tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11276514063800197452024-03-14T01:28:55.289-07:00BevB SewsBevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-27528930762912506532015-08-06T16:41:00.000-07:002015-08-06T16:41:45.598-07:00MOre from Our Trip to USA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Day 4 ended with a trip to The Bellagio and a performance of O by Cirque du Soleil. The performance has been running continuously for 18 years and it was quite simply amazing. Mr Google tells me that it has a cast of 85 acrobats, synchronised swimmers and divers performing in and above a 1.5 million gallon pool.<br />
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The water appears to come and go, the skill of the performers and the whole spectacle and magic of the performance combined with the beautiful venue certainly made an unforgettable night!<br />
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Who'd have thought - I love Las Vegas!<br />
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But our visit is short Day 5 finds us in our hire car with Melanie in the driving seat heading eastwards. Initially we took the same route east as our trip to the Grand Canyon. First up Kingman so Kevin could check out Harleys and Honda motor cycles (a common event on this trip), then on to Hoover Dam. This time we had the opportunity to walk across the bridge and more time to explore...<br />
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before heading to Route 66 and the sleepy little town of Seligman where lunch at The Roadkill Café with it's slogan "You Kill It, We Grill It" certainly sparked our interest. Although the menu included Deer Delectables, Bad Brake Steak and Fender Tenders I settled for a banana and slice of cake which I will say was the nicest I tasted in my time in the USA, so a big tick from me. Meanwhile Kevin got lost in a shop selling leathergoods and motorbike gear, he was happy!<br />
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If you've seen the Disney movie cars, Radiator Springs is actually Seligman! Back when they built interstate highways, Route 66 which runs through Seligman and many other small towns was de-commissioned and all these little towns and many businesses died off. Now it exists only through tourism, but I've got to tell you it was really quiet the day we were there.<br />
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By now it's starting to get late so we headed towards Flagstaff. <br />
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We got to Flagstaff on dark, it's a very pretty town with lots of interesting shops (which I would have enjoyed looking through) it's close to ski fields and there's a big university so it's quite a busy place.<br />
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We found a lovely little restaurant for dinner, I had pumpkin lasagne and it came with a pretty purple orchid on top that the waiter told me was edible, Melanie couldn't resist it and had to try it!<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-68347347205473238142015-04-12T10:22:00.001-07:002015-04-12T10:22:55.541-07:00The "Bellagio"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First up this morning was a visit to the Bellagio to pick up tickets for a show. The interior of this building is just beautiful. From the floor to the ceiling it's just beautiful!<br />
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I particularly loved their Garden room - apparently the theme for the display gets changed regularly.<br />
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The scent from the flowers is incredible. I loved these 'dolls' completely covered in fresh crysthanemums, on one of my visits (and there was a few) I was there when the gardeners/florists? were carefully replacing the spent flowers!<br />
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More photos - just because it was so, so pretty!</div>
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Moving on - that afternoon I discovered the Outlet Shops. Need I say more - quite a few hours and dollars were spent! Levi jeans $39.99 a pair, Nike, Assics and lots and lots of fashion stores! Fun, Fun, Fun.<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-52759297205523811732015-03-23T23:03:00.000-07:002015-03-22T23:44:54.789-07:00Grand Adventure Tour - Day 3 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Up early today, to be collected at 6.20am for a tour of the Grand Canyon. It takes a good few hours to drive there, so this is a big day.<br />
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After a drive through the suburbs of Las Vegas first stop for the day is Burger King for breakfast - another first and one I wouldn't choose to repeat, . We came here with the belief that Las Vegas was only a few streets centred by 'The Strip". Actually there's about 1.5 million people living there!<br />
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On to Hoover Dam and this structure is amazing. I've gone through all the photos we took and really can't find one to do it justice, so I <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=hoover+dam&biw=1366&bih=622&tbm=isch&imgil=LHDO7aS6XREaNM%253A%253B2Q_yYWUfaEQnNM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.hdrinc.com%25252Fportfolio%25252Fhoover-dam-bypass&source=iu&pf=m&fir=LHDO7aS6XREaNM%253A%252C2Q_yYWUfaEQnNM%252C_&usg=__Es5moWDx8JEIor9697mEIyq0Y8Q%3D&dpr=1&ved=0CEAQyjc&ei=VZ0PVdapB8-58gXUhYDoAQ#imgdii=_&imgrc=LHDO7aS6XREaNM%253A%3B2Q_yYWUfaEQnNM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdrinc.com%252Fsites%252Fall%252Ffiles%252Fcontent%252Fprojects%252Fimages%252F246-hoover-dam-bypass-4270.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdrinc.com%252Fportfolio%252Fhoover-dam-bypass%3B1500%3B998" target="_blank">googled it</a> to come up with some. Click on the link - it is a massive structure. Not only is the Dam impressive, so is the Mike O'Halloran - Pat Tillman bridge built to divert traffic rom driving over the dam itself.<br />
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Next stop is Kingman Arizona for fuel and drinks - memorable because we were told that due to climate and terrain this is where Harley Davidson has a test track (important info for Kevin) it's also the home of a large aircraft boneyard. The countryside, as in a large part of our trip is harsh - very dry and rocky. Kingman advertises itself as the Turquoise capital of the world and this certainly peaked my interest, the other fun fact our tour guide shared was that Louis L'Amour spent a lot of time in this area (my father-in-law loved reading Louise L'Amour westerns).<br />
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We finally reached our destination - the southern rim of the Grand Canyon about 1.30. I can't begin to describe it. It is staggering, 277 miles long and an average of 4000 feet deep, the rock formation and colours are incredible.<br />
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We stayed until sunset - when it became very cold before heading back to Vegas to arrive back at our hotel about 10.30. Despite the late hour after such a full day I couldn't relax so I convinced Kevin to take a walk down the strip with me to see the Bellagio fountains once more. Again, I found them entrancing. My camera skills just can't do them justice, so check out this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov7_q2aKQl8" target="_blank">You Tube link</a>.<br />
