Once aponce a time

what I am loving

2012-02-01T19:08:00.004+11:00

The fabrics I am using to make Sadie's (grandkid#1) 'big girl' Strippy quilt. The hearts will be appliqued on. The method is really easy - I will share full instructions after I have finished it.

The Story Book Bunting I made last weekend. The pages are cut from an old Golden Book - The Saggy Baggy Elephant. I have a stack more Golden Books that I am looking forward to making into bunting too!

I never thought I'd say this - but I am loving my tissue box! My sister bought it for me from the Reject Shop - how cool!

I am loving my gorgeous, little, pretty Singer Featherweight sewing machine! My husband owned five sewing machine shops when I first met him (21 years ago) and he had a few vintage sewing machines that had been accepted as trade ins for new machines. I deemed that two of them (this and another old singer) were the 'dowry' he brought to the marriage, fair?

I am also loving Zumba, which I did for the first time last night at the local school hall, what a blast! I cant wait for next week's session.

I am loving the fabulous projects I have lined up for DUQ over the next five issues. Gorgeous quilts from favourite designers - Chris Jurd, Ally Nichol, Vicki Hines, Gaye Watson and Susan Carr, and some fabulous quilts from other talented quilters well-known around the country - but new to DUQ - Chris Timmins, Val Crump and others.

I am loving that school went back, that my kids are being good, that my sister is staying with us (love her company), that grandkid#2 is due ANY day (and I will be at the birth), that grandkid#1 is sooo fricken cute - and many other things.

Most of all, I am loving my husband, 'cause most of the above wouldn't even exist if it wasn't for him in my life!!!

Free magazine SUBS

2011-11-26T10:35:00.003+11:00

The next issue of both of these titles will be available online FREE very soon - click on whichever one you are interested in, or both, and sign up now so you don't miss out!

Red Lantern Markets

2011-11-25T20:18:00.002+11:00

From what I can understand this is an annual event. I can also gather that the organisers have had trouble raising sponsorship. BUT, it sounds really good, and deserves support.

It includes a large cultural program with music, performance, an operational rickshaw and a partnership with Livesites who will create a program of Dancing in the Street. Renew Newcastle projects will participate and open their doors to partake in the festival.

Additionally, and this is the bit that sounds the b.e.s.t to me - visitors have the opportunity of viewing and purchasing unique handmade and fair-trade goods direct from the artisan/maker and experiencing exotic food from Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Spain, Africa, Greece and Turkey.

Sounds good eh, so if you are local, or close enough to make the trip, do so!

I am visiting my aunt and uncle's on Saturday night, and they live in upper Hunter valley, The red Lantern markets sound like a good idea for a evening out!

Check out more here ...

he likes the cushions, so does his girlfriend :-)

2011-11-24T12:48:00.001+11:00

Then there were three

2011-11-23T15:49:00.002+11:00

three cushions, that is.

Here is the up-cycled sweater, three cushions. I had intended to make two rectangular cushions, because I thought that shape would accommodate the best area of the knitted pieces.
Then, because I was on a roll, (or so I thought), I decided to patch together some of the smaller pieces with fabrics. That my friend was where things got a bit tricky. I didn't realise just how accustomed to sewing on stable cotton fabric I had become. Boy oh boy those knits and stretch fabrics were going all over the place.
However, all's well that ends well, and if Jake likes them, that is all ok. I will be giving them to him tonite, so I will soon know.
x dls

Up-cycling my son's knitted sweater

2011-11-16T17:57:00.004+11:00

Once Aponce A Time, more than 16 years ago, my mother knitted this divine Aran-style sweater for my son Jake (who is now 26).

Sadly, he wasn't too fussed with it, and the few times he did wear it it was under sufferance. I held on to that sweater no matter what, simply because of the time and love that had gone into it. This year I tried to get my now-11-year-old son, Mason, to wear it, nope, he isn't keen either.

I have unpicked the seams, which were so beautifully stitched mummy, I could barely see them! I have cut the ribbing off. I am planning to make some cushions. Jake has recently moved into a new flat with his girlfriend, so I thought these cushions would be useful, plus satisfy my desires that the hand-work is still cherished.

I hope to complete them soon, I will post a photo when they are done.

x dls

Or, I could make a bag like this vintage bag I found online just now - here - take a look, they are selling the pattern. What a fab idea!

Annemieke's Book!

2011-11-11T14:47:00.003+11:00

OOOPs, deadline slipped straight past me, that's what happens when I am working simultaneously on content for two different magazines - Down Under Quilts and Creative Expressions Down Under. Anyway, enough of the excuses ...

and, the winner is ......

Christine.. (and not just because she said how much she liked my quilt on the front cover of #150 tehe), so Christine, email me you address details and I will send this glorious book to you and you and your grand-daughter can enjoy it together.

To Upcycle, or not to Upcycle?

