Diary of a traveling Quilter

New Blog.

2007-01-18T20:33:00.000+10:30

http://pamhollanddesigns.typepad.com

This is my new blog site. Simply because I can add more features, like podcasts, videos and patterns.

November 4th

2006-11-15T12:20:00.000+10:30

900 photos, lots of video and a great deal to share. This will be the last of the Houston blogs, now I will go back to the old one.
I interviewed an Australian quilter on camera today. She was just so impressed by the friendliness and kindness of everyone she has met here in the USA. I concur it’s the most wonderful environment to work in. I count myself as very lucky... sometimes I have to pinch myself.
To the girls in Stanley Tasmania... Angela is doing well and going to the basketball tonight!!!!
Barb, I found the book at last. It’s interesting, there are a number of projects to do in the back, quite simple but using her method of no sewing on paper for foundation piecing... an idea I applaud.

I found a great new tool at superior, its called a “Superior Snipper” and I can’t wait to try it out. It’s 3 tools in one, it has a curved blade to use as a seam ripper a harp blade to clip the thread flush with the fabric and can also be used as an awl.
I had an interesting experience last night when I introduced some of my quilting Tutor friends to Keith at dinner. He now knows that there are others out in the world as crazy as I.
We talked about being disoriented at times. You know when you stay in so many hotels... sometimes you wake up and don’t know where you are.
Carol Doak related a fabulous story. She woke one night and getting up couldn't find her way around the dark room. Suddenly she put her hand on a very large foot in the other bed. her heart thumped... who was this person in her room... it was obviously a male foot. she gingerly found her way to the light and then realized it was her husband and she was home, not in a hotel room.... Carol has the most wonderful laugh.... she had us in stitches.
Believe me folk it happens...!!! We all had similar stories and Keith was amazed.
Dianne Gaudinsky wonders how I find myself in funny situations,
She left with Keith and I and I told her I could get the Hilton to drop us off at our hotels just by asking for a car.
Out we go to the lobby. I ask for a car to the Hyatt.... certainly madam.... Dianne was impressed.... in the mean time, the cute porter took a liking to my jacket and asked if he could stroke it!!!! I mean really. Now Dianne believes my stories, even with Keith standing there!!!!

I have made a page of photos of some of the quilts... so if you would like to see it, just email me, it’s not for public viewing, just blog friends....

Illustrated blog on

http://web.mac.com/pamholland3/iWeb/Site%202/Welcome.html

November 3rd

2006-11-15T12:15:00.000+10:30

It’s been a super day. Just before 10-am 1000’s of people lined up to get into the show. The queues were long at every entrance. Ladies in bright colored quilting attire clutching large bags made in the latest workshop waited in utmost anticipation for the doors to be swung open. Security guards held the crowds at bay. I filmed the lines and interviewed some of the patrons.
Keith and I armed with cameras went to the furthest set of booths, figuring that folk might decide to begin closest to the door... to be honest I don’t think it made much difference.
However, I got a super buy. 5 pieces of antique Afghani hand made jewelry for a very low price. I couldn’t believe it. So I figured we made a good choice. These ladies needed to rest their feet early.... As I was taking their photo. They recognized my name plate and they are the co-ordinators of a program I’m doing in Santa Clara California. So we had a chat.
Bumped into John Bunge, Husband of Cathy Miller... so we had another chat
Now there are some wondrous walking masterpieces. I’m impressed.
Really there is just everything you need for quilting on show here in Houston. The Festival caters for your every need. I did a little stop at the bling stall, yes you can even buy gold jewelry, antique jewelry, beaded jewelry, broken china jewelry... you name it. It’s here.
My passion is vintage and there are dozens of booths stocked high with vintage table cloths, fabric, feed sacks and an article I haven't seen before, washed woven grain sacks. They are plain, thick weave with a red stripe up the middle.
Personally I prefer to buy my vintage at antique malls. The prices are much lower.
Rick rack in every color is on display as are bright colored bake-light buttons.
I visited the book stalls, the book you enquired about is not in stock... maybe she is self published....but I’ll look again tomorrow.
Bumped into friends from Australia and interviewed them on `1 and then friends from Michigan....
Now did you know there are now 28 million quilters in the United States. The average age of the dedicated quilter is 59!!!!!
I’ve not had any dramas, muggings or dramatic adventures, (although there was a punch up in Macy’s yesterday) Two men were fighting over a woman and child.... now I watch CI, so I was hiding behind the ladies clothes stand. I wasn’t going to move in case they had a gun. Nothing happened except a few thumps and some words I have never heard before!!

Illustrated blog on
http://web.mac.com/pamholland3/iWeb/Site%202/Welcome.html

31st October

2006-11-15T12:11:00.000+10:30

Early morning and it’s a little darker out this morning. Daylight saving gave me an extra hour yesterday but I’m back to real time this morning.
As a Tutor, my schedule doesn’t allow me to get out to shops to view the latest in notions and fabric.
Quilt market twice a year affords me the best opportunity to see “what’s in and what’s out”
Yesterday I sampled batting, 5 new samples from Hobbs. I’m looking forward to testing when I get home.
I saw a vacuum for your threads, A light for your rotary cutter, The most stunning vintage notions. (Huge chunky bake-light buttons) New books and new fabrics.
Jackie Robinson is following on with her flower series and this time her fabric features “fuchsias”
Sue Nickels and Darlene Christophersen have made a breathtaking raffle quilt, take a look.
Time to go and begin a busy day.
Best wishes..
Pam

Illustrated blog on

http://web.mac.com/pamholland3/iWeb/Site%202/Welcome.html

30th October

2006-11-15T12:07:00.000+10:30

My press release states “ Hundreds of exhibitors offer their latest products to quilt shop retailers from around the world. Experts teach “how to use” classes and new merchandising techniques to make shops more profitable. Also a full slate of classes, lectures, and special events. Finally there are more than 1600 quilts, dolls and garments on display.” I think that just about says it all.
Today we wandered the aisles photographing interesting things.
Clover has a wonderful new tool for making small and large yo’ yo’s.
EQ6 is about to be launched. I’m told it even re-sizes fabric which will be a great help for those who use the program. I’ll be one of their first clients.!!!
Piece Of cake designs have some great new patterns. Becky Goldsmith is coming to Australia soon too.!! The girls have designed some wonderful children's quilts...
http://www.pieceocake.com/

Kaye England has wonderful new fabrics, she will also be in Australia in the next couple of weeks.
http://www.kayeengland.com/

Moda, makes my heart beat faster as well. They have super new ranges. I love the American Jane fabrics.

Breckling Press
will soon have this great book!!!!!
It has caused a lot of interest here at market. So i have a few TV and magazine interviews to follow up. I’m rather chuffed really.

Well its 1.00 am and I have a day of filming tomorrow.... enjoy the show.

Pam

new information, photos and videos

2006-10-31T00:36:00.000+10:30

http://web.mac.com/pamholland3/iWeb/Site%202/Welcome.html

This is the site for the new info folk.

Early morning and it’s a little darker out this morning. Daylight saving gave me an extra hour yesterday but I’m back to real time this morning.
As a Tutor, my schedule doesn’t allow me to get out to shops to view the latest in notions and fabric.
Quilt market twice a year affords me the best opportunity to see “what’s in and what’s out”
Yesterday I sampled batting, 5 new samples from Hobbs. I’m looking forward to testing when I get home.
I saw a vacuum for your threads, A light for your rotary cutter, The most stunning vintage notions. (Huge chunky bake-light buttons) New books and new fabrics.
Jackie Robinson is following on with her flower series and this time her fabric features “fuchsias”
Sue Nickels and Darlene Christophersen have made a breathtaking raffle quilt, take a look.
Time to go and begin a busy day.
Best wishes..
Pam

Houston

2006-10-28T15:25:00.000+09:30

I flew in from Australia yesterday. We hit the hotel, then promptly went shopping at “The Galleria” till late.
However, today began early. 3.am in fact. I looked at the clock by the bed, sighed and decided to have a coffee which promptly sent me back to sleep until 9.00 am.
I’m staying at an Hotel some 10 blocks from the George Brown Convention Centre. I can either walk or catch the shuttle to the centre. I’ve done both today.....
I had to pick up my media badge and was able to walk the floor of the market as they were setting up.
You have to take your hats off to these folk who put on this great event. There is so much work in preparation. There were people up ladders, sounds of boxes being shifted, discussion on the best layout. Artificial flowers are abundant and beautiful quilts and fabrics displayed at every turn.
I think I counted 1150 vendors... now just how can one get around to all those wonderful booths?
First let me go back to the shuttles, they run every 10 minutes or so and are great places for meeting folk. I met a lady from Hawaii, a lady from South Africa, a guy from Canada and then we all sat spell bound as a lady from Intercourse Pennsylvania filled us in on the terrible shooting at the Amish school.
One of the busses has it’s air-conditioning turned up high... “It’s Freezin in here honey” she says “because we have a restroom down the back and even though it’s locked and not used, you can still smell it if the temperature gets too warm”....so, we all sit and shiver.....but there’s no smell!!!
One of the buses has a dickie door and sometimes you have to give it a bit of a kick to open it.... however, it’s a fabulous service and great for all those who use it.
Now you may wonder who the gals are in the top picture... well I don’t really know, but they told me they were standing in that very place at 11.00 am, (I took the photo at 5 to eight, just before sample spree) There were literally 1000’s of people lined up to get in. There is a amazing camaraderie as everyone waits to get in to get a bargain and see the latest on offer from the manufacturers.I filmed the start as they opened the big red doors. It is rather ceremonial, a huge cry goes up and it’s just like the beginning of a race, hopefully I can put up some video tomorrow...
Well it’s late. (early morning)
Time to go to bed...
I hope you like this new format.....maybe I’ll get to write every day to share with you.

Let me know what you think.

Pam

The beauty of the cliffs along the Great Ocean Road.

