“Glory, Glory Hallelujah”. She Daisy are singing very loudly in my ears so I can work and I must say unashamedly - drown out the sounds the Ninja Turtles on the TV. Mr Kodi is a fan. He’s been so good and we have to fit in with his schedule. The lasagna is cooking in the oven and Callie is about to make a super salad…. Callie the foodie chef can’t cope with not cooking something. Last night we had fish and salad.
3 days of Disneyland is enough in 90 deg heat… I admit to having a bit of a tan, having worn shorts for the past month.
Kodi’s schedule gives me time to do a little work. I need to do a few new presentations, and classes.
To Callie’s amazement, I’ve managed to drive our Cadillac through the LA traffic and even find my way back home… I do admit to having my own a portable GPS that I put in every car I use. It got me through France and all round Britain…..The Cadillac is amazing, cream leather seats, wood trim, it talks to you if you get too close to an object and there’s room for 5 cases, a stroller and a car seat.
We spend an hour or so at the pool in the late afternoon, I forgot my togs, so a dabble in the little pool with Kodi is enough…
Its great having family with me for the last part of the trip…However, I do confess to having to isolate myself with the Ipod every now and then.
I had a disaster yesterday, the water bottle flooded my bag with my good camera in it….!! So no photos yesterday and today… however, I did use the cine camera…
I’ve pulled the camera apart; it is working in part… and hopefully will dry out sufficiently. My camera is an extension of my right hand… I can’t believe it.
Callie has finished the salad and is shaking her head at my gyrations to the sounds of “She Daisy”. I was dancing with the stroller yesterday…. She said, “Mum do you have to embarrass me” At this stage I my life, its payback honey…. Just pure payback.
Whoops the salad is being mixed by hand!!!!
2006/08/26
2006/08/25
The Mickey Mouse Club.
Did you watch the Mousketeers on the Micky Mouse Club when you were a child? I secretly admired those kids who wore trendy full skirts, t shirts with their names on the front and a cute Mickey Mouse hat that seemed glued to their heads as they sang and danced their way animatedly across the stage.
Led by Jimmy Dodd with his big smile and smart quips, the group held my attention every evening as we sat around on the floor just feet from the black and white TV. I mean, Annette Funichello had it all in my mind.
Childhood is filled with fun and imagination and I sure had my share. In a way our lives were simpler then.
I think all of us in the 50’s who watched the show, secretly wanted to visit Disneyland and be part of the club. So it was with great delight that I visited Disneyland on my own for the first time some 8 years ago during one of my trips…
I think I’ve been almost every year since then.
I accompanied a group of ladies, Lola being in her 60’s then and wasn’t too happy to be visiting…. Guess who screamed the loudest and commented “Oh thanks for putting this on the itinerary….” One funny incident on that trip. Lola went to a drink vendor and asked for a bitter lemon drink…. Only to be handed a slice of lemon!!!!
Keith loves Disneyland too, Jinda came with us when he was 15 and now Kodi at 2 ½ . “He won’t remember anything” has been the comment from friends… well we live for the moment. His eyes lit with delight as he recounted the day last night. He’s decided that it’s too dangerous to go on the “mole and ratty” ride again. He quite liked being eaten by Moby dicks whale though…..
Today I’ll take some footage of his adventure and I’ll make it into a DVD for him to remember for ever and ever.
Led by Jimmy Dodd with his big smile and smart quips, the group held my attention every evening as we sat around on the floor just feet from the black and white TV. I mean, Annette Funichello had it all in my mind.
Childhood is filled with fun and imagination and I sure had my share. In a way our lives were simpler then.
I think all of us in the 50’s who watched the show, secretly wanted to visit Disneyland and be part of the club. So it was with great delight that I visited Disneyland on my own for the first time some 8 years ago during one of my trips…
I think I’ve been almost every year since then.
I accompanied a group of ladies, Lola being in her 60’s then and wasn’t too happy to be visiting…. Guess who screamed the loudest and commented “Oh thanks for putting this on the itinerary….” One funny incident on that trip. Lola went to a drink vendor and asked for a bitter lemon drink…. Only to be handed a slice of lemon!!!!
