Vintage housewares in an antique shop in St Cloud
2005/04/12
A day off.
It was so nice today to relax and anticipate the day without time schedules.... Joan and I visited the Mall of America once again. Joan,loves Kimonos. There is a shop in the Mall that had antique kimonos out at rather a cheap price... around the $6.00/$10.00 mark. I think 4 big bags of old Kimonos might number about 24...!!!! or something like that. Then she spent every spare minute designing in her mind.
The sales here are unbelievable... most of the new summer garments are already out for 30 to 50% off. Colors are gelati, and a little brighter than they are at home I think.
One of my favorite stores is Chico's
I love the colors and designs....
The Mall is the largest in the USA... Stores are sectioned as North, South, East and West. Believe me you could spend days there. It's so large that many folk go there in the early morning to walk and exercise...What a great idea, specially in the heat of summer or when it's snowing outside... It has carpet to cushion the feet and it's aircondidioned... besides the shop windows are a feast for the eyes.
Next was a visit to Grubers Quilt Shop
Visit the site folks it will blow your mind. This store began in a smallgoods store. When you purchased the fabric and took it home it often smelt of metwurst when you opened the package. Not so now. I can barely describe it... so make a cuppa and drool as you visit the site. I'll be here for some time so I didn't make a purchase. I now only purchase for projects and to be quite honest, I can't fit any more projects in.
In the same complex is the most wonderful antique mall. 24 little shops crammed full of vintage goodies. I purchased vintage patchwork quilt potholders... all manner of old sewing paraphenalia, embroidered doilies, handtowels and a new pinny.... I love old pinnies and have a wonderful collection hanging in my laundry. This one is going into a quilt...!!!
I will put up photos on webshots
Hancocks is over the road and we visited to purchase "Weavers Cloth" for a new idea.
With my new phone functioning I was able to receive calls from home last night.
A quilters day fulfilled I can now get back to the business of designing projects.
An Inspirational day... now back to work.
The sales here are unbelievable... most of the new summer garments are already out for 30 to 50% off. Colors are gelati, and a little brighter than they are at home I think.
One of my favorite stores is Chico's
I love the colors and designs....
The Mall is the largest in the USA... Stores are sectioned as North, South, East and West. Believe me you could spend days there. It's so large that many folk go there in the early morning to walk and exercise...What a great idea, specially in the heat of summer or when it's snowing outside... It has carpet to cushion the feet and it's aircondidioned... besides the shop windows are a feast for the eyes.
Next was a visit to Grubers Quilt Shop
Visit the site folks it will blow your mind. This store began in a smallgoods store. When you purchased the fabric and took it home it often smelt of metwurst when you opened the package. Not so now. I can barely describe it... so make a cuppa and drool as you visit the site. I'll be here for some time so I didn't make a purchase. I now only purchase for projects and to be quite honest, I can't fit any more projects in.
In the same complex is the most wonderful antique mall. 24 little shops crammed full of vintage goodies. I purchased vintage patchwork quilt potholders... all manner of old sewing paraphenalia, embroidered doilies, handtowels and a new pinny.... I love old pinnies and have a wonderful collection hanging in my laundry. This one is going into a quilt...!!!
I will put up photos on webshots
Hancocks is over the road and we visited to purchase "Weavers Cloth" for a new idea.
With my new phone functioning I was able to receive calls from home last night.
A quilters day fulfilled I can now get back to the business of designing projects.
An Inspirational day... now back to work.
2005/04/09
Another Day in Chicago.
The day was full yesterday. I made a quick trip to the nearby airport to change a ticket.... and I had a near miss on the walkway with an careless driver... I think he missed me by a few inches...
I gave a lecture on "The adventures of a traveling Quilt Teacher" I forgot to mention that I nearly met my demise.
I rushed to an official lunch and about 1000 gals viewed the most spectacular garments in the Bernina fashion show...Then a quick trip to the vendors, but it was too busy. The aisles were packed so I made a mental note of the booths I need to investigate further and that will be my lunch special today.
Now.... off to class. I have to finish blowing up Regie the Rubber roo, my assistant for this class.... I'm also going to teach the gals 'Give me a home among the Gum trees" so that should be interesting...
I gave a lecture on "The adventures of a traveling Quilt Teacher" I forgot to mention that I nearly met my demise.
I rushed to an official lunch and about 1000 gals viewed the most spectacular garments in the Bernina fashion show...Then a quick trip to the vendors, but it was too busy. The aisles were packed so I made a mental note of the booths I need to investigate further and that will be my lunch special today.
Now.... off to class. I have to finish blowing up Regie the Rubber roo, my assistant for this class.... I'm also going to teach the gals 'Give me a home among the Gum trees" so that should be interesting...
Chicago
I waited for the 4.00 am call, the eyes sprang open, the heart started to thump and I shot out of bed. Then the phone rang.
