Five sleeps to go!

We fly out in just 5 short sleeps and then in just over a week the first group of like minded devotees will start on our amazing journey of all things William Morris. It has been in the planning for well over 2 years now, so I will blog as often as I can so that those of you who can't join us will feel like you are there.....well a little bit anyway!

Meanwhile since being home from our 5 weeks on the road I have been busy, busy, busy completing the embroidery project for the tour (that is a surprise for later as I am still finishing it!!)......but also I completed the projects above for our sit and sew day in the USA! I have just one day of meeting some US quilters where we will work on these and it will be with the Garden State Quilters. I am a little nervous and overwhelmed but I am sure we will have fun. The cushions are all done in wool and flannel - such fun to work with. I should also mention to you US quilters that I will be at the Houston quilt market and quilt show on most days! Do send me an email if you would like to meet up for a warm aussie hug from the down under quilter obsessed with William Morris!

The day after we got home from our long trip last week we also helped set up a small William Morris exhibition which resulted in an amazing display of William Morris work. (My quilts were very happy to get an airing as well!) Enjoy the photos....there are way too many but I just have to share how sumptuous it all was and in such a small space......

And not only quilts......Valerie had a home furnishing decorator who brought in delicious samples of current available Morris furnishing textiles............

Now I am the first to admit my heart yearns to have these hanging in my home - mind you my budget probably wouldn't allow it!! I especially love the embroidered textiles but to be honest I had a sense of irony. It confirmed that maybe I wouldn't have them as they are all machine embroidered and that is exactly what Morris was opposed to...so I will just have to continue filling the cupboard with handmade quilts! You can see the full array at this link: Morris and Co. I was so thrilled that the event has raised many $$$ for this beautiful Church of the Epiphany in Crafers. The many stained glass windows in the church are very Morris like as well...........

As a final gesture of support I donated the quilt below for a raffle. I must thank those friends who helped me to do the applique and also to Jude of Cornerstone Creations who I know will be thrilled that funds were raised for this worthy cause. (I think Tim and Jim from Lloyd Curzon Textiles would be chuffed as well). The happy winner below is Melissa and she had come just to see this quilt as she had been wanting to sign up to make it at one of the local shops. She went on to tell me her husband has just lost his job and it would have been difficult financially for her to buy the kit to make it anyway......what a lovely story that it was won by someone who not only wnated it but will also treasure it - good on you Melissa..it was meant for you!

I also forgot to show you the detail of Valerie's display.....goodies from her own Morris obsession!!

And finally I was spoilt rotten with this thank you gift and flowers........

It was a great honour and such a great weekend..........till next time take care X