2006-10-23T05:59:00.000+09:30

The 12 apostles on the Great Ocean Road

2006-10-22T21:48:00.000+09:30

Just my observation

2006-10-22T21:12:00.000+09:30

I’m writing this with my computer propped on my knees as we drive back from Victoria, I don’t really know if that’s legal, but nevertheless it helps to pass the time. It’s 5 pm, the shadows are a little longer and the colour of evening is mellow.
We had an early morning start yesterday. It was really cold and grey when we left, but as the day progressed it warmed and the sun shone.
Unlike the USA where restaurants are just about everywhere, we had great difficulty finding anywhere to get breakfast. Almost famished, and after driving for 3 hours, we finally found a café in Naracoorte called the “Blue Wattle”… well everyone knows that the wattle flower is yellow…however, here in Naracoorte , they decided to make it blue.
OK, so the chef, who looked very young was puzzled by our “eggs over easy” request… darn it they asked how we wanted our eggs!!!
We drove down through the South East of South Australia. We estimated we drove through 150 kilometres of vineyards. Bright green grape vines set in rows, all manicured to show their finest and looking spectacular against the bright blue sky. I ducked my head to view their trunks or undercarriages, all set at different angles. They look quite comical really.
The countryside closer to Adelaide is frightening in a way. We drove through 1000’s of acres of dry devoid paddocks and this isn’t even summer yet. A stark reminder to us all. Tomorrow, October 23rd we begin water restrictions.
The reason the South East is much greener is that it’s limestone country and the water needed for the crops is trapped underground and then tapped for irrigation making a spectacular difference to the landscape. One can’t help but think of the saying “The wrong side of the tracks” it’s blatantly obvious.
Closer to the ocean, the paddocks are lush with green feed, and support large groups of dairy cows and sheep. The black and white cows looked like picture post cards on the green carpet of grass.
Our destination was Port Campbell on the great Ocean road and we arrived there mid afternoon after driving along the coast against a spectacularly blue ocean.
Evening, and 20 people gathered at the furthermost tip of a limestone cliff overlooking the famous 12 apostles.
3 years ago, Matthew and Karen visited there on their way home from Victoria. Just 8 hours later Karen was dead and Matty was terribly injured.
So yesterday we said a farewell to Karen. Matty supported by his best mates bravely said a few words. Friend Sulley sang a song he had written for Karen, the sun filtered through low hanging clouds and the water rippled through gold waves.
Every time we see a report of an accident in the paper, we never imagine it will ever happen to us. It’s someone else’s life….
But sometimes we are destined to be part of statistics. Sorrow comes upon us with stealth and engulfs you in a way that is hard to imagine or even express in words.
So yesterday was tinged with sadness at the accident, anger and sadness for the perpetrator but on the other hand a celebration of Karen’s life as we each in turn scattered her ashes to the sea in a place she loved so much.
Our boy has healed a little and in the company of his best mates will take a short break before returning.
Keith and I in turn drove home through a magic spring day today even though the anticipated traditional pub roast was like re-stewed left overs…!!! And I heard on the news that the USA has banned VEGEMITE. For pete’s sake….!!!!!

Writing, writing.

2006-10-18T16:14:00.000+09:30

One can certainly do a lot in 14 days..!!!!
It's 14 days since I've had time to write to the blog. To be honest, I've have been writing solidly. A 40 page pattern book, magazine articles, a small booklet and my Resume of classes. That darn thing comes in book form which now runs to 80 pages.!!!!
You can see it on the web page....
So there was just no time for the blog and today I got a friendly reminder from one of my blogees.!!!!
Add to that my computer crashed last week and I lost absolutely everything off the hard drive. 2 books in progress and several presentations....Including the pattern book.XXXXXX
I could have wept, (I did swear) but darn it, what's the use.
So I've spent hours re-installing and backing up.
I hope to get some free patterns up on the web page in the next week or two... but with the hard drive crash, I had a little hiccup.
It's been nice to be home spending time with the family and catching up with friends. I'm working on my major project... All I can say is that it excites me more than anything else I have ever done. As I mentioned before, I try to fit in 4 hours work a day on it, however, sometimes it gets left for a day and then I work 20 hours straight.
I had a few days in Queensland, no major adventures, no muggings, no dramas on planes, no cats under the seats or ladies having a panic attack, but I did go to the Dixie Chicks and saw a concert of the Young Divas.... all in the same day. Wow !!!
It wasn't overkill, just thoroughly enjoyable. I didn't think my ears would recover after the Dixie Chicks concert, we sat just 6 rows from the front... it was fantastic and we spent a lot of time on our feet.
Visited with friend Di and Co, and spent an afternoon on the Brisbane River and dinner at a super Moroccan restaurant after a day of hard work (quilting stuff)
Last week, Sunday in fact, Keith and I took Benny (28) to the Dixie Chicks here in Adelaide so I repeated the performance... but I behaved myself in front of family...not too much jiggling.
I would have embarrassed some of my Aussie buddies and made proud my American buddies as I stood for the American National Anthem... I looked around and I was only one of a handful....OK, so I stand for the Australian Anthem and God Save the Queen....the South African and Chilean.... Just think it's good manners really.
For those of you who remember, Karen and Matt's accident 3 years ago. This week is the anniversary, and is always a difficult time. Karen's Parents, Matt and some of his friends and Keith and I are going down to the Great Ocean Road for a remembrance ceremony and to scatter Karen's ashes...
It's a bit soon after Dad's death, bit hard really, but we need to support Matty.
Just a few days after that I fly out again.
I have 10 days at Houston, Keith will join me on the 1st... then we have a week in Orlando Florida and then Hawaii, so keep tuned.

New Era Quilt.

2006-10-02T17:36:00.000+09:30

The quilt is the picture on the bottom.... The fish swimming under the waterlillies. I haven't quilted it yet, but it will be heavily quilted....

The picture in the middle is where the idea came from, if you have been following the blog, these are photos I took in Capistrano California. The carp with their incredible colors...The waterllillies, one of which is some 2 Ft across, the small one is 1 Ft. I used jusdt two colours of Batik for these.
I think I showed the drawings of the waterlilly as I traveled.
The carp are floating in a black background which is the pool.
I have quite a bit of illustration to do on the waterlilly leaves and then thread work.
The carp are going to be trapuntoed... A simple quilt, but been on my mind for a month or so in between the Bayeux.

If you wish to see the method and a clearer picture just visit my website.

www.pamhollanddesigns.com and go to "the quilt I'm working on at the moment."

New Era quilt.

2006-10-02T17:22:00.000+09:30

A new era

2006-10-02T16:04:00.000+09:30

I'm a genuine baby boomer and I admit to a significant birthday yesterday.
I had a lovely time and of course it's been something I've been putting off as long as I could... But it has a way of catching up with you.
No I'll never wear a cardigan, or my slippers to the shops... or even a nylon frock. To be honest, I never wear a frock.
It's was a day of reflection. I had time to write a little, visit with family, design and begin quilt for my new era!!! and think of how I actually got here.

Age 20, Keith and I got married.
By age 30, we had 7 children.... Goodness gracious, how did we do that? Jaime, Rachael and Matthew, (3 in 3 years) and we had adopted Joshua (newborn), Suchada, (aged 11) Darrin aged 8 and Phat from Vietnam aged 15.......What were we thinking of!!!! But it was a wonderful time. I wouldn't swap it for the world. It was a wonderful tine in our lives.
Age 40, we added a few more bedrooms....Callie, Michael and Sam arrived......Lori, Liseby, Benny from Mauritius, Jinda from Thailand. Lean lived with us for a year, Bo for two....The exchange students arrived, 6 in all and they stayed for a year. (not all at once.) but when I think about it, we did have 3 at once.
During that time I met a young man in Thailand who was traveling, I said "if you ever come our way you're welcome to stay"
He did..... for a year. He is now almost 50, lives close by us with his wife and child and is very much part of the extended family.

We had our own bus and a caravan for holidays and life was sure hectic

In my 40's I began my fashion design business with partner Cynthia.... She has a significant birthday next week... just a little younger than I. As two Librans, we are exact opposites but worked well for some 15 years.

50 was a turn around. I was a dedicated quilter. Gee you all know what happens to you then, I don't need to explain.

Friends that's about the end of it.... Now I quilt, write, make documentaries and take photos.... What a way to go....

What will the 60's bring.
I know I can discount at Denny's fast food restaurant. !!!! Seniour discount in the movies in the USA takes the price down to abhout $4.00 - and I feel I can ask the nice young man in the aisle to put my hand luggage up for me....!!! and i have no problem enjoying my classical music along with new country. I play them very loud.

In life we have things that are moments in time and end up being significant to our future. I often think back to when I had 3 littlies under 3 at home. I was incredibly shy and introvert.... Trust me it's true. I had really low self esteem.
Keith, an Accountant was negotiating a business partnership with another accountant and we were invited to dinner to negotiate.
He turned up with his snotty secretary with a plum in her mouth, little back dress, coifed hair and tottering on heels far too high.
Her enjoyment for the evening, was to put me down with comments. "Oh, I couldn't bear to be just a housewife"
How can you let yourself have 3 children so quickly. Etc, etc.
By the end of the evening. I was ready to snot her.
I loved being a mum. My children were gorgeous... I sewed their clothes on my hand cranked machine... Believe me .....!!
I cooked, cleaned and was a happy as a pig in straw.
But this gal really got up my nose. I decided to show her.....

Where are you now honey?

Dinner with the whole family and friends creates an a spectacle even in the friendliest restaurants. People look as one by one a gaggle of good looking young people of all nationalities arrive, kiss each other and are obviously family. We even added a Frenchman last night. However, that's not new... it's been like that for years... it was handy when the kids played up in the shops... "Who does that badly behaved child belong to"? being multi racial has its benefits!!!!

The family added to my bling collection despite their ribbing and I had a wonderful time.

I just missed my Dad.

Thanks for the emails and phone calls. It was sure an international day yesdterday.....!!!

Our famous Bus and caravan.

2006-09-25T19:46:00.000+09:30

It's the end of an era.

2006-09-25T18:55:00.000+09:30

Thirty six years ago we had our first child. Jamie.
Keith's and my time as a 'couple' ended and we became a family. As I was vacuuming today, I realised that for the past 36 years we have had a child or children living with us. 3 weeks ago that all changed and our last 3 children moved out once again.!!!!! They are 30, 29 and 27!!!!!
I've changed the rooms immediately....One apartment will become the summer house, one room has become an office for Keith, the other a spare room and grandchildren retreat - but I must say there are still remnants of their overflow stuff stashed in cellars, caravans and bedrooms.
I can't believe it..... There is just OUR food in the fridge, and when I look in the fridge the next day, it's still there.!
I wouldn't swap the past for a moment. For many years there were up to 18 of us in the house. Washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning were industrial events. People ask me how I manage to do as much as I do these days... For Petes sake, it's nothing to what I did in the past. We even camped with 13 kids and extras.
Now we've swapped the days of 6 loaves a bread a day to a loaf a week. I only buy one container of milk a week instead of 8 litres a day.
Meal times were always fun, noisy, suprising and set with rosters for cooking, cleaning up and dishes.
Now it's a quiet affair with the news or music. One thing hasn't changed though, is that dinner time is the time to talk over the days events.
36 years later, the family has grown and flown.
The grandchildren are our absolute delight and our kids are something special.
Most of them still live within a 5-10 minute radius, two live just 20 minutes away.
halleluja

2006-09-24T00:10:00.000+09:30

I was just woken by my computer talking to me and telling me the time. "It's 12.00 o'clock", I aways answer her and say Thankyou"
Yep, I can sleep sitting up at the computer. I even fell asleep at the beauty parlor the other day. It wasn't even when I was having the eyelashes tinted. I could understand that... because you already have your eyes shut.
But this was when she was doing my nails... I felt such a dill.
The day has been busy. The mighty crows lost, and Keith is in deep sadness as are my boys.
I worked all day and finished the day by creating the new web pages for the classes I'm Teaching at AQC. I hope they make sense. Maybe the morning will be a better time to review them.