2011-11-11T13:20:00.008+11:00

Or, how do you throw away a quilt you have loved for so long?

I cant find a suitable answer to either question. What is your opinion?

HOW could it be upcycled? and if not, HOW do you throw it away?

I couldn't just put it in the bin, I couldnt take it to the tip, maybe I should put it in a Good Will bin and let them deal with it, heartlessly, but out of my sight?

Mum made this quilt for me around 15-20 years ago, it has been my favourite for many reasons. I love the colours, it is very warm and snuggly and the perfect size for keeping warm on the lounge. As you can see I have loved it to death! Look at those tears and frays, and every corner has damage, and the binding is wearing thin ...

oh, what to do?

2011 Quilt Festival Winners

2011-11-03T16:01:00.004+11:00

As far as I can see two Australian quiltmakers have won awards at this year's major quilt competition. Check out all the winners yourself here.

Congratulations go to Ming Hsu of SA for her quilt, Conversations with Diane, which won First Place in the Merit Quilting, Machine category sponsored by Bernina® of America.

Southern Delight, by Mariya Waters of Melbourne, was awarded an honourable mention in the Art-Pictorial category sponsored by AccuQuilt

Both Mariya’s and Ming’s quilts have previously been published in Down Under Quilts for awards they won in Australia.

And, the top prize - The Handi Quilter® Best of Show Award, ($10,000*) went to Sue McCarty of Utah for her quilt, Harmony Within.

Well done, one and all.

DUQ Facebook reaches 500 - let's celebrate!

2011-10-31T10:01:00.004+11:00

To celebrate this exciting milestone we are giving away this gloriously gorgeous book by Australian textile artist Annamieke Mein.

Leave a comment here and tell me why you would like to win this book. The winner will be chosen randomly on Friday 4th November. You must 'like' Down Under Quilts FB to be eligible to win, so pop over there and LIKE us now!
xdls

Upcycle, Re-invent, Inspire

2011-10-28T17:21:00.006+11:00

On my way to Gosford Train Station recently I noticed these exciting, enticing words ... Up-cycle, Re-invent, Inspire, on a shop window. There wasn't enough time to take a good look and see what type of shop it was. But today, on my way back from dropping my son at the station I parked and visited!

What a treasure trove! The store is called The Bower Bird Project and it has a similar feel to a sewing cafe. They offer workshops and lessons on various sewing and craft techniques. Plus they have an adorable collection of bits and pieces.

OMG - bangles made from KNITTING NEEDLES - I must have one! they wouldn't fit over my fist, but not from lack of trying! More are coming in soon, hopefully in bigger sizes

Many things are handmade by locals, there is fabric and oodles of buttons, vintage clothes, vintage chairs, and other gorgeous stuff too.

It is run by Leanne, and I hope to get back there often to visit, maybe even join a sewing group.

Meanwhile you can visit their website or their Facebook page - happy hunting.
xdls

Textile Art anyone?

2011-10-26T16:21:00.005+11:00

This is Issue #5 of one of our sister publications - Down Under Textiles, and as the name implies, it is focused on all manner of textile techniques. The projects are by Australians, using products available in Australia. The instructions are clear and informative - check out the Facebook page for more information.

This magazine is available through specialist suppliers only, or directly from the publisher. Just like DUQ, it is also available online FREE.

The next issue will be available in about 3-4 weeks, and it is marvellous. If you like Shibori, the Aussie way, then you will LOVE this issue!

x dls

Japanese Motifs Book Giveaway

2011-10-26T09:10:00.002+11:00

I have the review copy to give away to one lucky reader. All you have to do is tell me what you like best about Japanese quiltmaking and the motifs they use. Leave me a comment here ...

I will announce the winner on November 18th.
cheers dls

2011-10-12T12:34:00.002+11:00

If you are in the region of Bright (Victoria) on the weekend of 22/23 October for the Bright Spring Festival, and Quilt Expo you might want to sign up for a workshop with Dijanne Cevaal.
Contact Angela at Sew Bright Alpine Quilting to find out more. 03 5755 5118.
xdls

Liberty Feature in DUQ #151

2011-10-04T15:37:00.002+11:00

Liberty Prints seem to be all the rage right now, well they are for me, and seem to be for many other textile and quilt lovers too.

Liberty Art Prints, both classic and new, are gorgeous, and the funky collaborative prints are striking and inspirational.

I had a dress made from Liberty Tana Lawn (5 metres in the skirt alone!) more than 20 years ago, but these days my passion for these iconic prints is for quiltmaking.

We have decided to bring even more Liberty lusciousness into the lives of Australia's and International Down Under Quilts' readers in the December-January issue.