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Wandering home we had to go past Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, I had to stop. I have a friend who loves Jimmy Buffett, so with thoughts of Kaz I ordered a Margarita a perfect end to a magical day.<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-27270973066496608142015-03-22T18:30:00.000-07:002015-03-22T18:30:12.550-07:00I've Been Told This is the City That Never Sleeps - Day 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What can I tell you? I thought I didn't want to go there! I was wrong. I loved Las Vegas, what a great experience. There's just so much happening I didn't know where to look. Wonderful shows to see - we were enraptured by<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm11jzx7Ka0" target="_blank"> O - Cirque du Soleil</a> at the Bellagio. Shopping malls that just went on and on and if you got tired you could get a gondola ride to relax or take a seat to try your luck at the slot machines, or a drink from any of the numerous bars. Day or night, there was always something happening.<br />
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There seems to be Casinos everywhere and this is the first time I've had to walk through one to get to the Hotel reception! I was really excited to walk into a shop (called Gap) and purchase a pair of jeans that fitted perfectly, no alteration required (another first) and a shirt and another shirt - do I need to say more? The Forum shops adjacent to Caesars Palace just take your breath away. The statues, beautiful tiles, curved escalator, incredible decoration you just can't take it all in and it seems to just go on and on!<br />
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Needless to say, Las Vegas takes on a whole new vitality at night. The beautiful fountains at the Bellagio, choreographed to music, the volcano at the Mirage that goes off every half hour or so this place is about excess!<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-42855743850659312802015-03-14T01:25:00.000-07:002015-03-22T15:50:38.609-07:00Once again I've been BUSY with No Time to Post --- Until now...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back in March last year Melanie (daughter) rang and said she’d
like to go to <a href="http://www.themodernquiltguild.com/events/quiltcon-2015" target="_blank">Quiltcon</a> and asked if I’d like to go with her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those of you who know me, know I never miss a chance to get away, and I’ve
never been to USA before so I wasn't going to be left at home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With much excitement I purchased my flights way
back in April 2014!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So once again this
poor blog and my sewing got neglected while I took on extra shifts at work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First up, we decided we wouldn’t just go for Quiltcon we’d
make it a bit of a holiday, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kevin
(husband) wasn’t going to miss out either, he was coming too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Early February finds us ensconsed enroute from Sydney to
Dallas – 16 hours flight time and greatly amused that we landed in Dallas Fort
Worth about an hour before we actually took off in Sydney!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is the view from the Motel
window at the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A beautiful
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With only a few hours to spend
before our flight the next morning the concierge arranged a car and driver to
take us to Fort Worth Stockyards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
your average taxi service, a beautiful, big shiny black Chev Suburban with all
the bells and whistles, darkened windows so we could pretend we were a movie
star or someone very important!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great way to travel.</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FyCoTafdHqw/VQPpIuNdvhI/AAAAAAAAAlU/fElJd234xUw/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FyCoTafdHqw/VQPpIuNdvhI/AAAAAAAAAlU/fElJd234xUw/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To round out the day, we dined at the Stockyards Hotel and I
had my first (and definitely not my last) Margarita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yummo! Melanie & Kevin tried their first plate of Barbecued Texas ribs - </span><br />
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and weren't disappointed –
pretty good huh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gF1Gok0KkI/VQPwLYZ_PZI/AAAAAAAAAmA/dQ6-YeTf1Co/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gF1Gok0KkI/VQPwLYZ_PZI/AAAAAAAAAmA/dQ6-YeTf1Co/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></o:p></span></div>
BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-41032754168821761562014-11-09T18:36:00.000-08:002014-11-09T18:36:07.122-08:00Middle of November already!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We've even had a couple of nearly 40degree days here, although with the air con it's not too bad. It did however take a toll on the flowers and shrubs in the garden but that's what happens!<br />
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I've started another quilt - this one's been on the back burner for the past couple of years. Turkish Crush from "Making Quilts ... the promise of Joy" by Kathy Doughty. I was fortunate to attend Kathy's shop - Material Obsession a couple of years ago when this quilt was on display and I immediately liked it. This quilt was made for me - I already had Anna Maria Horner fabrics left over from a previous quilt that I could use for the large sections along with a fair stash of shot cottons left over from another quilt project (that I'm still working away at). I feel very virtuous using up my left overs - I only had to purchase the white, cream and grey quilters muslin for sashings and flying geese.<br />
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Here it is on the design wall - still a way to go. It's quite challenging after many years of aiming for precise points and corners on flying geese to make them 'wonky'.<br />
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Meanwhile, my friends Sylvia and Sally took a roadtrip 3 hours west of here with me a couple of Fridays ago to visit Sandy Gray's <a href="http://thesilverthimble.typepad.com/thesilverthimble/" target="_blank">The Silver Thimble</a> in Barcaldine. Sandy's welcome, combined with the gorgeous fabrics made the trip well worth our while! We had a wonderful day and all came away with many treasures and plans for new projects. Among my purchases were these two backing fabrics - the one on the left will be put to use in the next week or so on my Dotty Frames quilt, and I'd love to have it finished by Christmas. It may just become my summer quilt. <br />
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We promised ourselves that we'll go back again next year, but next time we'll make a real trip of it and stay overnight! Might even invite a few more friends to join us - want to come?<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-56382800303874663912014-10-08T04:37:00.000-07:002014-10-08T04:37:30.027-07:00Peggy's Quilt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sadly for me, I'm not able to get to Brisbane for the Qld Quilt Show, so I just checked their website to see the winning quilts. Here's the link - <a href="http://www.qldquilters.com/">http://www.qldquilters.com/</a>, be sure to click on the 2014 Quilt Show. <br />
