Todays Paintings

Day two of the class. These ones are better than yesterday. Still not fussed about the subject matter but I certainly enjoyed the processes and will probably do some more.

Oil Painting for Beginners

Ok don't laugh but I am doing a painting class this weekend. It is an oil painting class run by Ken Harris who has a tv show on a local station but I have always been impressed at how he seems to magically create trees and skies and other things with a flick of a brush or palette knife. So when I heard about this class I signed up.
He does seem to have an ongoing theme of palm trees but I left them out of the second painting below.

Anyway - I am having fun and even Peter was a little impressed when I brought these two masterpieces home tonight. At least I am learning some techniques and it is always good to learn something new - and I got to buy some more paints and things which is always a bonus

I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Dyad Opening

Just back from Nic & Janine's Dyad Exhibition Opening. A wonderful selection of textile, painting and sculptural pieces from both artists.

I really loved the one above but as a bit out of my price range but luckily there was a smaller version which I had to have.

Here is Nic looking happy next to my purchase called Elements - Water Study. Love the texture of the satin and velvet and the quilting. The one next to it is called Elements - Fire Study. Also gorgeous and great to see some of my fabrics in use too.

Falling Leaves for Sale

As I set up my studio I am finding some interesting items including this little quilt.
It is called Falling Leaves and I am offering it for sale.

It is about 26" x 18" (67cm x 47cm) and made with layered fabrics in a variety of textures and free-motion quilted with the final addition of beads.

Here is another detail shot


I am asking AUD$200 (approx US$160) and this includes postage anywhere.

Bobbin Work

I have been playing around with bobbin work as I really enjoy the effect. This was another exercise from Patsy Thompsons free downloads and I used Wonderfil Sizzle thread. This is an 8wt metallic which is threaded on the bobbin and then sewn upside down.
Still struggling a bit with tension but everytime I use the machine I get a bit better.

Embellishing

Robyn was at my Enchanting Embellishing class in Bendigo a few months ago and brought her resulting quilt to Cohuna to show me.

We had a lot of fun with these circles.

Good medical news today with no sign of my DVT so all clear at last. So I celebrated by melting the plastic on some new clothes.
Not much sewing but I wasn't happy with what I did so am not going to show you.

Bernina 820 Playtime

I spent some time today on my new Bernina 820. I managed to thread a new bobbin and put it back in correctly as well as thread it too. May sound simple especially when these ease of these features is one of its selling points. But you invariably get into a rhythm with your machine and can do it without thinking but any new machine is going to take time. I think I have mastered these now so onward I go.

I downloaded some of Patsy Thompsons free quilt designs and went through a set. They are progressive so you work through them getting more complex as you go. Got another set to work on tomorrow.

I used the BSR function which worked really well and I only outran it a few times. It was good as it made me slow down a little which I need for better control.

I had some issues with tension but found the tension adjustment screen/function very easy to use and quickly got it right. Tension has always been one of my issues so I am pleased about this.

Bits and Pieces

I was asked about my cutting mat. It is a wonderfully large mat called a Mega Mat that I bought from Quilters Rule in the US. I bought a couple with a friend to save on postage so it was pretty reasonable. It is 72" x 36" which happily is the EXACT measurement of my Horn Craft Table which we use for cutting. We do a lot of cutting and it is great to have something the right height and also covering the whole table.

I also have some images sent to me of quilts completed in workshops and friends which I am always thrilled to see.

Jan Gilbert in the US made this verison of Outback nights for a friend at work. Don't you just think of Van Gogh's Starry Nights.

This is Pat Goddens version of Cutout Magic from the Be Creative Workshop at Coffs Harbour

This is Peggy's Breaking the Drought from St Helens in Tasmania and this is what she said when she sent it to me. Makes me so happy to get things like this. Makes up for the bad days.

Hi Lisa I thought you would like to see the finished item from the class at St Helens from Peg who didnt think she could put different cottons in bobbin and was sure she would not be able to do the course. Thank you so much I learnt a great deal about the stitches on my machine and with the pieces left over I have done some crazy patch work to make some cushion covers with these. I really enjoyed the class and I am sure my daughter will be pleased with her birthday present


PS Ruler/Cutter and Thread racks are gone but the hoop still available.