Sunday:-

Busy day with family and phone calls. I'm thrilled with my new desk, it makes working on a large project much easier.
The photo of the gentleman above is a pigeon that joined my white doves.... he was rather young when he flew in, now look at him.
I've added 5 more pages to the web site. I hope it helps the ladies that are attending AQC.
I've also added a little about the Bayeux Tapestry. As many of you know I have been enamoured with the Tapestry for many years. I leave you with this thought.

Eventually
All things decline
Everything falters, dies and ends,
Towers cave in, walls collapse
Roses wither, horses stumble
Cloth grows old, men expire
Iron rusts and timber rots away
Nothing made by hand will last
I understand the truth
That all must die, both clerk and lay man
And the fame of men now dead
will quickly be forgotten
Unless the clerk takes up his pen
And brings their deeds to life again

Wace, Roman, de Rue, III,11,131-142 (c1170)

Have you ever had one of those days?

2006-09-21T20:40:00.000+09:30

I hate to begin with a comment, Have you ever had one of those days?…But yes, it’s been a bit like that today.
The day started well at 6.00 am and I knew I had to go the city for an appointment so I wanted to get my obligatory 4 hours of work in partially before I left. So out to the shed at dawn.
The bird song at that time of the morning is absolutely wonderful. 100's of birds are waking and greeting the dawn in song.
I worked for a few hours until grandson woke and then Keith came into the shed, “Got the car Keys?” that always spells alarm if they are not in the right place. Hmm, but I’ve never lost them.
You see I only have one set of car keys to my car that has all that computer stuff to prevent burglars. In fact, I actually hid the other set from the kids on one occasion in preparation for travel and I have never been able to find where I hid them. It’s a bit embarrassing really when you’re supposed to be intelligent. I hunted high and low, the blood pressure rising, the husband trying not to appear annoyed and a daughter with small baby waiting to be picked up from her car repairer.
I stripped the bed, crawled around the floor, checked the shed and every place I could think of. Darn the car company, I chatted to my jovial car representative over a year ago about getting new keys, "sure" he said (THREE separate occasions I asked him)!!!!! Happy chappy.
Now I’m stuck.
Ok, they were not on any surface in the entire house, the shed, the laundry, the new sun room.…On the seats and benches outside, in bags and shoes. Dam!!!!!!
Ok, so we transfer baby seat to the big truck and (4 wheel drive but I call it a truck) and I have to take that to town. While we are out, the car company will come and get my car with a tow truck and “we have to put a new computer in it” I’m told.
So out for the day and I first have to buy my next 100m of vliesofix. I searched for the company I usually purchase it from but they have shifted. A few stops later, a visit to a fabric company friend and I finally have the new address. Up and down Payneham road, I find the closest number and decide to walk to find the company.
After half an hour or so I find them located in the back of a dry cleaners, and the jovial little lady in the front office said “Sorry lady, she’s out today"
I think she saw me grimace, but I tried to smile through my teeth.
Sigh!!!

So I left and continued into town and picked up my new glasses, (I've needed new ones since May 2005, but haven't been around long enough to do all the medical stuff.) They are rather funky, red ones again with black and white zebra stripes on the inside.…I noticed the tint was a different colour to my others. The assistant tried to tell me they were the same. The bubble over my head said “honey don'’t mess with me, I know all about colour” !! checked the order, they had made a mistake. "Just leave it” I said not too graciously!!!! Another grimace.

Down to IKEA to look at a desk I desperately need for my work. I’m juggling 9 ft long patterns on my small light box and it's really difficult. This desk is an artist raised desk, 7 ft long, 2 ft wide and has a light box in it. Just what I need. I went to order it, “sorry we don’t have the white legs to match" so I ordered just plain wood and if I need them white I'll paint the darn things, they cost $40 each anyway, surely I should get discount.!

Rang the car company and I wondered how they could tow my car from our narrow drive and the car was in front ways? do they drag it out backwards? Hope they don't damage the quilting number plates. “No” said the same cheerful car rep, “we had to break into your car" eek I don'’t want to know.

Arrived home mentally exhausted to find that Son Jamie has his French companions in tow and they would like to hear about the Bayeux. But I was out so sadly we missed the opportunity.

Keith and I sat and ate reheated dinner and I came out to the shed to relax and finish my four-hour stint while he went back to the office because the computer at home has a problem.
I put on a little Handel very loudly, began to prepare some applique, walked past the computer desk and jingled the keys.......… Ugg, there they were hanging behind a case that my Grandson Kodi had nicely hung over the keys he had stashed for me.!!!!!

Keith arrived home an hour or so ago wrestling my new standard Ott light into the shed. It arrived today after traveling around Australia because the guy didn't leave it on the front verandah as requested... After 3 phone calls I located it on it's way back to melbourne......!
It's unbelievably heavy, encased in 3 boxes we released it from it's wrapping and assembled it.
I asked Keith to take out the boxes which were taking up all the space in the middle of the room. "Nup, I'll do it in the morning" So, as you do, I began to take them out and then he assisted. Wonderful... whilst I was testing my new light, comparing colours etc. congratulating myslef on my purchase, I hear the boxes being dismantled., with my good scissors girls, yes, with my very best scissors plowing through 3 layers of carboard.
What an interesting day.
Tomorrow I'm going to stay in my payjamas, eat toast and vegemite and watch movies as I work in the shed. So please don 't come visiting.
I've been home 10 days now and I’m working hard on my major project. I discipline myself to at least 4 hours work each day, and an hour each on my writings. However, most days, like yesterday are 16 hour days out here in the shed.
Have you ever become ingrossed in a project that you are powerless to control? Maybe I’m lucky, but I think it'’s a gift. It just takes days like today to make life interesting.l

What can we do with the hair folks?

2006-09-15T17:31:00.000+09:30

This is Matilda Rose aged 4 months.

Any suggestions for hair do's she's already had her first hair cut.

2006-09-14T09:18:00.000+09:30

More African Quilts

2006-09-14T09:15:00.000+09:30

I'm pooped

2006-09-14T08:53:00.000+09:30

I think for the first time in my life I admit to being rather tired. It’s pretty darn frustrating; I have so much I want to achieve in the next 5 weeks at home.
I arrived home late Sunday evening. It was a shock walking into the house. It was just 13 degrees for Pete’s Sake!!!! Keith doesn’t feel the cold and had the fire on downstairs, which did little to warm the upstairs rooms.
After months in summer and then a cold rainy week in Sydney, I was feeling a little indignant at the state of the weather and fell into bed and slept a sleep of sheer exhaustion.
Traversing the continents has some interesting anomalies. For instance, you leave for the USA on a Monday and arrive on a Monday even though you have been travelling for 30 hours; however, the season is the exact opposite. Winter becomes summer or vice versa.
Returning home, I left on a Saturday and got home on Monday. Fall became spring. Then there is the driving, I have to drive on the other side of the road. I constantly turn on the wipers instead of the indicators and I have to concentrate that I’m on the right side of the road. I know it sounds silly, but it’s interesting how quickly the brain becomes programmed.
Others have used my car, so I have to change the reversing mirror, adjust the seat… change the radio station and re set the mirrors! I have a policy of not driving for at least 2 days after I arrive home; jet lag is insidious and can creep on you impairing your judgement.
I sound as if I’m complaining…. No, just stating a fact.
There’s the other side of returning home. The comfortable and familiar.
Our house. I love the colours and ambience of my house. I coset the treasures I have collected over the years, they are small things that remain constant and welcoming when I return home.
Then there are the familiar foods, coffee, making toast and vegemite without thinking, the fresh tomatoes that sit on the bench and ripen in the sun. Avocados and lovely cheeses.
If you stay in someone else’s house you live their life, eat their food and fit in. In a hotel, there is no familiar and friendly food... “Just because I feel like it”
So yesterday I had a trip to the market to buy all the goodies I miss so much.
I generally wash everything in sight…. “Just because I can”. And enjoy the luxury of watching TV laying on the settee,
A comment online recently from a Tutor. “It takes me four days to prepare to go away and teach and two pyjama days to relax when I return….
My family have lived a life separate from me in my absence…. And I from them…
Despite the wonderful communication methods we use now I need to catch up on the physical subtleties that are missed in cyberspace and on the telephone.
My little dog Ralf is in heaven and won’t leave my side for a minute… and one of the cats George makes her presence felt in a very strong way.
I love the smell of pine, gum and wattle as I step out of the car in my drive accompanied by the sound of the birds.
It’s nice to be home.

Quilt Indulgence

2006-09-09T17:06:00.000+09:30

There’s a comfortable noise. More like a hum in fact. Every now and then I hear a portion of a conversation and it inevitably revolves around quilting. A child runs through the crowd and demands his Parents attention. The men attending seem to be in the grey hair group and I note that one of them is fast asleep and about to fall in his dinner. Is Quilting that boring?…. Maybe he has a sleep disorder. The funny thing is that his wife just shifted his orange juice and plate and the conversation with her friends continued without a beat.
No outside windows make the room grey, punctuated by the neon lights of the pokies next door and the colourful message boards describing the food you can purchase. There is a faint smell of cigarette smoke, roast lamb and alcohol.
There are strong Australian accents that are harder on the ear than the accents I’ve been listening to over the past few months. Somehow I never seem to be aware of accents in the USA… maybe it’s the lilt I’m used to. However, as long as 30 years ago I was acutely aware of the change when I arrived home and was greeted at immigration with a friendly “G’day”.

I’m sitting in the restaurant associated with the Mittagong RSL club. My Aussie friends know just what I mean; however for my friends elsewhere, I guess it is like being in a very large VFW. Ladies in winter clothes are lined up for such delicacies as a prawn sandwich or a pie and chips, finished off with a piece of Pavlova and a cappuccino in a mug. It’s the lunchtime and the ladies are taking a well-earned break. Some people are here to visit the vendors upstairs and as they leave they carry plastic bags full of treasured “must have” goodies.
There’s always a show and tell in the coffee shop as they pour over the contents of the bags with their friends. You can hear the exclamations from the other side of the room
I’ve done a little spin round the vendors myself. The booths have an Australian flavour. One is a booth is selling vintage Australian pinnies and patterns. Pretty close to my heart I can tell you.!!!!
There are a couple of booths selling Japanese fabrics, one with Vintage American Quilts and sewing notions and quite a few with the proudly made quilts by innovative designers… the vendors offer them in the hope of hitting a big seller.
Pride publishing has organised the event and folk have come from far and wide to attend even Japan. Classes are held in the conference part of the building. The exhib itions in 10 venues around the district. I’ve not had the time to visit, but I believe they are great especially the Japanese exhibition.
Susan Matthews, Djianne Cevaal, Jane Mc Donald, Linda Akehurst, and I are the Tutors. Nice way to spend a week.

