Monday 29 July 2013

Being a student

Well you have read correctly.....I am being a student for 2 full days!! But first of all my news since the New Zealand Quilt Symposium. I had just 2 days at home and of course they were filled with a little bit of this..........
 Beau's Dad is a musician so it is inevitable music will play a big part in Beau's life. I learnt to play the piano myself and we have one at home - so it has been wonderful to see how Beau has taken to it so quickly. Even at 17 months his little fingers know exactly what to do and it is delightful to hear him sing as he plays....we get "Baa Baa something"!! Just wonderful..........
So back to 'being a student'. I have been waiting for nearly 12 months to do a class at the Quilting in the Highlands retreat. I had the honour of teaching at this amazing event last year but put in a request to be a student where we could explore some hand embroidery using stitches for raw edge appliqué. So my wish was granted and I have two perfect days with the talented Yvette Stanton known for her left and right handed embroidery books.....
I used my rewards points and treated myself to a special seat on the plane! Having never travelled business class before it was a real treat but I must confess I did feel a little guilty and self indulgent ....but what the heck - 'a once in a  lifetime experience' and a great way to use my points.....

The train trip from Sydney airport to Mittagong wasn't so glamourous and took nearly 4 hours for a 2 hour trip......but eventually I arrived just as the sun was setting......

So today was day one of some blissful hand stitching. This is Yvette's beautiful sample........

And I am already chuffed with my results, especially the palestrina stitch......



It is so wonderful to be sitting "on the other side" with like minded quilters - thanks Yvette and can't wait for tomorrow. More news later

Wednesday 24 July 2013

Homeward bound

I have over 2 hours to wait for my flight to Auckland and then an overnight stay before the morning flight home to Adelaide. So today while waiting for the evening flight I have had the opportunity to spend a little more time in Taupo.  The weather on my walk was dull and misty and very cold, so we were certainly luckier when we first arrived....this is the view across the lake and no snow topped mountains to be seen today.........
 The committed golfers were still out trying to get that hole in one out in the lake! This was a Dad teaching the next generation........


I decided to visit the Taupo Museum where there was several textile related displays. This is the 12 x 12 Red Challenge and the winner with detail........



Next was some work from Gwen Marsten and her collection is entitled 37 Sketches. It was a wonderful space for them to be exhibited.....




The Museum also has a garden - the Ora Garden of Wellbeing which was originally displayed at the 2004 Chelsea flower show......





Then it was a return visit to our favourite cafe (just for you Larry xx). I loved this board at the entrance.........
 I came across some more traders who still had their window quilt displays. Very appropriate quilt in the watchmaker/clock shop window...........

 Even the bike shop joined in............
 A stunning quilt in the florist shop............
with very 'William Morris' like flowers.........just beautiful......



 

Fabulous artwork on the back of a building.........

 Another quilt in a shop window.....
 and a very creative seat outside the ski shop.........


So thanks for sharing in my time at the 2013 New Zealand Quilt Symposium. Think of me when the alarm goes off at 4.15am!

Tuesday 23 July 2013

Last day in Taupo

It has been an incredible event here at Taupo, New Zealand. The volunteer committee have done an outstanding job with over 40 tutors and 1300 students to organise. Tonight we have had a farewell dinner and many will be flying to all parts of the world back to homes, families and other events. For me.....this is one of the 'treats' that awaits me at home..........
He sure makes my heart swell but I had better get back to sharing the final days of Symposium! Patty Hempen was in the adjoining classroom and a delight.......
Yesterday I came across this forest of pastel colour in her classroom........


 Hmmmm...........all those little pieces!!

 We had an opportunity to visit the quilt show and this was the Best of Show winner by Valda Sutton.......
 It was a stunning interpretation of a Turkish plate.........
with detail......

 Last night we were also treated to a traditional Maori meal of Hangi where food is cooked in the ground by heated rocks. We were also entertained once again by the local youth and this included the Haka....


The last two days in class we have explored tile designs and turned them into fabric tiles..........





Thankyou so much everyone for joining me in all five days of classes and thanks again to the organisers for inviting me - it has been an amazing 6 days. More news when I am home. Take care wherever you are xx