Studio in Use

I have actually spent some time in the studio this week preparing for a DVD I am doing in a couple of weeks.
I am still struggling trying to work out where to put things and am nowhere near it yet but each day I think of something so one day it will be perfect.
We have covered the design wall now. I bought 4m of 108" wide white flannel from Widebacks and it is perfect. It is just pinned to the caneite which is screwed to the wall. Great to have it all in one piece rather than the sheets I had before.

I keep moving the cutting table around and I am not sure I need both the fold up tables up all the time although the one that is the ironing table is a great size and height.

I have used the desk for some sitting down type work but havn't done much of that lately so not sure of its value yet. Time will tell I guess.

I also found a couple of things I don't use so have a 16" wooden quilting frame and a Fiskars ruler/cutter for sale at AUS$30 each.

I also have two thread racks still available at $40 each. They are all packed up ready to be mailed and the postage won't be anymore than $20 (for the two) as postage was checked to send them to WA which is about as far as they can go here in Australia so anywhere else will be cheaper.

Note- have been asked about my cutting mat - will post details ASAP.

Cohuna Workshop

Here are some images of my workshop at Cohuna. We did Aurora and as you can see everyone created a wonderful quilt. It was lovely to have the luxury of two days to do this (usually) one day workshop.

We spent a lot longer in the beading component and 3 of the students managed to finish all their quilting and were able to bind the quilt as well. Now they get to go home and do the relaxing beading.

Also teaching at the Cohuna Country Quilters Weekend was Michelle Hill whose class created some amazing designs. She is a very talented quilter and her presentation and quilts were truely incredible.

Weekend Away

I have just come back from a great teaching weekend in Cohuna Victoria where we just had the best time. I love country hospitality although I don't think my waistline (if I had one) got any smaller. The morning and afternoon teas were scrumptious. Bet you have never had a slice made from lolly bananas - delicious!


These are a few shots from the journey down there. The little puppy above is a sculpture (yes for sale) at our favourite lunch spot on the way to Melbourne. I really like the style and think that one day he might just have to come home with me.

We stayed in Wagga Wagga on the way down as I really wanted to go to the National Art Glass Gallery. Just loved this one by Claudia Borella from her Striped Series II. If I wasn't so deeply involved with textiles I would love to work in glass.

Another obligatory sunset - they are so much better in the country aren't they?

More class photos tomorrow.

Studio Update

Finally surfacing after the Show. It was a terrific time and I met so many old friends as well as made lots of new ones. Such fun.

I have a couple of days at home before heading of to Cohuna to teach this weekend so did a couple of essential things in the studio.

I wrestled with my new thread storage drawers and it only took two hours to put them together but I am pleased with the result. I decided on the Alex drawers from IKEA and they fit beautifully. I am very unhappy though as I discovered I don't actually have enough threads as I only filled about 3/4 of the drawers. Oh well - another challenge for me.

For those of you who asked before - I just have them sorted into colours. One drawer each for white/cream, yellow, orange, reds, purples/pinks, greens (2), blues (2), black etc. At this stage they are just all jumbled together but I do have some dividers so may start getting more organised but at least it is something that is put away.


But the most exciting news is that I bought the new Bernina 820 machine which I have been thinking about since I test ran it earlier this year. Small businesses are being offered a really good tax break on business purchases and what could be more critical to a quilter than a machine. I still have my fabulous Janome 6500 which has not skipped a beat since I got it and I will continue to use it as well but as a teacher I need to be comfortable with all brands so I will become multiskilled. Well that is my excuse and I am sticking to it.

We were worried about where to put it but after a bit of a squeeze we managed to get it into my Horn Cabinet so all is well. Can't wait to have some time to spend on it but that will come. I will definitely blog my progress. I am so excited about it that I have started thinking about sewing clothes as well - now that is scary.

Sydney Quilt Show

Great day yesterday at the Sydney Show. One of the best things about doing a show in my home city - apart from getting to sleep in my own bed - is seeing so many friends.
There is a steady stream of familiar friendly faces saying hello and it is wonderful to see so many.