LA traffic

2006-09-08T06:47:00.000+09:30

Driving a car and taking photos at the same time is a health hazard. I would have given anything to share the excitement of driving back into the city of LA on Monday. There were 7 lanes streaming this way and 7 lanes going in the other direction. The access roads and a train down the centre add a little more confusion. You feel as if you are in a track of moving ants. Sometimes we got to speeds of 65 mph, other times down to 5 mph.
But we did it and it’s a bit like climbing Mt Everest to conquer those roads.
Our trip home went without any dramas. However, it was the first time I have had to travel without a moisturiser, toothpaste and lippy. I felt like a dried prune when I got home. However, it seems we can use those products on our planes now….
I was home for less than 24 hours and flew out to NSW for the DUQ Indulgence Festival.
I’ve had a great time so far. My students made wonderful quilts over the past couple of days.
At one stage I heard a burst of laughter. Curious I found the reason for the mirth. One gal needed a certain fabric for her quilt. Her trousers were just the right colour she decided. So she undid the hem and cut a bit out…. Only to find it wasn’t suitable after all. I love the dedication of quilters.!!!!!
I’ve managed to add a few more classes to the web page and also the photos of Capistrano.
I’ve had requests to use my photos off the web page for classes. I’m happy for them to be used. It you contact me I will send a larger file.
I now get to have a break for a little while and I’m working in on two interesting projects during that time. I’ll share them with you in a few weeks.

Designs from the beautiful gardens of Capistrano

2006-09-01T13:48:00.000+09:30

2006-09-01T13:46:00.000+09:30

Will this become a quilt?

The Mission at Capistrano

2006-09-01T13:40:00.000+09:30

The cactus captures my imagination.
The gardens of the mission are just beautiful. The sune was shining, the temperature around 90 and I was in photographic heaven. In a few days I will have the photos on the web page.
The bells toll when the swallows arrive and leave.

2006-09-01T13:24:00.000+09:30

How did she do this?

Swallows of Capistrano

2006-09-01T13:14:00.000+09:30

It’s amazing what small things end up being exciting when you have a child around. A shoebox becomes a garage; conversations are listened to carefully and repeated in two-year-old expression. The bed becomes a mysterious tent for story telling and everything is stashed on top of the fridge. This Grandma lives in hotel rooms a good part of the year, everything is kept in order. Ha, that’s gone out the window on this trip…. I found my undies in the fridge…..!!!!

The Ipod comes in handy when I have to concentrate on work in my temporary office on the kitchen table. And work I late into the night and early mornings when all is dark and quiet.

We’ve had some adventures, some pleasant, others plain heart stopping. Ever tried driving on 16 lane highways with cars whizzing past at alarming speed. The lady in my GPS is really annoying when she tells me turn right, then immediately turn left with cars bearing down behind me at alarming speed. Lucky she lives in the computer… I feel like ringing her neck. She's so smug.

Well the saga of the camera is solved, I pulled it apart and dried it out as best I could, I have residue in the lens, which will need professional assistance… however, I took some super photos yesterday and my heart slowed a little….
Yesterday we took a drive down the coast to Del Ray Beach and Capistrano. But before I tell you about that... when I downloaded my photos last night.... there was a photo of our maid, (upside down to boot.) How the heck she took a photo of herself in that position I will never know. Poor thing, she must have know she took the photo and that I would find it. She went to pains to make our room look extra special !!!!!

I imagine you have heard of the swallows of Capistrano. I spent a wonderful hour yesterday wandering the mission and loosing myself in photographic expression. I have added some 30 photos on the web page, but I will have to wait until I get home to publish it… it doesn’t like this wi fi system at the hotel.

The famous cliff swallows of San Juan Capistrano, that leave town every year in a swirling mass near the Day of San Juan (October 23), are returning from their winter vacation spot 6,000 miles south in Goya, Corrientes, Argentina.
They land at the mission in San Juan, California, on or around St. Joseph's Day, March 19, to the ringing bells of the old church and a crowd of visitors from all over the world who are in town awaiting their arrival and celebrating with a huge fiesta as well as a parade.
Legend has it that the swallows took refuge in the Mission San Juan Capistrano from an irate innkeeper who destroyed their muddy nests. The swallows return to the old ruined church each spring knowing they will be protected within the mission's walls. In fact, the city has taken their safety seriously passing an ordinance against destroying their nests.
So-called "scout swallows" precede the main flock each year by a few days but the majority of the small birds usually arrives on the 19th and begins rebuilding the mud nests that cling to the ruins of the old stone church and throughout the Capistrano Valley.
What a delight.

Glory Glory Hallelujah

2006-08-26T13:54:00.000+09:30

“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!!!!

Kodi's day

2006-08-25T01:38:00.000+09:30

It's hard to take it all in.

The Mickey Mouse Club.

2006-08-25T01:35:00.000+09:30

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.

A little more detailed project

2006-08-24T23:31:00.000+09:30

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

2006-08-24T23:25:00.000+09:30

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.

Some of the things I collect

2006-08-24T23:18:00.000+09:30

An English plate
Vintage French buttons

Vintage pot holder

LA and beyond

2006-08-23T14:30:00.000+09:30

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.

African quilts

2006-08-19T04:48:00.000+09:30

A couple more designs from my experiences in SA
This mask is taken from some of the masks of the Venda people.

The new find !!!

2006-08-19T04:39:00.000+09:30

I love the way the maker
used 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.

Bluegrass and all that

2006-08-17T07:44:00.000+09:30

A Little foot clogging.
Bluegrass fans enjoying the music at the festival at Richmond Minnesota

The Monroe Crossing band.

It's amazing.

2006-08-17T07:41:00.000+09:30

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.

No it's not quilting, but good for the soul

2006-08-14T22:58:00.000+09:30

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.

Scenes from Long Prairie

2006-08-12T03:09:00.000+09:30

This is a giant dandelion, around 6" across.

2006-08-12T03:03:00.000+09:30

Friend Joan at the lake
House.
I'd love fabric like this

Big Birch Lake n a lazy summer evening

A great day

2006-08-12T02:54:00.000+09:30

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.

Ackeley Quilt Show

2006-08-12T02:48:00.000+09:30

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.

Darn it

2006-08-11T13:36:00.000+09:30

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.

Work as I travel

2006-08-09T02:47:00.001+09:30

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.

Quilts inspired by Africa

2006-08-07T13:24:00.000+09:30

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.

2006-08-07T13:17:00.000+09:30

This design is inspired from a piece of Kuba cloth. I love the softness of the coloours.

This is the same block, just a different setting.

Back in the USA

2006-08-07T13:11:00.000+09:30

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!!!!

Jamie

2006-08-03T08:12:00.000+09:30

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

Balloons in the sky

2006-08-02T16:02:00.000+09:30

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.

On the way home in the plane

2006-07-30T08:35:00.000+09:30

Airports and shopping centers are always interesting places to people watch. MSP (Minneapolis Airport) is no exception. It's a huge hub and people are coming and going in great numbers. Do you ever wonder where they are traveling. Why they are traveling and the stories behind the faces. There are TV'’s mounted high on the walls to entertain, educate or just plain give you concern. The stories coming out of Beirut are foremost today and each TV is intent on it's own story. Sometimes people watch transfixed, other times, it'’s just a glance and a comment. Here we are sitting in relative safety whilst those on the screen are sufferinging the most terrifying experiences. I would call it a little voyeuristic.
I wonder at the stories behind the young men and women who are sitting quietly in the characteristic army fatigues of the American Army. The headlines in the paper state that Bush will send troops to Beirut. Will their deployment be extended.? I also feel like telling then how proud I am of them..In in fact people often do and I admire the Americans for their patriotism.
There'’s a story behind every traveler. No one knows that I'’m going home to face the sadness of my Fathers death. I don'’t think my face shows the sadness. It's interesting.
People dress more casually here. Considering that we are in a heat wave most people are wearing shorts, T-shirts and sneakers. No matter what your age. It's refreshing and wearing smart casual clothes is the norm. I'm in my shorts too until I catch the plane home in LA, sure makes sense to me.
The Somali'’s who have come to the USA as refugees are a high percentage of the workers at the airport. I wondered at "“Odette" the cleaner today, her head enclosed in the traditional scarf and dressed in an airport uniform, things must be so different for her since the upheaval from her home land in Africa. She had her cell phone to the ready and her ipod in her pocket. which no doubt helps the time go faster as she swept up the minutest piece of rubbish on the floor.
It'’s summer holidays. University students and youngsters are traveling from place to place. The Mall of America was a hub yesterday and the noise of families enjoying themselves was deafening.. I think I've just flown over Denver. I see the road winding up into the mountains that took me on my first driving experience in the USA. Unbelievably there is snow still on the mountains despited the record heat-wave.
I have a few hours in an hotel in LA and then catch the plane home at midnight.
It will be a sad return. I don't hink Dad would have really put the family through this upheaval if he had a choice. However, I make the choice to spend time overseas and that's part of the job.

Back in my home town.

2006-07-28T08:01:00.000+09:30

It's 95 deg here in Minneapolis, and for those of you in Australia that's 35 degrees. Sorry to rub it in!!!! There's a tornado warning on the TV for areas up North, but as I look outside the hotel window the sun is shining brightly. It's predicted to hit 105 tomorrow
I arrived in Minneapolis yesterday. It was an early start and rain held up the plane traffic in Chicago for several hours. Chicago O'Hare is renown for being one of the busiest airports. We sat on the tarmac in line... As one after another the planes waited their turn for takeoff. It's rather an amazing sight to see these giant planes lumber along.
I have a few days here and then home for my Dads funeral.

2006-07-26T10:57:00.000+09:30

My Dad with his younger brother

My Dad.

2006-07-26T10:30:00.000+09:30

My Dad was almost 87
He died on Monday.
I cried on Monday.
I try to ease his pain by imagining how he felt when he died.
I was asleep in my chair. I woke to my name being called over my right shoulder. To the left I saw a brief bright light. I thought I was imagining things. 30 minutes later my husband related the breathless news that Dad had died.
My Dad wasn't demonstrative when I was young, but as we both got older his hugs got stronger and lingered just a little longer.
As his child, I believe him to be the most talented man I know. The beauty of the things he created is testament to his continued memory.
So I make the long sad trip home on Saturday and return again the following week. I'd give anything to forget it all.
But this is life. ... joy and sorrow are inseparable. . . together they come and when one sits alone with you . . . remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

2006-07-23T13:30:00.000+09:30

Some of the quilts made in two hours at our Scrap Happy event.
204 blocks constructed and sewn into quilt tops in two hours. The machines ran hot.