I don't think I will ever learn to lay there and wait for the call. I feel the need to be standing over the phone when they ring!!!.... I packed the night before, and checked where to get the trolley for the morning departure. I'm a dab hand at packing, but the novelty wears off sometimes I can assure you.
The morning was dark and freezing cold, and I walked across the road to the Winnipeg airport luggage in tow. A flight to Minneapolis and then on to Chicago saw me arrive at the Hyatt O'Hare mid morning...
The head felt like cotton wool and I just wanted to sleep. However, I needed to do my ironing and prepare lessons for the next day and I finally succumbed to the feather pillow and bed.
Friend Joan arrived in the late afternoon and we talked the talk of friends of the heart as we caught up on the news of the past few months.
Today was the first of my classes... "Please help me with Portraits." 20 gals and so little time.... I ran all day, and shared the details I wanted them to remember. Each person working on a different project... It was a positive and re-active class... we all had a great time. I never cease to be amazed at the wonderful results achieved.
After class, Joan and I relaxed for a short time and then went to the opening of the Quilt show and Festival.
Some 400 vendors and it seems the same amount of quilts. As I walk the aisles, I meet students and friends alike... sometimes I just can't remember who's giving me a hug... but it soon comes back. Friends from Michigan, Students from Houston, and students from previous classes...people who had a friend in my class! I love it...
Finally we got to eat dinner at 9.30 and now with news from home via the Internet it's time to retire.
I don't think I will ever learn to lay there and wait for the call. I feel the need to be standing over the phone when they ring!!!.... I packed the night before, and checked where to get the trolley for the morning departure. I'm a dab hand at packing, but the novelty wears off sometimes I can assure you.
The morning was dark and freezing cold, and I walked across the road to the Winnipeg airport luggage in tow. A flight to Minneapolis and then on to Chicago saw me arrive at the Hyatt O'Hare mid morning...
The head felt like cotton wool and I just wanted to sleep. However, I needed to do my ironing and prepare lessons for the next day and I finally succumbed to the feather pillow and bed.
Friend Joan arrived in the late afternoon and we talked the talk of friends of the heart as we caught up on the news of the past few months.
Today was the first of my classes... "Please help me with Portraits." 20 gals and so little time.... I ran all day, and shared the details I wanted them to remember. Each person working on a different project... It was a positive and re-active class... we all had a great time. I never cease to be amazed at the wonderful results achieved.
After class, Joan and I relaxed for a short time and then went to the opening of the Quilt show and Festival.
Some 400 vendors and it seems the same amount of quilts. As I walk the aisles, I meet students and friends alike... sometimes I just can't remember who's giving me a hug... but it soon comes back. Friends from Michigan, Students from Houston, and students from previous classes...people who had a friend in my class! I love it...
Finally we got to eat dinner at 9.30 and now with news from home via the Internet it's time to retire.
2005/04/06
Trip completed
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
To be honest it is really only Tuesday, but my computer is on Aussie time.
I’m staying in the Sheraton Hotel just a hop step and jump from the Winnipeg airport.
Well the past few days have been just super. Full of fun, learning and sharing.
Once again I was hosted by Linda and Husband Bob. I arrived a day early and had a free day on Friday before class so Linda and I took the opportunity to take a walk around Kenora, finishing the afternoon at the local quilt shop.
I was fascinated by the “chip truck” serving piping hot chips sprinkled with vinegar in small bowls. In fact I was able to sample them after a student purchased some for me during class on Sunday…. Delicious indeed.
Then there is the dock where you can 'boat' in to the grocery store to pick up your groceries. Of course it is frozen over at the moment, so you can walk on water....
Kenora is a two-hour drive east of Winnipeg on the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy 17), or three hours north of the Canada-USA border (crossing at International Falls, Minnesota) via Hwy 71.
The temperature was around 10 deg so I made an interesting adjustment going from shorts to snow….a bit hard on the body and mind but I managed…..
The lake is frozen solid and the snow is beginning to melt. It glints in the sun like millions of small diamonds… but Linda stated that this was the most unattractive time of the year because the snow was mixed with the sand that they put on the roads to prevent slipping… just in the 4 days I was there I noticed a huge difference in the level of the snow and water.
Saturday and Sunday classes saw 33 gals learn Drapplique and machine appliqué….
A meal with the gals before the lecture was full of laughter and conversation. I’ve enjoyed my time in Kenora… had a lot of fun with the gals and learnt a lot about Canada…
Thank you for inviting me folks and I look forward to returning.
Continuation - yesterday was a lay day because I don’t have to be in Chicago until tomorrow. So we took a road trip. To the USA no less. !!
400 km round trip to visit quilt shops and post a parcel…..
Friends Pat and Linda were the hosts and we set out about 9.30 am. The 10 deg day was a little grey but conversation in the car kept us on our toes.
First stop was the border and we showed our passports… The guy looked at mine, took it to his buddy and decided I needed to update the visa… silly sausage, he thought it was expired, hello honey… it says arrived in the USA on the 30th March….