I am doing a free demo/workshop everyday on Aurora and Midnight Sky Art Quilts as well.

My quilt Crystallisation won Third Prize in the Professional Anything Goes Category which is terrific and all the prizes winners can be seen on the NSW Guild Blog. I am teaching this quilt in Canberra later in the year if you are interested. If you would like me to teach it at your group or store just contact me.

I was most thrilled that my friend Pennie won first prize for her miniature called 'Because I can..'. We all thought she was mad when she started it - actually we still do but it just goes to show how clever she is. The ribbon is bigger than the quilt.

Birthday

We are not really big on birthdays as I think I am in the fortunate situation of living my dream and there is not really anything I want. It was just really nice to get lots of messages from friends and my precious children.
Tradition - well one I am trying to instill anyway - deems that Peter & I give each other our favourite chocolates (which we then share) on our birthdays. They come from Colefax Chocolates (above) and have to be some of the best I've ever had and I have tested chocolates all over the world. It's a tough job but someone has to do it.

Peter also very kindly ventured to Ikea with me. He usually avoids it with passion but I think he relented today as a birthday treat. We ate lunch in their restaurant and had the very interesing meatballs. Not true gourmet fare but very cheap and filling and he is always a sucker for mashed potato. Interestingly I tweeted (sent a message on Twitter) while I was there and very quickly received another tweet wishing me Happy Brithday from Ikea - spooky!

We finally decided on thread storage though - we have bought two sets of the tall skinnier version of Alex

Another front runner was the Helmer but Alex looked smarter and the drawers slide smoothly. Not sure when we will get the time to assemble them as the Show starts tomorrow but I look forward to filling them with threads.

Thanks to all of you who sent birthday wishes - I really appreciate it.

Setup Day

Today we set up the stand for the Sydney Quilt & Craft Fair which opens on Wednesday at Darling Harbour Sydney.
We are very pleased to have a stand closer to the doors this year. Traditionally people always start at Row A and work through until the end. This must be very frustrating as the crowds in the first aisles are dreadful and down the other end you just hear the rumbling buzz of the crowd getting closer.

So this year we have a larger stand but nearer the doors which hopefully will be beneficial. It also meant that we could set up today and not tomorrow. Tomorrow is actually my birthday and it will be nice not to have to work and just have a pleasant relaxing day before the busy show week ahead.

This is what we started with and it only took about 3 hours to get it set up completely but we covered it all up before I got to take a finished photo.

It is always interesting to see what the Halls look like on setup days. Music is blaring and you can bop along to old familar songs.

We finished in such good time that we even went up to Chinatown for a great Yum Cha before going home (to wash and dye more fabrics)

Dyad Exhibition

Two of my great friends - Nic Bridges and Janine Matthews have combined to create this exhibition which opens in Wollongong on the 1st July with the official opening on the 3rd July.

I am really looking forward to seeing what they have come up with as they are both very talented artists.

In case you can't read the address it is
Project Contemporary Artspace
255 Keira St Woollongong

Studio Update

I couldn't resist starting to move stuff into the studio now that I am home.
Of course I don't have time to do it properly as we are getting ready for the Sydney Craft and Quilt fair which moves in on Monday (eek - only 4 days to go).

That line across the room in the middle on the floor is where the wall was but it was great that the floorboards went all the way under it. Interestingly 100 years of being covered by a wall created a definite line which is a reminder of it's history. The floor also definitely slopes down at that point and so any dropped beads will find themselves in the centre of the room.


But of course the beads just had to be moved in.

Still need to hang some quilts on the walls, cover the 3m design wall, work out the office area vs the sewing area vs the playing area and just generally work out a work flow.
However - it feels great and the light and space are incredible.

A First for Me

I am so excited to announce that my quilt Solar Flare which is part of the State of the Art Exhibition currently touring Queensland was sold during the Textile Arts Festival in Brisbane this weekend.

I am thrilled that I got to meet the purchaser who is going to hang it in her healing centre where she says it will give pleasure to many.