We are on the lookout for quilts that have been made with Liberty prints, cushions, bags, whatever ... if you have any of these handmade items, or know someone who does, please let me know. I will be starting on the story soon and am hoping to share many Australian Liberty influences as possible in issue #151 to share with the world.

xdls

dls loves Hello Kitty

2011-10-04T15:29:00.003+11:00

I was excited to see that Liberty have recently released a range of classy Hello Kitty fabrics -

Liberty says, "We've joined forces with every girl's best feline-featured friend Hello Kitty, who has invaded our iconic Liberty floral prints as part of this exciting collaboration. The result is five gorgeous fabric prints in eight colour ways."

The Hello Kitty Liberty Art Fabrics is exclusive to Liberty.

and, I was surprised to find these too, how cute are they?
x dls

New Book Releases

2011-09-28T10:57:00.003+10:00

I received this amazing pile of books from the Australian distributor - Capricorn Link - last week. A number of them will be featured in future copies of Down Under Quilts, Down Under Textiles and Creative Expressions, along with a review.

It is one of joys of the job of editor that we get to see so many books in advance, some I keep in my own library, I love books! And the other are given to various groups and guilds for their libraries, and then every now and then we do a giveaway too. Stand by for that ...

And, the shoes DID NOT fit :-(, they are half a size too small, boo hoo.

New LIBERTY PRINT shoes

2011-09-14T11:40:00.003+10:00

Woo hoo, I just bought these from Liberty of London, online for 70 pounds plus shipping. How cool are they!

They are from the Liberty Nike Autumn Collection, just released yesterday. Thanks to Erica for 'liking' them on FB, it was the first thing I saw this morning.

These Nike shoes feature Helena's Party print, which originates from a lace flower design created in 1937. This print was part of a collaboration with Lauren Child, creator of the Charlie & Lola stories.

x dls

Binding Finished

2011-07-31T17:32:00.003+10:00

You cant see much because it is to be a project in a future issue, so it's still under wraps.

But I can tell you a little about it ...

The pattern is a very old traditional one
The colours were inspired by a cover on a notebook I purchased at V&A in 1999
It includes many of the red/blue prints from the Suzani range by Michelle Marvig
I chose (most) of the fabrics, and purchased them
Lorraine (mummy) hand stitched the top
Kim Bradley machine quilted it
I sewed the binding on
It is called Thel's Garden, named after my grandmother (Lorraine's mum)

it's a bit eclectic isnt it?

The pattern, and a full size photograph will appear in the first Down Under Quilts issue of 2012.

xdls

Visiting patchwork shops

2011-07-30T15:22:00.002+10:00

In the last seven days I have visited 5 patchwork shops. What joy!

Four were in the ACT, when Erica and I went to Canberra to see the Rajah Quilt, and today I went to Wyong to Blueberries Patchwork to buy myself another tip for the Simplicity Bias Maker.

While I was there I met Ally Nicholl, one of our wonderfully talented designers, Hi Ally! If you would like to see Ally's latest quilt in DUQ, pop over the free digital version ... it is called Fiesta, and it sure is bright and festive.

xdls

Making Binding

2011-07-27T12:01:00.006+10:00

Yesterday a quilted top came back from Kim Bradley (of Kim Bradley Creations) and it is gorgeous! I cant show it to you, as it will be a project in a future issue.

The quilt is 200cm x 220cm, which meant that I needed to cut, sew and iron almost 9 metres of binding. It was a bit of a challenge to say the least!

I start way more quilts than I finish, so I had forgotten what a wrangle it can be to prepare the binding. I don't mind machine sewing it on, and I quite enjoy hand stitching it in place, but preparing it? urghh. and this was straight binding!

Imagine my fear at the thought of cutting and preparing around 8 metres of BIAS binding, which I need to do for the other quilt that has just returned from professional machine quilter - Heather Shanks of Heasha Quilting, Gold Coast. It has large scallops around the edges... (thanks Heather I LOVE the quilting)

Always the one to make use of handy tools where possible, I quickly searched for, and ordered a Simplicity Bias Tape Maker (click on the VIDEO button to see how easy it is to use!)

The machine arrives tomorrow, and I have to have the binding completed by Sunday evening, as the quilt will be photographed for the magazine next Monday. Plenty of time! (yeah right)

I'll be sure to let you know how easy it made the job of metres of bias binding for my Purple Puzzles quilt, appearing as a project in issue 150!

xdls

In my sewing room

2011-07-10T13:33:00.003+10:00

After one week in Queensland, on the warm sunny Gold Coast, we are back home in the cold windy weather with the fire blazing. But I am not sitting in front of the fire, I am up in my sewing room fondling fabrics.

I have prepared a backing for the quilt that is to be urgently quilted this week ready to appear in issue #150 of Down Under Quilts ...

I have auditioned a binding for a quilt top that mum made and gave me ....

And, I have cut 2 1/2in strips to make a series of four patches to make up the 'strips' between a luscious toile-like fabric with ornate columns ...

Bliss ...