We were admitted to International Falls.
Without a problem and the first stop was the UPS store… with great trepidation the 1776 quilt was packed off to Paducah. OK, I can’t think about it. It’s the only way for it to get there….
Next stop. Lunch. Very important on the schedule. We looked for a diner and found a small one with lots of cars in the parking lot. Voila. We hit the right one. Although Linda’s face on our entrance wasn’t too encouraging due to her first impression of some of the patrons. But it was warm and friendly inside… and the locals were sitting in their booths chattering and attacking their plates with enthusiasm. As usual I checked out what everyone was eating and a guy nearby had eggs and American potatoes that looked wonderful so that was my choice. Omelets for the other gals. For $5.00 our plates were overflowing and the coffee was hot and plentiful…. I love these places… so full of character. The folk next to us attacked big pieces of home made rhubarb pie smothered in cream and ice-cream… but graciously we declined the offer from the waitress to partake. I would have photographed the experience, but left the camera in the car.
We traveled up the road for about 10 miles to a quilt shop, Quilters Corner, located in a big log cabin. (I can’t find a web page) We chatted with the gals, purchased fabric and Linda and Pat signed up for a local retreat where they were informed that they could actually use the water slide at two in the morning if they felt the need… or even the spa…have a manicure or massage as well as quilt…. How could they refuse.?
Back to Canada and another quilt shop over the border… The Crazy Ladies Quilt Shop The gals attended my class so we felt the need to visit them.
Fabric in the US, just 10 miles away is $8 yard. In Canada $18 metre.
We traveled back to Kenora but first had a short stop at Andy Lake to visit a lodge where the gals are considering a retreat… it was just beautiful… it makes your mouth water… The lake surrounds the lodge and you could quilt right on the deck after using the hot tub. Judy (the owner) says they have a resident pack of wolves and bears….
We arrived home after 8.00 and ate left over lasagna and chatted until late…. What a great experience… thanks so much gals.
To be honest it is really only Tuesday, but my computer is on Aussie time.
I’m staying in the Sheraton Hotel just a hop step and jump from the Winnipeg airport.
Well the past few days have been just super. Full of fun, learning and sharing.
Once again I was hosted by Linda and Husband Bob. I arrived a day early and had a free day on Friday before class so Linda and I took the opportunity to take a walk around Kenora, finishing the afternoon at the local quilt shop.
I was fascinated by the “chip truck” serving piping hot chips sprinkled with vinegar in small bowls. In fact I was able to sample them after a student purchased some for me during class on Sunday…. Delicious indeed.
Then there is the dock where you can 'boat' in to the grocery store to pick up your groceries. Of course it is frozen over at the moment, so you can walk on water....
Kenora is a two-hour drive east of Winnipeg on the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy 17), or three hours north of the Canada-USA border (crossing at International Falls, Minnesota) via Hwy 71.
The temperature was around 10 deg so I made an interesting adjustment going from shorts to snow….a bit hard on the body and mind but I managed…..
The lake is frozen solid and the snow is beginning to melt. It glints in the sun like millions of small diamonds… but Linda stated that this was the most unattractive time of the year because the snow was mixed with the sand that they put on the roads to prevent slipping… just in the 4 days I was there I noticed a huge difference in the level of the snow and water.
Saturday and Sunday classes saw 33 gals learn Drapplique and machine appliqué….
A meal with the gals before the lecture was full of laughter and conversation. I’ve enjoyed my time in Kenora… had a lot of fun with the gals and learnt a lot about Canada…
Thank you for inviting me folks and I look forward to returning.
Continuation - yesterday was a lay day because I don’t have to be in Chicago until tomorrow. So we took a road trip. To the USA no less. !!
400 km round trip to visit quilt shops and post a parcel…..
Friends Pat and Linda were the hosts and we set out about 9.30 am. The 10 deg day was a little grey but conversation in the car kept us on our toes.
First stop was the border and we showed our passports… The guy looked at mine, took it to his buddy and decided I needed to update the visa… silly sausage, he thought it was expired, hello honey… it says arrived in the USA on the 30th March….
We were admitted to International Falls.
Without a problem and the first stop was the UPS store… with great trepidation the 1776 quilt was packed off to Paducah. OK, I can’t think about it. It’s the only way for it to get there….
Next stop. Lunch. Very important on the schedule. We looked for a diner and found a small one with lots of cars in the parking lot. Voila. We hit the right one. Although Linda’s face on our entrance wasn’t too encouraging due to her first impression of some of the patrons. But it was warm and friendly inside… and the locals were sitting in their booths chattering and attacking their plates with enthusiasm. As usual I checked out what everyone was eating and a guy nearby had eggs and American potatoes that looked wonderful so that was my choice. Omelets for the other gals. For $5.00 our plates were overflowing and the coffee was hot and plentiful…. I love these places… so full of character. The folk next to us attacked big pieces of home made rhubarb pie smothered in cream and ice-cream… but graciously we declined the offer from the waitress to partake. I would have photographed the experience, but left the camera in the car.
