It's been a while

since I posted.. life sure gets away from you at times. I have no actual crafty stuff to share, I have the lazy bug these days.
Back in April, I went to the quilt show held every year in a local church. Through a series of coincidences, I met up for the first time with fellow blogger, Maria, who, I have since found out, is also known by a number of local bloggers I have been following for years. I had morning tea with Maria and her friends and a lovely time was had by all. Maria (through reading my blog) knew of my love for anything with a 'Willow Pattern' and very generously gave me a few embroidered pieces from her collection.

There were lots of lovely quilts on display, unfortunately they don't photograph well inside the church. A couple of favourites.

A close up of the one below.

Love those scrappy ones!

My volunteer work with the National Trust takes up a lot of my time, and as usual, I was involved with 'Great Houses of Ipswich' again in May. I spent the day at 'Notnel', built in the 1860s and very carefully restored and preserved by the family who had owned it for over 25 years.

The house has recently been sold, so it was a great opportunity for locals to see inside.

I am hoping to get back to crafting soon.. I have a project in mind for one of those embroidered pieces,

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. 

Out and about

I have been a bit of a social butterfly lately, so not much crafting (or decorating) has been happening around here. A few weeks ago I went on a day trip to Murwillumbah to visit the Tweed Regional Art Gallery. The main attraction of course was the recreated studio of an amazing artist; Margaret Olley.

These photos are of the yellow room which featured prominently in her work. The painstaking work undertaken to catalogue, clean, pack and restore in the new location is mind boggling. The gallery is located outside the town, with stunning views to Mt Warning and the Border Ranges. Well worth a visit! The gallery cafe does great meals too... sorry... too busy eating to take food pics!

I also recently visited the Quilt & Craft show in Brisbane... looking for inspiration. I love this string pieced beauty. I saw this one in Melbourne, but neglected to take a photo.

And a close-up!

Just lovely... and yes I have been sort of inspired... I'm working to finish my dancing nine patch (started months ago). Progress soon!

Marvellous Melbourne

It has been a while since my last post, but this time I have a very good reason. Just before Easter I spent a week in Victoria, managing to fit in a few days visiting a friend in Kyneton, a couple of days at The Australasian Quilt Convention and another couple of days playing tourist in Melbourne with my sister and brother-in-law (well, sort of being a bit of a tour guide also, since I lived in Melbourne many moons ago).
The quilt show was awesome, particularly because of the amazing building where it is held.

The Royal Exhibition Building is World Heritage listed and has been beautifully restored and maintained. It seemed to add an extra dimension to the show, quite different from the craft shows held at the modern convention centres. The quilts on show were selected from ten years worth of displays, some were familiar and some I hadn't seen before. A favourite is this one, based on an antique quilt the maker found pictured in a book by Annette Gero.

The challenge quilts had to fit the theme of "10" and there were some very clever and interesting interpretations. This one really appealed, although it wasn't a winner.

I didn't buy much, I was keen to experience the event, but of course I succumbed just a little bit. I bought a few Japanese themed fabrics as I have been planning a quilt for my son, and these were just too well priced to pass up. I also picked just a couple of fat quarters in colours I liked and a table stand for minis. I think I need to start making some small things so I don't get overwhelmed.

I had a lovely week, and apart from the first couple of days, the weather was really kind. I do love Melbourne, but I don't miss living there!

A country quilt show

Okay, Rosewood isn't really country, more rural I suppose. After all it's only a twenty minute drive from where I live. However, I really love going to the Rosewood Quilters bi-annual show; the quilts may not be as professional as those in a big city show but in many ways they have lots more to offer. Most are made to use, in the maker's own home or as a gift for a loved one.. and I think it shows.

It was on last weekend and this year I had to go alone. I usually have my sister with me but she happens to be cruising the Mediterranean at the moment (not in the least jealous of course) and obviously wasn't available!

The ladies in the group are most welcoming and I am thinking of joining them. I like the fact that they don't just do patchwork and quilting but other crafts as well, which suits me as I find it hard to settle to just one thing.

Anyway on to the quilts. This year I didn't think there were any really outstanding ones so it was hard to pick some to photograph... I liked so many. This one in brown tones was probably my favourite.

I thought this one striking for its bold colour.

This one is simple but I liked the quilting.

A close up of the quilting.

I admire those who take time with the quilting part as I have to confess it's not my thing. I do like the piecing part though and usually do simple quilting or send it off to the professionals.

Another two years to the next show and who knows... next time there could be something of mine on show!

Lovely quilts..

... in Bundaberg. Travelling north for the weekend I stayed in Bundaberg on Friday night. Up town Saturday morning noticed a sign for the Bundaberg Quilt Show. It is held biennially and I have been before but hadn't realised it was on last weekend. Only half an hour to spare before heading to Gladstone for a function, but my sister and I made every minute count.

The stand out for me was the number of beautiful applique/Baltimore style quilts. I do so admire anyone who takes the time to complete one of these.

I was also rather taken with this one. I'm rather partial to the snail trail block and this colour combination is stunning,

Nice little bit of applique there too. A very talented bunch of quilters in Bundaberg!

Quilt show

Last Friday I popped in to a little show here in Ipswich. Quilts and craft were on display in St Paul's Anglican Church, one of the oldest churches in Queensland.

The quilts look lovely draped over pews and hanging from the rafters. My new camera is taking a bit of getting used to and most of my pictures of quilts were too blurry to use. This one with hexies turned out OK.

On show also were the Queensland Quilters 2012 Challenge quilts. This is the winning one.

 Ipswich Spinners and Weavers and the local lacemaker's guild also had crafts on display. A lovely way to spend an hour or so.

Day 26 - Blogtoberfest

More quilts. Yes, I know what you're thinking... doesn't she have anything more interesting to blog about?
The answer is NO.. not today, sorry. I am so close to making it to the end of Blogtober, only five more posts! I'm exhausted but determined.
Anyway more quilts from last Saturday.

Below is a close-up of the one above. I love how the trees are different.

Maybe tomorrow will bring inspiration.

Day 24 - Blogtoberfest

As promised, some more quilts. These two are my kind of quilts because of the stories attached. The women who made them are part of a quilt study group run by Queensland Quilters.

The arcs of this Double Wedding Ring quilt were bought in the US. They are genuine depression-era  fabrics and have been finally put into a quilt by the maker.

The hexagon quilt has a similar story, although in its case, the top had been completed and just needed backing and quilting. Apparently there was some minor repair needed.

Both women have hand quilted their quilts. I think their stories make these rather special.

Day 23 - Blogtoberfest

Just a couple of the quilts from the show yesterday that my sister and I liked. More tomorrow. More hexagons you'll notice!

Day 22 - Blogtoberfest

My sister and I went to the Brisbane Craft and Quilt Show today, so I'm posting a little late. I didn't buy much in the way of fabric or notions but I did buy this lamp. It is the latest model and they were doing a very good deal for show visitors. I have wanted one for ages but was always put off by the price, skinflint that I am.
I will share photos of quilts tomorrow... there were some really lovely ones this year.