This is my first major sale and I hope the first of many. There are others on my website if you are interested.

Kalgoorlie Timber

I was taken out in the scrub (thanks Margie) on my last day to see some of the local plant life. I really fell in love with the Gimlet Gum - look at the beautiful trunks. They are so smooth and rich - you really want to run your hands over it. I love the colour too.

Then we watched the sunset

This is my final shot from the plane - what an inspirational landscape.

Studio Update

I am home and finally able to see my finished studio. Floors are sanded and walls are painted and furniture moved in.

Can't wait to start playing around in it - still lots of organising to do and a trip to Ikea today to check out some storage ideas.

Maybe when I get back from the Textile Arts Festival I will have some quality time in there. Doesn't it look wonderful - so clean and spacious and light!

By the way - please come and say hi if you are coming to the Festival. I noticed that they are using a photo of some my hand dyed fabric set rolls are used on the home page - fame at last!

The Super Pit

In Kalgoorlie the most impressive sight has to be the Super Pit. This is an amalgamation of all the mines into one enormous open cut mine


The tiny trucks you see in the distance are constantly going up and down with their loads. This is the size of the shovel and four of these fill one truck. The sizes and volumes are really hard to comprehend. This is me standing in a display one at the top.

Home - Briefly

Just arrived home from Kalgoorlie - it has been a long day but thought I would show you some of the sights. I am only home for a couple of days before heading up to Brisbane for the Textile Arts Festival.

This is the Goatcher Curtain in the Boulder Town Hall. A rare example of remaining scenic art has been restored and it was great to see it. We were the only people in the hall and got up really close.

All the curtains etc on it are painted and the detail is incredible.

Perth Again

I have only just got access to post a blog entry so as I sit in the airport waiting for my flight to Kalgoorlie (above)

I have been really busy since the show ended teaching at Ocean Keys Sewing Centre just a little north of Perth city. Great classes with so much creativity happening. I am really looking forward to seeing the finished quilts. To top it off - yesterday I taught Breaking the Drought and last night (and today) it poured with rain for the first time in ages so maybe it was an omen.

Before the rain came I did manage to catch the last minutes of a wonderful sunset.


Perth has some really interesting architecture including this sculptural piece.

Next

Only two days more for the Perth Quilt and Craft Fair. I am really enjoying being in Perth and so it appears are the very active and athletic people in the hotel room next to me hence the 4am blog post.

West Australians seem to be very creative and enthusiastic about their patchwork and quilting and it is great to be sharing my ideas and fabrics with them. I am doing daily workshops talking about the techniques used in my Aurora and Midnight Sky (above) quilts which are proving very popular too.

I am also really looking forward to my classes next week especially my first trip to Kalgoorlie.

Also on the radar is the Textile Art Festival in Brisbane in two weeks.

We will be at this inaugural show which is showcasing the best of Australian Textile arts and hope to see many of you there. They are running competitions for free double passes from the website so I encourage you to check it out. There are also classes with some of Australia's best textile artists with places still available so take advantage of this great opportunity.

Perth Sights

No these kangaroos are not hopping down the main street of Perth as some people thing they do in Australia. They are actually sculptures around a fountain which I snapped whilst on a bus. There were others at the side of the water including one with a seagull sitting on it's back but I was not quick enough to get the photo.

Why does every city think it needs a large ferris wheel. This one is going around empty everytime I see it.

Dongara and Geraldton

This is the HMAS Sydney Memorial in Geraldton - I love the seagulls - one for every life that was lost. It is up on a hill looking out to sea.

Sunset at Dongara

The worst (BEST) part of being a quilting teacher is that there are always the most delicious morning and afternoon teas. How could you resist this selection. Is it any wonder I am overweight?

Flying In WA

That is Western Australia for those of you in the USA who think I might mean Washington (or whichever state is WA - excuse my ignorance).

I am currently in Perth for the Quilt and Craft Fair but have been over here for a few days already teaching up north in Geraldton and Dongara. Wonderful places and such nice ladies. More of that later.

I always take photos out of plane windows - I have hundreds and really should do something with them one day. This is a part of Australia I have never been to so while flying up the coast in a fairly small plane we have the greatest view of the dry parched land.