Keith loves Disneyland too, Jinda came with us when he was 15 and now Kodi at 2 ½ . “He won’t remember anything” has been the comment from friends… well we live for the moment. His eyes lit with delight as he recounted the day last night. He’s decided that it’s too dangerous to go on the “mole and ratty” ride again. He quite liked being eaten by Moby dicks whale though…..
Today I’ll take some footage of his adventure and I’ll make it into a DVD for him to remember for ever and ever.
2006/08/24
A little more detailed project
This is a class project I have just completed and it will be offered for the first time at the Australian Quilt Symposium in February next year.I will prepare a kit for students and the project will teach the basics of drapplique. It's hard to tell just which is fabric and which is applique. However, that's part of the course.
Just drapplique
By the time we got round to taking photos there were only a few projects left.18 ladies spent the day making these small projects. I prepare a kit which gives the students all the equipment they need in class.... So in a day they almost finish the project.
2006/08/23
LA and beyond
It’s just after 11 p.m. and I’m winging my way across the USA. I expect to arrive in LA at 1.00 am. Daughter Calie and Grandson Kodi are enroot from Australia.
The past week has been busy with the normal work on the road. A presentation and class kept me focused. The weather has been just wonderful but I’ve spent most of the week working on the computer.
I packed three boxes to go home and left some things for the next trip in May…. Goodness I can’t believe I won’t get back to this part of the woods till Next year. I will be in the USA for Houston and other teaching in November… but I miss Long Prairie.
Many people say it must be hard being away from home for so long. Goodness Long Prairie is my second home now… I have a friendship family. Friends, Joan, Fran, Lori and Marcie are as important to me as family. The Little Falls Quilt Group have adopted me and follow my travels with interest and I have to spend time with everyone when I go back.
The employees at the Fairfield Inn Minneapolis Airport know me by name and reputation! (It’s also handy to the Mall of America) Ha, but not all runs smoothly.
You can check, re-check and re-check and things will still go wrong. Take for instance my transport to MN on Sunday… I had a ticket for pick up at 9.30 Sunday morning. By 9.45 I figured I was a forgotten soul. I rang the company. “Sorry it’s Sunday, the office is unattended, ring back Monday” Gees lucky I didn’t have to catch the plane that day…
We drove 18 miles to the next stop, only to find they had left.
So back home to Long Prairie. Next shuttle is at 3.00 p.m. 40 miles away.
Joan had an important family function so dropped me at 1.30. I waited and planned my strategy if he didn’t come…. Hire a care, stay there in another hotel and wait for the morning shuttle…. Oh, but I would still have to pay my booked accommodation in MN…darn.
Fortunately the driver arrived to do some paperwork. I told him my sad story. So he delivered me right to the hotel instead of the airport and I worked on the computer for the whole hour and a half drive trying to stem the anxiety of the earlier part of the day.
Then you have to get your seat allocation on the plane for the 4-hour trip to LA. I got a cheaper flight so paid an extra $15 for a better seat. Ha, but you can only do that 24 hours before flight. So you still never know what your seat is until the last minute. Seat allocated, I can get my boarding pass faxed to the hotel and then delivered to my room. You have to learn the tricks folks. I pretty much know them all.
Next morning… I arrived in LA at 2.00 pm MN time, too late for the shuttle so a phone call to the hotel informed me that I had to catch a taxi.
I slept well and here I am 9 hours later sitting in terminal 4 with all my luggage, lap top on my bags and earphones in listening to a little Handel while people come and go all around me. Callie should arrive in about an hour and then it’s off to Anaheim for play. Whoops I forgot, I do have to finish a sample and photograph it tonight… THEN I can play.
The past week has been busy with the normal work on the road. A presentation and class kept me focused. The weather has been just wonderful but I’ve spent most of the week working on the computer.
I packed three boxes to go home and left some things for the next trip in May…. Goodness I can’t believe I won’t get back to this part of the woods till Next year. I will be in the USA for Houston and other teaching in November… but I miss Long Prairie.
Many people say it must be hard being away from home for so long. Goodness Long Prairie is my second home now… I have a friendship family. Friends, Joan, Fran, Lori and Marcie are as important to me as family. The Little Falls Quilt Group have adopted me and follow my travels with interest and I have to spend time with everyone when I go back.