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My friend Peggy's (<a href="http://peggycreates.blogspot.com/">http://Peggycreates.blogspot.com</a>) quilt was awarded a Judges Choice Award and second in the Professional Applique category. Very exciting! Congratulations Peggy it's wonderful to see all your work being applauded in this way. <a href="http://www.qldquilters.com/image_db.php?id=276&PHPSESSID=f4a03939c406922bfe0bb31ad4ba833d" target="_blank">Here's</a> the link. I can't wait to see the quilt for myself, so Peggy - please, it's about time to visited your friends in Emerald!<br />
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Regards, Bev</div>
BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-46779450633669236142014-10-06T00:20:00.000-07:002014-10-06T00:20:06.944-07:00Update for Melanie & Peggy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
OK You don't need to say anything - I'm a bit slack with the blog.<br />
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I have managed a bit of sewing over the past months - this quilt here, made from fabric purchased from Kim Bradley's lovely shop in Sydney. The pattern is from Valorie Wells (also purchased at Kim's shop).<br />
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I quilted it myself - lots of straight(ish) lines which I like the look of. That's Scarlet standing beside the quilt and as with everything I make she thinks it's hers!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zhT4xTQ_GWE/VDI54_oDLLI/AAAAAAAAAj0/ptCllA39JE4/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zhT4xTQ_GWE/VDI54_oDLLI/AAAAAAAAAj0/ptCllA39JE4/s1600/008.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a>This is the quilt I've been working on over the past few weeks - I've finally finished the top this afternoon and now I just have to put something together for the back. It's very large, I wanted a quilt that would hang over the sides of the bed - so it will be going to Evol for quilting with a simple all over pattern. The design is Dotty Frames from Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Grandeur. I enjoyed going through my Kaffe fabrics and selecting prints to use. I'll post another/better photo when it's been quilted.</div>
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I have another quilt cut out ready to go from the same book - Cartwheel by Liza Prior Lucy which I was planning to start straight away, however I've been distracted by a quilt I saw in the recent Fons and Porter magazine - Trifecta by Tanya Finkler. 60degree triangles made from strips in lovely reds with wonderful white contrast so it just might be a little longer until I get to Cartwheel!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8G-oSflKCw/VDI5Uesi39I/AAAAAAAAAjY/tLQnPbEKY6g/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8G-oSflKCw/VDI5Uesi39I/AAAAAAAAAjY/tLQnPbEKY6g/s1600/001.JPG" height="174" width="320" /></a>In the meantime Spring has arrived here and the weather has been just gorgeous. I've been spending a bit of time in the garden lately - trying to fertilize and mulch before it gets too hot. This is the view from my kitchen window - shame you can't see the colours as I do.</div>
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Till next time, Bev</div>
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-9020318760817330932014-05-30T16:39:00.000-07:002014-05-30T16:39:21.599-07:00Wednesday - Sewing with Friends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After a break of several months, a few friends and I got together last Wednesday to make a quilt. Our usual informal 'rules' applied - The quilt we make is gifted to a local charitable group, the pattern is chosen from a book that we haven't used before and the quilt is made using fabrics from our stash.<br />
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I chose the design for this one - Belize from the book Scrap Basket Surprises by Kim Brackett (That Patchwork Place) and I've got to say it was a pleasure to make! The instructions are clear and very well written. This quilt in particular (I haven't tried the others in the book, yet) is great for a group to put together, using simple 6 1/2" x 2 1/2" pieces with 2 1/2" squares, and there are very few seams to match so it goes together quickly.<br />
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We started with this lovely border fabric from Evol's stash - <br />
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and then found the fabric for the background and it was simple to find all the colourful 'scraps' to make it up. Here it is - <br />
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The final quilt is about 61 1/2" square, so it's a reasonable size. It's a bit of a grey day here today, but I like the effect of it hanging from the clothesline. I'll happily pass it to Evol later today for quilting and look forward to seeing it completed.<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-78985123018054108512014-05-21T17:15:00.002-07:002014-05-21T17:15:53.259-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been making flowers this week for my BOM - 40 Shades of Grey from Wendy Williams and Material Obsession. I decided to give myself a break and forget about needleturning them and make them completely by machine and it's been fun. I even pulled out the Olfa circle cutter I purchased years ago and hadn't opened, and it's been lovely to find all the beautiful threads that have been lurking in the cupboard, not to mention my sewing machine that's used a zig zag stitch for the first time in quite a while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is my progress so far, still a bit to go before I can attach them to the block but I'm hoping to get it done by the end of the weekend. It's great to actually use the tools and techniques I acquired over the years!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hope you are having fun too!</span></div>
BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-2981459844887389162014-04-30T04:45:00.001-07:002014-04-30T04:45:44.689-07:00Yes, there's been some sewing....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But first, I received this wonderful gift from Melanie</span><br />
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My tools are going to be the best presented wherever I go! It's just gorgeous and I will treasure it for ever. Thank You Melanie.</div>
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Now for what I've been up to - </div>
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The blocks are all part of my 40 Shades of Grey by Wendy Williams. I'm enjoying making them , I'll post a few more next time. Don't you love the pigs in the photo above photo? I've had that piece of fabric for many more years that I care to think about so I'm quite excited to see it used here. </div>
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Bev </div>
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-69970434470755579072014-04-19T04:29:00.000-07:002014-04-19T04:29:06.901-07:00Trouble....well maybe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I can't help myself! I've not been a good blogger over the past year or so although I continue to read many blogs whenever I get the chance. I've done a bit of stitching - finished nothing, but continue to be inspired and enthralled when I see on the internet what everyone else is doing.<br />
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2013 was not a great year for me healthwise but I've taken control in 2014 and I can only say I've never felt better. To date I've lost 19kgs and life is good. However I still have a problem - I can't help myself, I just love the look, the feel, the smell of patchwork fabrics, I love going to exhibitions and shows and talking to other patchworkers and I especially love visiting patchwork shops and the excitement I get when I'm purchasing fabrics for a project is beyond measure. <br />
