Mid winter musings!

It is a chilly and bleak day here, no motivation to head outside, it is much nicer to stay where it is warm. No makeup, hair not looking too glam, one of those outfits that encourage you to hibernate, as what would people think of orange leggings?

As much as I plan to blog, I keep getting distracted by anything really....chores to do, TV, phone calls, another round on my TAW challenge top. Good excuses really, but I miss putting the chronicle of my sewing life out there, even if it is just to remind me that there is more to life than work. I see some people are blogging less, and even closing their blogs, but I do like that I can reflect back on this little journal of mine.

So, what has been happening here?

I think I will start with today, then work backwards. I am sitting in front of the fire with my furry companion, prepping some flowers to appliqué. He just likes the soft expanse (sadly true) of said lap and does not care if I turn him into a sunflower....that is why I love him!

The past two weeks have been fairly well devoted to my Trip Around the World challenge top. I am participating in this challenge led by Brigitte Giblin, and I am enjoying the hand piecing of lots of two inch squares. I think mine will end up lap sized as I have so many projects I would like to do, and if I decide to go KS I will never do anything else before I am committed!

Mine is "exuberant" as my friend, Debbie, says. She is very diplomatic at times! Whilst Jean admonished me, not really, about my errant stitching, I found I was getting bored going around....and around....and around again....so I was testing out upcoming rows. It does look a little odd, but it kept me motivated!

Last week, I travelled with friends to the Sydney Quilt Show. Now located at Glebe Island, it was easy to get to and park. The only down side was the lack of anything around it, as we usually have drinks and a bite to eat afterwards. 

Each year my friend Kate flies back from Singapore to help Kathy on the MO stand. It is always wonderful to catch up with these friends.

This year was very social and it was hard to catch up with everyone, which was disappointing. Next year might have to involve a sleepover?

There was Julia from Perth, Chooky, Lea, Raelee, Susan, Julie, Kylie, Sue-Anne, Jean, Janette, Cathie, Debbie, Tiff, Julie, Vicky, Cath, Liesl, Carolyn, Megan, Kathy, Linda...the list could go on and on...but I was pleased to see all these lovely ladies....wish it could happen more often! No doubt there are names I have missed, sorry, but it was a great day!

I also saw the quilts, and admired both the skill of their makers and the courage they have to exhibit. I am not an exhibitor, but I admire those who do. I feel uncomfortable putting a part of me out there to be examined and criticised....I probably just need to get over that?

I went to Kathy Doughty's talk on "Adding Layers", as usual Kathy takes me a bit further on my sewing journey, gently changing perspective and making me think. I adore this view of how Kathy sees her husband.

Liesl exhibited my favourite quilt of the show...a fusion of designs by Sue Cody, and just stunning in its freshness....love it!

There were so many beauties, but we all know the rules about sharing images, so but I will show you a snippet of this beauty by the clever Rachel Daisy of bluemountaindaisy.blogspot.com! Gotta love a clam!

Some purchases were made, bits of fabric, some scissors, a cross stitch and a pattern, but I thought I would leave you with a pic of this kantha beauty that I loved!

And it is loved too!

Cardygirl xxx

Happy as a multi-coloured clam!

It was so much fun reading about your personal colour phobias....there are lots of us not to keen on purple, brown and yellow, with a few not being partial to blue and green.
It is funny how we each see colours a bit differently, and what I love, someone else will detest! I love the way that we can sometimes see a quilt and recognise it's maker. I used to be a red girl, and thought that I hated pink...but when I was sorting my fabrics I found I was a bit short of reds but had oodles, and I mean OODLES of pink...how can that be?


As I have said, my DD and her beau have requested a quilt...blues, greys, neutrals. She didn't say it, but I know she was wanting a non-manic quilt....she thinks I am a bit fabric-loud! Have you ever?


I ask you, is this TOO loud?
But, devoted mother that I am, I have risen to the challenge as handed to me. A queen sized clamshell quilt is now underway.


Gulp! There were a few tentative starts as I worked out what technique would suit me the best...6" clams are a non standard size, and assembly without papers was a little hit and miss. I like nice curves. So I am now tacking onto freezer paper and it seems to be giving a nice finish.


Not unexpectedly, I am being a bit cheeky and using some quirky pieces to add some fun. Not wanting trouble after all the hand stitching, I have been seeking approval, and found it! They are happy, which makes me happy. Pink flamingoes make me VERY happy!
Looking back, my colour style has evolved over the years...and continues to evolve. There are lots of bright clear colours here at present, but I am enjoying working with DD's gentler (mostly) palette. Where are you heading with your current colours?

Cardygirl xx



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