It is desperate for water and when you see it from the air you can really appreciate how dry it is. In such contrast to the incredibly blue ocean.

City & Guilds

No I haven't forgotten my course. It is just that I have been a little busy but I have been thinking about the next assignment.

The task is to create a 3D container using an architectural inspiration.
I have chosen Federation Square in Melbourne which I really like.

I love the triangular angles and if you look carefully it is made up of rectangular units which are really interesting.

Still in the planning stage but at least by posting my thoughts here I can continue to develop my idea. What do you think?

Off on my adventure to West Australia tomorrow and I will be posting my adventures - internet access willing

Studio Update

While I was away the builder finished off and Peter started painting. The light is wonderful - the space is so incredible. I just wish I could move in but I am off again in a couple of days and the floor is still to be sanded.

Look at the neat work tables we have designed. They fold down into the old fireplaces.

It is giving me so much joy just to go in there.

Home from Be Creative

Had a wonderful time at Coffs Harbour with my students and the other tutors.
Flying into Coffs you can see that they have had so much rain.

I taught Crystallisation for the first time and was so thrilled with the resulting quilts. I can't wait to see photos of the finished quilts.



Aurora quilts en masse always look spectacular

West Australian Workshops

When I return from beautiful Coffs Harbour I am off to West Australia to teach some workshops and the Perth Quilt & Craft Fair. I think my classes in Geraldton and Dongara are full but I am also teaching Breaking the Drought at Ocean Keys Sewing in Perth on 20th May and then off to Kalgoorlie for a few days to do some more workshops on 23-25 May. Breaking the Drought is full but there are places in Creative Beading and Fabrications if you are interested. The website has a link to the contact details and kits will be available.

Renovation Update

The builder is nearly finished. Track lighting is in and wonderfully bright during the day with the skylights.

The fireplaces are going to become lift up work benches and ironing table.

Down to the fine tuning now. Peter will be painting it while I am away and the floors being done next week. Can't wait.

Off to Coffs Harbour to Be Creative now for five days so won't be blogging here but will maintain updates on Twitter - just click on the Follow me on Twitter link.

Have you seen our Ribbon?

Amazing isn't it? We are still over the moon and thanks to everyone who has written to me. Unfortunately if you leave an anonymous comment I can't reply directly but I am so grateful for all your kind words.

Meanwhile back at the studio - it is only just a week since they started and this is how it is coming along. I am thrilled.
This was at 7pm yesterday and they were still at it.




The hallway is looking a bit worse for wear though.

AMAZING NEWS

Nic Bridges and I have just found out that our quilt BUSHFIRE SUNSET has been awarded 3rd Prize in its category at Paducah.

To say we are thrilled is an absolute understatement!

Fellow Australian Mariya Waters has won Best of Show for her incredible Rennaisance Revival.

Renovations Day 3

The wall is removed and the ceiling is down. The stuff on the floor is the cellulose insulation which was the messiest and dirtiest part of the job. It went everywhere and had to be removed slowly in buckets.

The skylights went in and flooded the room with light. New insulation is now in place .

Went with the electrician to a lighting store and selected gallery style track lighting. Also planned power outlets and will be having 12 double points. That is 24 outlets in the one room. Do you think I will have enough?

Tomorrow - ceiling and plaster!

I have been playing around with the floor plan and scale shapes of everything that I am trying to fit in. Even though this studio is bigger than anything I have had before - I am still struggling to fit it all in but it will all be fine in the end.

New Quilt COLOURPLAY

This is my latest published quilt. It is called Colourplay and has just been published in Australian Patchwork and Quilting Magazine.

Also included in the magazine are templates for all letters of the alphabet so that the word Colour (sorry US quilters but that is how we spell it here) can be substituted for any word.

Wouldn't it make a great quilt for any child personalised with their own name and in such bright and vibrant colours?
Photos courtesy of Aust P&Q.

Skies

I am constantly inspired and fascinated by sunrises and sunsets. They always leave me in awe.
Here are a selection to inspire you from our recent Tasmanian travels.