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So despite knowing that I have 37 projects currently under construction (when I foolishly counted them last year), these are my latest purchases - <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iK79P8gjSVM/U1JWXG4VSFI/AAAAAAAAAgM/zM0GHihndH0/s1600/IMG_1712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iK79P8gjSVM/U1JWXG4VSFI/AAAAAAAAAgM/zM0GHihndH0/s1600/IMG_1712.JPG" height="109" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vW5SZiYgZOQ/U1JWTYULETI/AAAAAAAAAgA/G1uhDjmd-FA/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vW5SZiYgZOQ/U1JWTYULETI/AAAAAAAAAgA/G1uhDjmd-FA/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></a>From <a href="http://www.quiltsmith.com.au/" target="_blank">Quiltsmith</a> - even my husband likes the tin - I suspect he knows me a bit too well. I've yet to decide which project I'll store in it. This gorgeous Alexander Henry fabric (as well as a little more that I've already tucked away in the cupboard.)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDYzOpHrM3w/U1JV9T2mbXI/AAAAAAAAAfs/oumL3uzpMBE/s1600/IMG_1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDYzOpHrM3w/U1JV9T2mbXI/AAAAAAAAAfs/oumL3uzpMBE/s1600/IMG_1709.JPG" height="100" width="200" /></a> This collection is from Always Blooming by Susy Pilgrim Waters for P&B Textiles, purchased from <a href="http://kimbradleycreations.com/" target="_blank">Kim Bradley Creations</a> at Castle Hill - well worth the trek to get there. I have a quick quilt in mind for these to throw on my lounge chair where Scarlet the dog loves surveying her kingdom. She also loves rubbing against quilts so I've decided to give in and make one just for her.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz4avnuanGg/U1JWWZyRKRI/AAAAAAAAAgI/ne0uSWJeK1o/s1600/IMG_1711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz4avnuanGg/U1JWWZyRKRI/AAAAAAAAAgI/ne0uSWJeK1o/s1600/IMG_1711.JPG" height="169" width="320" /></a><br />
For me <strong><u>no</u></strong> trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to <a href="http://www.materialobsession.com.au/epages/mama12093.sf" target="_blank">Material Obsession</a> and I wasn't disappointed this time. It's not just the fabrics, there's always so many quilts to see that I'm a bit like a child in a candy shop.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bjb6Jvh-1g/U1JWJ06fRXI/AAAAAAAAAf4/yH3YmbrzC-c/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bjb6Jvh-1g/U1JWJ06fRXI/AAAAAAAAAf4/yH3YmbrzC-c/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></a>Last photo is a project commenced in a workshop with Kim Bradley at home in Emerald a few weeks ago. I loved preparing and stitching the applique but consider myself no artist so I had to be coaxed kicking and screaming to pick up the pastels and paints to add colour and definition to the design. Dare I state the obvious that Kim knows what she is talking about and I love the result. I'm planning to start quilting it shortly because I already know where the finished quilt will hang. Incidentally it was a great workshop and I'll be putting my hand up if ever I get the opportunity to attend a workshop with Kim in the future.<br />
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That's enough for now.<br />
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Cheers, Bev<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-61246992488257932072014-01-01T13:58:00.000-08:002014-01-01T13:58:21.663-08:00Happy New Year - Welcome 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy New Year to all who read this blog. 2013 rushed by and on reflection I did have great intentions at the start of 2013, lots of plans for quilts and sewing and getting into some of my many WIPs - it just didn't happen. C'est la vie - I had a wonderful year...lots of trips away, bits and pieces of sewing that I really enjoyed doing and lovely times with friends and family. <br />
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Bring on 2014 and again I'd like to be more productive in my sewing room but being realistic, I know that family, home, dogs and work will all take precedence. <br />
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In the meantime, since it just doesn't seem right not to include a photo, here's one taken back in July while attending the Taupo Quilt Symposium in New Zealand. I had a lovely time, it's a beautiful country and I was very lucky to get into some wonderful classes at the Symposium. Here I am with Peggy & Pam on our way to class. There's no need to tell you the temperature, sufficient to say that in Central Queensland over the past week or so the temperature has exceeded the very high 30's and low 40's , so back in July when the photo was taken seems very dreamlike now.<br />
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Happy New Year and forward to 2014.<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-60959918193015408152013-03-01T21:34:00.001-08:002013-03-01T21:34:51.816-08:00I'm On Holidays..............<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Where do I start? Last night brought out the inner rock chick (should I say boiler?) at a Deep Purple concert in Melbourne. I've got to admit that I've never been a real hard core fan, (that's Kevin in this household and he's passed it on to his children), but I really enjoyed myself (and knew quite a few of the songs so clearly somethings rubbed off). I couldn't help myself, I indulged in a little dancing, clapping and singing along and had a thoroughly great night. <br />
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In the words of <a href="http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/music/smoke-on-the-water-spinning-in-my-brain-20130227-2f4pa.html#ixzz2MLpJG1w5" target="_blank">Natalie Bochenski</a> from Brisbanetimes.com.au "Seeing <em>Smoke on the Water</em> played live is one of those bucket list moments; that riff is so ingrained in our collective music consciousness, I can’t even imagine a world before it existed. It’s like the chords were always in the wind; Deep Purple just wrote them down". So what next for the holiday?<br />
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Today it's back to Ballarat where we've based ourselves over the past week, before we move on tomorrow to travel the Great Ocean Road. I've fallen in love with Ballarat and the area around here - stately old buildings, wonderful rolling hills, trees and vegetation so incredibly beautiful large and profuse! Fortunately, because I'm told it's not always like this, the weather has been very co-operative for a Queensland such as I and mostly has been quite warm! The Art Gallery is amazing and I've visited a few times now - currently on display is Next Gen 2013 - the annual review of VCE artworks and I can only say I just can't believe the talent in this area and the support they are given through this. If you happen to be visiting this area before 24 March it is well worth a visit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FENyuCUgsXo/UTGNA_KaT7I/AAAAAAAAAc4/NVla0pRsALs/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FENyuCUgsXo/UTGNA_KaT7I/AAAAAAAAAc4/NVla0pRsALs/s320/IMG_0516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Ballarat Botancial Gardens</td></tr>