Visiting Gold Coast patchwork shops

2011-07-04T17:47:00.003+10:00

When certain things collide other things occur. This week's collision involved ... first week of school holidays in NSW and my brother-in-law and cute nephew flying into Queensland from China for a week. Hubby declared we should pack up the kids into the car and drive to the Gold Coast to see Rob and Taj and visit my mum who lives on GC.

And here we are.

Mum and I decided to have a girly/quilty/fabric day today and luckily the Gold Coast quilters opened their biennial quilt show a few days ago, so off we set. First stop was Lilyana's absolutely delightful shop in Mudgeeraba, Patchwork Dreaming, then down to the Gold Coast Council Chambers to see the quilt show, and finally a trip down the motorway to Fantazia Fabric Land, Tweed Heads, where they sell fabric by the metre at very good prices! Considering I was looking for backings for at least three quilts this was certainly the place for me today!

Now, I have talked to my machine quilter Kim Bradley and arranged for one to be sent to her tomorrow,

What a good, good day!

Crochet is like riding a bike

2011-07-01T15:15:00.003+10:00

After many, many years of not one crochet stitch I purchased a kit of silk threads to make a crocheted scarf. It didn't cross my mind that maybe I couldn't still do it, but at first I had a little trouble with my trebles! But, it is like riding a bike, once you know how you can always do it. This is the start, it already looks so luscious!

And, just in case I need my training wheels back on, I found this fab book in the review pile (the books I am sent to review in the mags) and it is full of great info!

happy stitching x dls

great designers = great projects in Down Under Quilts

2011-06-17T18:02:00.006+10:00

I have had a great time commissioning quilt and bag projects for the next few issues of Down Under Quilts. Many are new to DUQ, and we have a few of our fav designers too.

Here is an up-close peek of some of the projects that will appear in the next three issues - June, August and October, just to tease you ...

Sarah Fielke has designed an exclusive embroidered cushion for you

Stephanie Newman has shared some incredible quilts with us over the past few
years, this beauty is a shimmering scrap quilt

New designer, Janelle Fischer shares the instructions to make a funky bag

Another new designer, Siobhan Rogers shares two projects in the next few issues
- this is a detail of her Liberty Prints quilt ...

Mary Rothe is also a new designer and she shares a quilt called Kaffe in Kaos, using the
colour wheel to place the fabrics it resembles a colour-wash of sorts ...

and there's more, but I will keep those tempting images until after the Craft & Quilt Fair (22-27 June) at Darling Harbour. If you are visiting the fair come and visit us too, we are on stand K33.

xdls

Jinny Beyer and me

2011-05-24T16:59:00.006+10:00

I first met Jinny in 1988 and after not seeing her for more than 25 years, recently I have been experiencing a few Jinny Beyer encounters.

My mother owned a quilt and craft shop on the Gold Coast in the mid 80s to 90s. We invited various international tutors to teach there. Among them Mary Ellen Hopkins, Roberta Horton, Harriet Hargrave and Jinny Beyer. Much water is under the bridge since then, and people have drifted on.

Last month I was researching an article on medallion-style quilts (to appear in the June issue of DUQ). There can be no medallion story without Jinny Beyer's Ray of Light quilt, a medallion quilt that won first prize out of 10,000 entries in 1978.

I was trying to contact Jinny and get information and images, but was running out of time ... and getting a little frantic because I really did not want to go to print without Jinny's part in the history of medallion style quilting.

Nevertheless I had to leave the office for a few days, and the unfinished story, to go to Melbourne for AQC. There, across the aisle from me, sat Jinny Beyer! OMG. I just had to laugh, how amazing this quilting world is, when here I am trying to contact someone on the other side of the world about something that occurred more than 30 years earlier, and there she sits, signing books, not 10 metres away.

I re-introduced myself, of course she was gracious, but of all the quilters she would have met over the years I am not sure she did recall me, fully. We managed to sort out the info and the images, thankfully, and the story went to print in all it's past and present glory.

Then, another JB encounter, two in as many months!

Over a few casual discussions recently it has been noted that drafting your own blocks is a skill that not all quilters have, and we wondered whether they should. Since the age of the rotary cutter the need to draft has not been so necessary, many of us can, and have, gotten by without this skill.

Those discussions led to me to wonder where my copy of Jinny's book, The Quilter's Album of Blocks & Borders, was. This was (and is) such a wonderful resource for someone starting out in the world of drafting their own blocks. It shows more than 750 geometric designs for easy identification and drafting. I used it often way back in the late 80s.

Search though I might, I could not find that book. Until today!

Packing up books and mags ready to move the office (again!) there it was! There was the usual excitement at finding something lost as well as the happy trip down memory lane I had when I opened its (yellowing) pages, and there in the front is a hand-written message to me from Jinny! To Debi, Happy Quilting, Jinny Beyer, Gold Coast 1988.