Renovations Day 1

Today we started (ok the builder started) and I was very impressed with the progress.
These two rooms which were originally bedrooms and have recently been a studio and a store room are to be combined to create one large studio.


This is the wall that is coming down. Plaster and lathe and horsehair were the components 100 years ago when this house was built.

The slats were put on first and then the plaster pushed on and through.

By the end of the day we have an indication about the new space.

and what is this you ask - it is a petrified dead rat which we found in the wall cavity.

Sea Shells

Peter found these shells in Tasmania so I sat down the other day and tried to paint them. Not too bad I think - I really like the colours.

Chaos descends

For a while now we have been thinking of doing a bit of renovating to give me one nice clean studio rather than a mish mash of rooms. We finally got around to getting a quote which appeared to be reasonable so made the decision to go ahead.

Only problem is that the builder wants to start NOW! Normally we would have been thrilled but I am about to leave for Coffs Harbour followed by a month in WA and three back to back Shows. We were already quite busy getting organised for all that but now life has descended into a slightly hysterical mess.

We have today and tomorrow to completely clear out my studio and the DAGTH storeroom (aka two bedrooms) and rip out the carpet. It has been a fun day as I also managed to dye about 50m of fabric. The photo is the view from the couch now.

Watch for progress

But I did have this special desert the other night - there is a passionfruit creme brulee under all that.

Food

I thought today I would just share some food experiences from my travels.
The sculpture above is a great whistlestop cafe on the road to Melbourne at Jugiong called Long Track Pantry. Well worth a visit - actually we stopped both ways for lunch and also brought home a yummy pie for another day. I would love to have it in my garden but the price was a little high for me. It is made out of horseshoes and is about 1m high.

My first breakfast in Tasmania was at the Raspberry Farm just outside Devonport where the ferry docks. Who said you can't have ice cream for breakfast?

Very nice Ploughmans Lunch but I forget where.

This raspberry tart at the Richmond Bakery tasted just as good as it looked except it followed a chicken and leek pie and a sausage roll so it was more of a challenge to finish than it should have been.

A visit to Tasmanie has to include the D'Anvers Chocolate Factory just near Devonport.

Ok so we did eat well and my weight loss that I was so proud of has taken a backward step but isn't that what holidays are for.

Mini Exhibition on the Gold Coast

Last year you may remember I taught Fabrications to the Gold Coast Quilters

and we had a brilliant time creating lots of Fantasy Fabrics.

Recently in conjunction with Craftfest at the Gold Coast the Gold Coast Quilters had an exhibition of their work and there was a whole section of quilts completed after the workshop.



I was thrilled to be sent photos of them.

There is also a version of Cutout Magic which snuck in as well.

Home Again

Well I am finally home after a wonderful time in Tasmania. I have never been and now I am ashamed of myself. It is really the most beautiful place and the wilderness areas are so beautiful.
I have taken zillions of photos and am so inspired.

I only have a few weeks at home before heading off again with so much to do but I will share some of my images with you.
This was the sunset from our cottage on the West Coast before the most sublime trip down the Gordon River.

The weather was so perfect - not a drop of wind to spoil the reflection of the mountains.

This was growing on a 2000 year old Huon Pine tree.

I taught lots of great classes too and the quilters of Tasmania are a wonderful bunch. We had so much fun and I am really looking forward to seeing the results of all their work.

Having trouble with Uploading Pictures

Looks like I can blog text but not images from my iPhone so I thought I might try something different.

I am going to try to use Twitter as a mini blog while I am away as I can upload photos from the phone easily.

So if you would like to try it - just click ok the Follow me on Twitter button on the right and then go to http://www.Twitter.com and see how you like it. If you want to comment you just hit the reply button.

Trip underway

Guess who forgot the laptop? Not me!
So blog entries might be a little sparse as they will have to be done on the iPhone but I will try

Latest Fabrics

I was asked to do a piece as a background for a post bushfire landscape in dark greys and browns.

I always do about 6-8 metres of these hand painted pieces and I really liked this one.