The employees at the Fairfield Inn Minneapolis Airport know me by name and reputation! (It’s also handy to the Mall of America) Ha, but not all runs smoothly.
You can check, re-check and re-check and things will still go wrong. Take for instance my transport to MN on Sunday… I had a ticket for pick up at 9.30 Sunday morning. By 9.45 I figured I was a forgotten soul. I rang the company. “Sorry it’s Sunday, the office is unattended, ring back Monday” Gees lucky I didn’t have to catch the plane that day…
We drove 18 miles to the next stop, only to find they had left.
So back home to Long Prairie. Next shuttle is at 3.00 p.m. 40 miles away.
Joan had an important family function so dropped me at 1.30. I waited and planned my strategy if he didn’t come…. Hire a care, stay there in another hotel and wait for the morning shuttle…. Oh, but I would still have to pay my booked accommodation in MN…darn.
Fortunately the driver arrived to do some paperwork. I told him my sad story. So he delivered me right to the hotel instead of the airport and I worked on the computer for the whole hour and a half drive trying to stem the anxiety of the earlier part of the day.
Then you have to get your seat allocation on the plane for the 4-hour trip to LA. I got a cheaper flight so paid an extra $15 for a better seat. Ha, but you can only do that 24 hours before flight. So you still never know what your seat is until the last minute. Seat allocated, I can get my boarding pass faxed to the hotel and then delivered to my room. You have to learn the tricks folks. I pretty much know them all.
Next morning… I arrived in LA at 2.00 pm MN time, too late for the shuttle so a phone call to the hotel informed me that I had to catch a taxi.
I slept well and here I am 9 hours later sitting in terminal 4 with all my luggage, lap top on my bags and earphones in listening to a little Handel while people come and go all around me. Callie should arrive in about an hour and then it’s off to Anaheim for play. Whoops I forgot, I do have to finish a sample and photograph it tonight… THEN I can play.
2006/08/19
African quilts
A couple more designs from my experiences in SAThis mask is taken from some of the masks of the Venda people.
The new find !!!
I love the way the makerused all her old shirt fabrics.
The red check adds a highlight to the overall effect of the quilt.
Shown here is part of the back of the quilt, and the large quilting stitches. The thread is almost a thin string.
This little bit of fabric has pulled away and it shows the raw wool underneath.
2006/08/17
Bluegrass and all that
A Little foot clogging.
Bluegrass fans enjoying the music at the festival at Richmond Minnesota
The Monroe Crossing band.
It's amazing.
It’s amazing just how much you can fit into a day. !
It’s amazing how many people can touch your life in just one day. It might just be the person behind the counter in the post office. Or the person you speak to in hotel reception. Maybe it’s a student or friend. !
It’s amazing how many folk are interested in what you have to say in a lecture, class or event.!
I’m always amazed at people’s reaction.
After an emotional roller coaster after the past two weeks, my teaching and lecturing have been a wonderfully uplifting experience.
I’m not worrying about the planes,
I’m not changing my luggage, just omitting the lipstick from my bag. I can survive with out lippy surely… and in a wild dare and after a few margaritas I had my eyes tattooed a few years ago so I don’t need mascara. Everyone is going to look as pasty faced as me.
I’ve spent the past few days reviewing the manuscript of my book and listening to Brahms. Finally it is a reality and I’m thrilled. Breckling Press are the publishers and I’m really pleased with the results.
I taught all day on a stormy Sunday… visited 7 antique shops on Monday to purchase a new (antique) quilt….and then gave a lecture…. The car refused to come to life as we were leaving the venue so we had the excitement of a cute young guy in a truck decorated like an American flag come and tow us away. So another night was spent in the city of Brainerd.
I was antsy because I new my book had arrived by UPS…. And it wasn’t until last night I could get my hands on it….it’s a wonderful book and certainly not your average quilt book….
I had lots of tears as I came across the many references to my Dad who passed away two weeks ago… Dad would have loved it….
