness Barbara Castle. Barbara was a labour politician who was apparently committed to William Morris and his socialist views. Enjoy the video at this link.......... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1Uq7gxKx6c

Geffrye Museum

I have just discovered another wonder that we will have to visit in London........the Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road London......just a walk from Liverpool station. There are period rooms set up from 1600 to present day. Have a look at their wonderful website............a feast for the eyes and soul;
http://www.geffrye-museum.org.uk/

             Chair, c1685; beech with turkey work upholstery.

            © Geffrye Museum
            © Purchased with the assistance of the Art Fund, and the MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund

Gift time

I've added some more pictures and information to the Bedford Mystery quilt blog - http://mysteryquiltbedford.blogspot.com/

Here is Lessa Siegele (OAM) & Faye Packham your

mystery quilt teachers with Lauren supervising!!

And no more news on Christopher Menz (my news from last blog)...it didn't even score a mention on any of our television news services - Our Art Gallery funding is obviously not "NEWS"!!!
So seeing as I am still quite upset over all this I think it is time I brought some good karma..........so if you don't have a copy of my book and you would like one...........be the first to send me a message and it is your gift from me to you! And during the year I think it is time I gave away some patterns too..........so thanks to all of you who drop by - do keep visiting

 

Christopher Menz resigns

(Photo courtesy Art Gallery of South Australia)

I am absolutely shocked to read the news this morning..........read for yourself:

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26578467-5006301,00.html

I am not really sure where to start - I am constantly at a loss as to how government funding is prioritised.........the Arts never seem to get the same exposure as sport (especially football) and to lose someone of the calibre of Christopher is devastating. Not only his knowledge of Morris but also his committment to the Art Gallery of South Australia's collection and its value. It is hard to believe that this was our celebration 5 years ago.........(courtesy 'State of the Arts news')..........

Christopher Menz commences as Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia

Monday 7 February 2005

Christopher Menz today took up his new role as Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia. Mr Menz, who has worked previously as the Gallery's Curator of Decorative Arts (1989-2001) recently relocated to Adelaide from Melbourne where he was Senior Curator, Decorative Arts (International) at the National Gallery of Victoria.

"It's wonderful to be back in Adelaide and great to be working at this prestigious Gallery again" said Mr Menz whose first priorities this morning were meeting Gallery staff and becoming reacquainted with the Gallery itself. "There have been many exciting changes over the past few years and I look forward to building on the great work this Gallery does and presenting art to the enjoyment of all South Australians" he said.

One of his first projects will be to oversee the launch of the Gallery's upcoming major exhibition, Island to Empire: 300 Years of British Art which opens 11 March and is curated by the Gallery's former Director, Ron Radford. "It will be a tremendous start to a very exciting year at the Art Gallery of South Australia" promises Mr Menz.


I am lost for words at this moment..........more later

Knitting with Betty

I continue to volunteer one morning a week at the local aged care facility. Betty is still knitting and I have to do the 'finishing off'. This is another one of her projects........took me 4 and a half hours to stitch him up but I must say I just love him and it was hard to give him back! Betty's daughter is complaining about the clutter in her Mum's room with the knitted goods of teddy bears, cupcakes and sundry!

I've now got the 'girls' at the hostel knitting 8inch squares for the Save the Children organisation's project, "Survive to Five - Knit one Save one". It is lovely to see the ladies enthused about this exercise and I am hoping it will give them a sense of fulfilment and purpose. Over the years working in aged care I witnessed so many just sitting in chairs staring - now I am 'retired' from nursing I can give something back.

Save the Children are aiming for 80,000 eight inch knitted squares so I will have to get the girls clicking! Join in the challenge............

http://www.savethechildren.org.au/survive-to-five/knit-one-save-one.html

William Morris fan Club blog

Compton

Do visit Mo at her wonderful blog: http://wmmorrisfanclub.blogspot.com/
She is simply amazing with her knowledge of all things William Morris.........and her committment to blogging so frequently astounds me!! Thankyou Mo......I have learnt so much

Happy New Year

Well the internet is working at the moment....still a little touchy and I've lost a week's worth of emails as my account was cancelled by my provider by accident. Anyway I have had time to complete the ten projects for the next book. There will be two large sampler bed quilts, two wallhangings, a table runner, tablecloth, cushion,two nursery quilts and book covers. Six wonderful friends have helped me as well and I am so grateful to them.

For Chritmas I got a brand new camera which I am thrilled with. The decorations are all packed up for another year and this photo even shows my reflection in the baubles!! I am looking forward to taking many photos on our trip to Britain and Russia later this year. I am especially looking forward to finally seeing Kelmscott and some William Morris countryside including a visit to his grave.

A little diversion from William Morris......... I have also been trying to get this quilt finished for Quilt Encounter this year: http://www.saquilters.org.au/quilt-encounter.htm

I've been working on it on and off for nearly two years and I still need to design the setting triangles but probably won't do a border for this one.

Now a name for it......... Maybe 'Arabesque in Blue'?

So Happy New Year to you all......may it be full of good health, happy times and lots of stitching