Tuesday 30 May 2017

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.........

9 comments:

  1. I am so enjoying your blog! You are such a lovely lady! Enjoy your time at home! Just told hubby I want to go to Charleville.....I wish! Enjoy your travels!

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  2. don't you just love a road trip - see new things or revisit places you have been. I will be so glad to hit the road again next year when Mike quits working for good. Is your new sampler of 18"blocks going to be published for selling? Looking forward to seeing what it will look like. I bet you will enjoy your classes on your trip and enjoy sharing your quilt tips and ideas - have fun. Love seeing the photos of the little ones - they are so cute and love your new gates to your garden

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  3. My goodness! You have put on the miles. Your front yard looks gorgeous. Looking forward to seeing that new sampler. Such a cute little doll.

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  4. The road trip to Charleville will be great, lots to see on the way and the perfect time of year to escape the cold! Another frost here this morning, which I agree is the perfect excuse for pudding and casserole for tea, yum! The little felt doll is mighty cute, I think that is going to be a winner with your grandie.....and of course she will need a doll quilt!

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  5. You are so clever to show on how much driving you've been doing with the maps. And so interesting to compare UK and Ireland. I bet the QLD ladies are looking forward to their classes!! Lovely cosy meals are one of the fun parts of winter. Your new fence looks wonderful. Love your sweet dolls.

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  6. Love your fence, cute doll, and you might find some warmer weather north, it was minus 2deg here this morning, frost still on the lawn at 8am. xx

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  7. I am now caught up on reading your lovely posts, Michele. My, my, what beautiful quilting is all I can say. And what a lot of driving too. And how fortunate those ladies are to have the opportunity to learn from you.
    It is hard for me to think of you in your winter time as now my thoughts are of the garden and hopefully, heat!

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  8. I can't believe how busy you are this year. You will certainly enjoy the rest when it's all over. Thanks for the lovely photos

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