Another presentation last night and I have just one more class to go before next week. Then I have 10 days off playing in California with daughter Callie and grandson Kodi who are taking advantage of my frequent flyer points…
The bags are packed, superfluous clothes are in a box to go home nestled amongst new books, fabrics and vintage stuff…. Even pepper and salt shakers found in the antique shops… I’m going to fill them with little antique buttons…
Take care folk.
It’s amazing how many people can touch your life in just one day. It might just be the person behind the counter in the post office. Or the person you speak to in hotel reception. Maybe it’s a student or friend. !
It’s amazing how many folk are interested in what you have to say in a lecture, class or event.!
I’m always amazed at people’s reaction.
After an emotional roller coaster after the past two weeks, my teaching and lecturing have been a wonderfully uplifting experience.
I’m not worrying about the planes,
I’m not changing my luggage, just omitting the lipstick from my bag. I can survive with out lippy surely… and in a wild dare and after a few margaritas I had my eyes tattooed a few years ago so I don’t need mascara. Everyone is going to look as pasty faced as me.
I’ve spent the past few days reviewing the manuscript of my book and listening to Brahms. Finally it is a reality and I’m thrilled. Breckling Press are the publishers and I’m really pleased with the results.
I taught all day on a stormy Sunday… visited 7 antique shops on Monday to purchase a new (antique) quilt….and then gave a lecture…. The car refused to come to life as we were leaving the venue so we had the excitement of a cute young guy in a truck decorated like an American flag come and tow us away. So another night was spent in the city of Brainerd.
I was antsy because I new my book had arrived by UPS…. And it wasn’t until last night I could get my hands on it….it’s a wonderful book and certainly not your average quilt book….
I had lots of tears as I came across the many references to my Dad who passed away two weeks ago… Dad would have loved it….
Another presentation last night and I have just one more class to go before next week. Then I have 10 days off playing in California with daughter Callie and grandson Kodi who are taking advantage of my frequent flyer points…
The bags are packed, superfluous clothes are in a box to go home nestled amongst new books, fabrics and vintage stuff…. Even pepper and salt shakers found in the antique shops… I’m going to fill them with little antique buttons…
Take care folk.
2006/08/14
No it's not quilting, but good for the soul
My Father loved music. He made the most beautiful musical instruments, and played the pedal steel guitar. As children we were exposed to classical music (I learnt the harp and the violin) country music and Dad's love Hawaiian music. Up until recently he was still composing music on the computer.
With Dad's passing a few weeks ago Joan and I decided to pay tribute to his passion by attending a Bluegrass music festival just an hour or so from Long Prairie.
Held over 4 days the festival is in it's 27th year.
We drove through the green rolling hills to a ranch just out of Avon Minnesota to the district of Richmond. It was quiet and there was no other traffic on the road.... We drove for a considerable time, we laughed thinking we were on the wrong trail.... As we rounded a corner, there it was El Rancho Manana. Hundreds of vehicles dotted the hillside. Camper vans, busses and private cars.
What a treat. We joined about 1000 other enthusiasts and sat in a natural amphitheatre under a canopy of pine trees. The smell of fresh pine from the carpet of pine chips on the ground was just wonderful. The stage was set on one side of the hill and an army of camp chairs was set to view the performance in a semicircle around the perimeter. Fantastic.
I'm sure my Dad was there in spirit. We watched and listened to quite a few bands, some not so well know, but also to groups who are mainliners and well known. What a treat.
There was such a variety of patrons, all ages. We shared time with a biker who had traveled from the cities to experience the show. It was a little gem in my travels, I'm sure lucky.
With Dad's passing a few weeks ago Joan and I decided to pay tribute to his passion by attending a Bluegrass music festival just an hour or so from Long Prairie.
Held over 4 days the festival is in it's 27th year.
We drove through the green rolling hills to a ranch just out of Avon Minnesota to the district of Richmond. It was quiet and there was no other traffic on the road.... We drove for a considerable time, we laughed thinking we were on the wrong trail.... As we rounded a corner, there it was El Rancho Manana. Hundreds of vehicles dotted the hillside. Camper vans, busses and private cars.
What a treat. We joined about 1000 other enthusiasts and sat in a natural amphitheatre under a canopy of pine trees. The smell of fresh pine from the carpet of pine chips on the ground was just wonderful. The stage was set on one side of the hill and an army of camp chairs was set to view the performance in a semicircle around the perimeter. Fantastic.