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Importantly, however you wouldn't believe just how many patchwork shops there are around here and I've visited them all. What can I say <a href="http://ballaratpatchwork.com.au/" target="_blank">Ballarat Patchwork,</a> <a href="http://www.millrosecottage.com.au/" target="_blank">Mill Rose Quilting</a> - and their wonderful restaurant next door, <a href="http://eurekapatchwork.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Eureka Patchwork,</a> <a href="http://www.gailspatchwork.com.au/" target="_blank">Gails Patchwork Emporium</a>, <a href="http://www.threadbear.com.au/" target="_blank">Threadbear</a> at Castlemaine, the delightful Button shop at Buninyong I've visited them all (some more than once) and am leaving lighter in the pocket but thrilled with what I've gained. Gorgeous fabrics & patterns and most importantly I've met some genuinely friendly, lovely ladies and gentlemen only too happy to share and help in any way they can.<br />
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Since attending a couple of classes with <a href="http://www.margaretmcdonald.com.au/" target="_blank">Margaret McDonald</a> at AQC a few years ago, I've kept an eye out for any mention of her work. I couldn't believe it when I visited Threadbear and she had two lovely quilts on display (where she teaches).<br />
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Sadly, I must return to the real world (which enables me to take holidays) sometime and can't do the classes!<br />
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Another huge highlight of my trip to date was being able to see the Golden Textures Art Quilt Exhibition at Maryborough. Sadly I wasn't allowed to take photos. It included works from Margaret McDonald, Brenda Gael Smith, Alison Schwabe, Diane Firth, Susan Mathews and more! Their work is truly inspiring, so again if you have a chance be sure to get to see it. Not to mention it's a delightful drive passing through Creswick & Clunes to get there. Incidentally there's a to die for lolly shop at Clunes (to help pass the time travelling).<br />
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Enough for now, I've got some exploring to do, I'll post in a few days. Hope everyone's doing well at home. Bev<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-11755360839105660422013-02-13T00:11:00.001-08:002013-02-13T00:11:18.903-08:00Collaboration….<p align="left">For some time now, I’ve joined a few other like minded friends on the second Wednesday of each month to sew.  This month, thanks to episodes of Downton Abby, Packed to the Rafters and Castle I actually have two completed quilts to share.  The picture  below is a quilt Melanie put together a few years back, always intending to hand quilt.  Yada Yada, she passed it on to me when she had to move and finally acknowledged she just didn’t have time to finish it.  My friend Evol quilted it and I completed the binding during the aforementioned programmes and now it’s destined as gift, as all quilts from this group to someone in the community.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mVtbv-jW67Y/URtKhcn3a-I/AAAAAAAAAa0/tptLiMxLREo/s1600-h/IMG_2458%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2458" border="0" alt="IMG_2458" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LYXkKYxxdeg/URtKiUJ3EBI/AAAAAAAAAa8/EJKm_KO8ySI/IMG_2458_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="177" /></a>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J2966lUbErc/URtKjisn5GI/AAAAAAAAAbE/ucMi4IgVRBs/s1600-h/IMG_2461%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2461" border="0" alt="IMG_2461" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iZP6iisuaNM/URtKkk3wasI/AAAAAAAAAbM/MYCIQ2GO80E/IMG_2461_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="181" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Here’s another picture to show off the quilting.</p> <p align="left">This next quilt we put together a few months back.  Evol quilted and Daphne completed the binding (probably during the aforementioned programmes as well).  I’ve <a href="http://bevbsews.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/a-little-show-and-tell.html" target="_blank">blogged about it before</a>… and it is lovely to see them completed before they are passed on.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IsWieKEV4KU/URtKmaLCVwI/AAAAAAAAAbU/9VSij1D-QJc/s1600-h/IMG_2462%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2462" border="0" alt="IMG_2462" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nzVXG90TBNY/URtKnbQG26I/AAAAAAAAAbc/VHGG4US6Yqk/IMG_2462_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="244" /></a> Sewing today was at my friend <a href="http://peggycreates.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Peggy</a>’s beautiful home and I couldn’t resist snapping a quick shot from her front door, just to share.  Peggy’s home is full of colour and the many collections – including quilts she’s put together over the years, it really is a feast for the eyes!  I look at the picture and just want to go in and explore!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ElwDv29jAHY/URtKoYHY30I/AAAAAAAAAbk/iGDulaxNoyw/s1600-h/IMG_2463%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2463" border="0" alt="IMG_2463" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QWkyP7CYgYg/URtKpFUHPOI/AAAAAAAAAbs/USBTkR_u7RE/IMG_2463_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-10680653430277225122013-02-08T16:10:00.001-08:002013-02-08T16:10:13.646-08:00WIP ..Taking Shape ….<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TT3s8qUAZHg/URWTzynKQCI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/n4Y3B9GC0Rs/s1600-h/IMG_2454%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2454" border="0" alt="IMG_2454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Ukz02sJRB4/URWT00iP9NI/AAAAAAAAAaA/Q_09yOrrNQY/IMG_2454_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="left">Bit more progress made on my Gypsy Wife BOM from Amitie lately.  It’s ironic that just when I’ve finally caught up (and I know because I saw the bank statement that another package is on the way), that I have to take it down and put it away for a month or so because….wait for it….I’m going on holidays!  I don’t leave for another week or so, sadly that’s only 3 home days - the remainder being work days, to get my house,  garden and especially my dogs ready for the lovely lady who will be housesitting for us.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KCIuXG7pnrw/URWT1-OXl0I/AAAAAAAAAaI/4w9uPlL8QKM/s1600-h/IMG_2456%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2456" border="0" alt="IMG_2456" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LohtP2K8PAA/URWT2vylXLI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/yyOhh6rt7zE/IMG_2456_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="99" height="132" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6ft-TIx3pPs/URWT3w_WWTI/AAAAAAAAAaY/EnDfB8t31xk/s1600-h/IMG_2455%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2455" border="0" alt="IMG_2455" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X3E4eD-gI2k/URWT4__GfeI/AAAAAAAAAag/SwhNO-Aq5GE/IMG_2455_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="134" /></a></p> <p align="left">We’ll be away for almost a month.  Initially we’re packing the caravan and heading to Ballarat for the SWAP meet, and I’m very excited because this is an area that I’ve wanted to explore for quite some time. Towards the end of our time away we’re helping our daughter move from Brisbane to Sydney to start a new job.  My head is spinning at the thought of all those as yet unknown Patchwork Shops and wonderful places I’m going to encounter along the way!  The RACQ trip planner tells me it will be at least 6500 kilometres, not including any sightseeing or detours encountered along the way!  Most importantly if anyone reading this knows of a good shop or two along the way, please be sure to let me know!!!!