We traveled up the road for about 10 miles to a quilt shop, Quilters Corner, located in a big log cabin. (I can’t find a web page) We chatted with the gals, purchased fabric and Linda and Pat signed up for a local retreat where they were informed that they could actually use the water slide at two in the morning if they felt the need… or even the spa…have a manicure or massage as well as quilt…. How could they refuse.?
Back to Canada and another quilt shop over the border… The Crazy Ladies Quilt Shop The gals attended my class so we felt the need to visit them.
Fabric in the US, just 10 miles away is $8 yard. In Canada $18 metre.
We traveled back to Kenora but first had a short stop at Andy Lake to visit a lodge where the gals are considering a retreat… it was just beautiful… it makes your mouth water… The lake surrounds the lodge and you could quilt right on the deck after using the hot tub. Judy (the owner) says they have a resident pack of wolves and bears….
We arrived home after 8.00 and ate left over lasagna and chatted until late…. What a great experience… thanks so much gals.
Off to Kenora
Friday, April 01, 2005
Friday in Australia, but Thursday morning on the way to Minneapolis…. My goodness I must remember that it takes just ages to get through LA airport. I arrived almost two hours early.. first I had to use the E ticket station for the first time…. OK, it is really just common sense, but the older man next to me was getting his knickers in a twist….which caused a little confusion….
That part completed you have to take your luggage to the security area… I have two 50lb bags, a bag full of computer and camera gear and of course the quilt…. No luggage carts in sight. So I got to do the luggage two step through the airport…. Shift one….stop …shift the next….line up and wait….
Luggage deposited, and excess stuff returned to the bag after it was weighed…… eek, I go to line up again… now this line looks like the lines waiting for rides at Disneyland… row after row of winding people. In the background are the dulcet tones of one of the attendants urging those who were cutting it fine to follow her for express assistance. Now it’s just interesting people watching… There was one gal my age with shorts so short that you could see her bonds bloomers underneath…not a good look folks..
Another gal of middling age in the full bloom of love with her friend… he’s just had a haircut and has a white line encircling his neck… she also had shorts on…. fake tan, newly whitened teeth and of course flicked blonde hair…. Or there is the gal in her full hiking gear. You know she’s off to the wilds of the mountains cos she has a hiking stick stuck in her backpack like a flag and the boots are new as is the designer outdoors clothing… The couple that look alike, maybe they are brother and sister…!!! gee I bet their kids are clones…
Finally I get through security just in time to walk on the plane… OK, I have to wait for seat allocation and finally I get to get on the plane… another line up… 30 minutes to get into my seat…and there is no room for the luggage. So I sit with my computer stuff half way down the plane and my feet resting on the 1776 quilt….
Just behind me is a grand ma with her baby, a little furry dog who sits contentedly on her knee until we are about to take off… poor little thing gets stuffed in a bag… and we take off into the blue with it scratching and crying in its confinement.
I’m in the middle seat for the next 3 hours… I’ve purchased my $3 box of tricks… Oreo cookies, crackers and other surprises… No meals like Qantas…. We’re spoiled folks….I have the ipod in my ears and I can contort my arms enough to type this observation.
Friday in Australia, but Thursday morning on the way to Minneapolis…. My goodness I must remember that it takes just ages to get through LA airport. I arrived almost two hours early.. first I had to use the E ticket station for the first time…. OK, it is really just common sense, but the older man next to me was getting his knickers in a twist….which caused a little confusion….
That part completed you have to take your luggage to the security area… I have two 50lb bags, a bag full of computer and camera gear and of course the quilt…. No luggage carts in sight. So I got to do the luggage two step through the airport…. Shift one….stop …shift the next….line up and wait….
Luggage deposited, and excess stuff returned to the bag after it was weighed…… eek, I go to line up again… now this line looks like the lines waiting for rides at Disneyland… row after row of winding people. In the background are the dulcet tones of one of the attendants urging those who were cutting it fine to follow her for express assistance. Now it’s just interesting people watching… There was one gal my age with shorts so short that you could see her bonds bloomers underneath…not a good look folks..
Another gal of middling age in the full bloom of love with her friend… he’s just had a haircut and has a white line encircling his neck… she also had shorts on…. fake tan, newly whitened teeth and of course flicked blonde hair…. Or there is the gal in her full hiking gear. You know she’s off to the wilds of the mountains cos she has a hiking stick stuck in her backpack like a flag and the boots are new as is the designer outdoors clothing… The couple that look alike, maybe they are brother and sister…!!! gee I bet their kids are clones…
Finally I get through security just in time to walk on the plane… OK, I have to wait for seat allocation and finally I get to get on the plane… another line up… 30 minutes to get into my seat…and there is no room for the luggage. So I sit with my computer stuff half way down the plane and my feet resting on the 1776 quilt….