I'm sure my Dad was there in spirit. We watched and listened to quite a few bands, some not so well know, but also to groups who are mainliners and well known. What a treat.
There was such a variety of patrons, all ages. We shared time with a biker who had traveled from the cities to experience the show. It was a little gem in my travels, I'm sure lucky.
2006/08/12
A great day
Luncheon at the Ackeley 
Quilt show
One of the antique quilts I admired. made from wool and embroidered 80 years ago as a gift for her husband.
Gail De Marken talking about her illustrations and signing autographs.
Quilt show
One of the antique quilts I admired. made from wool and embroidered 80 years ago as a gift for her husband.
Gail De Marken talking about her illustrations and signing autographs.
Ackeley Quilt Show
Opening a new lipstick is equal to the joy of being the first to use a new jar of vegemite. Didn’t you just love to be able to put the knife in the jar and take out a great big scoop?
Maybe its just that my lippy costs less here than half the price than I would pay in Australia…..!!!!
Small things amuse me. At least it’s better than the plane trauma that’s continuing today.
It’s Friday the 11th, and at 11.00 pm tonight I’ve will have been back here in the USA a week.
There’s a milky sun filtering through flimsy clouds today. As I look out of the Gazebo, the butterflies are trying to extract nectar from the rather dry lilac bush and the humming birds are zinging around the feeder. An acrobatic squirrel almost fell in the water bowl and spent a time drying his little wet feet one at a time.
I feel rather reflective today on the frailty of life. Our dear family friend Ray died last Friday as I was in the air; his funeral was last night (USA time) so I played music I thought he might like and sent a silent prayer into the beautiful black sky last night.
Yesterday was an interesting day for me as a quilter.
I was invited to a quilt show and luncheon in Ackeley
It takes a couple of hours to drive up to there, of course we had a few stops to visit several fabric shops on the way. As we pulled into the Church where the quilt show was held the streets were lined with large middle class vehicles. Buicks, large pick up trucks and even a few Mercedes. We pulled up by a garden full of sunflowers, hollyhocks and bright blue summer flowers. As we opened the door to the venue we were greeted by a warm buzz of voices. Lunch was being prepared and about 100 ladies were enjoying conversation only known to women who share the love of being a quilter. It seemed to me that they were mainly middle age freedom friends, although there were a number of young Mums. Quilts surrounded the room, tagged with small written expressions of how and why they were made. My observation was that this group love to make tops and send them out to be quilted. Lovely utilitarian quilts just like we would find in any small show at home. There were a few antique quilts that took my eye and of course found the eye of my camera.
Lunch was very different to one we would have. A variety of salads, that we don’t experience at home, Wild rice, grape and tuna, - marshmallow, cheese and carrot. Jelly and pineapple. Most of which I couldn’t eat so I tucked in to the mini savory muffins and coffee.
The after lunch speaker was Gail De Marken. I was delighted. Gail is the illustrator of the book the Quilt Makers Gift and quite a few other publications. We spent a delightful hour as she took us on the journey of how the book came to life. She talked about her life overseas and the dramas that made her the colorful person she is today. I identified with her creative expression and marveled at her artistry.
What a bonus, What a treat, What a great day.
Maybe its just that my lippy costs less here than half the price than I would pay in Australia…..!!!!
Small things amuse me. At least it’s better than the plane trauma that’s continuing today.
It’s Friday the 11th, and at 11.00 pm tonight I’ve will have been back here in the USA a week.
There’s a milky sun filtering through flimsy clouds today. As I look out of the Gazebo, the butterflies are trying to extract nectar from the rather dry lilac bush and the humming birds are zinging around the feeder. An acrobatic squirrel almost fell in the water bowl and spent a time drying his little wet feet one at a time.
I feel rather reflective today on the frailty of life. Our dear family friend Ray died last Friday as I was in the air; his funeral was last night (USA time) so I played music I thought he might like and sent a silent prayer into the beautiful black sky last night.
Yesterday was an interesting day for me as a quilter.
