In the Mail

Look what I got in the mail today!

The last 12 months have been pretty amazing for me but NEVER in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I would see this.

Needless to say that the quilts are underway but with all my travelling recently most of the creative work has been in my head (and dreams/nightmares). It is a pretty terrifying prospect but hopefully it will be all right when it needs to be. My group of students are all working hard too and I am so excited about the work that they are creating.

Also another unbelievable prospect is that I am teaching at Quilt Festival as well. I hope some of you who are planning to be there will consider my classes or lecture as it will be very embarrassing if no one signs up.

I will give you more details later but now I am back to the studio.

Last days in Western Australia

I have been teaching for the last few days. Having a great time as my students are enthusiastic and very creative.

 

Here are some of my students from West Australian Quilt Association above with their Beneath the Surface Workshop and below are the ladies in Busselton working on their Breaking the Drought pieces.

 

Luscious Landscapes

 

A few weeks ago I taught my Luscious Landscapes workshop in a new format for the first time in Wagga.
I was thrilled to receive this photo of a finished quilt by Anne. Didn't she do a wonderful job?
Here it is underway

 

 This is how I last saw it - think that sun has moved slightly :)

 

I believe there are a few more from that workshop finished too and can't wait to see them as well 

Aurora at Vickery Retreat

 

We are spending a  few days  in Victoria having a bit of an explore through some beautiful old towns like Healsville and Lilydale. We popped into antique shops and lots of cafes of course and tried to assist the local economy where possible.

Loved these vintage kitchen things. Even a half full jar of vanille essence was available.

Of course we saw lots of local wildlife including ones actually alive and not just roadkill.

This was very close to the area devastated by bushfires two years ago and it was wonderful to see the regrowth.

  

Lake Eildon was magnificent.

I was on my way to Alexandra where I taught my Aurora workshop at the brand new Vickery Quilt & Craft Retreat.
What a wonderful venue for a retreat. This was their first workshop and it went really well.
Enough beds for 10 in a beautifully renovated house with all modern conveniences. The workroom held 8 machines easily with light and airy conditions and enough power for the machines and irons. We had 4 local ladies and a group of 4 who had driven up from Melbourne and there were many laughs all day. Suggested additions of design walls and whiteboard were taken onboard by the owners Berveley and Anne who are very keen to turn this into a popular retreat for quilters and crafter. With a big wood burning stove for winter I can see this will be a great place to spend time with like minded friends.

One of my students from Adelaide Quilt Encounter last year who lived nearby popped in to show off her beautiful completed Aurora Quilt too - thanks Pam.

 

I must have done something right as I have already been invited back to teach Luscious Landcapes (along with thread dyeing) in October (11th & 12th)  - just before I fly out to the US - and I am already looking forward to it. 

Show and Tell in Bicheno

I have returned to teach in Bicheno - a heavenly spot in Tasmania and some of my students brought their quilts from previous workshops to show me. What a wonderful and inspiring collection.
These are from the Breaking the Drought Workshop where we explore different functions of the sewing machine and create embellished fabrics which are then pieced together geometrically.
I am teaching this workshop in Houston this year (but I think it will have a different name)

 These are from my Fabrications workshop and the centres of each block are created from layers of scraps and threads and bits and pieces held together with waster soluble stabiliser and then stitched heavily.

We were so fortunate to be able to stay at Room with a View - a self contained apartment (B&B) in Bicheno. The hospitality of Pam (a quilter) and John was perfect and the apartment was so peaceful and well appointed and topped off with a visit from a local wallaby.