Queensland classes

We arrived home again Sunday night having clocked up almost 2,500kms (1,553 miles) in 10 days.......

We are now home for just a week and then head off again, only this time we head north and we will almost double that distance travelling over 4,000 kms! (about 2,485 miles)....

To put it into perspective this map says it all! The UK and Ireland look so tiny with the USA almost the same size.......

So why all this natter about the driving??!! Well I guess it is a record of my 'farewell drive' as my teaching comes to a close. There are still a couple of vacancies in the workshop with Charleville Quilters on June 10th/11th where we will be working on the William and May Sampler.......so if you fancy going for a long drive too I'd love to see you!......

We then head east to Toowoomba where I know the class is full to overflowing and I almost forgot Quilt Encounter at home in July and then my very last class in Australia with Marilyn in Ulladulla......

Then finally the 2017 Quilt Symposium in New Zealand in October. I will be travelling with Larry to Norfolk Island late March next year but that will certainly be a relaxing time and a holiday for Larry. I am working on a brand new sampler for that retreat all in the style of William Morris and this time appliquéing large 18 inch blocks that will be set on point. So I have just a few days to get it all traced so I can do some of the cutting on the road (when I'm not having a turn at driving!). This last trip I managed to complete a felt doll for Maisie.......

and I've almost completed a cardigan that will match one I've made for Maisie already. Then I think a nightie for both of them in this foxy flannel.........

Before we left almost 2 weeks ago we were thrilled that the new featured fencing was installed. I am amazed at how those few pieces have transformed the front..........

 Our Autumnal days are over so quickly with the chill now setting in. We are only expecting 4C overnight so time for hot soups, casseroles and indulgent mixed berry puddings.........

 So with thoughts of you all and especially surrounding those with hugs that are affected by sadness or loss I will say farewell till our next journey. (lots of love to Manchester friends too x). I will leave you with these very snuggly images from Emily of our wee girl (who will be three in a couple of months), as she shows her nurturing instincts with her new little cousin........it certainly gives me the warm and fuzzies xx

 And a lovely image with their Dad on his birthday last week.........

Show and tell with Kilmore Quilters

It was lovely to be invited to speak at Kilmore Quilter's special gathering and everyone was so welcoming and generous with their time….and lots of books sales too - thankyou, thankyou! The show and tell was full of Morris inspired quilts and I was so thrilled to see them all. One had to be quick to capture some of them and inevitably names now elude me - sorry girls but thankyou for bringing them all…………

  I feel so awful that I didn't have time to photograph everyone's quilt and catch everyone's name so please forgive me girls, but I did catch some quilt maker's names as I was sitting close by. This is Barbara who made the following two quilts……..(I hope!)

Marion produced these three stunners……..

 More wonderful Morris inspired quilts and others…….

 It is so nice to know that my designs have brought so much pleasure to others and it was nine years ago with Kilmore Quilters that I actually taught my very first design class encouraging others to create their own original designs. This is Patty with her lovely quilt inspired by ironwork in a cemetery…...

 and Lorraine was a wee bit excited that I adored her Renaissance quilt completely hand appliquéd and hand quilted……….

Thankyou so much for having me Kilmore quilters and to everyone for being such fun. Thanks also for allowing me to share my Beatrix Potter journey too. As I wind down my teaching and travel this is the last time I will be "appearing" in Victoria….next time it will be as a participant! Hugs to all and thanks for sharing x