So I have added them to the website in a new category called Magic Metres. They are strictly limited and Aud $30 (about US$20) each.

This is the other one I did yesterday. I love the boysenberry colour.

They are all 40in x 44in

I am only able to process orders today before I leave for Tasmania so be quick if you are interested.

Connections

In my latest C&G Module, I had to consider different ways of connecting fabrics. I liked doing these drawings and painting them. I might play around with more.
If you click on the image you get a bigger view to see them more closely.

Start Saving to Join me in Italy

I am absolutely thrilled to able to announce that I will be teaching in Italy next year.

I know it is a long way away until September 2010 but I have worked out it is only 80 weeks away until I host a week long course in Orvieto Italy for Bill and Kristi Steiner of Adventures in Italy.

My workshop is called Textile Treasures - Italy Inspired and will be a wonderful week of combining Surface Design Techniques with the taste and sights of one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Can you imagine anything more perfect?

We spent time in Orvieto a few years ago and it is one of our most favourite memories of Italy.


These images will hopefully start you thinking about joining me on this experience of a lifetime. I have worked out that if you start saving now it would only be US$35 a week (of course you would need to add your travel costs to that) but doesn't that sound achievable?

Additional Bead Class at Coffs Harbour

Funny how things change. Last year we could not fill a beading class at Be Creative by the Sea in Coffs Harbour. This year it is the opposite with the afternoon class filling up so quickly and leaving many disappointed potential beading addicts.

So I am now pleased to announce that I will be having an additional half day beading classes in the morning on Wednesday 29th April. Places are limited so please contact Be Creative if you would like to join us. Kits are available and I guarantee you will be beading up a storm at the end of the class and possibly the beginning of a new obsession.

Although you don't have to sign up for any other workshops, there are still some places left with some pretty amazing tutors. The venue is incredible and the food (and cocktails) to die for too.

See you there

Paducah Acceptance

Thrilled to get a letter letting me know that Bushfire Sunset has been accepted to the AQS Show in Paducah. Now I just have to redo the hanging sleeve.
This is a collaborative quilt with Nic Bridges and we are very proud of it.

Thanks for all your nice comments. The quilt is 80" x 80" and this is only a detail shot. The tree is overlaid hand dyed silk organza and the pieceing is all sorts of fabrics including velvet, organza, hand dyed and painted fabrics, linen, cotton and silk.

Breaking the Drought on Holiday

When I taught Breaking the Drought at the Bramble Patch in the UK last year, Margaret told me she would be in Australia in February and would come to see me at the AQC

I was thrilled that she brought her quilt all the way with her to show me. Isn't is wonderful. I was especially amazed at the french knot embroidery around these shapes.

These shapes have been embossed onto velvet and the stitched on. Isn't she clever.

I will be in the UK next year again so if you are interested in a workshop please let me know as I am already booked in Durham and a few other places.

Boxes

I have made these boxes out of embellished paper for my C&G Course. I have been a bit remiss with my course work as I have been away for a while but I really enjoyed creating the paper and then making up the boxes.

I used large sheets of drawing paper which I covered in a paint wash and then rubbed them on bricks with crayons and then over the wire frame of a desk fan with Shiva Paint Sticks

Weekend Workshop

I spent the weekend in a tin shed. But not any tin shed but the Cobargo Agricultural Society Hall.

It was a weekend Retreat and I was one of 7 tutors and we had a ball.


I felt very special to be a tutor in the company of Houston Prize Winner - Mariya Waters and actually got to touch her magnificent Rennaissance Revival. What a masterpiece.



I think this must be a very Australian sort of quilters retreat but such fun.
I am glad it wasn't too hot though.

Here are some of our Fantasy Fabrics drying on the grass











We sat outside for lunch and was entertained by the local pony club going through their paces.

Rosalie Gascoigne

Here are some more images from the Rosalie Gascoigne exhibition for those of you who don't know her work.
Detail from the above work


She was a brillian recycler using road signs, old flooring, bits of fence posts - just about anything she could find.

These are chopped up fluorescent road signs.

These wonderful cupie dolls used to be prizes at local fairs with brilliant tulle frocks and stuck on the end of a stick which you carried around with pride.



