Even more colour 🌈

After my last post all about the colour red I received a lovely email from Penny in Canada reminiscing about our very first William Morris tour back in 2012 where we had the privilege of seeing one of the original Morris Brer rabbit blocks that created that wonderful red and white pattern.....(thankyou Penny and Paul xx)

 And there has been a lot more colour in our lives this past week with another local quilt show that I attended with some quilting friends. This time it was Port Elliot Patchworkers and what a splendid show it was. I was honoured that their chosen raffle quilt was one of my designs seen hanging here behind the entry table.....

A special display featuring Jen Kingwell's Gypsy Wife pattern was a major drawcard and so very clever with the caravan entrance and props...even a fortune teller! Jen Kingwell is an Australian designer and travels extensively and I am sure she would have been chuffed to bits to see how many interpretations of her pattern were on display...here are just a few and so full of colour.....

 And there was even more colour with many other quilts on display.....just a few again......

After our visit we had lunch over the road in a very retro cafe that brought back so many memories growing up.....

 Late yesterday (being May Day), Larry and I also enjoyed lots of colour at a lecture at Urrbrae House on "The Pedigree of the Rose". Peter Waite who built this grand home bequeathed it to Adelaide University and it now has a large Arboretum and the Waite Institute that drives research in agriculture, food and wine for Australia. Peter may not have had the same William Morris passion as his colleague Robert Barr Smith but he definitely had great taste in the garden and was also benevolent and generous like Robert. Peter Waite was also born the same year as William Morris (1834) but had a much longer life. Our lecture by a young and passionate Tate Hancox was fascinating and I had no idea that rose cultivation started over 5,000 years ago. Tate has a great future ahead of him and his lecture was most enjoyable. I can just see myself below in the far back corner from their f'book photo!.....

The gardens are glorious and full of roses so we must return when the roses are at their peak.....

 Inside was just as enjoyable.......

 And the ceiling in the lecture room was full of colour as well.......

I have more news and photos that I had better save for another time but I just have to share my colourful excitement with a recent purchase! I had little Wade for a few hours on Sunday so the two of us went on an excursion to the city so I could finally investigate the Morris & Co fashion from H&M. While Wade enjoyed his popcorn I was thrilled to find some pieces in my size! I am sure William Morris would not be impressed with the mass production and very cheap prices but how could I not?! So I can now wear a little of his Pimpernel pattern and Willow Bough pattern......

 So my final words are even more colourful and very exciting...it is finally raining!! We've had 31mm (over an inch!), in the last three days so the garden is thrilled....as are we! We just hope the farmers are getting the much needed rain as well. Till next time take care x