A dash of colour!

Time has certainly whizzed past since my last post. Weekends away and a busy work life add up to a very quiet sewing room! The Big Bang workshop, so eagerly awaited, seems an age ago. Whilst I haven't had time to revisit what I started that day, I have looked at colour a little differently, especially in the world around me. It was one of those workshops that will probably continue to make me think for a long time to come.
Another highlight of that weekend was the time I spent with the inspiring Kathy Doughty. I have long admired the inimitable style of Kathy, her amazing use of colour and the enthusiasm she infects us all with. Kathy's work can be bold and innovative, she always makes me think and then look at what is created with fresh and often inquiring eyes.


I was fortunate to buy a copy of Kathy's new book, Adding Layers...and I love it. The projects are joyful and playful, with Kathy's signature use of colour, and, always a bit of surprise! It is about using your stash, interpreting traditional designs in a new way, being confident with your own choices. The photos are amazing too, showcasing glimpses of Sydney, by the talented John Doughty, who even managed to take a lovely pic of me...thanks John!


Well, all those lovely pics created a bit of a desire to recreate one of Kathy's projects...Dreamcatcher.


And today I arrived home to find this box of happiness waiting for me...it certainly made me smile!


I am looking forward to starting this!!!


Thank you Kathy, love your work!
Cardygirl xx


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Educating Cardy!

Expectations, preconceptions...we all have them. Hopes, dreams and aspirations...we have them too. We also have our own likes and dislikes, preferences and our own way we look at, and interpret our tiny corner of the world. My world is mine, peculiar to me and the person I am, just like when those who know and love you the most buy you a gift because "it was so you", and they are EXACTLY right.
Where is this all heading? Last weekend I had the good fortune to spend some time in the presence of Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably at a workshop hosted by Kathy Doughty and her amazing Material Obsession team. Kathy, John and their team certainly know how to host a workshop, just being around them makes your day brighter.
On Saturday evening there was a talk by Kaffe about his life, work and influences. Both Kaffe and Brandon are delightful...candidly sharing their experiences...an outing I will always remember. It was the most pleasant of evenings which ended with drinks on a roof top terrace overlooking Sydney Harbour.


The Big Bang quilt was our project on Sunday. It was interesting to see each participants own unique interpretation of this quilt. And this was the lesson learnt from this workshop; believe in yourself and your vision...absorb the input from the creative minds, but ultimately know yourself and how you see your world. Be guided, but be comfortable with where you are being guided too. Look around, observe what others are doing, but ultimately go with your version, as we all see and feel colour differently. What I like, others may not, and visa versa.


I was happy with my efforts, felt in a good place, but followed the advice to change and hit an enormous wall. Whilst initially this seemed dispiriting, some wise words from Kathy and a great deal of personal reflection have led me to an epiphany (cue angelic chorus)....be true to yourself. So there are no pics of what became a saturated pink gloop....so far from whom I am it's not funny, but over time there will be pics of something yet to be created, but a reflection of me and who I am.


Thank you Kathy, for once more expanding my vision in your always fun, but gentle and creative way, always supportive and so generous with your time. It was a great weekend, and amazing to think that Kaffe and Brandon crossed my path and, in their own way, influenced my sewing journey.


A weekend to cherish!
Cardygirl xx




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Not a jet plane in sight...

But my bag is packed, I am almost ready to go....


Nervous butterflies but GREAT excitement as it is finally the workshop and lecture with Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably at Material Obsession.
I hope to come home with a head full of colour and fabulous ideas....wish me luck!
Cardygirl xx

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Another day, another year...

Today was one of those gentle days in life where you just have a nice time, no great commitments, but pleasant interactions with family, friends and neighbours. Whilst I don't make a fuss of birthdays generally, another has rolled around and I seem to have been enveloped in a lovely happy haze. Nice.


Plans for a bit of stitching flew out the window as it was nicer to chat. There is always tomorrow, and I might do a bit of work on the borders tonight whilst watching a movie.


My dear daughter gave me a lovely red whistling kettle for my kitchen...which frightened the cat, resulting in this....naughty!


And my son this great trolley to make life easier when I walk to the shops or sewing group. There was a bit of hilarity about old ladies and shopping trolleys, but now everyone agrees how handy it will be.


Mum found the happiest of handbags...she thought the colours would appeal.


And I had an early visit from the florist bearing these beautiful flowers...


just beautiful, from dear SB!


And someone who is very sneaky (but delightful) left this little parcel in my letterbox...lovely.
Cardygirl xx


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Teetering on the edge...

Here are the circle game blocks placed together...



it is a fabulous pattern and I have really enjoyed the process. It has been an enjoyable, though lengthy process, and it is great to smell a finish in the, hopefully, not too distant future. The blocks are entirely hand pieced, a process I have really enjoyed...portable, quiet and contemplative.
But after this lengthy journey, I am actually contemplating sewing the blocks together by machine, I am actually quite terrified that, after getting this far, that I will lose my oomph sewing the top together by hand. Does this make me a quitter?


I am now working on the appliqué borders...slowly this project will come together and I know I will love the result. I am glad that this project still holds a "spark" for me!
Cardygirl xx


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At last...

Finally, I have all my amitie circle game quilt blocks framed and ready for assembly. It has been a loooong journey....I was doing well until our own personal version of Grand Designs and Location, Location, Location took over our lives!


But it is great to see them all ready for assembly, and I am looking forward to putting them together. I will take a pic in the daylight of them all together to share. Hope they stay flat...looking good so far! The borders have been started....exciting!
A quick hello to my dear, funny and brave friend I visited in hospital today....loved seeing you!

Cardygirl xx


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