I love cherries

My good friend Rachael has passed an award my way - the first I've ever received. Scroll down her blog to find the kind words she's said about me and two other bloggers she likes.



As part of the award I must tell you three things I like and tag three blogs I like.


I really like quilts made using Japanese prints.
This is Helen's quilt - I'm sure she won't mind you looking at it.



And because I've just been there I really like to be beside the sea.
Under that frangipani tree with a good book and
the occasional swim - perfect!



I really, really like quilt history books and this one is a beauty
(pity about the pic)

Now to three blogs I can pass the Cherry award to? How about Di at Snippets and Scraps. She does a ton of good work with her quilting groups and has a wicked sense of humour to boot.
I also like Mamie Jane's where she repurposes heaps of old stuff into useful things. Anyone who knows me knows I'm into "junk" and love a good op-shop find!
And lastly I look at Ann Champion's blog with great interest. She has an amazing collection of antique and vintage quilts and quilt tops and has a little show-and-tell on a regular basis.
So thanks Rachael for the award and have a look at my favourite blogs - you might find something interesting too.
On another note I found this link to more tutorials, this time thru the Sew mama sew blog. It's on Katie Pedersen's blog and contains something for everyone I'm sure.

I'm home!

What a great two weeks it's been. First to Toowoomba for my two days of classes. The girls really sewed their hearts out and produced some stunning pieces by Friday afternoon. Lisa was the best hostess ever. Talk about organised for teachers and students alike. The catering by the church ladies was gourmet standard and we all ate way too much. Every time we turned around it was time for more food!

These were left from Kathy Doughty's classes - fabulous.

How's this stunner from Peggy who came all the way from Emerald - 8 hours drive - to attend the week of classes

This background fabric in several colourways proved very popular for several Mariners

I might have even bought some of the green version!

This wasn't all Bronwyn made over the two days but she sure was happy with it.

Next year's event looks to be even bigger and better and I've been invited back - how cool is that.
Hubby met me in Toowoomba and we spent a week vegeing (??) out in Noosa - bliss. A visit to Eumundi markets is always on the agenda and I came away with the wallet a good deal lighter. Now it's back to work next week on the downhill run to Xmas - perish the thought.

Have you seen the latest issue of Aust Patchwork and Quilting. I have this quilt featured in it as a project for hand-piecing.
The quilt includes a lot of kimono fabric which I purchased from KimoYES in Canberra. Beautiful original pieces from Japan and the prices are very reasonable with lots of choice. It's hard to resist I can tell you. Check it out.

Emperors Wheel

Have you seen the latest issue of Aust Patchwork and Quilting? Among other things there's a profile on me and my Emperors Wheel quilt. The photo of me is about 6 years old (how funny) and the interview was conducted via email when we were in Canada earlier this year. Didn't turn out too badly tho I'd had a couple of wines as I was writing! The magazine's photography is first class as always.

Trunk show and more

What great weather to be inside sewing (or planning a new quilt).Thursday night I'm the guest tutor at Hobbysew at Kings Park for their first Club Night. I'll have a trunk show of my quilts and a short talk on my favourite techniques etc. Come along if you're able - 7-9pm at the shop. There'll be supper and everything!

Helen in my Friday class has been so busy with a quilt for her niece(?) from a collection of oriental fabrics she has. Isn't it beautiful and her sewing is so exact - well done that girl. Does that sound like her friend Susan?

Off to my Bathurst class this Sunday - now that will be cold. Lucky Anni has the heater on for us. I'm allowed to take the new car for the day - the first time I drove it I came home with a cracked windscreen. You can imagine the reception! Never mind - it's only a car.

Things are really hotting up for my daughter's wedding in 6 weeks. I've been mother-of-the-bride shopping which is not an easy task for me. I can do casual but dressy is quite difficult.

It will be a fantastic day for all the family - lots of relos and friends. We're just hoping for good weather as the ceremony is outside.

Do you like the star quilt? I've been playing with EQ5 a have come up with some amazing designs by dropping blocks into an eight-pointed star. Stay tuned for more.

I've had a steady number of lookers from Australia and the world - please leave me a comment so I can return the favour.

Guess what!!

I sent a quilt to the Cotton Expo in Narrabri for their quilt show and I won a 1st prize!! in the traditional section with Oriental Mariners. Very generous amount of cash it was too.

Had a lovely Mothers day at Bicentennial Park with hubby and kids (25 & 32 so not so kiddish I guess) picnicking and bike riding. What a great venue for both. There were lots of other families celebrating and we will certainly visit again - the bike paths are fantastic.

I'm on a deadline to finish quilting my entry for Darling Harbour - 3 and a bit weeks til drop-off day - better get on with it.