</p> <p align="left">Before  I go, to keep me on track this year and hopefully finish some of those projects I have in the cupboard, I’ve joined – Dawn and Wendy’s <a href="http://sewitsfinished.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Sew It’s Finished UFO Challenge</a>, and while I have nothing to post at the moment I will do before too long.</p> <p align="left">Cheers, Bev</p> BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-63038575537440852952013-01-28T15:56:00.001-08:002013-01-28T15:56:33.453-08:00Can You Believe January 2013 is almost done?<p align="left">It must be a thing about age, but gee this year already is flying!  Over the past couple of weeks I managed a day to get together with a few friends to work on this quilt.  Instructions are from the book Kaleidoscope the Smart Way by Sharon Sebrow and it’s certainly proving to be an interesting way to make this quilt.  I’m hoping to get the border on it before we meet up again in a couple of weeks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1tztutqgof8/UQcQIWvx-QI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/HEPRuD9IggM/s1600-h/IMG_2451%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2451" border="0" alt="IMG_2451" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BAQ33O8CQ7s/UQcQJSiDHYI/AAAAAAAAAZY/UHrluQ97_Ro/IMG_2451_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="left">Other than this I found time over the weekend to make a few more blocks for my Gypsy Wife quilt.  I’ve now completed to the end of Month 9 and will start on more ‘filler’ blocks for Month 10 today.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BREk-7bFLg8/UQcQK_U3pQI/AAAAAAAAAZg/mnEv24TZTG8/s1600-h/IMG_2453%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2453" border="0" alt="IMG_2453" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xDeQQAwso5E/UQcQL1Sw9KI/AAAAAAAAAZo/xXt2zkflBaQ/IMG_2453_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="left">Finally, my thoughts are with all Australians currently experiencing such extreme weather conditions and now flooding, this wonderful country of ours certainly isn’t behaving nicely of late!  </p> BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-89643204567430069822013-01-16T15:47:00.001-08:002013-01-16T15:47:47.486-08:00SSCS Gift from Wendy<p align="justify">For some reason blogger has decided to stop letting me post photos from my computer, so to get around it I’m writing this in Windows Live Writer.  I don’t know if it’s good or bad - I know I’m not alone in not wanting to make changes, especially with tools, familiarity is good!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mXHSQApDzbM/UPc77b83a9I/AAAAAAAAAX0/UOd56_bUibc/s1600-h/002%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N5v2S_SF1C0/UPc78valvyI/AAAAAAAAAX4/0JR6Kp5EMaU/002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Anyway that’s my gripe for the day.  I did manage to get a picture of the gifts Wendy sent me, taken outside on a sunny day the quilting really stands out doesn’t it.  The little quilt will hang most happily next Christmas and as I mentioned in the previous post, I especially love the scarf and am looking forward to the weather cooling a little so I can wear it.</p> <p align="justify">Over the Christmas break I did get a couple of opportunities to sew, so continued progress on my Gypsy Wife quilt (BOM from <a href="http://www.amitie.com.au/index.htm" target="_blank">Amitie</a>).  This photo doesn’t do it justice with the blocks on the wall like this but you can get the idea.  I’m enjoying doing it – a little at a time and now I’m only two months behind!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KglxX6rlerA/UPc792t9k5I/AAAAAAAAAYE/g8uQdDQQXik/s1600-h/012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="012" border="0" alt="012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1gan3Kc8UEQ/UPc7_e5gyyI/AAAAAAAAAYI/-RUox_ioki8/012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="138" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BpAF5Q6Kr8k/UPc8AxembOI/AAAAAAAAAYU/wx4I8bAjp7g/s1600-h/014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="014" border="0" alt="014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A3XUzV0RPmw/UPc8CLXOdFI/AAAAAAAAAYY/x0Oj9yqPDew/014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9_8p4hpVCZ0/UPc8ECb6R3I/AAAAAAAAAYo/8Vzz3bX5dIQ/s1600-h/013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="013" border="0" alt="013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sskdcRrUpu8/UPc8FOETLKI/AAAAAAAAAYs/DAAyMnjot50/013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I particularly like the fabrics for the block in the middle photo – they’re not something I would normally choose or put together.  The picture on the right are actually Farmers Wife blocks that I made a while back and then decided I didn’t like the background of greys. The colours and patterns compliment this project, so I’ve added to some of the blocks to increase their size and will use them here.  I’m enjoying the freedom of just playing and I’m really looking forward to receiving the final two months instructions which tell me how to put it together.  I suspect I’m going to have a lot of playing to get it to work.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WMNBcs7Ka9s/UPc8G-1jk6I/AAAAAAAAAY4/ogTBr2PG0y8/s1600-h/Knot%252520Quilters%252520002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Knot Quilters 002" border="0" alt="Knot Quilters 002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1oHehorlOSk/UPc8IK0ZIVI/AAAAAAAAAY8/5M00Z4QZQ60/Knot%252520Quilters%252520002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="212" height="244" /></a>This next photo is a quilt my friends and I got together in December to put together.  The pattern is Bounce from <a href="http://www.missrosiesquiltco.com/Rosie_Quilts.html" target="_blank">Miss Rosies Quilt Co</a> and I just love it!  I’ll take a much better photo when it’s finished, but five of us got together raided our stashes and this is the result.  The fabrics we used are from the pansy era back in the 1990’s and we’re especially happy to make such a contempory quilt using them!  This quilt will eventually be gifted as are all the quilts we make, but gee it gives us a lot of pleasure working to put them together!</p> <p align="justify">Anyway, that’s it for now – I think I have time to just get another block done for the Gypsy Wife before I start work if I go now.  Hope this finds everyone safe and well.</p> BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-33295131820310566732013-01-10T04:41:00.000-08:002013-01-10T04:41:19.360-08:00Delivered...SSCS Parcel/'.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happily for me the Postman was busy this week and delivered my lovely SSCS gift from <a href="http://stitchduchessscrazysanequiltingworld.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Wendy</a> in USA. Being particularly challenged with both crochet and knitting needles, I especially love the scarf Wendy made for me. I will enjoy wearing it when it finally starts to cool down a little. I have a lovely photo to share, but blogger and I seem to be at odds today (this is the third time I've tried to post today) so it will have to wait intil it's playing nicely....My sincere thanks go to Wendy who made me such lovely gifts and to Chookyblue for the inspiration she brings and her patience and skill in organising the swap.<br />
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I'm off to visit family to the next couple of days so I will try to post again when I return.<br />
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Finally, my thoughts are with all Australians suffering through these past heatwaves and now shocking bushfires. Please stay safe whereever you are.<br />