Just behind me is a grand ma with her baby, a little furry dog who sits contentedly on her knee until we are about to take off… poor little thing gets stuffed in a bag… and we take off into the blue with it scratching and crying in its confinement.
I’m in the middle seat for the next 3 hours… I’ve purchased my $3 box of tricks… Oreo cookies, crackers and other surprises… No meals like Qantas…. We’re spoiled folks….I have the ipod in my ears and I can contort my arms enough to type this observation.
2005/03/31
On the road again
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
I'm writing this as I wend my way to LA. 14 hours encased in the body of a plane is enforced rest compared with the past few weeks. I must admit, I find it a little harder to relax going than coming home.
I spent Easter in the 'shed' doing what I like best. The days were long but the outcome satisfying. I competed the quilt I needed to make for a National Magazine... it was challenging indeed. I received a range of fabric and had to design a quilt around that genre. With just ¾ of a meter of each piece of fabric it was a challenge and stimulating. The result, a romantic Victorian quilt that shows the fabric to the best advantage. The pattern will be published and magazine readers can make the quilt in any form they choose. It's the ultimate pleasure to have someone mention that they made and enjoyed one of my designs.
Not only that I had to design a second quilt with the fabric and following the theme I chose a design I worked on at this time last year. (well a partial design at least) A visit to the art gallery in Edinburgh Scotland fired the creative juices when I was introduced to the work of the Glasgow girls. I purchased a book
The Glasgow Girls
I have poured over the book many times and designed several experimental quilts using the art deco designs that were so popular at that time. So this second quilt is inspired by the Glasgow Girls.. and I think it will feature in a series of projects over the next few months.
It occurred to me as I was looking through the book that one of our most famous card illustrators has taken her ideas from the same genre..!!!
My plane flight was interesting... I had booked an upgrade, however, it seems to have been lost in the system somehow and I found myself sitting next to a rather portly gal. I felt sorry for her, she was sort of poured into the seat... and part of mine. Her friend in the window seat wasn't much better...
I arrived in LA and was almost first off the plane, I whipped through immigration and with priority baggage, I was waiting for my shuttle just half an hour after landing.
I have a full day of traveling tomorrow so I opted to stay over in LA... I'm so pleased I did... after little or no sleep I walked into the room at the Marriott and I collapsed into the big feather bed... I don't think I moved for 5 hours.
I'm writing this as I wend my way to LA. 14 hours encased in the body of a plane is enforced rest compared with the past few weeks. I must admit, I find it a little harder to relax going than coming home.
I spent Easter in the 'shed' doing what I like best. The days were long but the outcome satisfying. I competed the quilt I needed to make for a National Magazine... it was challenging indeed. I received a range of fabric and had to design a quilt around that genre. With just ¾ of a meter of each piece of fabric it was a challenge and stimulating. The result, a romantic Victorian quilt that shows the fabric to the best advantage. The pattern will be published and magazine readers can make the quilt in any form they choose. It's the ultimate pleasure to have someone mention that they made and enjoyed one of my designs.
Not only that I had to design a second quilt with the fabric and following the theme I chose a design I worked on at this time last year. (well a partial design at least) A visit to the art gallery in Edinburgh Scotland fired the creative juices when I was introduced to the work of the Glasgow girls. I purchased a book
The Glasgow Girls
I have poured over the book many times and designed several experimental quilts using the art deco designs that were so popular at that time. So this second quilt is inspired by the Glasgow Girls.. and I think it will feature in a series of projects over the next few months.
It occurred to me as I was looking through the book that one of our most famous card illustrators has taken her ideas from the same genre..!!!
My plane flight was interesting... I had booked an upgrade, however, it seems to have been lost in the system somehow and I found myself sitting next to a rather portly gal. I felt sorry for her, she was sort of poured into the seat... and part of mine. Her friend in the window seat wasn't much better...
I arrived in LA and was almost first off the plane, I whipped through immigration and with priority baggage, I was waiting for my shuttle just half an hour after landing.
I have a full day of traveling tomorrow so I opted to stay over in LA... I'm so pleased I did... after little or no sleep I walked into the room at the Marriott and I collapsed into the big feather bed... I don't think I moved for 5 hours.
2005/03/27
Preparing, Preparing, panic and packing.
Just 3 days till I leave again. It's hard at times...But the rewards are many.
No, the family are not always happy, they would like me to be around more. Still this is my job and it takes me away from home.
Lets take the air travel. This trip will take 5 weeks. Winnipeg and Kenora in Canada, Chicago, Long Prairie MN, Nashville, Paducah Indiana and Kansas city... Then there's the tickets to Melbourne, Perth, Ballarat,Toowoomba and the next trip to the US.....!!!!One visits the travel Agent with computer in hand these days... The tickets go straight into the computer and stay there till I need them....
In the next 3 days I have to finish a lot of work and pack... and double check everything.
Spent the evening babysitting Kodi and writing patterns for a magazine with an urgent deadline...the time ran away from me... the evening flew and before I knew it, it was midnight.
