Celebrating IQD in the Riverland

And what is IQD?.....International Quilters Day of course and what a grand celebration we had today in Loxton. The Loxton Quilters have been working for almost 2 years preparing a celebration which was sold out. Quilters from many groups came for miles and in total there was almost 230 present. I was privileged to be asked to speak at the event and of course there only seems to be one subject I speak of these days! Many quilts on display were from past classes or from my books and I was chuffed to bits to see them all............

 The table centre pieces were delightful and also for sale, so dear Larry obliged....... so I have another large pincushion to join the others at home!

 I designed this quilt especially for the Loxton group many years ago. None of us could remember but we think it was about 12 years ago....the first time I taught here was nearly 20 years ago!

 More early designs of mine.......

At 'show and tell' I was thrilled to see a version of my "Dear William" quilt - the appliqué and quilting was exquisite  - so well done to Lola who made it for her group, Sunraysia Quilters who will be raffling it very soon…….

There was a lot of show and tell and this wedding ring runner caught my eye..........

 And Kate designed this herself after doing one of my design classes - just fabulous......

 and then there was the cutting of the cake by Natalie and Iris....long standing members of the group that is celebrating 21 wonderful years (and I might add Iris on the right is a very sprightly 87 years old!).......

It was a wonderful celebration of the art of quilting that we all enjoy.... Larry enjoyed it all as well especially the jelly slice! Thanks to everyone for coming and especially to Loxton quilters for hosting us and putting on such a grand event. Some of us will be spending the day together tomorrow in class so for now I leave you with images of the mighty Murray River near where we are staying in the caravan park...........

Relaxation is almost over

Our wonderful 5 days are almost over.....Kay and I are rather weary but overwhelmed with the kindness of our quilting hosts.....way too much food but what lasting memories. A day or so ago Jan took us to Buda Historic Home in Castlemaine and we were delighted with the embroideries. The ladies of the house were great followers of the Arts and Crafts movement (Mr Morris would have been impressed!), so much of their handiwork reflects this.

 Last time I wore these (apart from nursing days!), was in St Petersburg at the Hermitage Museum and it was a challenge for the guide to put them on Kay's moon boot!!

 Yeah....all fitted and ready to go!

 There was also a collection of Margaret Preston prints.....

Another adventure included a visit to the Ballarat Botanical gardens to see the begonia display........

 We also enjoyed breakfast at Craig's Royal Hotel ........do visit their website at the link as the photos of the interior are very 'William Morris' and the history is fascinating. Many royals have also stayed there....

 Yesterday was a day full of stitching (and eating of course), but photos are on my phone and I can't upload them until I get home so instead this is our day today at Mill Rose Cottage.........

 Sue not only has a cafe next door but now she has the most divine B&B just for quilters!! Inside is sensational - all up market with sophistication so I can feel a retreat coming up....maybe a teaching one!!

 I've been very restrained with the shopping (As sadly we still haven't sold our townhouse....but hopefully soon!), but I really couldn't leave this Liberty print behind.........(Sorry Larry...it's to be turned into another shirt I hope!)

 

So tomorrow we will be up with the birds for our flight home....for me it will be back to reality with a load of preparation needed before heading to the Riverland on Friday for a weekend International Quilters Day event. See you the other side of that......