In the air again!

Yes you read correctly.....I've been on a plane again and only four days after the big trip! This was an invitation that I received way back in March 2014 to be guest speaker at the dinner for the biennial Australian Needlework Tool Collectors conference in Melbourne, but only a one hour flight this time! It was a great honour to be asked and even more so being able to talk about William Morris and of course our incredible collection in South Australia! The venue was wonderful and this was the view from my window the first evening with the same view at sunrise the next morning..........

 I learnt so much and each presentation was informative and eye opening. The key note speaker yesterday was Terry Meinke of the Avery Needle Case Resource centre. Terry is based in the US and has been collecting for many years.....such an interesting and rare collection. There were many activities and raffles including items we could buy lucky tickets for. There were also displays of rare and interesting items too - this collection of measuring aids reflected the theme for the weekend - "Measures"........

 There were questionnaires to complete but sadly my expertise is not in the area of sewing workboxes!........

 

 No 17 of these items was in fact a pumice stone to sharpen needles......

 and this was my favourite........a hook to hang one's pocket watch.........

 One delegate had this lovely basket that she purchased overseas.....it is made of woven recycled phone books........

 The table with the goodies you could wish for were many and varied and of course I was attracted to the Morris parcels so bought many tickets........

I am sure this major prize of a french etui was highly sought after as well........

 I also had my fingers crossed to win this cross stitch sampler lovingly stitched by Dot. It is a replica of an early piece of needlework from Van Dieman's land (Now Tasmania) and all stitched by a 9 year old and you can read more HERE........

 But I was thrilled when I got home this afternoon when I received a message from Dot to say I had won another item I had wished for........this lovely sewing set made using some of my fabrics - lucky me!.....

This morning the view from my window was of many runners in the Melbourne marathon.......

 It meant the shuttle bus to take me back to the airport wasn't going to happen as all the roads were closed. So I decided to leave early hoping to get a tram to another pick up point only I couldn't get across the road to catch a tram. So instead I walked for 50 minutes and hopefully burned off some of the dinner we enjoyed last night! There was some confusion about where the bus would meet me as I was told I was in the wrong place. Two blocks later I had a feeling I was being led on a wild goose chase so made a quick phone call. With seconds to spare the driver turned up...... "You must be Michele"....what a relief!

 The final event this morning was the merchant mall where antique dealers had set up with their tempting wares. I am just so glad I am not a collector because it could seriously damage one's bank balance.......

As I said my farewells it was wonderful to see so many happy smiling faces satisfying their obsession and I feel very lucky to have been a part of it all. Thanks to the incredible committee who have been working hard for so many months with planning and stitching lots of gifts and prizes. This was one of the many gifts we received on the William Morris decorated tables at dinner last night......I will treasure it always.......

 My final most precious gift was given to me for giving the lecture last night......an exquisite silver thimble and by sheer coincidence it is almost the same as my great grandmother's only hers doesn't have hallmarks! I feel very blessed........