2006-07-23T13:28:00.000+09:30

This is the way some of my students come to class
Walking Taco dinner
Judy sewing up a storm

Classes in Grayling Michigan

2006-07-23T12:58:00.000+09:30

Four days of classes, a reception presentation and an evening spectacular are over and once again I've had a wonderful time with my students. I am always in awe at the results of these classes. This is my 7th year here in grayling. Its an annual event. Great friendships have been made and I get to share the growth of the students every year. Ali from Ice House Quilts is the most sharing and innovative Quilt Shop owner, the shop is a hub for quilters for hundreds of miles around. Most of my students traveled 3 to 4 hours to get here... Some even more. And I get to do it all again tomorrow.
I will put up the photos of the work achieved on the web page.
Thursday evening we began with a walking taco dinner. This is an interesting gastronomic event. Take one small bag of tacos, crush the tacos in the bag, then add hot chili meat sauce, lettuce, cheese, onion, sour cream and salsa, mix it up in the bag and eat as nicely as you can with a plastic fork. It should be accompanied by a little alcoholic delight and friends dressed as bag ladies.... What more can you ask?
Twent six ladies, in teams of three began with two bags of scraps, one light and one dark.
In a two hour frenzy, punctuated by the whistles of the designated Quilt Police, and a lot of cheating. 204 eight inch blocks were completed and will go to make quits for others. It is exhausting, but lots of fun. 10 pm, we all piled I into cars and went to Dairy Queen for an elicit delight. The laughter continued in the carpark as we recounted the funny events of the past few hours.
This is a priviledged way to make a living.

An entire week.

2006-07-23T12:44:00.000+09:30

I'm finally catching up on the blog. It's a week since the last post and I've traveled half way around the world and been teaching for the past 4 days.
The trip from South Africa was long but not too difficult. I had to wait 4 hours in the hotel from checkout to delivery to the airport. I sat and worked on the computer in the lobby cafe. People came and went and I had a wonderful opportunity to people watch. Another 3 hours in the airport lounge and then a 12 hour plane flight to London. 4 hours in London and 9 hours to Chicago. This flight was the hardest and the most annoying, the young man next to me had a flatulence problem. Everytime he moved I thought "Oh,Oh,not again" In the end I was not too subtle and I demonstrated my feelings by dramatically putting my hand over my face... A few hours in Chicago, and an hours flight to Travis city Michigan. We encountered a huge thunderstorm and our little plane was battered by lightening and a rough ride. I was amused at the check in as the Pilot casually went round talking to passengers. (they needed to download 8) "You don't really want to go across that lake in a thunderstorm do you" !!!! Goodness he managed to put at least 10 people off, but I was going on after traveling so far. 38 hours after I left Johannesburg, I fell into bed in Grayling Michigan. The shower felt good. The bed was soft and I didn't move for 8 hours. I give thanks to everyone who delivered me and my luggage safely. I feel like I'm home again.

Saturday 15th July

2006-07-21T20:23:00.000+09:30

I relaxed this morning and didn’t leave the hotel until 10.00. The quilting groups have been incredibly hospitable and organized adventures for me once again. I was taken to the Kim Sacks Gallery where I found beautiful African Artifacts. It was run by the most interesting woman an artisan herself. Her choices of goods for sale were second to none. Take for instance the piece of appliqué below know as Kuba cloth they are made in very long strips and appliquéd by hand. I won't go into great detail about the cloth because I will put up a page in the web site about the different techniques of making these art pieces.
I was itching to photograph, finally my companion asked for me and I snapped like a woman possessed.
A trip to the Korso Gallery was interesting as well, once again that will be featured on the web page. I have been accompanied constantly on this trip and I really appreciate the friendship offered to me by the quilting group in Johannesburg. Lunch with a friend I met in Pt Elizabeth. In fact we had an Indian adventure together when we visited my students house for an Indian meal....She laughingly re-counted the incident where we got lost on the way home, and found ourselves on the wrong side of the tracks at about10.00 pm at night. We asked directions of a man and his wife at the stop lights.... “Follow me” he said and drove ahead of us for almost 20 minutes until we were on the right track. We thought he was actually coming home with us until we drove up aside him and motioned that we were OK. We were so surprised, but it was a wonderful act of kindness. In the afternoon we visited a share and care program where African women come every second Saturday to learn quilting. Some came from long distances in a “taxi” the mini busses that run between the townships and are crammed to the limit.
The local quilt group sponsors the women and some women have been attending quite a long time.
design some patterns for them and send them as a gift.
The next few hours were very special. We visited the house of Ina Le Roux. Ina has done a Doctorate on the oral traditions of the Venda people. I was entranced as she talked with such passion about her project. The Venda (and other groups I imagine) has always told stories and they have been handed down from one person to another verbally because there is no written word. In the cooking room every evening the women and children gather, The sun is setting, the fire glowing and I can picture that it is a wonderful setting for stories. The story teller calls out "Salungalu" and the gathering replies "Salungalu (We are listening) “are you listening she says” "We are listening” they all say again. She begins to tell the story one line at a time and almost in a “hallelujah” frame of mind the audience sings an acknowledgement. The story is sung monotone from the storyteller but her one tone blends in with the archipela replies of her audience. I would love to be there.... Ina says. "You must visit next time" and yes, I will.
I will put these stories and Ina's web page on my web page in the next few days.

2006-07-21T20:14:00.000+09:30

Kuba cloth

Kente Cloth

Kuba cloth

Friday 14th July

2006-07-21T19:19:00.000+09:30

Time to leave once again and move on to Johannesburg
Odette allowed me to film her collection of embroideries this morning. I first saw one of these pieces of artwork at an exhibition of quilts in New Zealand. Odette has been collecting them for many years now and could launch her own exhibition. There were several groups that made these wonderful pieces. Kaross and Mapula. Both groups were established in the early 90’s to assist women become more self sufficient. From humble beginnings, the work of the women in both groups have become established art pieces and are now sold in exclusive galleries. I also noticed that there had been an exhibition in the Smithsonian. The pieces I was shown by Odette are less polished than the pieces I saw in galleries in Johannesburg but in a way I preferred them because they were true folk art. The stories came from the heart rather than from someone else's pen. Some embroideries depict the horror of the aids epidemic here, some show village life or proclaim loudly the political views of the maker. One fun piece was about the wonderful invention of the vacuum cleaner. No subject is taboo. The thread used is bright acrylic thread about 8 ply I imagine and the background a very heavy black cotton.
I left for the airport mid morning and then enjoyed an hour flight to Johannesburg. This is my first stay in a hotel in South Africa and I am looking forward to being able to use my computer and the internet. It feels as if I have had my arms severed without the internet. It is not just for interest sake, it’s my lifeline to home and family and that has been rather sparse over the past two weeks. The hotel is quite far from the airport and after my unpleasant experience in Durban I was quite nervous when my driver drove through the back streets. I couldn’t see anything that resembled the area the Hyatt should be in. After half an hour or so, it appeared. and I breathed a sigh of relief. My driver, Isaac said “Madam, this is where you belong” I felt like saying “Honey, you better believe it” As I walked in my room, I noticed there was a message waiting. t I was expected at a meeting earlier in the day.... so a quick change and I was off again. However, the evening was spent on the computer and the links with home re-established and I felt more comforted. It was good to catch up with the world again.
I fell asleep watching the news....

Zulu Country

2006-07-19T18:47:00.000+09:30

Zulu Houses

Beautifully woven baskets
Sugar cane fields

2006-07-19T18:41:00.000+09:30

We set out early in the morning for Zulu Country. Quite quickly the scenery began to change from built up suburbs to the lush green of the sugar cane farms. Small round houses with thatched roofs sat amongst the fields. The color of washing on the line added to the overall ambience. Children sang out a welcome as we drove past and ran down to the fence to have their photo taken. We came upon trucks and vans loaded with workers field workers in their blue uniforms. On every corner were women and children selling something. Oranges, bananas, fabric and cheap goods from China. It was like a picture postcard, I just couldn’t photograph them as we went past but the visual memory is very clear. I would love time to take a journalistic tour and just photograph the people. Ladies with babies on their backs, others walking along the road with bright fabric bundles on their heads. How do they balance those heavy loads? we drove for about 100 kms into Zulu country winding through bright green-terraced hills until we came to a museum, renown for its unique African basket museum.
A young Zulu woman took us through the museum explaining the intricate details of the weaving of the baskets and bowls. Surprisingly some are quite waterproof and serve as food storage containers. The air was cool and fresh as we walked around the compound that was once a Lutheran Mission and fort I think.
It was an interesting experience, I don’t pretend to understand just exactly how they made the bowls and baskets but I admire the artistic talent.

Animals in Tala Wildlife Park

2006-07-19T18:31:00.000+09:30

Tala Wild Life Park

2006-07-19T18:25:00.000+09:30

Carol and Jane were taking coffee and waiting for us at a local shopping centre. Jane has a safari four wheel drive called.....Muffin an unusually feminine name for a tough vehicle. We chatted with anticipation as we travelled. The unhappy occasion of yesterday pushed into the background. We were three girls on an adventure and Tali Game park was our designation. It’s just an hour out of Durban. The city and the sea were soon left behind as we climbed through rolling hills. Even this far out of Durban, there were still people walking along the side of the road, bundles wrapped in bright fabric and balancing on their heads. Some people were carrying bags of oranges in red net bags... that just added to the color that surrounded us. The scenery looked like home in summer, dry grass, bright blue sky and even the occasional eucalyptus. the girls explained that winter is the dry season and summer the wet. The temperature was in the mid 20’s and it was a perfect African day for a safari.
The guard at the park had bright red hair. I thought it was for a specific purpose, No it wasn’t a tradition, just the modern age of dyed locks.
We drove up a rough dirt track and there before us was a rhino and cub. We watched in awe as this huge beast munched away on the grass just a few feet from us. We sat at one of the water-holes and watched a family of hippos take their morning bath. They called to each other as they moved across the mud flat and disappeared with a splash into the water leaving a glistening wake behind them. There were Ostrich’s performing a mating ritual, wings outstretched and prancing around each other on strong bare legs. Buffaloes gathered in a group and were joined by a myriad of other birds and animals. A magical experience. The grass is Australian summer gold, but here it is the middle of winter in Durban. There is very little rain during the winter months and I learned that this is the best time to view the animals because they need to go to the water-holes to drink and the grass is lower allowing a good view. I just couldn’t believe that I was here in this magical place. As a child I always wanted to go to Disneyland and to an African game park. Now I’ve done both. There is a serenity here that overcomes you when you are so close to an animal in the wild.
After a difficult morning I began to unwind and when the girls suggest lunch I jumped at the idea. The light was still a little high for good photographs, and considering that this was winter, it would be better even an hour later. There is a wonderful restaurant in the park. It shelters under a thick canopy of thatched roof. The floors are highly polished stone and the decor the earthen colors of the African Bush. Bright colored cushions and rugs blended with the zebra and antelope skins on the floor. Our luck was in because a convention was taking place and even though it was a week day they had prepared one of their famous buffets. Our lunch hour turned into two as we sampled a delicious meal and solved the problems of the world.
We ventured off to view the rest of the park, the sun was a little lower and the temperature in the 30’s. It was a perfect day.
Zebra hid in the tall grass, Giraffes stood at the water-hole nervously watching for danger. Springbuck watched us with interest and stood whilst I took interesting photos. When you are a photographer, you just know when you get the perfect photo, sometimes it happens in an instant, sometimes it is just the environment and at other times it’s a bit of a fluke but I new that I was going to have some exciting images.
We drove around the park, often just watching the animals with interest, at other times watching the light for the best camera angle. Sunset comes quickly and the light fades. I had the girls going from hill to hill for just the perfect sunset setting behind the acacia trees. I think we were the last out of the park. What an experience. I will never forget Tala.