The weather is just super at the moment, cold in the mornings and warm during the days... it seems impossible that I will be in snow next week and the garden will be dressed for winter when I get home...The same thing happened last year and it was quite strange. Leave in green and come back in brown. eek.
I have a quilt to finish today. It's a project for Homespun so you will have to buy the magazine to view it. So it's back to work
No, the family are not always happy, they would like me to be around more. Still this is my job and it takes me away from home.
Lets take the air travel. This trip will take 5 weeks. Winnipeg and Kenora in Canada, Chicago, Long Prairie MN, Nashville, Paducah Indiana and Kansas city... Then there's the tickets to Melbourne, Perth, Ballarat,Toowoomba and the next trip to the US.....!!!!One visits the travel Agent with computer in hand these days... The tickets go straight into the computer and stay there till I need them....
In the next 3 days I have to finish a lot of work and pack... and double check everything.
Spent the evening babysitting Kodi and writing patterns for a magazine with an urgent deadline...the time ran away from me... the evening flew and before I knew it, it was midnight.
The weather is just super at the moment, cold in the mornings and warm during the days... it seems impossible that I will be in snow next week and the garden will be dressed for winter when I get home...The same thing happened last year and it was quite strange. Leave in green and come back in brown. eek.
I have a quilt to finish today. It's a project for Homespun so you will have to buy the magazine to view it. So it's back to work
2005/03/17
Brisbane
Mums Moment a wonderful little quilt store was our destination yesterday... Visits with friends, a little shopping and lunch, what more could I ask. I purchased some wonderful fabric, 8 vintage doilies and a very old applique piece supposedly made in Egypt during the first world war. I love this piece... We believe it was made in the trenches and the Antique dealer calls it a called it a Trench Work. Jenny Bowker thinks it could be a piece made by men to be sold as a tourist item. I guess we will just have to investigate further... Whatever it is I love it... It's very old and applique... That just about does it for me.
I leave Brisbane today with fond memories of a great week.
I leave Brisbane today with fond memories of a great week.
2005/03/14
Memories
You know what I just love....Warm summer days, a cool breeze and sitting on the verandah watching the clouds slip by in a blue sky... For the next 3 days I am relaxing. What luxury.
Di and I visited the Quilters Store at Auchenflower today. It was a feast for the eyes. I almost got in a tizz, I just didn't know where to look first. You gals in Queensland should count yourselves very lucky with the stores you have available.
I love the Queenslander houses, the lattice, the lace and the doors on the verandahs. There are still a few jacarandas in bloom and the bouganvilla is stunning. I think every quilter should have a Queenslander house... It lends itself so much to the genre of quilting. I think I need one in the back yard as a studio....
How many of you have paid a visit to your Art Gallery? I first visited our gallery in Adelaide when I was about 10 years old, on a school trip. I was enthralled. I needed to know more so I found books on art our little local library and spent hours staring at the pages of beautiful prints. In retrospect, it's similar to a quilter admiring fabric really. With the innocence of a child I wrote to the Tate Gallery in London asking for information on artists like Titan and Reuben. Where did that interest come from I wonder... However a visit to the Brisbane Art Gallery today and the quilt shop... Were both the same... and made me aware of the palette I love. The softness and warmth of those 15th century artists and the colours that are now available in the fabrics presented to us. The Tate gallery must have been amused at a 10 year old writing to them... and sent me posters and prints for many years. I had forgotten those memories until today...
Wonderful.
I might add, that I'm a regular visitor to our gallery in Adelaide. It's just wonderful. Look at your Art gallery with the eyes of a quilter.
Di and I visited the Quilters Store at Auchenflower today. It was a feast for the eyes. I almost got in a tizz, I just didn't know where to look first. You gals in Queensland should count yourselves very lucky with the stores you have available.
I love the Queenslander houses, the lattice, the lace and the doors on the verandahs. There are still a few jacarandas in bloom and the bouganvilla is stunning. I think every quilter should have a Queenslander house... It lends itself so much to the genre of quilting. I think I need one in the back yard as a studio....
How many of you have paid a visit to your Art Gallery? I first visited our gallery in Adelaide when I was about 10 years old, on a school trip. I was enthralled. I needed to know more so I found books on art our little local library and spent hours staring at the pages of beautiful prints. In retrospect, it's similar to a quilter admiring fabric really. With the innocence of a child I wrote to the Tate Gallery in London asking for information on artists like Titan and Reuben. Where did that interest come from I wonder... However a visit to the Brisbane Art Gallery today and the quilt shop... Were both the same... and made me aware of the palette I love. The softness and warmth of those 15th century artists and the colours that are now available in the fabrics presented to us. The Tate gallery must have been amused at a 10 year old writing to them... and sent me posters and prints for many years. I had forgotten those memories until today...
Wonderful.
I might add, that I'm a regular visitor to our gallery in Adelaide. It's just wonderful. Look at your Art gallery with the eyes of a quilter.