I was invited to a quilt show and luncheon in Ackeley
It takes a couple of hours to drive up to there, of course we had a few stops to visit several fabric shops on the way. As we pulled into the Church where the quilt show was held the streets were lined with large middle class vehicles. Buicks, large pick up trucks and even a few Mercedes. We pulled up by a garden full of sunflowers, hollyhocks and bright blue summer flowers. As we opened the door to the venue we were greeted by a warm buzz of voices. Lunch was being prepared and about 100 ladies were enjoying conversation only known to women who share the love of being a quilter. It seemed to me that they were mainly middle age freedom friends, although there were a number of young Mums. Quilts surrounded the room, tagged with small written expressions of how and why they were made. My observation was that this group love to make tops and send them out to be quilted. Lovely utilitarian quilts just like we would find in any small show at home. There were a few antique quilts that took my eye and of course found the eye of my camera.
Lunch was very different to one we would have. A variety of salads, that we don’t experience at home, Wild rice, grape and tuna, - marshmallow, cheese and carrot. Jelly and pineapple. Most of which I couldn’t eat so I tucked in to the mini savory muffins and coffee.
The after lunch speaker was Gail De Marken. I was delighted. Gail is the illustrator of the book the Quilt Makers Gift and quite a few other publications. We spent a delightful hour as she took us on the journey of how the book came to life. She talked about her life overseas and the dramas that made her the colorful person she is today. I identified with her creative expression and marveled at her artistry.
What a bonus, What a treat, What a great day.
2006/08/11
Darn it
Oh darn it. The TV is full of bad news tonight. We’ve gone from the details of the men captured in Britain plotting a terrible attack on innocent people, to viewing what happens to a plane if a bomb is detonated. Quite frankly, I’m grateful for inland security, I’m grateful for the people who go through my luggage, I’m grateful for the people who care about my safety as I travel. But I’ve heard it all day. I have to travel home on a plane… I really don’t want to hear any more, I actually have to fly next week, so I’m feeling a little uncomfortable. I ate a chocolate, the antidote for nervousness, and we turned the TV to the very positive, bopping travel channel and looked at the ‘positive’ side of travel.
Yesterday I spent the day preparing kits, patterns and making new samples. I took time out to go out to dinner for a steak… the waitress, about 16 had an attitude or maybe a monthly problem, so she’s lucky she got a tip!!! The steak was delicious and made even better by the fact that I now ask for a senior meal without feeling too guilty! I worked late into the evening to the sounds of a documentary on Willie Nelson and fell into bed quite excited that I have had two days pain free after my bout of shingles. Did I tell you I got shingles on my face? The Dr thinks it was as a result of the mugging, and I have been expecting months of pain, however…. I think I’ve beaten it and I’m darn lucky. That’s not to say that I don’t wince if I accidentally rub my hand through my hair or touch my forehead. But the throbbing pain has gone and I’m relieved.
Yesterday I spent the day preparing kits, patterns and making new samples. I took time out to go out to dinner for a steak… the waitress, about 16 had an attitude or maybe a monthly problem, so she’s lucky she got a tip!!! The steak was delicious and made even better by the fact that I now ask for a senior meal without feeling too guilty! I worked late into the evening to the sounds of a documentary on Willie Nelson and fell into bed quite excited that I have had two days pain free after my bout of shingles. Did I tell you I got shingles on my face? The Dr thinks it was as a result of the mugging, and I have been expecting months of pain, however…. I think I’ve beaten it and I’m darn lucky. That’s not to say that I don’t wince if I accidentally rub my hand through my hair or touch my forehead. But the throbbing pain has gone and I’m relieved.
2006/08/09
Work as I travel
Just Like Grandma’s in Osakis is an old 1800’s house converted to a B&B and restaurant.
I could describe it as a place where Mrs. Bucket would feel very much at home.
Decorated in late Victorian style the tall grey building fringed with the traditional white wooden verandah hosts the most wonderful lunches.
But Mrs. Bucket wouldn’t wear her shorts like I did… I ate wild rice salad and a raspberry muffin. Both items made fresh on the property and absolutely delicious. As usual, I only eat half a meal…. The rest of the muffin is in the trunk for tomorrow’s lunch. There is an outdoor eating area set in a lush garden and then two separate houses full of unusual gifts. We didn’t shop, I sure don’t need anymore “stuff” but lunch there every summer is a must have for most ladies in our area.
