Fun in my fabric world....

Sunday, July 20, 2014

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

19 comments:

Rachaeldaisy said...

Great photos of the show. I agree that it's such a social time. I went 2 days and I'm thinking it should be 3 next year. I didn't even have time to shop. The kantha you found is beautiful, such gorgeous colours.

Abby and Stephanie said...

I think that's what keeps quilting exciting...meeting up with friends who all have that in common. I love your furry sunflower friend. I, too, have noticed blogs closing down. I often wonder if people are turning mostly to social media. I still enjoy seeing the more involved side of quilting -- processes, etc...instead of just a glimpse.

Susan said...

Looks like you have a very good companion for a cold day. The show was good, I enjoyed the quilts too, even the more exuberant ones!

Anonymous said...

Wow awesome time you had Cardy,love Rachael's clams she is so clever,thankyou for showing us the other lovely quilts and love your kantha ,such lovely colours,I also love your furry sunflower,lol.xx

Heather said...

Thanks for sharing your favorite quilt from the show, it is fabulous. I just love what you Australians do and I wish they would allow more photo sharing for those of us who cannot get to the show. Love you handwork too!

Shay said...

Im living in trackies or questionable looking pyjamas at the moment ( which are definitely inside clothes , much like your orange leggings I suspect !) And Im enjoying finding spaces that are warm too...and just staying here for as long as possible.

Your TAW quilt is my kind of colours...exuberant indeed. I tip my hat to you for doing this by hand. Lap size is still going to be one BIG achievement.

LOVE all of the quilts you showed from the quilt show. I follow Rachael so I saw her clam quilt coming together. It’s certainly very vibrant and beautiful. I love kantha anything...so pretty!

Lorraine said...

I love "indoor" clothes and can't wait to get into them on the weekends - it means I don't have to go anywhere! looks like you had a fab time at the show - I think you should definitely plan for a sleepover next year - I am going to make it a priority to get there next year - always nice to catch up with friends! Love love love the Kantha quilt btw! I always have a cushion on my lap when I stitch...you have the perfect alternative, and he helps keep you warm as well..win/win! My TAW is still cushion size...I might do some more rounds though...it is really quite relaxing - once I have decided on what colours to use next!

Cheryll said...

Sound very comfy to me... :)
You appear to have had a wonderful time in Sydney at the show too.
Fantastic pic's of wonderful quilts.

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

I for one am so glad you are going to keep blogging! I love your sunflower cat heehee. Inspired here as always xo

Razzle Dazzle Quilter said...

Puss cat, puss at, what a lovely cuddly companion.

Linda

Fat Quarter Bird said...

It was a happy, social day! Love that we could share it! Also, glad you got to spend some time in the "comfort zone" with the superior being! Xx

Julie said...

You are so lucky having a cat keep you company while you are sewing. Looks like you had a great time at the show - love the colours in your kantha quilt.

Sue SA said...

Glad to see you have been having fun! I love winter, because I can wear all my daggy comfort clothes!

wish2stitch said...

Aris makes a very cute sunflower. Glad you are getting lots of stitching time.

pandchintz said...

Lovely musings! Please keep blogging - love to read what you get up to. Your TAW looks fab - great colours and adore the kantha. Maybe we should make plans for next year's show and yes, have a sleep over! x

Jen said...

A nice sewing companion to keep you warm and cosy, Love your lap quilt and fabric colours the squares are beautiful.The quilt show looked fun.

Googy Girl said...

Just love your little lap warmer, we have a new lap warmer but he like to chew fabric , Ohhh and he thinks the rotary cutter is great fun to chase.....

Jenny Watson Blogs said...

All of these quilts are looking superb. Thank you very much for sharing and I hope you will keep It continue.

Gorgeous Tart Leilah Dress

Chookyblue...... said...

woops...........just found a pile of saved posts I wanted to comment on................was so nice to see you at Sydney.........so much fun.......so much inspiration......
sitting here in my trackies etc slothing it......