Quilting on a farm

It has been such a busy few days that the blog has been neglected but we're back on track to report on our continuing adventure. We left Newcastle on Thursday morning and arrived on the farm out of Corowa late Friday afternoon. In all we have travelled almost 2,700kms (1,677 miles), and have another long haul to go. Thursday was my down day and that night we both hit the sack by 8pm... so a good rest was obviously what was needed before two more wonderful days of quilting. A few sights along the way….

 A lunch stop at Narrandera was most pleasant and Larry was impressed with the cricket ground…...

 And then we arrived at the farm - and what a beautiful historic homestead it is………..

Love the mammoth front door bell…………...

 And wonderful chimneys…...

 Larry made himself at home in front of the open fire quite quickly……...

 Leanne and Derek were such wonderful hosts and on our first night we were treated to pavlova adorned with raspberries for our 38th wedding anniversary ………(and Morris placements too)……..

 Impressive solar panels with the cows grazing beyond…...

 The workrooms were light and airy and all ready for two days of chatter and stitching…….(and eating the most amazing meals too!)…..

 So thank you to all the girls who came to class and an extra special thanks to Leanne and Derek for a most memorable weekend staying in your 100+ year old home. Larry loved being a farmhand for two days and I am sure we will be back! xx

William Morris in Newcastle

I thought there were possibly only three places in the Southern Hemisphere where you might find William Morris stained glass…home in Adelaide, Norfolk Island and here in Newcastle! But then I thought I should do another quick Google search and it was HERE that I found a Morris society paper talking of the Australian windows. Then I discovered there are several windows in New Zealand with some info HERE. But I can safely say I have now seen all the Australian windows. But before the visit we did a detour to visit Kath at Onpoint Patchwork. I met Kath in class some years ago so a quick visit was in order…..it was in her shop that I discovered her love of Morris and she also has a brand new copy of the first book if anyone has been trying to get it! Send her an email as I know it is rare to find one. I was pretty chuffed with her displays for obvious reasons!…….. 

 Glad we had a quick chat Kath……..

 Then it was off to see the Morris window at Christ Church Cathedral and what a magnificent cathedral it is………….

 The first thing that struck me as we entered was the colour and detail of the sixteen hanging banners. These were made by local artist Rae Richards. I couldn't find a website for her but lots of information about past exhibitions. The banners were installed in 1977 and are appliquéd with Australian wool……….

 The kneelers are all tapestries made by locals and quite intricate in detail and include themes of St Christopher (travel), St Nicholas (sailors and seafarers), St Michael (defence forces) and various other saints...

 In all there are 72 stained glass windows but most of them did not look like the design or colour of Morris……

But then we turned a corner and it was the pre-Raphaelite faces and vivid red and blue that confirmed  our instincts……….

 The Dies Domini window was designed by Edward Burne Jones and William Morris and Larry was convinced one face looked a lot like Burne-Jones and one looked like Janey Morris……..

 The Warriors chapel remembers those lost in World War 1……….

 The Sanctuary……….

 The cathedral also has a silk flag that was used at Gallipoli………..

The cathedral has treasures that include this Book of Gold and a solid gold chalice……..

 As we were leaving Larry and I tried to find kneelers that perhaps reflected Morris……..

 but instead we found the Morris window of Norfolk Island……..that was very special…...

 This afternoon was my second presentation for Jenny at Quilt-essentials. Last night we were spoilt with champagne and nibbles and this afternoon it was high tea……….

 Jann brought in some of her exquisite Morris inspired quilts……...

 and this was one of her own designs……just wonderful…….

 Thankyou Jenny for inviting me and spoiling us both. It was a wonderful opportunity to see your shop and beautiful city (and catch up with your sisters again - Hi Anne and Mary!). Thanks to everyone who came and made it all happen…..and see you in the UK in September Jenny! xx