It just happened

2006-07-16T05:05:00.000+09:30

Woke to the echoes of the fog horn across the bay and I realized that my early morning plane was going to be a little delayed. Another surprise came my way, I found part of my ticket was missing and I had to purchase a new one. Oh, well I just need to get on with it. darn it. The plane left almost 2 hours late.
There was a little confusion in the airport. The plane left from gate 5. All the passengers lined up expectantly. No, now you need to go to gate 1. We troop in a line down the corridor. At Gate 1 we wait, No now you need to go back to gate 5. Another procession. No we shifted to gate 2. Drag the hand luggage again. Sorry we will leave from gate 5. Finally we got out of the gate.
My host Odette was in Durban to meet me but she had to make a lot of phone calls to get the final arrival time, still we connected and all was well. Odette, took me to a wonderful gallery insuring that my luggage was safe under the protective eye of paid guard. Every parking area has a guard who looks after your car for a price. (around 70 cents). We ate lunch on the balcony of Odettes house overlooking the valley, the sun warmed my back and I marveled that this was a mid winter day.
We went down into the city to go to another Gallery, the parking guard duly said “look after you car well madam” The area seemed to be a market. There were people everywhere. I took off my bracelets and put them in my bag and commented that I was sad that I didn’t bring my camera. The area was not quite what I was expecting after the last gift shop. However the ambiance was exciting. The gift shop was a feast for the eyes. The most wonderful handicrafts. Patterns and colors to make the heart race. I purchased a few gifts for friends and we went downstairs to meet a man who had rung odette about some antiques. We walked back to the car. Suddenly I was grabbed fiercely by the neck and I realized that my necklace was the prize. I was wrenched around and I put my hand on my hand up and managed to hang on to the necklaces. The man was gone in a second. We were left shaken. One necklace missing, my others in pieces in my hand. It caused a little disturbance but had obviously been planned and the perpetrator had laid in wait.
My neck was bruised and scratched but the skin not broken. The remainder of the necklaces were stretched and broken but still in my hand However, I could have had my throat cut, or been hurt even more seriously. My bag was untouched. I am darn angry, and it doesn’t bare thinking about what could have happened. We went straight to the police station. However, the waiting line was long and we would have to wait for hours. So we visited the local station in Odettes suburb. However, we need to report it tomorrow at a main station for them to make a report. I need that for insurance purposes. But that’s not the end of the day of interesting incidents.
Odette and I were accompanied by 4 other ladies (who happened to be quilters) at a mid size local restaurant. Bill Clinton joined us for dinner. (In fact he and his friends actually sat at the table behind us) Dressed casually the were just like any other table of guests with the exception of the security guards with their earpieces and hidden weapons.
There would be No robbers in this restaurant. I recalled seeing Bill’s photo in the paper yesterday-morning as he celebrated at the soccer with chelsea in Berlin. I’m sure he came down to Durban to give me a little excitement after my drama this afternoon. Those or you who have listened to some of my lectures, I’m sure you think I exaggerate these experiences. Let me tell you friends It’s all real and I just experience them to make good stories for lectures. What will tomorrow bring.?
Sleep was hard to come by, I kept feeling the mans hand on my neck, my back was sore from being twisted and my elbow from being smashed on the wall. I felt violated. How dare he invade my person.!!

A day in a Township

2006-07-16T05:01:00.000+09:30

My new friends
This is not the Township we visited but one of the many that have sprung up on vacant land

2006-07-16T04:55:00.000+09:30

Just visiting

Washing day
Sheeps head stew

2006-07-16T04:48:00.000+09:30

The interesting
hairdressing salon

The chicken seller
The herbalist.

2006-07-16T04:46:00.000+09:30

I walked down a new road today

2006-07-16T04:42:00.000+09:30

I walked down a new road today. The road of the black person in the townships of South Africa.
I met new friends today. 3 young people who have less in life than I but who shared a small part of their community with pride. I was given a wonderful opportunity today. One rarely given to a person such as I. I share my thoughts and images with you today in the event that it creates understanding.

We’ve seen townships portrayed on the news as we sat in our safe houses. I remember the uprising of the students in Soweto. The images of weapons, students bodies and distraught relatives beamed around the world. I’ve seen documentaries on South Africa which made me minimally aware of the aids epidemic. Are these the images that were in my mind when I came to South Africa? I guess they were, however, when invited to teach here last year I made a conscious decision to come with no preconceived ideas, I did no research other than find a map of Port Elizabeth and I knew that I was in for a feast as far as quilting was concerned. I certainly haven’t been disappointed, in fact, I leave this city of Port Elizabeth with a better understanding of this beautiful country. My hosts Dave and Beryl offered to take me to the township to visit their maid, Florence. Retired now for many years there is a continuous close relationship with her and her family. They built her house many years ago, and they will continue to pay her for the rest of her life. Florence is 80 now, her hearing is poor and her body slow, but her mind is sharp and clear. When we arrived she was sitting on a stool outside the front door doing the family washing in a two huge enamel basins. Completed washing hung on the line in the sun. Three young people, her grandchildren looked on shyly as we got out of the car.
Two of the children have lived with her since they were young after her Daughter died of aids. The house is neat and is a little different to her neighbors because she has a garden. Dave explained that I was a visitor from Australia and that I would like to take photos of the township. The young people decided to be our tour guides, they quietly got into the back seat of the car and began to direct us to their school, the local shops and tavern. We drove past small houses, divided by wooden fences. Some were barely shacks, some a little more substantial. This township has been on this site for over 80 years and Florence has lived here since 1955. I was itching to get out the cine camera, it was hidden under the front mat and I had my legs firmly placed over it. But we decided to just use the ordinary camera.
There is an area in the centre of the township where it is reported that you can buy just about everything. So of course that was our destination. The children stated that they would ask permission for me to take photos. Everyone looked at us with interest and we took the precaution of keeping the doors locked. In fact the doors lock automatically in the cars in South Africa. It’s a given. The streets were teaming with people, women with babies on their backs, old women bent double carrying huge bags. Children playing with home made toys made from wire and cans and of course unemployed youth. The unemployment rate is around 80%. ‘Taxis’ known to us as mini busses weave dangerously through the lanes, packed to overflowing. A young man leans out the front window and shouts their destination. We found a parking space and the children got out an and asked permission for me to photograph. “Yes, Yes” came the reply with a wide smile to accompany it. The first shop I encountered was a hairdressing-shop come cell phone repairer, housed in a bright Turquoise shipping container. The proprietor sat outside sporting a large mexican hat. One has to give him 10 points for multi tasking. Next was the chicken seller. She was preparing chickens for sale on a bench set out on the dirt pavement. As I photographed, the pale dead eyes of the chicken heads nestled amongst their severed feet and dared me to take their photo.
We walked on past the fruit vendors and amidst large plastic sheets laid out on the pavement sold for roofing. We came across several elderly women selling potions for well being. White and red ochre is rock and powdered form “for circumcision” she told me.... and you can also use it on your face for beauty. I could tell that she believed in it because she had used it herself that morning. She wore multi layers of skirts, as is the custom. A colorful turban, thick woolen stockings and sheltered under a broken umbrella. Her herbs and bottles of interesting elixir displayed for all to see on the pavement. “This root it for stomach pains” This one will make you feel good. This is to burn in your house to keep bad spirits away and this one for impotence” I didn’t volunteer to try any, but smiled and thanked her and gave her money for the requested coke. The children wanted me to venture further, but Dave was watching the car some 50 meters away. I just had him in sight and I figured that was as far as I could go. We returned to the car and asked directions to the Red Museum, a new building constructed to celebrate the careers and identities of many influential people who originally came from the townships. We were given driving instructions by a passing pedestrian and set off. The youngsters excited. “I love museums” said the 11 year old. We drove for some time, weaving our way past pedestrians and stray dogs, the ever present taxi’s and down narrow streets. I felt as if I was in a documentary. The colorful daily life of the people displayed for all to see. “We must ask the way” our youthful tour guides said. Dave pulled over and asked a group of women coming out of a market for directions... suddenly a man motioned that we open the back door! I will guide you he said. I was a little alarmed I must say after our recent hijacking in Haiti. Never-the less, he guided us skillfully through the back lanes and we came upon a huge impressive building set right amongst the shanties. As we parked I observed a man completing his washing and two ladies sitting in the sun chatting, their washing hanging on the fence behind them. The doors of the museum were open, the receptionist was behind her desk, the guard leaning on the desk. “I’m glad you’re open I said”... “Oh no Mam we’re not open until September.” There had been some discussion about the open status of the museum at the quilt show, seems it was supposed to be open in january, they were running a little late but the guard and the receptionist were prepared!!! “Can we take photos?” we asked. No was the reply, not until after the opening. Just then we spied a huge quilt in the wall. “Can we photograph the quilt” “No not until after the opening.” Dave and I tried everything to get a photo. The receptionist told us that the quilt was made by a group of ladies in the township and that two of them had recently been to a big quilt show. “Yes,” said Dave in attempt to influence her, this lady taught there, in fact she even filmed your ladies. I got out the cine camera and showed her the ladies being interviewed and singing in class. But I tactics didn’t work and we left with smiles and thanks but no photo of the quilt. That will have to wait for another occasion. We left, hoping we could find our way back to Florence's house. “This is where the man cooks sheep heads” says the youngest of the 3 children shyly pointing to a lean-to store with an outdoor fire. Dave did a quick U turn and we ran across the road to ask permission to photograph. The owner and his friends seemed amused but smiled and went over to the fire. I looked past the carcasses of the dead animals on the table. There were several goats heads I think. On closer inspection of the fire I noticed 4 big black pots encased in flames. They were boiling over into the fire. The shop owner opened the lid with a long ladlefor us to view the contents, dozens of stewing sheep heads. His assistant came over with a plate but fortunately, it wasn’t completely cooked yet so we escaped an interesting ordeal. Our tour over we returned to visit a little with Florence and then left. I will never forget the experience. We drove through township after township. Shacks painted in every hue standing with dignity within their diminutive confines. The Electricity wires linking then together like a giant spider web. What a privilege.
After a walk on the beach, photographing the final sunset and dinner at a great restaurant I said my final farewell to Beryl and Dave. I had a wonderful time in their home, I felt really sad to leave.