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Regards, Bev</div>
BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-8503257007768209752012-12-31T15:44:00.000-08:002012-12-31T15:44:38.421-08:00Happy New Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Best wishes to all for a wonderful 2013. Did you stay up and watch the fireworks? I was at work until 9.30 last night, so it was simple to stay awake and welcome in the New Year (although to be really truthful I was reading a book with the TV in the background).<br />
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As always at this time of year I reflect on the happenings of the previous one and I can only say for me it was a very full year. Lots of changes, challenges, work, pleasures and fun spent with great family and friends. Already I've got lots of plans for 2013.<br />
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First up however, I must acknowledge my wonderful partners in the <a href="http://chookyblue.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Chookyblue Secret Santa Swap</a> for 2012. I've previously posted about the Swag I made and sent to <a href="http://stitchesfromthemainland.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Lyn</a> who lives in New Zealand. Lyn sent me a lovely email just before Christmas letting me know she'd opened my parcel early because she was travelling to Australia to spend Christmas with her Mum in Sydney and she loves my gift, so now I can share it here. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMNWGG3Ow8Y/UOIa7rRJ9GI/AAAAAAAAAWg/akW8ct8bFjs/s1600/Townsville+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMNWGG3Ow8Y/UOIa7rRJ9GI/AAAAAAAAAWg/akW8ct8bFjs/s320/Townsville+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The instructions for the Table Topper came from the book "On The Run" by Heather Mulder Peterson and seeing it display on my garden table, I'd really like to make another for myself!<br />
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Sadly (because I've seen the photos) I've yet to receive my gifts from <a href="http://stitchduchessscrazysanequiltingworld.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Wendy</a>. Patience has never been one of my virtues and the postal service has let us down - I'm not happy! I had the perfect spot to hang the lovely little quilt Wendy made me - but it will look just as good in 2013, once it arrives. I know how disappointed Wendy is feeling right now - in the 2011 Swap my partner in Chile didn't receive her gift from me until February, despite me posting it in the first week of November! I actually gave up and posted a second gift although happily both did eventually turn up.<br />
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My thanks, gratitude and admiration must also go to <a href="http://chookyblue.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Chookyblue</a> for arranging the swap. I can only imagine the work and time involved in coordinating the swap. I love participating - from the planning of what to make, the pressure of actually finishing the gifts to get them in the mail on time and most especially reading all the blogs of the participants (the downside of which is that I'm forever being inspired to be more creative and start more projects) (Is that really a downside???)).<br />
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Best wishes for 2013, Bev<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-18240562467519985522012-12-13T13:34:00.001-08:002012-12-13T13:34:29.168-08:00Time's Flying.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a busy couple of weeks as it always is in the lead up to Christmas.... Not many opportunities for sewing, but I am hoping to find a little time this coming weekend. <br />
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Most exciting this past week has been the arrival of the Class Booklet for the <a href="http://www.tauposymposium.co.nz/" target="_blank">Taupo Symposium 2013 Fabric Art Festival</a>. My friend <a href="http://peggycreates.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Peggy</a> & I purchased our plane flights when they were on sale in July this year to go there next year, our accommodation has been booked, we've just been waiting to find out what classes were available, knowing there is a fantastic line up of tutors. We've not been dissapointed - all the classes look wonderful and I've felt a bit like a kid in a lolly shop, but I have chosen and sent in my application, now I need to be patient as I won't hear until the end of March which classes I've actually been allocated.<br />
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Neither of us have visited New Zealand before so it really is especially exciting. I work with several Kiwi ladies and they are all full of advice as to where we should go and what we must see. They are also enjoying the thought of me, a true Queenslander very used to the extremes of heat visiting New Zealand in the middle of winter! Little do they know just how many coats I own, and I think the cold will just add to the charm (and I'll appreciate coming home even more).<br />
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Anyway, I must be off. As I've got no sewing to share this post, I thought I'd share a picture of one of my favourite quilts from the Tokyo International Quilt Show where I visited in January this year. Sadly there were no English labels so I can't tell you who the maker was, but I do love her work.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pszllf3ggkM/UMpIsyH-l6I/AAAAAAAAAVs/UWrEglq9eGM/s1600/Japan2+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pszllf3ggkM/UMpIsyH-l6I/AAAAAAAAAVs/UWrEglq9eGM/s320/Japan2+109.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-60632640529851415472012-11-30T14:59:00.000-08:002012-11-30T15:01:05.918-08:00It's Time to Decorate for Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, I've always been told that that's when you start, and on a day that's forecast to be around 38degrees it seems like a great plan, not to mention that it's done indoors with the aircon turned on. I also have plans to catch up on a couple of BOM's I've joined in so this is a short post so I can get into it!<br />
<a href="http://stitchesfromthemainland.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Lyn</a> my SSCS partner sent me a message letting me know that my parcel turned up, so now I can share photos of one of the gifts I made.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEt8_eE4PN4/ULk1LsQeYMI/AAAAAAAAAVI/97EkNcPmqbI/s1600/Townsville+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEt8_eE4PN4/ULk1LsQeYMI/AAAAAAAAAVI/97EkNcPmqbI/s320/Townsville+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I tried taking a picture hanging outside but the sun/shadows weren't right, so here it is on the dining table inside -<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOb1lYYCJMo/ULk2RMi3-KI/AAAAAAAAAVY/cFAR9i1dUdc/s1600/Townsville+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOb1lYYCJMo/ULk2RMi3-KI/AAAAAAAAAVY/cFAR9i1dUdc/s320/Townsville+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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the pattern is appropriately called "Aussie Xmas Swag" from <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/popcorntreedesigns/home" target="_blank">Popcorn Tree Designs</a> which I purchased at Patchwork Paradise in Rockhampton about 12 months ago. I thought it would be lovely for Lyn - born in Australia, but lived across the Tasman for the past 20 years. I've even made a spare one for myself which as yet remains unfinished! Perhaps another job for the weekend.</div>
BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-87658864030343844182012-11-25T01:30:00.000-08:002012-11-25T01:32:36.946-08:00Moving Along...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Life's been busier than ever lately - it always is as we get closer and closer to Christmas and the inevitable end of yet another year. <br />
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This past weekend we travelled to tropical Townsville (North Queensland) to celebrate a very special birthday with my brother-in law, Roy. It has been a year of highs and lows for him, his health has not been great, so it really was wonderful to celebrate with him and his extended family. Our accommodation was just behind the Strand so the balmy sea breeze and beautiful scenery more than compensated for any heat! (Actually I think it was cooler there than it is at home now). A most beautiful place to visit.<br />
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But, before I left last Thursday, I raced off to the Post Office and posted the gift made especially for my Secret Santa Swap. I can't share photos yet, but I am checking her blog and as soon as I get the OK I will post photos. I was especially happy with the gifts I made and think I will have to make another set, just for me!<br />
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So my immediate sewing priorities are over, I'm not sure which of the many WIPs I have I will start on - I think I may have to shame myself by listing them all on my blog in the hope that this will motivate me to finishes. It would be nice to cross something off as it's done.<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-64489718409859243922012-11-04T14:05:00.001-08:002012-11-04T14:05:58.333-08:00Under-Estimation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been busy lately but it's not an excuse. I plan in my head the whys and wherefors of what I want to do, allocate time and get into it only to find it takes me so much longer than I'd anticipated to actually get the thing done! What's with this - is it related to age?<br />
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I cut this block out a week or so ago and as I was cutting it out, quietly getting excited thinking how much I liked the way the fabrics were working together etc, so decided to cut another. Then knowing I had plans the next day, I thought I'll just go and quickly stitch the block to confirm my thoughts. Well I still like it, in fact I love the way it turned out, but it took me all day to get just the one block stitched!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opImsi72rJg/UJbdSGWDwuI/AAAAAAAAATo/u1v00ynovZo/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opImsi72rJg/UJbdSGWDwuI/AAAAAAAAATo/u1v00ynovZo/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The one on the left is waiting to be stitched (when I get to it, I'll plan to have the whole day to do it this time). The one on the right is stitched, and I know all the outside seams don't match, but it's deliberately made bigger so I can trim the sides to be sure I get all the corner points in. Here's a closer picture so you can see the fabrics I used...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJ7rVZ7XvV0/UJbf0ESlu1I/AAAAAAAAAT8/CaXZYhsc_UA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJ7rVZ7XvV0/UJbf0ESlu1I/AAAAAAAAAT8/CaXZYhsc_UA/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anna Maria Horner in the centre followed by some Amy Butler and I can't remember the two outer diamonds, but I like them and the outside fabric is one of the Pallete Pleasures from A Day in the Country. Yummy!</div>
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The colours remind me of old movie posters from the 1950's - African Queen or Rebel With A Cause </div>
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so I might have to persue this when I get to cut more blocks.</div>
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This past weekend I've been working on secret projects (SSCS - sorry I can't post pictures yet) and again I've found I seriously underestimated the time it would take me to stitch them, so maybe my problem is simply that I should plan less and do more!</div>
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On that note I'm off to the sewing room.</div>
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1127651406380019745.post-65353389645282450392012-10-23T16:13:00.004-07:002012-10-23T16:16:16.943-07:00Home Again...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Been away again, catching up with family and to attend the <a href="http://www.qldquilters.com/quilt_show_2012.php" target="_blank">Queensland Quilters Quilt show for 2012</a> (you can see all the winning quilts by clicking on the link) and Stitches & Craft. As always it's wonderful to go to these shows, not just for the inspiration you receive from all the quilts but it's really great to see all the traders and their wares, not to mention catching up with the friends you haven't see for a while!<br />
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Here's my quilt all finished and on display - <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJdffZ7u3e8/UIcVtr1oUFI/AAAAAAAAASs/2vLa8NunG0k/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJdffZ7u3e8/UIcVtr1oUFI/AAAAAAAAASs/2vLa8NunG0k/s320/021.JPG" width="226" /></a></div>
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I'm really looking forward to it coming home, then maybe I just might have to do a little redecorating in my bedroom. Anyone else ever changed the room to suit the quilt?<br />
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I've long admired the work of quilter <a href="http://www.robynginnquilts.com/meet-the-artist.html" target="_blank">Robyn Ginn</a> and someday everything is going to align and I will make it to one of her workshops! In the meantime, I particularly loved this quilt - Welcome to the Village Green. (Another of Robyn's quilts won second in the Professional category and you can find it via the Qld Quilters link above).<br />
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Slightly closer up -<br />
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Another of my favourites was a stunning little miniature by Margot Kitchen - <a href="http://www.qldquilters.com/image_db.php?id=162" target="_blank">Scraps Into Jewels</a>. This little quilt was I quess about 18inches x 12inches and I can't image the precision nor the patience you'd require to make it!<br />
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Most exciting at the show this year was finding two new (to me) patchwork shops located in Queensland. The first <a href="http://www.voodoorabbit.com.au/" target="_blank">Voodoo Rabbit</a> is close to the CBD in Brisbane (well a short taxi ride anyway) and stocks a lot of fabrics you generally don't see, and the second shop is at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast - <a href="http://www.fifisfabricology.com.au/" target="_blank">Fifi's Fabricology</a>. With fabrics I like, I'm sure to find my way there in future. Apart from my fabric purchases from them... some Reece Scannell shot cottons made their way home to join my small collection (yet another for one of these days....), new rotary cutter blades from The Scissorman and some stabilizer from Floriani ... and some lovely little Christmas stitchery patterns (that I now realize I've left at Mum's place). I made the most of the day that I had there!<br />
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BevBSewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00930291050314778369noreply@blogger.com0