1988! Wow, that is a long time ago. No wonder the pages are yellowing, and Jinny barely remembers me!

These recent encounters have heightened for me the wonders of the quilting world and the friendships and contact you can make all around the world, even back in the late 80s-early 90s with minimal, if any, internet!

Books and resources - the good ones - can last forever. Jinny's impact, with her view of the quilting world, has been unique and has proven to be immemorial to not only those of us who discovered her way-back-then but also to the new quilters, the new breed, who maybe don't get so much of the 'background', naturally, it being so far behind many of us now.

Time moves on, and sometimes we may feel like we drift away from people and things, but maybe we are all drifting in the same direction? That is evidenced by how easily one can bump into another person (or book) from the past, and enjoy the experience all over again.

It does amaze me how much simple joy I get from these experiences, and that just makes me all the more grateful to be a quilter.
xdls

PS. If you want, you can check out Jinny's Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/JinnyBeyerStudio

and you can check out Down Under Quilts Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/DownUnderQuilts

Name that quilt block!

2011-05-19T16:51:00.002+10:00

At the recent Eastwood Patchworkers exhibition the quilt that won Best of Show was made by Lois Cook, this is it, called For Nathan.

The design was inspired by a quilt called Friendship made c1871 by Elizabeth Mathews Baxter. That quilt was part of the Quilts of Tennessee Exhibition and its details are included on the comprehensive website - The Quilt Index.

Does anyone know the name of the block?

Off to AQC ...

2011-04-12T15:41:00.004+10:00

Everything is packed and ready to go, tomorrow morning I leave home to travel to Melbourne for the Australasian Quilt Convention. I cant recall how many there has been, but this is my second time of exhibiting.

We will be at stand 182, conveniently located close to the Quilt Displays, yeah! Please stop by and say hello. There are a few great reasons why you should stop by, and not just because we'll have a chat ...

1. Down Under Quilts #147 will be there HOT off the plane, I air-freighted in three boxes only, the rest are all sailing serenely towards our shores as we speak. So, if you want to be one of the first 120 people (that's all I've got!) to own a copy, come and see me.

2. On the front cover of said issue 147, there is a gorgeous quilt - Sarah Fielke's Ups and Downs. We will have this quilt live at the show to motivate you.

3. The fourth, fabulous issue of Down Under Textiles will be there, hot off the press.

4. While on the subject of Sarah, last week she launched a brand-new book - Quilting From Little Things. This is Sarah's first solo book, and it is truly magnificent! We will have limited stock - only 32 - of these also ... don't miss your copy!

5 thru to 1000+ there are many things to see and do at the 2011 AQC.

xdls

Down Under Textiles #4 out soon - pass it on

2011-04-05T15:44:00.004+10:00

Down Under Textiles issue #4 is running just a little late, but the good news is that it is only a few days away! I will be driving to Sydney (4hours round trip!) to collect boxes on Thursday, when they’ve cleared customs.

Here is a little about this issue – if you are tempted, then give us a call and order your copy NOW, or if you prefer to receive your magazine online, visit our website.

Threads, ribbons, fibres and glittery bits, products such as Tyvek, Lutradur and Textiva, along with some foiling, yarn bombing and free-motion stitching and viola – you have the forth fabulous issue of Down Under Textiles (even if I do say so myself!).

We show work from talented artists – the talented trio Zigzag, weaver Liz Williamson and explore the Indian influences on Fiona Wright’s personal life and art. There is a review of the annual ATASDA exhibition and we share some of the work from the Textile Tantrums exhibition – all of which will introduce some exciting and tactile pieces to tempt and influence.

Plus, there is the opportunity to put some of the ideas into projects – Samantha Pope shows you how to make pretty embellished brooches and Lynda Worthington shows you how to make a glamorous evening bag.

I hope that in the plethora of loveliness, brightness and intrigue you can find some good ideas to add to your experiments of the textile kind! Have fun, and as Neroli Henderson says ... never dismiss a medium that will add to your design concept just because it doesn't fit with anyone’s idea of what you 'should' use.

Call us now to order your copy or print subscription – 02 4365 2995

Visit the website to order a DIGITAL subscription!

Decorated Cake Boxes

2011-03-29T13:30:00.003+11:00

At our new, little country school (only 180 students) they have a very clever way of ensuring that parents send in cakes for the cake stall ...

they give the kids a blank, fold-up cardboard cake box and they are challenged to decorate it, a prize is awarded for the best one.

The catch is, it must come back to school not only decorated, but filled with a cake! You can imagine that the kids do not allow that baking to go unfinished, 'cause that would mean they couldn't return their gorgeously decorated box!

Groan, I find it hard to find the time to do these things, working basically full time as I do! And now I have to help them decorate a box AND make a cake?

Guess what, I cheated! I helped them decorate the box ... how cute is it! and then I popped up to Bakers Delight and purchased an Apple and Walnut Log to put in it!