Alexandria is a large town some 25 miles from Long Prairie. We drive past fields of corn, red barns and crystal blue lakes to get there. This is pure Midwest country, and I feel so at home here.
There are four quilt shops in the city. The first shop “The Stitchin’ post” produced the full range of Hoffman’s “silent graduations” a fabric I have been admiring for ages. At $9 US a yard it’s a must and I bought 2 meters of the entire range. 3 pieces will fit into the quilts I just designed.
I purchased fabric for the border of the Giraffe quilt and cream and blue for the Kuba cloth quilts.
People are surprised when I just pull fabric off the shelves with out matching it… however, the color and texture are imprinted on the brain and I don’t very often make a mistake. I can be in and out of a quilt shop in 10 minutes!!!!!
At another shop I purchased beautiful Moda fabric to make into kits….. $6.00 a yard, the warm and natural batting is $6.50 a yard. Michael Miller fabric for the back of the quilts was also $6.00 a yard.
Fabric for the kits and project purchased I felt it was a good day of work. Next to find needles to go into the kits. You all know I love “sharps” and Jo-Anne fabrics had just the thing. I already have the pens and threads so now I just have to make up the kits for the next few classes.
I purchased a new digital projector as my existing one is giving me grief and will now remain home purely for the TV. The young man in the shop was surprised that I actually knew what I wanted and tried to add more and more things to the list, poor thing he didn’t succeed.!!!
Several hours on the computer talking to students, contracts for prospective classes and my editor and the day was done….work doesn’t end on the road….!!! I just make the most of it.
I could describe it as a place where Mrs. Bucket would feel very much at home.
Decorated in late Victorian style the tall grey building fringed with the traditional white wooden verandah hosts the most wonderful lunches.
But Mrs. Bucket wouldn’t wear her shorts like I did… I ate wild rice salad and a raspberry muffin. Both items made fresh on the property and absolutely delicious. As usual, I only eat half a meal…. The rest of the muffin is in the trunk for tomorrow’s lunch. There is an outdoor eating area set in a lush garden and then two separate houses full of unusual gifts. We didn’t shop, I sure don’t need anymore “stuff” but lunch there every summer is a must have for most ladies in our area.
Alexandria is a large town some 25 miles from Long Prairie. We drive past fields of corn, red barns and crystal blue lakes to get there. This is pure Midwest country, and I feel so at home here.
There are four quilt shops in the city. The first shop “The Stitchin’ post” produced the full range of Hoffman’s “silent graduations” a fabric I have been admiring for ages. At $9 US a yard it’s a must and I bought 2 meters of the entire range. 3 pieces will fit into the quilts I just designed.
I purchased fabric for the border of the Giraffe quilt and cream and blue for the Kuba cloth quilts.
People are surprised when I just pull fabric off the shelves with out matching it… however, the color and texture are imprinted on the brain and I don’t very often make a mistake. I can be in and out of a quilt shop in 10 minutes!!!!!
At another shop I purchased beautiful Moda fabric to make into kits….. $6.00 a yard, the warm and natural batting is $6.50 a yard. Michael Miller fabric for the back of the quilts was also $6.00 a yard.
Fabric for the kits and project purchased I felt it was a good day of work. Next to find needles to go into the kits. You all know I love “sharps” and Jo-Anne fabrics had just the thing. I already have the pens and threads so now I just have to make up the kits for the next few classes.
I purchased a new digital projector as my existing one is giving me grief and will now remain home purely for the TV. The young man in the shop was surprised that I actually knew what I wanted and tried to add more and more things to the list, poor thing he didn’t succeed.!!!
Several hours on the computer talking to students, contracts for prospective classes and my editor and the day was done….work doesn’t end on the road….!!! I just make the most of it.
2006/08/07
Quilts inspired by Africa
The day was crystal clear when we visited Tala Wildlife Park in Durban. I sat transfixed watching the giraffes.The blocks are taken from tiles I photographed, the border reminds me of the wonderful gold grass in the sunset.
