William Morris in the Southern Highlands

William Morris really is in Australia's Southern Highlands.....more of that shortly. Last week we travelled from Cooma to Nowra and spent two days playing with tile designs at Jukejema Quilting. You can see photos on Kim's site and I have just had a peek....wow Kathy - your block looks amazing!! Thank you for having me Kim and to all the girls who came....hope you enjoyed it. On the way to the Southern Highlands we stopped to take in some of the sites of our beautiful country.

 First stop was Berry. I had the wonderful opportunity of coming last year for Berry Patchwork - and for Elizabeth's very first retreat. It was lovely to show Larry this gorgeous village and to catch up with Elizabeth again. The sign above was one of the delights.......not sure if you can see it but the destination at the base is where you get the very best hot donuts!!

 The views as we climbed the Southern Highlands were spectacular and included a visit to Fitzroy Falls

 Isn't this tree below just amazing?.....nature's sculptures.....I can see two faces

 We finally arrived to Quilting in the Highlands and what a great event it was. I was so honoured to be in the company of such amazing quilters. From the USA was the charming Carol Doak who has written an amazing 19 books with No 20 on the way! Carol is the trail blazer for foundation piecing and how incredible to have her here in Oz. And if that wasn't enough there was the delightful Melinda Bula. Do check her site......her floral art quilts are just incredible. I actually have her book at home and forgot to bring it for the autograph!

The Aussie quilters were Leesa Chandler and I think if we were to do too many retreats together there could be a bit of mayhem....she is such fun and we will meet up again in Houston! Completing the Oz crew was the talented Sue Dennis. Her art quilts are sensational so check her site. So I felt quite overwhelmed to be in this company but we "soldiered on"....thank-you to the 30 girls who attended my classes. I didn't get any photos of the first class but below is the second one. This is the only time this will ever be taught and was an exclusive for the retreat. Great effort girls........

 Camille (sorry if it is Kamille!!).....decided to reduce the size of her quilt - great effort

 and so did Carolyn.......

 Stay tuned for next year's retreat......three USA tutors are coming this time!!

 Today Larry and I had a lovely chill out day in Bowral (and it was very chilly!!). And here is where William Morris appeared! Look below at what I spied in a window! The deposit has been paid (thanks to Larry) and we will arrange delivery in the coming months (and NOT via Australia Post!). It is a version of William Morris's "Woodpecker" design......lucky me. Thanks Larry (this is my early birthday and Christmas pressie!)

 This is the shop that it came from and there were some more Morris tapestries in there as well.....you lucky NSW residents!

 And over the road Mr Morris appeared again.......a cafe named after his famous design!

 While I was teaching a few days ago Larry visited the Bradman Museum. Sir Donald Bradman actually spent most of his life in our home city but this is where his cricket career started. (I might add that Larry was an amazing cricketer as well. He was fast bowler - his best score 6 for 16!!)

 Finally the views of Mittagong and Bowral from up high.

Tomorrow we turn around and head west - that is kind of nice as it is the direction back home....lots more quilting before then! See you soon and take care wherever you are X