Berry Red Stitches

Meeting up in Sydney

I’ve just returned from a couple of days in Sydney. It was a quick visit this time - but I made sure to go and visit Material Obsession in Drummoyne. It was a quick and easy 10 minute bus ride from the city. The shop is just lovely and filled with so many gorgeous fabrics.

I was really pleased to meet Kathy when I arrived and with a bit of luck and great timing, Cathy from Cabbage Quilts was also visiting. It’s always a thrill to meet the people that you’ve been reading about. I think this is one of the positives of blogging – when you do meet in person, you don’t feel like a total stranger - you have an instant common interest to chat about and the conversation flows easily.

(Not a great iphone photo unfortunately!)

There was also a class going on downstairs and I popped in to say hello to Marj Sampson George (who I first met in Toowoomba last year). The room was abuzz with activity and camaraderie and they were busy sewing, cutting out and chatting. I reflected once again about the distance between my home and great quilt shops.

Oh well, I’ll just have to see how many UFOs I can finish before my next trip.

Liane

A few bits and pieces

These are the books I bought while I was in Toowoomba. It’s always good when you get some money for Christmas! I was hoping to join the Some Kind of Wonderful stitch-a-long but at the moment they are full – maybe I’ll just follow along myself for now. I always seem to find these groups too late!

I also caught up with some of the green ric rack that I was looking for to finish off my Patchwork Posies quilt and the bells and buttons for my stitcheries.

Precious Time was having their annual birthday sale and the top three fabrics are for backings and the bottom three, just because….

So now that I have a few things organized again – I have full time work for the next three weeks.

Good thing it’s summer and I can get up earlier!

 Liane

A few days away

I’ve just returned from a few days away in Toowoomba. With all the rain and local flooding we have been having here in South East Queensland, I almost wasn’t sure whether to go or not. Luckily we had a respite from the torrential rain here and it was not raining when I arrived in Toowoomba. I'm so glad I went for a walk through the parks the first day, as the rain and fog closed in after that.

I saw these huge sunflowers in the park. Some of them were standing over 2 metres tall and the leaves were the size of dinner plates.

Even though the weather meant I couldn’t visit a few of my favourite “outdoor” spots, I could still pay a couple of visits to Lisa at Precious Time. I meant to take some photos of the shop this time but I forgot. Luckily they have just rearranged and Lisa has posted some photos here on her blog.

I had taken a shopping list with me and as soon as I take some photos, I will show you my purchases.

Liane

Peaceful setting before the trip home

I always try to visit the Japanese Gardens before I leave Toowoomba as it is such a beautiful and peaceful setting. Everywhere you look there is a photo opportunity. I couldn't resist taking a photo of these gorgeous fluffy ducklings at the water's edge - surely a sign that it is Spring.

Until next time,

Liane

A few extra additions

Had to stop at Precious Time before I left Toowoomba, to say goodbye. I found some lovely lemon stripe fabric and some gorgeous blue fabrics that needed to come home with me, together with these additional yellow, orange and black fabrics for the Lots of Dots quilt.

 

These will go with the ones I have already started working with on Lots of Dots -

It is always inspiring to go to Lisa's shop and hear what new projects these prolific local quilters are working on. Judging by the amount of work that was undertaken at the classes, there will be a lot more finished quilts very soon.

Liane

Results from the Quilt Classes

I attended some quilt classes organised by Precious Time while I was in Toowoomba.

The first class was with Wendy Williams and was her Pebbly Beach quilt. This class was a lot of fun! I laid all the blocks out on the long table to get a photo.

I can't wait to get this one finished. Working with the bright colours and the curved shapes was great fun.

The next class was with Chris Jurd and was her Lots of Dots quilt. Using these bright spotty fabrics was a change for me but I am happy with the results.

It was very inspiring to meet all of the very talented ladies and of course, the tutors who came along. The quantity and diversity of work completed and showcased during this week was amazing.

Thank you to Lisa, Roland and Majella who organised a great week.

Liane

Great weather - magnificent parks

 

This is a small part of Queens Park in Toowoomba and as you can see, the displays were fantastic and the weather was beautiful.

If you haven't already been to Toowoomba at this time of year, I would highly recommend it.

There was so much going on all over town this year, Orchid Show, Clivia Show, Floral Competition, open gardens, wonderful parks, Quilt Shows, Quilt classes as well as the usual Carnival events, the Floral Parade, the classic car show, concerts and side shows in Queens Park - truly something for everyone.

More photos soon,

Liane

Time for a recharge!

My son's year 12 exams are finally over and the holidays are close! It's time out to recharge for both of us now and I'm slipping away for a break in Toowoomba.

Will be a lovely chance to relax I hear you say? There will be plenty going on I can assure you - its Carnival of Flowers and Quiltfest time there. Gardens and parks full of lovely flower displays, floral art competitions, catching up with friends, quilt shows, quilt classes and visits to my favourite quilt shops and eateries. Doesn't sound particularly restful - but a busy week filled with things you love is great for the soul. I'll be back soon with lots of news and photos.

Liane

Classes in Toowoomba during Carnival of Flowers

We've had a few different computer problems here lately -at least when there was only one computer in the house you didn't have multiple problems! I've reformatted my laptop now and hopefully it will keep running a bit longer!

I love to go to Toowoomba in September when the Carnival of Flowers and the Toowoomba Quilt Show are on. Lisa at Precious Time is the owner of one of my favourite Quilt Shops - I can spend hours and lots of money in her shop as her taste in fabrics is excellent. Lucky for me the shop is 2 1/2 hours away! For details of the classes this year check Lisa's blog http://precioustime.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Liane

Can I get to Sydney?

I've almost recovered from the flu and I've been waiting to see if the flight delays from the ash cloud have cleared - so that I can hop on a plane to Sydney for the Quilt Show at Darling Harbour. There always seems to be some reason why I don't make it each year!

For the latest about the winners click here

If you are lucky enough to get there, I hope you enjoy it.

Liane