This quilt is taken from pictures of tiles and images I saw on beautiful painted pots in Johannesburg. The black and white is similar to some of the patterns on the dress of the Zulu women.
Back in the USA
Here I am back in Minnesota. It's warm and sunny and I admit to doing a little sitting today. This afternoon was by the lake watching the loons swim by. The temperature in in the high 80's and shorts and sandals are the dress atire.
I took the opportunity to put the finishing touches to some of the quilts I have been inspired to design after visiting Africa. The problem is....when do I get to make them!!!!
I took the opportunity to put the finishing touches to some of the quilts I have been inspired to design after visiting Africa. The problem is....when do I get to make them!!!!
2006/08/03
Jamie
Son Jamie, is a cinematographer and has recently been filming in New Zealand, his photos are spectacular. However, this Mum tries not to worry about the dangers. I think one of his comments when I phoned him.... I've just been plane skiing?
I think they get towed behind the plane as they ski, on top of the mountain.!!!!
view his photos on my web page.
www.pamhollanddesigns.com
I think they get towed behind the plane as they ski, on top of the mountain.!!!!
view his photos on my web page.
www.pamhollanddesigns.com
2006/08/02
Balloons in the sky
I arrived home rather pooped, that last hour out of Australia always seems to take a long time.
As I walked out of the airport I was hit by the chill of winter - opposed to the US summer. In the intimacy of the car on the way home, Keith shared with me the sadness of my Dad's Death, I talked with my Brother and Sister as we drove and then my children when I got home. A visit to the Dr to confirm that the trauma of being mugged in South Africa had indeed woken a bout of shingles on my face. The Dr amazed at my recovery and perfect blood pressure. (I for one thought surely he's going to ground me) !!!!!
I managed to stay up till 8.30 and then fell into a dead healing sleep.
Dad's funeral bought his family from interstate and overseas. The church was filled with his friends and those who loved him.... His favorite Hawaiian music played in the background as my brother Robert gave a wonderful eulogy. Mum, bless her got up from the front row and sang with the choir, even at 80 she can hit those alto notes with precision. It was a celebratory day in a way and Dad would have thought we did well.
I laughed as it was recounted to me that Dad's brothers in Tassy got together at the time of the funeral. They blew up dozens of balloons and played Hawaiian music and old hymns.... They put notes in the balloons to send to Dad.... But they just sat on the floor... Then they remembered they had to have helium to send them up to him... So a quick trip down the hill to the local florist and then back up again with the balloons sticking to the ceiling of the car. They sat in the sun and watched the messages fly into a clear blue Launceston sky. Dad would have loved that too.
Today I enjoyed lunch at the local pub with Daughters Rachael and Callie and the two grandchildren. I'm certainly lucky.
As I walked out of the airport I was hit by the chill of winter - opposed to the US summer. In the intimacy of the car on the way home, Keith shared with me the sadness of my Dad's Death, I talked with my Brother and Sister as we drove and then my children when I got home. A visit to the Dr to confirm that the trauma of being mugged in South Africa had indeed woken a bout of shingles on my face. The Dr amazed at my recovery and perfect blood pressure. (I for one thought surely he's going to ground me) !!!!!
I managed to stay up till 8.30 and then fell into a dead healing sleep.
Dad's funeral bought his family from interstate and overseas. The church was filled with his friends and those who loved him.... His favorite Hawaiian music played in the background as my brother Robert gave a wonderful eulogy. Mum, bless her got up from the front row and sang with the choir, even at 80 she can hit those alto notes with precision. It was a celebratory day in a way and Dad would have thought we did well.
I laughed as it was recounted to me that Dad's brothers in Tassy got together at the time of the funeral. They blew up dozens of balloons and played Hawaiian music and old hymns.... They put notes in the balloons to send to Dad.... But they just sat on the floor... Then they remembered they had to have helium to send them up to him... So a quick trip down the hill to the local florist and then back up again with the balloons sticking to the ceiling of the car. They sat in the sun and watched the messages fly into a clear blue Launceston sky. Dad would have loved that too.
Today I enjoyed lunch at the local pub with Daughters Rachael and Callie and the two grandchildren. I'm certainly lucky.
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