Always busy!

Supernova blocks from my Tocal workshop. So different!

Last weekend I travelled to the Hunter Valley for  a weekend workshop for Busy Needles patchwork shop in Singleton. We stayed at Tocal which is an Ag college just outside Maitland in a beautiful rural setting. 

There were a few different projects happening - NYBs, 30s Wheels with lovely embroidered centres ...

A few hints of what to expect for the two days!

Thanks Janet for inviting me. 

Below is Jennie's Scrap HPpy for her sister. The blue in the quilt is denim from their dads jeans. And the centres are Jennie's embroideries all about sisterly love. It is a beautiful present for a significant birthday. 

Susan had a finish the same day. Her Sunflower quilt top with the perfect border. She's not a fan of hand piecing but has done a great job!

Then it all happened this week! I filmed another DVD for Quilters Companion magazine. A bit nervous to start with but the crew is so lovely and normal and Clare is delightful. The whole hair-and-makeup thing doesn't agree with me but we soldiered on and it was  great day. The proof will be in the viewing won't it. I hope you like it!

This is a block from the quilt. And Clare called it "a psychedelic set" so there's lots of colour. 

Grenfell workshop

This greeted me on arrival in Grenfell last weekend for a two day workshop. Undoubtedly the best accommodation I've stayed in for work! I did my best to cope!

Morning tea was to die for on both days!

Then bubbles at lunch! It didn't seem to affect the sewing but I'm sure the girls relaxed a bit after lunch. 

We worked on Lots,of Dots and Jacobean Star with great concentration from all the girls. 

So many variations of the same block created lots of discussion during the day. 

I must thank Keryl from Fabric Sauce for inviting me to Grenfell. She thought of everything possible to make my stay so enjoyable. I'd be back in a flash for such amazing country hospitality!

My next weekend away is back to the bush with two days at Tocal college in the Hunter for the Busy Needles shop in Singleton. Looking forward to it!

Sydney Quilt Show

My two quilts entered into Sydney Quilt Show held recently. String Stars below received a Judges Commendation! I was very surprised as it was a last minute entry and not very prize-worthy I thought. That's the fun of quilt shows. You never know what the judges will like on the day. 

The wonderful surprise from the show is Rachaeldaisy winning 1st in Mixed Techniques and then Best of Show! Her cheer squad was on the sidelines and we were so happy for her. Especially that she's won a Bernina 720 machine!

The other surprise on the day was that our Springwood Quilt Show raffle quilt won 1st in the Group category. What a day it was! So exciting. 

QuiltNSW arranged a brilliant hoop display at the entrance to the show showing lots of members' work. It received great feedback and there are more hoops in the pipeline. That's mine below. 

A few pics of friends taken at the show. Top row L to R Rachael's taken by surprise with her win.  Chris Timmins and Sue Flego - Sue came over from NZ for the show and won the Best Traditional category with her Nearly Insane quilt. Bottom row it's a bit hard to see but Amanda Daly, QuiltNSW president and Susan Power were dressed nearly the same😂 and my good friend Pam receiving her Judges Commendation for her Strippy Sampler quilt. So good to catch up with so many friends over the four days I was on the Membership Desk. 

Done and dusted til next year when we go back to Darling Harbour and the show's over four days instead of five.