Droughtbreaker

It seems the creating drought has broken.. all it took was a few days away at my favourite retreat - Stacey's at the Gap. The weather even cooperated by being drizzly and damp, perfect sewing weather!

My main project was a quilt for my son.. the last one I gave him is now thirteen years old. Although, when I told him I was making it he said, "But you already made me one".

I chose most of the fabrics when I visited the Australian Quilt Convention, a year or so ago, and decided simple was best (my son is very down to earth) and went with a disappearing nine patch.
This is the original block..

And here it is, sliced, diced and reassembled..

Borders still to come. I also made a start on a quilt for my son-in-law. Apparently his old one has been almost worn to tatters. This is a scrappy one from Bonnie Hunter - Strip Twist.

On my way back down the range, I stopped to have a closer look at the cairn commemorating the discovery of the Gap by Alan Cunningham in 1827. When you drive towards the range you wonder how on earth he spotted it, let alone found his way to it!

The nicest thing about the retreat (apart from finding my sewjo)... the constant sound of bell-birds, broken occasionally by the crack of whip birds... magic!

A new year

It seems that at the beginning of a new year crafters' thoughts turn to UFOs and sorting. I can't claim to be very enthusiastic in this pursuit, however, during a half-hearted attempt to bring some order into the chaos that is my craft room, and possibly come up with some quick and easy projects to put in the gift shop at Wolston House, I found these unfinished projects which I think date back to the turn of the century.

The cross stitch part was finished quite a while back, they just needed making up. Can't think why I didn't do it at the time, it hardly took any time at all.

The design is a Tudor Rose and I bought the kits on my first trip to the UK. 

This is the back. Needle case and scissor keep...so nice that they are actually finished!

It's Christmas!

Oh dear..

...it can't be December already! Who stole November? I want them to return it as soon as possible because there aren't enough days left before Christmas to do the stuff I planned.

Ok.. I would need more time than November, maybe October too! These are the perils of procrastination, my chief talent these days. I need to take this advice..

One event I do remember from November was the craft fair held at Wolston House, and I'm pleased to say that the quilt featured in my last post was won by our newest (and youngest) volunteer who purchased her ticket before even viewing the quilt. She was very thrilled!

The weather held (it was very overcast on the day) and a lovely time was had by all. I spent some time demonstrating on our treadle sewing machine, but most of the time I swanned around in my 1912 outfit, twirling my parasol to great effect.

Don't you love the 1880s tricycle for two. We were lucky to have a whole lot of bicycles, tricycles and Penny Farthings on display, and their owners love to dress up too!

Here's hoping I manage one or two Christmas projects in the countdown, but let me tell you a little secret... I'm not holding my breath!

Sharing...

...finally! This is the quilt I have been working on to raffle this year for Wolston House.

In actual fact, it would be nowhere near finished if not for my sister, who pushed really hard and worked with me to get it done. It was a fun project because we did it together.

The block we used is a four-patch square in a square, and we sort of made up the rest as we went along! It was made from fabrics we already had, which is always satisfying. Here's hoping it raises a nice sum.

A bit of history and an amazing gift

A few weeks ago I was involved in an event which highlights the heritage of the lovely city I call home. Twice a year three generous owners open their heritage homes to the public. The latest were...

..the Victorian era Rhossili..

Federation period Ballachulish...

...and 1850s Claremont.

The best part of the day however, came later that evening, when  the call came telling me my beautiful daughter was about to receive an amazing gift.. She had been waiting for many months now for a lung transplant and thanks to a wonderful family's generosity, she has a chance for a longer life to enjoy all the things most of us take for granted. She is recovering well and is determined to honour her donor's gift by living well.

I am so very grateful.

Quilts at Rosewood

A little while back I went with my sister to a quilt show at Rosewood, a small town about twenty minutes away from where I live. They hold a quilt and craft show every two years and it is always lovely to visit, the ladies are so friendly and welcoming. While all the work was lovely, one or two quilts appealed more than the others.

I have always liked house quilts, and this one appears to have been made from recycled shirts. This definitely appeals to my thrifty soul!

Photos are not the best I'm afraid, because of difficult lighting and angles.

I love the use of colour in this one, not something I would choose, but very effective.

And who doesn't love chevrons!

There was also some exquisite tatting and crochet, but I somehow neglected to take pictures.

Next post...raffle quilt! I have to report the top is finished and it is now at the quilters.