Ta da! dls x

A bed turning?

2011-03-23T15:49:00.004+11:00

After all these years I have discovered a new quilting term today - "Bed Turning'. It seems to be used in America, but I haven't heard it used here, have you?

It is a way of showing a collection of antique quilts. I suppose it can be used to show a modern collection too.

Pop over to Bonnie K Hunter's blog and take a look at one she went to a week or so back when she was teaching at the 17th Annual, A Mountain Quiltfest, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA.

Do you think we should adopt this idea here in Australia?
xdls

From this ...

2011-03-11T13:12:00.007+11:00

to ????

Go along and find out for yourself - you wont be sorry!

Eastwood Patchwork & Quilters are displaying more than 140 quilts in the 2011 Biennial Quilt Exhibition from today to Sunday at Brush Farm House, Lawson Street, Eastwood.

I was one of the judges of this year's show, and can tell you, without a moment's hesitation, that the quilts on display are just marvellous!

While you are out and about, the Craft Expo is close by, at Rosehill Racecourse, maybe drop in there too!

have a lovely crafty weekend!
xdls

Paducah AQS Quilt Show & Contest - Semi Finalists Announced

2011-03-11T12:12:00.002+11:00

The 27th Annual AQS Quilt Show & Contest will be held in Paducah from April 27-30, 2011 at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention Center.

The List of Quilt Contest Semi-finalists is here.

Congratulations to all, especially the girls from down under - at a quick glance I see Steph Newman, Ester Aliu, Jenny Bacon, Linda Steele and Pam Hill - if you find more, let me know.

xdls

Their loss is my gain ...

2011-03-09T11:47:00.007+11:00

It is not nice to be smug about gaining from someone else's loss, however ...

As many know, Borders and Angus & Robertson, who are owned by the company Red Group, went into receivership recently. At the moment not all A&R stores are closing, but the one at Erina Fair - which is closest to me - is. All stock is 50% off!

I picked up these two books, both of which I have been coveting for some time.

I am a fan of Royal Historical Books, and I have anxiously awaited the release of the second in Philippa Gregory's War of the Roses Trilogy (the royals immediately prior to the Tudors), The Red Queen.

Blossoms and Shadows by Lian Hearn, has captured my attention the last few times I've been into book shops, but as a book-buyer-aholic I have to curb myself. She is an Australian writer, and has a very nice website - www.lianhearn.com,

Blossoms and Shadows is the story of the birth of modern Japan, told by Tsuru, a young woman who breaks every stereotype of the Japanese lady. We meet her on the day of her sister's wedding, and soon realise that she will not accept the same domestic role that her sister is about to take on. Instead, Tsuru is ready to embrace the new world, defend her beliefs, look for love, and follow her career as a doctor working alongside her husband on the battlefields.

In the mid 1860s Japan was in the grip of a revolution almost as tumultuous as the French Revolution 100 years earlier, yet we in the West know very little about it. This book lets readers feel they are there among the revolutionaries, guided by the engaging character of Tsuru. By the end of the first chapter readers will feel they know her, and want to fight with her as she battles against the conventions of the day and falls into a forbidden love.

so, if one near you is closing, and you love books as much as I do, pop in and bag a bargain!
xdls

Farewell to a quilt pioneer - Jean Ray Laury

2011-03-09T11:14:00.004+11:00

Last week, one of the world's most talented and influential quilters, Jean Ray Laury, passed away at age 82.

Not only was she instrumental in reviving quilting in the 70 & 80s, she uplifted women's souls and expectations with her kindness, support and encouragement.

Jean made her first quilt in 1956 and went on to write more than 20 books about quilts and quilt making and taught classes throughout the world, including Australia.

Among her many accolades, are ...

Her quilt, Barefoot and Pregnant, was considered one of the twentieth century's best American Quilts, and is listed here, as #52. In 1999 these quilts were included in a Houston installation titled ‘America's 100 Best Quilts of the 20th Century’

Her name appears in the book 88 Leaders in the Quilt World Today .

In 1982 she was elected into the Quilter's Hall of Fame

and in 2002 she was one of ‘30 Distinguished Quilters’ selected for inclusion in the International Great Quilt Festival in Tokyo.

One of her books, No Dragons on My Quilt, is one of our family favourites ...

Rest in Peace ....
xdls

Louis Vuitton Hand-crafted Banana fibreTrunks

2011-01-30T14:53:00.003+11:00

Loius Vuitton stores around the world dedicated their window displays to Diwali — The festival of Lights in India, from November 1 to January 1.

While holidaying on the Gold Coast I was fortunate to see some of these amazing 'trunks', designed by Indian designer Rajeev Sethi. The trunks were crafted and hand-painted in India on banana fibre paper, glowing from within like Diwali lanterns.