I loved this window which is made even more special by the fact that the curtain is made of corrugated iron.

Inspiration

I know I have already mentioned the AQC but wanted you to see some more images of the Exhibition Centre. It was a joy to work there and can't wait to go back.



I spent a few minutes sketching it too.
What an inspiration.
We also really liked Federation Square and I am hoping to use some of the design features in an upcoming project as part of my C&G. Great lines and shapes aren't they?

Busy Busy Busy

My most popular quilt kit AURORA sold out in Melbourne so as soon as I got home I started to paint more for CRAFTFEST which starts on Friday in Sydney.

We were doing really well yesterday but today is cloudy and damp so I'm not sure how these are going to dry.


Still have the Blue/Green ones to do this afternoon.
Then they have to be cut and packed and of course the beads

Sometimes I wish I was a business that just had to ring a supplier to restock rather than start from scratch... No I don't!

Back from Melbourne

We are just back from the AQC in Melbourne. I loved it but didn't have access to blog so that is why I have been so quiet for a week.

The AQC was held in the restored Exhibition Building and it had to be the most beautiful building I have spent time in for ages.

We spent a day wandering the streets of Melbourne where the alleyways tend to be art galleries

and the art Galleries are full of magic. I was thrilled to be able to go to the Rosalie Gasgione exhibition. I have always loved her work and to see it en masse was pure joy.

I taught an Aurora Workshop on Monday and all the ladies really seemed to enjoy themselves so it was a great end to the week in Melbourne.

Answers

Well I did have you thinking didn't I?
No one got all answers and that didn't surprise me as a couple were not the sort of thing in the average home.
However Yvette came closest so I will be sending her a metre of fabric. I am also thrilled for her as her quilt is a finalist in the AQC Competition. There is a picture of it on my website if you want to check it out. I love it.

Anyway for those of you who want to know - going from left right across the rows

• Ratchet from a wooden noise maker - tricky I know
• Bag containing printer cartridge - sort of quilted pillow
• Two stacking wooden containers bought at Camden Town Markets in London
• Lamp
• Colander (lots of holes should have given it away)
• Teapot - impractical as it tips over easily
• Vase
• The one no-one got and I'm not suprised - it is a Tape Head from a Sony Videotape machine which was thrown out and brought home by Peter when he worked in TV. We just like its design and have it on the wall. Lots of people noticed it was Sony though - well done.
• Banksia pod
• Candle and holder
• terracota planter - no plants though as the heat killed them
• Garden fountain - no water in it though. Did have a light in the middle but bulb blew and suppliers have disappeared of course.

Thanks to all who took the time to have a try. Hope you enjoyed it.

Busy Week and a Giveaway

We have been very busy packing up everything for our first show of the year - the Australasian Quilt Convention. We love this show as it is for dedicated quilters and there is such a buzz for all four days. Please come and say hi if you are at the Show.

We had so much new stuff to pack and are very excited to see if it hits the right note with quilters.

Our house now looks bereft as nearly every room had stuff in it - now it just looks unkempt. I think a good vacuum and dust would not go astray.

Having emptied everything out always makes us look at what is left and Peter has spent the last hour shredding years of paperwork that has lain dormant for far too long. I have relabelled pattern shelves and thrown out stuff which made me cringe to look at it so I feel refreshed.

I have also started Module 5 of my City & Guilds which is always exciting. This one is on Form and here are some examples I have found around our house today.
There are 12 images on this mosaic.

I will give a metre of my hand dyed fabric to the first person who can guess all 12.
GOOD LUCK

SAQA Exhibition in Brisbane

My quilt Crystallisation is being exhibited as part of the SAQA: Oceania Art Textiles exhibition in Brisbane at Gallery 159. It was opened by Janet deBoer, editor of Textile Fibre Forum magazine & Gallery 159 Director.



It has been away for a while now and I am looking forward to getting it home. Especially as I am teaching this design at Be Creative by the Sea Retreat in Coffs Harbour in April. There are still some places in the workshop if you are interested. It's a fun and freeing workshop using lots of scraps and easy easy piecing