2005/03/13
Blood, sweat and tears and realistic Applique
4 days of teaching in Toowoomba completed. The gals were outstanding students and the photos below show their talent. I couldn't put up all 36 projects... But we moved mountains in those two classes.
What is realistic Applique...? As you can see it is applique depicting a picture. The students bought a picture to class and reproduced it accurately with Drapplique. The portraits are harder to do... but in 12 hours of class some wonderful results evolved...
I travel with a digital projector, speakers etc... so we had music to work by, the inspiration of beautiful quilts exhibited in Houston beamed on the wall, a lot of laughs...and even some tears.
Often portraits evoke deep emotions... sometimes it is a loved one who has passed away... but almost always there is a story behind the picture bought to class.
Thanks so much to Pauline and her staff at the Country Fabrics and Quilters store.
http://www.cfaq.com.au/
What is realistic Applique...? As you can see it is applique depicting a picture. The students bought a picture to class and reproduced it accurately with Drapplique. The portraits are harder to do... but in 12 hours of class some wonderful results evolved...
I travel with a digital projector, speakers etc... so we had music to work by, the inspiration of beautiful quilts exhibited in Houston beamed on the wall, a lot of laughs...and even some tears.
Often portraits evoke deep emotions... sometimes it is a loved one who has passed away... but almost always there is a story behind the picture bought to class.
Thanks so much to Pauline and her staff at the Country Fabrics and Quilters store.
http://www.cfaq.com.au/
2005/03/11
Tall tales from Toowoomba.
I give up!!!... No more toilet tales on the bus. I got the enviable job of being the entertainment on the bus to Brisbane last night... And I reached into the memory and recounted the toilet tales of a traveling quilter.... OK so then I spent the rest of the night dreaming of being lost at a convention and not finding the rest room.....
As you can see I'm in Toowoomba, four days of classes, a lecture and lots of chats with friends and the adventure begins again.
Last night a bus load of us went down to Brisbane to visit with Robyn Pandolph. It was a super evening... 23 of us wended 0ur way down the hills in the little square bus driven by John the bus driver.... Why do bus drivers wear terylene shorts and long white sox..?... John wasn't going to comment on the stories... but his shoulders were shaking as he slumped over the steering wheel....
We dined on chicken wraps and lemonade with a little sustenance... Host Pauline, gave us a flask to sip on... it wasn't till we arrived home that we were informed that it actually was Brandy ad dry....Maybe it was lucky we thought it was coffee..
Robyn Pandolph was just super, she talked about her life, family and her adventure into quilt and fabric design..... we got to fondle her quilts and take lots of photos. Don't tell anyone but we found Di Mill down behind the plush red seats curled up in one of Robyn's quilts.... some folks really take liberties.... proof is in the photo enclosed...
On the road home... more stories and a stop at Mc Donalds for a latte so to say thanks I bought everyone an icecream....you should have seen the look on the gals face when we ordered 23 ice creams.. at 10.00 at night...
The chatter continued all the way home... John deposited us safe and well and another evening of Quilting related enjoyment completed...
As you can see I'm in Toowoomba, four days of classes, a lecture and lots of chats with friends and the adventure begins again.
Last night a bus load of us went down to Brisbane to visit with Robyn Pandolph. It was a super evening... 23 of us wended 0ur way down the hills in the little square bus driven by John the bus driver.... Why do bus drivers wear terylene shorts and long white sox..?... John wasn't going to comment on the stories... but his shoulders were shaking as he slumped over the steering wheel....
We dined on chicken wraps and lemonade with a little sustenance... Host Pauline, gave us a flask to sip on... it wasn't till we arrived home that we were informed that it actually was Brandy ad dry....Maybe it was lucky we thought it was coffee..
Robyn Pandolph was just super, she talked about her life, family and her adventure into quilt and fabric design..... we got to fondle her quilts and take lots of photos. Don't tell anyone but we found Di Mill down behind the plush red seats curled up in one of Robyn's quilts.... some folks really take liberties.... proof is in the photo enclosed...
On the road home... more stories and a stop at Mc Donalds for a latte so to say thanks I bought everyone an icecream....you should have seen the look on the gals face when we ordered 23 ice creams.. at 10.00 at night...
The chatter continued all the way home... John deposited us safe and well and another evening of Quilting related enjoyment completed...
2005/03/08
I think I broke the record.
Goodness me... It's a long time since I wrote.
The Tasmanian tour was wonderful, I visited with hundreds of gals made even more special by the company of friends. Joan from Minnesota and Pat from Launceston.
Joan and I caught the boat on the 21st of February, and I got her to the plane on time the morning of our arrival in Melbourne. My trusty man with the cultured English voice in the GPS guided me through the Melbourne traffic to the airport and then down to Geelong.
Next was melbourne.