(Rajeev Sethi is one of South Asia’s leading designers and is noted internationally for his innovative contribution to preserving and celebrating the subcontinent’s rich cultural heritage. For more than 35 years, through his work in design and architecture, performances and festivals, exhibitions, publications and policy, he has identified ways to bring contemporary relevance to the traditional skills of vulnerable artisan communities and creative professionals. )

Their luminosity was gorgeous in the night hours, even in these photos you can appreciate the effect.

xdls

one last Christmas Post

2010-12-22T12:26:00.002+11:00

quick, quick, one last thing before I jump in the car and head north to the camp site... I have to make a Christmas dress for Eloise, I hope she likes it. I made one for Sadie last week, and Eloise helped me sew the bow on.

15 mins later

Ok, that's done, no time to take a photo and share it with you, must away! Ill post photos of Eloise and Sadie wearing their dresses when I get back.

MWAH - have a merry Christmas xxxxx

it's starting to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-20T20:59:00.002+11:00

From one side of the world to the other - from Holly Bush to Christmas bush,
may you enjoy the season's floral blessings!

In two days I am off to Manning Point, camping for nigh-on two weeks. We will be there for Christmas day, which has been a bit of a challenge to say the least - the food preparations, the redirection for Santa etc - you get the picture!

I'm not fond of camping, as anyone who knows me can tell you, but I must say that today I am excited! To have some lovely relaxed time (after a hectic six months) with my family is an exciting thought. We are near the beach and the river and there is a pool, so all bases are covered! The kids are getting boogie boards from Santa, and they already have fishing rods. What fun we will have. I am even looking forward to fishing, go figure!

Then we are off to the Gold Coast to visit mummy/granny! I haven't been there for a holiday for sooooo long. The kids will spend some time with Granny and Aunty, while we stay at a friend's apartment, and then we will ALL go to the theme parks - YIPEEE.

It's starting to feel a lot like FAMILY!

which is, let's face it, what Christmas really does look like!

to you all, and your loved ones, have a happy and wholesome Christmas with much love, serenity and joy!!!

xxxxxxxdls

The down side of Down Under Quilts ...

2010-12-20T20:44:00.004+11:00

there's only one thing wrong with the next issue of Down Under Quilts - its so darn full of great stuff!

why is that a problem?

'cause i know, that like me, you will be pretty busy at this time of year and you are going to struggle to find time to read all those fabulous articles, let alone start a new project.

However, I am going to suggest that you stoically set aside a little time and indulge yourself. My top pick, if you only have a little time, is the International Quilt Week Yokohama photos, OMG those Japanese girls can make quilts!!!!

There is heaps of other great stuff. If you haven't got time to pop out and buy a copy - SUBSCRIBE - either to the print version (call us 02 4365 2995) or the FREE online version - visit www.creativelivingmedia.com.au - tell your friends too!
xdls

White = new begginings

2010-12-20T20:18:00.003+11:00

... or so I discovered when I searched the meaning of 'white flowers'. "White signifies purity and perfection and can represent a successful beginning." hmm, that sounds significant!

A few days ago I was standing at my bedroom window, admiring the amazing Magnolia Grandiflora tree in the front yard which is about 10m high and wide! It is an amazing tree and is currently flowering. The flowers don't seem to last long, but they are splendid!

Magnolia Grandiflora

It was then that I noticed another fragrance, it took me a few minutes to recognise it - Gardenia! Oh bliss. I love that flower.

Gardenia jasminoides

When we moved here it was winter and as I do not have a huge knowledge of gardening I didn't recognise any of the trees, except the majestic Liquid Ambers, so as the trees around the property flower I am having all sorts of lovely surprises.

I took these photos of my lovely trees, and I continue to enjoy their beauty and fragrance!

Linen Scarves for Christmas

2010-11-17T20:20:00.003+11:00

Ive been a busy little bee and have made some lovely scarves for gifts for family and friends for Christmas, plus I've made extras to sell at market stalls in the lead up to Christmas.

They feature linen and ricrac and some fabrics from my stash.

Alison Schwabe - Guest Curator

2010-11-12T11:23:00.005+11:00

Each issue when I am putting together the Deborah's Snippets & Scraps section I take myself on a little armchair journey around the world via the WWW, looking for news-worthy stories to share with Down Under Quilts readers.

This time I have alighted on the SAQA website and will be giving them a little promo in issue 146.

There are so many things to see on their website, including a virtual gallery and lots of images - pop over and take a look.

This month's guest curator is Alison Schwabe and this is the comment she has left on the SAQA website regarding this month's online gallery:

"Time - it's a relative concept of course, and regardless of the period of time concerned, every object or situation changes with time, moving through stages of birth, maturation and decay to 'death', figuratively speaking. Some changes are instantaneous, but others so slow that we barely perceive them taking place. The result of time passing may shock us - a well remembered face now heavily lined after many years, or a grown man steps forward in the place of the young child we remember from long ago.

