Out in the country

A couple of weeks ago I had a rare Sunday free from my (self-inflicted) volunteering duties at Wolston House, so I went for a drive out to the Lockyer Valley, not all that far from where I live. I went looking for an Open Garden I had read about in my favourite magazine, but sadly I was unable to locate it.
Undaunted, I headed to Forest Hill via some back roads when I spotted this abandoned cottage along the way.

I am drawn to shabby, neglected things, although they do make me sad. There was more shabby stuff in Forest Hill, although this pub is still a going concern. I was rather taken by the green stuff growing in the gutter!

Just look at the texture of the peeling paint on this fence! 

My next stop was at Cafe 4342 for a spot of morning tea. The number is Forest Hill's postcode and the cafe and gift shop are extensions to the Post Office. My choice for morning tea was this delicious pear and blueberry cake.

My journey home took me through Marburg and Rosewood. There is a fabulous antique shop in Marburg, with some quirky items for sale. I think Superman may be looking for this!

There is a wonderful house in Rosewood which is crying out for some attention. It is hard to see from the road and I don't like to trespass, but the overgrown entry to the property is very romantic.

A very enjoyable day out!

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. 

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!

A quilt show

Last Sunday my sister and I attended a quilt show at the small town of Rosewood, not far from Ipswich. It was showcasing the talents of the Rosewood Craft & Quilting group and they hold one every two years. My sister and I have been going for years, as much for the yummy morning teas and country hospitality as the craft. Here is a small sample of the show.
Here is one for all those hexie flower makers. My sister has been looking for ideas to assemble some hexagons she's had on the go for a while and was very taken with this layout.

I love quilts with a dark background... although I think my eyes would have trouble without very bright light as well as a magnifier!Strips and flying geese- what's not to like in this simple quilt.
This one captures the spirit of the group I think. They also had displays of other lovely craft.

Can't wait for the next show.