The inaugural Australasian Quilt Convention was a huge success and I was excited to be involved as a Tutor. ( I think my students were handpicked... What a great bunch). I get to visit and compare most of the major conventions around the world and now Australia can be counted.... This event will grow and show.... Thanks a million to Greg and Judy for taking quilting seriously and putting us on the map.
No time to blog....I ran my little feet off... Up early to give a lecture, and 300 gals sharing breakfast with me was a buzz.... Class all day and then the evening functions.... Gals... I didn't have time to breathe. I got to chat with hundreds of folks, so thanks a million for visits and the laughs.
Book in early for next year folks You won't be disappointed. Trust me.
The drive home from Melbourne with my Ipod turned up loud completed an 8 week stint away from home. It was just lovely to put on my jamas and sit by the TV with a coffee... But it doesn't last for long... Preparations for my next trip took precedence.
One of the reasons for not keeping up the blog when I returned home was that I have had a problem with my telephone line.... It appears the line was hit by lightning and pretty much destroyed...This has been going on for over 5 months... Now I have broadband and just a few more glitches to sort out I will be back to normal... Just in time for me to go away again.
OK so how did I break the record. On Saturday I think I taught the largest quilting class in Australia. 185 students at once.
The South Australian Quilt Guild have a yearly Country Forum. This year it was held in the Ballroom at the Burnside Community centre. Excited car and bus loads of gals came from all over the State. The idea is to involve the country folk in the guild functions. Maxine Smith (el Presidente ) held the floor and Sandy Jones and her band of helpers, cooked, prepared goody bags and worked exceedingly hard to make this a day to be remembered.
We had great speakers, Michelle Hill sharing her knowledge about William Morris and a couple of male quilters spoke too... I gave a presentation on "An Australian in Houston"... then a Drapplique class to be remembered. We used Digital Technology to put the project up on screen and then I walked through the process of drapplique step by step. 186 gals completed two small projects. There were tables up stairs and down... and I worked from the stage running from one table to another in between. Manager Jeanette assisted as well and I think we did it gals...!!!!!!
What a buzz.
The weekend finished with a hard working retreat for the Retreating Angels at Aldinga and now I'm preparing for Toowoomba on Wednesday.... not much time to sit in the Jamas folks... but what a way to go.
Happiness is not a goal, - it's a by product. Eleanor Roosevelt
The Tasmanian tour was wonderful, I visited with hundreds of gals made even more special by the company of friends. Joan from Minnesota and Pat from Launceston.
Joan and I caught the boat on the 21st of February, and I got her to the plane on time the morning of our arrival in Melbourne. My trusty man with the cultured English voice in the GPS guided me through the Melbourne traffic to the airport and then down to Geelong.
Next was melbourne.
The inaugural Australasian Quilt Convention was a huge success and I was excited to be involved as a Tutor. ( I think my students were handpicked... What a great bunch). I get to visit and compare most of the major conventions around the world and now Australia can be counted.... This event will grow and show.... Thanks a million to Greg and Judy for taking quilting seriously and putting us on the map.
No time to blog....I ran my little feet off... Up early to give a lecture, and 300 gals sharing breakfast with me was a buzz.... Class all day and then the evening functions.... Gals... I didn't have time to breathe. I got to chat with hundreds of folks, so thanks a million for visits and the laughs.
Book in early for next year folks You won't be disappointed. Trust me.
The drive home from Melbourne with my Ipod turned up loud completed an 8 week stint away from home. It was just lovely to put on my jamas and sit by the TV with a coffee... But it doesn't last for long... Preparations for my next trip took precedence.
One of the reasons for not keeping up the blog when I returned home was that I have had a problem with my telephone line.... It appears the line was hit by lightning and pretty much destroyed...This has been going on for over 5 months... Now I have broadband and just a few more glitches to sort out I will be back to normal... Just in time for me to go away again.
OK so how did I break the record. On Saturday I think I taught the largest quilting class in Australia. 185 students at once.
The South Australian Quilt Guild have a yearly Country Forum. This year it was held in the Ballroom at the Burnside Community centre. Excited car and bus loads of gals came from all over the State. The idea is to involve the country folk in the guild functions. Maxine Smith (el Presidente ) held the floor and Sandy Jones and her band of helpers, cooked, prepared goody bags and worked exceedingly hard to make this a day to be remembered.
We had great speakers, Michelle Hill sharing her knowledge about William Morris and a couple of male quilters spoke too... I gave a presentation on "An Australian in Houston"... then a Drapplique class to be remembered. We used Digital Technology to put the project up on screen and then I walked through the process of drapplique step by step. 186 gals completed two small projects. There were tables up stairs and down... and I worked from the stage running from one table to another in between. Manager Jeanette assisted as well and I think we did it gals...!!!!!!
What a buzz.
The weekend finished with a hard working retreat for the Retreating Angels at Aldinga and now I'm preparing for Toowoomba on Wednesday.... not much time to sit in the Jamas folks... but what a way to go.
Happiness is not a goal, - it's a by product. Eleanor Roosevelt
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