Friday 8th July

2006-07-16T04:25:00.000+09:30

It’s been a week since I arrived here in Port Elizabeth. I’ve learnt and observed so much.
5 days of teaching and lecturing. There has been a whirlwind of events and I am overwhelmed by the friendliness of everyone I have met. I’ve had no time to write my journal let alone take photographs. However, I only have a lecture to deliver today and I will arm myself with my cameras and computer and try to do justice to the quilts on display. Class has been rewarding as usual. 21 ladies attended class over the past 3 days. With a class that size it is exhausting, both mentally and physically However it’s a wonderful challenge and I relish the opportunity. I find this class to be emotionally challenging as students bring photos to re-create for various reasons.
My class room was quite small for the number of people attending. The room filled well before class began and everyone set out their projects and waited anxiously for the class to begin. Introductions aside we walked the floor. Each person in turn produced their photo for their intended project. As usually happens, some were going to be easier than others.
We spent 3 days together. A group of women on an adventure of creativity, and that includes me. I often need to re invent the wheel for difficult projects presented in class. For some it was frustrating in the beginning, and some it was easier. They pushed themselves to the limit. This is a class like no other. I’m excited to say that everyone achieved and I was really pleased at the results. I have never met a class so focused and eager to learn. Just a week of observation indicates that it is the nature of the people of South Africa. It was a busy day and I also gave a lecture at lunch time, but I took 10 minutes for lunch and a little breather.
At the end of class I spent time with a student who initially was on the waiting list. She really wanted to be included and spoke to me a number of times about attending. I negotiated with the organizers for her to attend. I’m so pleased I did, her reason for wanting to make a portrait of her Mother will remain in my heart forever.
The students produced stunning quilts. Although not finished they have learned a great deal over the past 3 days.
My first class, wool applique was very small. The fact is, wool is difficult to purchase here in South Africa. The organizers wanted something a little different, but it didn’t work. Nevertheless I had a great time with my students, we had time to chat, and as a result I have made wonderful friends. Molly, one of my students invited us to dinner on Thursday evening. What a delight. Molly and her Husband “Pops” entertained us in grand style with a wonderful home cooked Indian meal. I listened with great interest as the day to day life here in South Africa was discussed. It seems that in the 12 years since the ANC have taken over the Government life has changed considerably. There are still great distances between the races and it is discussed openly. With an 80% black population the balance of equality has tipped the scales of equality to one side. Life for the poor black community is thought to be a little more difficult than before the ANC Government. However I say that with no authority, just observation.

Saturday 9th July

The lecture room at lunch time was full to overflowing and the mood as usual was jovial. The fact that I couldn't get the digital projector to behave was no deterrent, we just had a green tinge in the photos. !!!! looks like I need to invest in a new projector, this one is unreliable and has given me grief lately, I think it will end up used for movie watching at home rather than my presentations.
I spent the morning photographing the quilts in the exhibition. I’m not certain at the number of quilts hung, but I estimate 200+. The venue was tall and spacious and the quilts were hung extremely well. However, it was difficult to photograph the quilts that were-placed high on the wall. I will do my best to describe the ones I admired.
Innovative creative expression is the most descriptive way I can describe them. I wasn’t surprised. I had a small audition last year in New Zealand and I had been looking forward to this for a long time. I've written an article about the show, you will get to see it in the future.

2006-07-16T04:19:00.000+09:30

Artwork at the market

2006-07-16T04:16:00.000+09:30

The blank stares of the
masks at the market.

Sunday, 2nd July 2006

2006-07-16T03:54:00.000+09:30

Dave and Beryl live in an apartment block overlooking the Bay. Every Sunday morning there is a flea market. As I sipped my coffee, I stood in the sun and watched the vendors set up their portable stores. It was a busy scene, young men loitered. Cars pulled in with small trailers and all manner of objects were extricated from the bowels.
I’m a people watcher and I enjoyed watching the process of preparation of one group. The Husband (or business partner) first pulled a chair from the trailer. His wife duly sat down and had a cigarette. Husband erected the tent and wife observed... The same thing happened when they left, it was interesting.
There were vendors from all over the country selling a wide range of goods. In one section there were African artifacts and the picture above show tall wooden giraffes hiding their keepers. They looked realistic as they reached into the bushes for food.
There were masks, all manner of wooden and carved soapstone animals and even tacky chinese imports. The vendors were polite and quietly spoken. “We can do a special price for you”. I felt guilty I wasn’t buying anything today”
The masks stared out with blank stares, the artwork tantalizingly beautiful. Some, which were painted bright colors came from the Cameroon, some were local.
The elephants displayed on the tar cloth marched to their own beat and we all enjoyed the beautiful weather and the atmosphere.
We walked for some time along the foreshore which reminded me of Glenelg. People enjoying the morning sun, sipping coffee and chatting with friends. What better way to spend a Sunday. We took coffee and a muffin in a cafe on the boardwalk and then viewed some of the “better “ african artifacts for sale. I have to tell you my heart sure beat faster. The proprietor of an interesting african drum shop showed us his display of beautiful textiles and introduced us to a must have book. “African textiles" He spoke in a broad Scottish accent. “Some of the textiles are like tartan” he explained, “each pattern tells a story” and I filed that away for further reference. Afternoon was registration and I visited my class as preparation for tomorrow. The Conference is being held in a turn of the century school.
It was a flurry of excitement as the organizers realized their hard work of the past 6 months was finally being put to the test. Students arrived with their cases and quilting stuff in tow. many are staying in the school boarding facilities which is known here as the hostel. Beryl and I wandered the shops, some 20 I estimate. I took the card of several looking for the right fabrics for my classes and made a mental note to return to several that are selling african fabric.
In the evening there was a meet and greet of the Tutors and we all received a gift of a quilted nameplate for our classes. They are just lovely and so much work has gone into making them. They will sit outside our classrooms for the duration of the Convention.
The evening proceed as any quilting event does, chat good humor and a degree of excitement and anticipation for the week to come. In a few days we will see the mood change to elation and exhaustion. How happy I am. It’s been a lovely day, and I admit to being tired tonight... Class for the next 5 days and then 2 days of lectures so it’s going to be a rather solid week. It’s my career and I love it.

2006-07-16T03:49:00.000+09:30

Elephants at Addo

Warthogs eat on their knees

Sunset at Addo

Aloe plants in flower

2006-07-15T15:37:00.000+09:30

The aloe vera plants were in flower and absolutely spectacular against the blue sky

Addo Elephant National Park

2006-07-15T05:21:00.000+09:30

Saturday 1st July
I had two options when I booked my fare. Arrive the day of the opening of the conference or a day and a half before and get over jet lag. I took the second option and of course as nature would have it… I’ve had no jet-lag to date.!!!! So I had a free day today and hosts Beryl and Dave took me to Addo Elephant National Park. Dave is a volunteer Ranger and had a meeting this afternoon so it was just perfect. How lucky I am.
After waking to a beautiful sunrise over Algoa Bay this morning we took off through the city of Port Elizabeth and out to the park. We drove through the African townships of Motherwell and Addo. There were women with babies on their backs walking on the side of the road their shoes scuffing the dirt. Men in purposeful stride carrying all manner of odd shape parcels. Family groups with numerous children and youths dressed in world fashion. There were also a number of small stalls and a market with wares set out on the bare ground.
It’s amazing, just 24 hours ago I began my journey from a winter in Adelaide, now I was in the heart of Africa.
We arrived at the park an hour or so later, it’s huge approximately 164,000 hectares.
Driving slowly we anxiously looked out for wildlife. Listed are some 21 animals that you regularly see from elephants to lions and zebras. Luck was with us and we viewed dozens of Kudu, a family of Elephants, monkeys and warthogs, I must say I think warthogs are the ugliest of animals and what’s more they eat on their knees!
We didn’t see elephants in the morning but there was plenty of evidence they had been there.
Lunch break was in a large thatched pavilion, the weather was superb, fine and in the mid 20’s I relished wearing short sleeves and enjoyed the sun on my back after the cold weather at home
Lunch break was in a large thatched pavilion, the weather was superb, fine and in the mid 20’s I relished wearing short sleeves and enjoyed the sun on my back after the cold weather at home
Beryl and I did a small echo walk after lunch, The aloe vera was in full bloom, bright red against a blue sky.
Dave attended his meeting and afterwards we met up for a traditional BBQ called a braai. We ate boerewors ( a farm sausage) originally made by the Voortrekkers. It was delicious. And I had to pinch myself that I was really there.
We drove on and found the elephants just as the sun set. Vehicles pulled off the road and we whispered our conversation as we watch a small herd feed. It was a magical moment and I sat entranced cameras rolling and hoping the footage was going to be good.
We also found a herd of wild buffaloes What a thrill, it certainly has been an amazing experience on my first day here in South Africa. No quilting yet, but that’s to come.....

The sun set as we left the park, truly picture perfect. I never imagined that I would be driving around a game park on my very first day in South Africa. The camera was busy and my senses tell me this is a very special place

The best laid plans

2006-07-15T05:17:00.000+09:30

We arrived at the airport the specified 2 hours early.... Keith decided to come in with me rather than drop me off at the door as sometimes happens.
Just inside the door was a barrage of TV cameras.... We knew a number of the cameramen and reporters so Keith stopped to have a chat.
I fronted up to the check in and my boarding passes were duly issued.... The assistant said "Can I have your paper ticket"..."No I only have E Ticket" I said with a degree of alarm "Sorry you must have a paper ticket"
was the reply, I cant’ give your these boarding passes without it.
It's 6.20 am and I'm being told to contact my Travel Agent for my paper ticket... in all the times I have traveled over the past few years I have only used E tickets, so you can imagine my surprise at the situation I found myself in.
Keith rang the Travel Agent, she's a friend of ours.... but unfortunately she has a hearing loss and we knew she wouldn't answer the phone...
There was no other option but for Keith to drive to her home and try to wake her.
I decided to stay with the luggage and go through security thinking I would wait for him in the Qantas Club....
As I went through security, I was overtaken by the subject of the TV reporters.... a man of dubious morals who was on his way to a court appearance. Shoulder to shoulder to him was the barrage of reporters and cameramen... and 5 was stuck in the middle....
I was carried along in the throng and eventually managed to extricate myself from the cameras and reporters. I sighed with relief. Is this an omen for the continuation of the tour? I then realized that I couldn't go into the club without my boarding pass, which was being held pending the arrival of my paper ticket !!!!
So I just waited outside security, and watched the world go by.... I wasn't too fussed.... there was nothing I could do...
Finally Keith arrived with boarding pass and paper tickets. It seems that I make so many bookings that the tickets had just sat in the file unnoticed since March...
So it turned out all right.
I suffer from a hiatus hernia, which often occurs after bending and often picking up my handbag in the confined space with a seat belt on often aggravates it.... and on the recent trip home from Queensland this occurred. I have a method of relieving it and it's a little unconventional. I drink a cup of water and jump off a stool...OK, it sounds strange, but works for me.
Suffering a little this morning I wondered how I could perform the task. I didn't think I could jump off the loo in the plane, so I had to loiter in the ladies loo in the club until it was empty of patrons, drink a glass of water and then jump off the loo. I was a bit worried that the seat would break, but it held up and all is well. Treatment performed... paper ticket in the bag and I'm on my way.

