Spreading the word

Today I had another opportunity to share in my passion for William Morris - especially promoting our wonderful collection at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Larry got behind the camera this time and managed to capture some moments that I thought I would share. Firstly a big thank you to the friends of the Victor Harbour Library for asking me and to Deb of the Whyte House Gallery for setting up the wonderful display. Deb had a selection of my fabrics, books and patterns and even managed to have some gorgeous purses made up in the Dear William fabrics. I went to purchase the blue one at the end of the day and it was already snuffled up (but Deb has promised to make me another).......

My publisher Country Bumpkin gave me some calendars to give away so that was exciting

 Five residents (and two staff), from one of the local aged care facilities had come to listen as well which was a great thrill and hopefully an enjoyable outing for them as well.......the devonshire tea was well worth an afternoon out!

 And these singers made an appearance and one has come home with me! (Made in the Dear William fabrics as well). Thanks to everyone involved for sharing in my passion!

World time zones and me!

For the record William Morris was born on March 24th, despite the fact that my previous post records me writing on March 25th!! I think I am still on a time clock in the UK on blogger and of course as usual I was posting way too late in the night and it was probably past midnight as well! Sorry William.........we do know your birthday was the 24th!

Now I can't do a blog without some photos. Jan came on one of the William Morris tours last year and sent me these wonderful images a few weeks ago.  First is of the project that she did on the tour which she turned into a photo album cover and the other a quilt she did in a workshop with me.....they are gorgeous Jan! The other photos are a recent purchase of hers! Jan is obsessed with collecting old buttons and antique sewing gadgets.......I love, love the bee hive!

 and it opens to reveal this.........

I've been on the scrounge for some time for a Victorian sewing box. I have seen just one in the last 4 months but the price was a bit much and it was pretty ugly - just a square box. If I could find one like this I would be very happy but it would probably be right out of my price range!

(Image Source)

Enjoy your week X

A William Morris celebration

On this day in 1834 a true genius was born. I give thanks every day for the amazing and beautiful designs of William Morris. Below is a self portrait at the age of 22.....

 Aged 23...........

 Aged 53.....those years of hard work are showing. This is a portrait by Frederick Hollyer and my most favourite image of Morris......

Lots of sites will be celebrating "Topsy's" birthday today including Red House and I did not realise Morris purchased the piece of land to build Red House on his actual birthday! I can't wait to return to his two homes later this year.....

William Morris fabrics

I received an email yesterday from Kona Bay Fabrics showing their latest catalogue. Well it looks like they might be smitten by William Morris as well! Check out these beautiful new designs appropriately called 'Acanthus'............what a gorgeous background fabric for some William Morris appliqué...........

And for the borders...............

Many years ago I received the most amazing gift from a fellow Morris devotee who sadly passed away long before she should have. She left me the most amazing book that is out of print and full of black and white images of most of William Morris's work. Now that Heather is no longer with us I am grateful that I kept the little note she popped inside the book...........

 And here is the gorgeous image from the book of that wonderful 'Acanthus' design.......

Now it just wouldn't be right for me to be talking of new fabrics and not mentioning Jason Yenter from In the Beginning Fabrics and our latest collection 'Dear William'!! I have finally received my own stash of fabrics and I think a shirt is first on the list made with this print.......

I can't really explain what it is like to see my drawings turned into fabric but I do know I never cease to be thrilled with it all and so honoured to be able to do it........

And of course some of William Morris's drawings as well.......

It doesn't always go to plan though and the border I designed below just didn't work for Jason....a few hours of drawing but it might be turned into appliqué one day!

I hope things are working out for you whatever you might be doing - enjoy xx

Time to stitch

I'm home again after an enjoyable weekend at Hawkesbury Quilters retreat and I am now really looking forward to a few weeks off from teaching with time to stitch. Last night I started working on the project for Nicola Jarvis and Easter will be a quiet time for stitching that too. The retreat was fun as it always is especially at 'show and tell' where all the tutors try to outdo each other from the year before! Here are a few quilts from that fun filled night.......Lessa has been attending as a tutor for the whole 21 years of the camp's history, so as their patron she 'opens' the event........

The expectation is that participants will bring their finished work from the previous year....so below are a few shots. First is from Lessa's class last year...

 Faye's scrap quilts always glow......

 Amanda Daly's students......

 Gina Burgess had designed a template free curved design.

The Dr Seuss quilt was a great hit and you can see it 2nd from the right.....

 Pam Furness's work.....she is certainly entertaining to be around!

 A couple of girls from my workshop last year..........

 Creations from the lovely Kay Haerland who is sadly giving teaching away this year - I will miss her smiling face and I am sure many others will too.....

 These gorgeous scrap quilts were the workshop for this year from Faye....

 This year my class was all about repeat patterns from historical tiles. It was great to see such diverse use of fabrics and it is always so exciting to see the different patterns emerging by rotating the blocks around. The four blocks are eventually mounted on four artist canvases so they can be displayed on the wall and then rotated when you are bored with the pattern!

Thanks to the committee for asking me once again and thanks also to all the girls who joined me for the weekend - see you next year!! I was most impressed with these two girls who turned up with the wine, nibbles and deck chairs!!

While  I was away the Geltwood Festival was opened in the gallery where my quilts are hanging....the photos and story are HERE. It was kind of strange seeing people standing amongst my work when I wasn't there but kind of serendipitous seeing as Elaine couldn't be there either to give Peter the Wagga she had made for him.......very sad. These photos are from that newspaper article......

And the library snuck a few shots on the day we were hanging.....(not good seeing the size of one's rear end though!!!)

I'm not sure if this link will work but if you are on Facebook the Millicent Gallery and Library have 20 photos of the open night as well. Try HERE

Many of you know that I have been visiting a nursing home for the last four years since my Mother died.....possibly because I missed having an older person in my life but also missing my nursing career. Sadly the lady who became my "pseudo Mum" died peacefully last night. It was such a privilege and honour to share Betty's life through our many conversations and it was even more of an honour to have Betty's daughter phone me yesterday morning to tell me her Mum was seriously unwell in hospital. To be treated like one of the family was so special and I thank Margaret from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of her Mum's life too.  I will never forget Margaret's words as she shared how much I meant to Betty and how much Betty looked forward to my weekly visits and postcards when we were away. It is also such a privilege to be able to say farewell when you can get the chance. I was so lucky I had that chance to say goodbye and thank Betty for what she has given me. I will miss you so much Betty and my thoughts are with all your family xxx