I'm Pooped.

2006-06-27T22:25:00.000+09:30

There is a dramatic event being played out on the TV. I never watch it, it just talks to itself. The heater is on.... The hour is late but I thought I should write the blog.
I arrived home yesterday after 5 days in Brisbane assisting friend Di Mill with her open day.
Di put on a spectacular show for her clients... I think some 80 people in all. Most of whom were shop owners or assistants.
Di and I both attended Quilt Market in Minneapolis and our careers in the Media took a firm step. We did interviews with fabric companies and designers... and then showed it at the Open Day. It was my first attempt at editing and I must say we were quite pleased with the results....Well,the comments were favorable but maybe they were just being polite.
There is a huge amount of work in putting on an event such as this... We haunted furniture shops for just the right table setting and vintage china to set the scene. Next we purchased furniture for the children's corner....Chairs, a table, cot etc.
Di had a huge list to do when I arrived. Make cushions, Quilts, put buttons on dooner covers, make a sample quilt to demo, purchase flowers and drapplique a few quilts....
I don't know how we did it all in the small space of time... I do admit to being rather pooped one evening. But it went off well.
I even had to steal a tassel from her table runner to finish off a vintage cushion....!!! It matched perfectly.
I don't think I can mention that we bejewelled one of the reps red undies.... Well, it wasn't sordid or anything, but we had a makeshift clothesline with vintage hankies hanging on it... when we arrived it seems Tim had hung his red undies up there so serves him right if he ends up with a bejewelled "T" on his derie eire...
I've spent the entire day in the shed... 18 hours exactly, so it's time for bed and a welcome cup of coffee.
I've been working hard on my new web page, I think it will work a lot better than the old one... I have fallen in love with my Mac. (computer that is, not another man)

Thelma and Louise

2006-06-20T15:17:00.000+09:30

My Buddy Lisa sent me the picture and sentiments below.... but her card reminded me of our Thelma and Louise Trip.
We hired silver a Pontiac Transam with wings and double exhaust pipes...
Larry insisted we pack a pistol....so he laid 8 out on the bench and I picked the cutest one. Needless to say it stayed in the glove box the entire time which I never opened.
First part of the trip was to tart ourselves up... so we had our nails done and encrusted with 10 cent diamonds!!!! They were beautifully done by a little Vienamese girl who put her hands on her hip as we walked in the door and said....
"Show me your money Honey"
The car was laden with diet coke and potato chips accompanied by good ole country music on the radio.... "Where were we going".... who knew...we just went.
Down route 66, into Las Vegas, up to the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon in Utah.... down through native American Country. We stopped for quiltshops, Antique shops and Rodeos..... 9 days on the road and we never ran out of things to say....
Time we did it again girl.
Everyone needs a Thelma and Louise Trip sometime in their life.

Friends.

2006-06-20T15:12:00.000+09:30

Sometimes in life you
find a special friend;
Someone who changes your life by just being part of it;
Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop;
Someone who make you believe that there really is good in the world;
Someone who convinces you that there is an unlocked door waiting for you to open it.
This is forever friendship.

2006-06-20T14:55:00.000+09:30

Ralf an Buddy like it too

Shades of how to make and American Quilt

2006-06-20T14:53:00.000+09:30

Help me Bamma

Kodi and his quilt

2006-06-20T14:48:00.000+09:30

No excuses for the
pattern folk that's just where I was at 14 years ago. Kodi Loves it....

The love of our lives Mr Kodi

Special things

2006-06-19T20:50:00.000+09:30

I gave my 2 year old grandson Kodi a quilt recently. It's one from the stash... one that I made many years ago. It's a large quilt... (I was into large in those days.)It is folded and placed over the rocking horse when he goes to bed and then has to come out first thing in the morning...
He was away all day today and the first thing he wanted when he returned was to have his quilt laid out on the floor.
It's a busy quilt... with lots of chickens and cows, houses, blocks and flowers.... yep, you can tell the era.... mid 90's. Debbie Mum stuff with the compulsory sunflower fabric that always accompanied the houses, chickens and cows and country.
The quilt I began making him when he was born is assembled, but not quilted and isn't as interesting to him as this one.!!!
I never imagined when I made this quilt that I would have a grandson who would appreciate it so much...
I couldn't have given him a better gift.
Life's like that though isn't it. We go through life and a series of events is suddenly connected despite the passage of time.

I've been home 7 days and I finally put in a full days work today....I have to multitask to fit everything in.... but I'm getting there.
Family comes first....so a family dinner yesterday with our newest member "Matilda Rose" present was the usual interesting meal at the Hollands. Those who couldn't be there got to talk on the phone....it takes a while when you even the grandchildren have to have their say.
I don't know about you, but I love to get out the good china and the best cutlery... and do it just right. So it ends up being a grand affair.
As I sat there yesterday I realized that I am truly blessed. However, there was a lot of discussion around the table when Kodi's Mum told the story of how she wanted Kodi to come and watch childrens television yesterday. "No, I'm watching Quilting with Bamma" he said and settled down on the settee as the simply quilts music announced the show....his Mum rolled her eyes... A general discussion ensued. The result.... It's time Mother caught the plane again before Kodi is corrupted with quilting.....!!!!!

Home again

2006-06-14T11:12:00.000+09:30

The temperature plummeted to zero over the past few days... after being in temperatures in the 30's for the past 4 weeks it's hard to get come to terms with the cold.
It takes a few days to get the body clock on the local time... somehow it's always harder when I come home.
I've been home 48 hours now and I think I'm getting back to normal. I was up working in the 'shed' at 2.30 this morning.... then crashed just after breakfast... It's 11.11 am here and 8.44 pm Minneapolis time so I should be eating dinner instead of breakfast... I should be going to bed rather than staying awake.
I will gradually work through the projects I need to complete and enjoy the time with the family....before taking off again in just over a week.

2006-06-09T13:29:00.000+09:30

Walla Walla and Pendleton

2006-06-09T13:26:00.000+09:30

Images of the country side from the window of the car... I can see a landscape coming on.

On the plane again.

2006-06-09T00:12:00.000+09:30

No work yesterday, but a great field trip to Walla Walla and Pendleton.
The road wound through lush green rolling hills, and dipped down to a large silver river, I think it was called the Colombia River.
Of course the first stop was a quilt shop…. The Walla Walla Sew & Vac and Spas
I don’t have a web site for them …but I managed to purchase some wonderful Moda fabric that will match the pictures in my kitchen… it’s actually already pieced for me…. I feel a little embarrassed really…but what the heck.
On we went to Pendleton, which is the home of Pendleton Woolen Mills and the wonderful blankets they make… this is cowboy country… I had a laugh as we followed an elderly cowboy in his car… he had huge steer horns on the bonnet and what appeared to be his entire wardrobe hanging very neatly in on a string in the back seat.
Pendelton Quilt Works was our next stop after an Italian lunch Pendleton Quilt works
It’s a delightful shop full of interesting quilts and projects and staff to keep you entertained.. We spent an hour or more there. My companions, Barbara, Karen, and Marilyn did a little damage with their credit card.
I don’t get a day off very often when I’m teaching and the gals decided that I wasn’t going to work in my room, but see the sights of a small part of Washington and Oregon…We talked about the differences in Quilting in the USA compared to Australia… we shared stories of our quilting experiences and became friends through the joy of quilting.
Today was a teaching day… a little rushed, but I think everyone learned the techniques… the girls are talking of getting together to continue their projects.. and I look forward to the results…We held it in yet another shop and I feel really embarrassed I can’t remember the name… however, I will look it up and correct this blog.
To everyone in the Sew Q guild, Kennewick Washington I thank you for your wonderful Hospitality. It was above and beyond.
Travel tomorrow and the next day and the next day and then I’ll be home, tired but excited to meet Miss Matilda Rose South.

2006-06-08T23:55:00.000+09:30

These poppies grow wild along side the road.... the bright orange against the green grass and blue sky is a wonderful sight.

2006-06-08T23:44:00.000+09:30

This wagon in the fields represents the journey taken by the first settlers along the Oregon trail.
A wooden pale fence. I have seen these fences in many states, and I felt this was a really good example.

Lindsay's Quilt

2006-06-08T00:27:00.000+09:30

This is the photo Lindsay sent me this morning....
Lindsay, I'm blown away you've done a wonderful job....

2006-06-08T00:20:00.000+09:30

I woke up this morning thinking about a list I’ve mislaid…. It was a list of students whom I promised to send information to when I was in Coffs Harbor…I guess I have to do some creative investigating….
One of the nicest things about being a Tutor is the interaction with students, and after worrying about my list… I opened the computer…(not under the bed today but sedately in the breakfast room) and there was the most wonderful picture of a quilt made by a student in that class….
It makes it all worth while.

Pasco Washington…. That’s where I’m staying…On October 16th, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped in the Pasco area, at a site now commemorated by Sacagawea State Park. The area was frequented by fur trappers and gold traders. In the 1880s, the Northern Pacific Railway was built near the Columbia River, bringing many settlers to the area. Pasco was officially incorporated on September 3, 1891. It was named by Virgil Bogue, a construction engineer for the Northern Pacific Railway, after Cerro de Pasco, a city in the Peruvian Andes, where he had helped build a railroad. In its early years, it was a small railroad town, but the completion of the Grand Coulee Dam in 1941 brought irrigation and agriculture to the area, as well as determining the site of a nuclear power plant at the nearby Hanford Site.
There are several quilt groups in this area… and I have been lucky to meet and share with a number of the ladies… we had a great class yesterday and a talk with lots of laughing last night…Today is rest day and a number of us are off exploring and I will take the opportunity to film….What more can I ask…?

This one is special

2006-06-07T00:06:00.000+09:30

expect a pattern like this soon folks and it's all mine...!!!

2006-06-07T00:04:00.000+09:30

Wendy bought this one

Quilts and sundries

2006-06-07T00:01:00.000+09:30

This gorgeous quilt is for sale at $150.... !!! I'm temped.... any one else want it...?

2006-06-06T23:58:00.000+09:30

This is what happens
when you go to that great quilt shop in the sky... the kids get rid of your stash.....
Ready to be made up folk...