Archeology, geomorphology, history, genealogy, mythology, meteorology, vulcanology, astrology, geology, sociology ... all of these disciplines and more are referenced by at least one quilt in this collection. In taking a close look at how other artists are handling this subject, I found the following collection very interesting, and present them for your enjoyment in this month's online gallery."

Sounds like an interesting collection doesn't it? why don't you visit now ...

Aussies win at Houston Quilt Festival

2010-11-04T09:51:00.002+11:00

South Australian quilter Rachel Denneny takes out The World of Beauty Award!

As the 2010 Houston Quilt Festival comes alive there are many congratulations that are in order. Just scrolling through the photos of the winning quilts is exciting, just imagine STROLLING through the actual exhibitions!!!!

Most exciting for us Australian girls are the awards that have been taken out by our very own Aussies!
The biggest congrats go to South Australian Rachel Denneny for winning the major prize - The World of Beauty Award for her quilt Royal Amethyst.

Plus Jenny Bowker, Linda Steel and Pam Holland received prizes too. If you visit Lisa Walton's blog, you can see some photos of the Australian winners.

Join Down Under Quilts Facebook Page

2010-08-25T08:39:00.001+10:00

Hello lovelies,

Just wanted to let you know that I have started a Facebook page for Down Under Quilts magazine. So, if you want to stay up to date with DUQ happenings drop by, and join in!

cheers

dls

Life at Oak Lea

2010-08-17T09:49:00.008+10:00

Quick, quick, I should be doing other things - such as finishing off the editorial for Issue 3 of Down Under Textiles and bundling the contents of Down Under Quilts 144 ready to hand over to the designer!
I seriously feel like I'll never get there ... but we all know I will ... it's just these few days of panic and overload that it all seems impossible!
But, while I'm here .... let me share a few quick things that have been happening at Oak Lea (the name of our new property/home) ...

Here is baby bunting... Sadie came came for a visit last week while I was photographing
a quilt for issue 145 of Down Under Quilts.

It was lots of quiche a week or so back for us. I gave away 2 dozen of these lovely fresh laid eggs last week, only to have to buy a dozen on Saturday for all the cooking I had planned, in expectation of more eggs. Lulu gave the chooks a talking to, but apparently, until they get the good chook food (Farmer Phil has to go up the road and buy some) they will be laying on a reduced schedule - mmm, who is in charge around here?

This is our COZY room ... we have a few living rooms in our new house. This is the formal room at the front of the house. We call it the cozy room. As you can see at the left there is a combustion fireplace. During the first six weeks we had that burning all night every night! In the last week or so it has warmed up a little, and we are coping without it burning night and day. I miss it, but am glad that the weather is warming.

Farmer Phil learned a valuable lesson last weekend, that this is what happens when you
mow a soggy area of grass. Man of the Land, he isn't! He bogged it three times on
this occasion, I think he secretly enjoyed the hours of planning and pulling and grunting
it took to get it out of the bog - three times - and back up to high ground. I have to
admit it gave me a good laugh.

Righto, back to creating magazines, because in a hour or so I have to create a meal too.
xdls

Our new life is the three Fs - Fun, fluid and free

2010-07-25T13:55:00.003+10:00

I have been so busy, that I have not spent much time on the computer at all since moving early last month. Today it is only becasue I am home alone, and have been since before midday - ah, a perfect opportunity. Although, try as I might, it would be difficult to bring the blog up to date about all the fun things I've been up to. So, i thought I might just share a few of the more memorable ... not in any specific order ...
I helped my sister Leah start a quilt. She is using limes, pinks and oranges and the Friendship Spool pattern.
I made marmalade today. My poppy used to make it, and since he died almost 20 years ago I have not had it much at all. Today I felt inspired to make some, I hope Pop is proud.
We have chooks now, and we get about 4 eggs a day. It is so nice to be able to give fresh eggs to your friends and family (we cant possibly get thru them all).
The kids and I planted some vegies in the garden - leeks, onions, garbage and lettuce.
We have lots of friends come to visit since we moved here, and it is so nice being able to have them come and stay, eat and play. We even zip down to Terrigal beach for a coffee and the kids play in the sand.
I get to read books and magazines in our 'cozy' room - that's the one where the combustion fire is on day and night.
It's such a nice change from being stuck inside a 'box', literally and figuratively, as we were in Sydney. Our life is now free, fluid and fun. The kids are so happy, Phillip is embarking on setting up his business, I get to work from home and all's well in Matcham! All I lack is some stitching time! That is next on my agenda. Erica? ...
xdls

Half is X2

2010-06-28T18:42:00.004+10:00

I have been so crazy with the move, and the Craft & Quilt Fair recently that I have hardly had time to think about the blog - well that's not true, I did think about it, and was troubled that i had left it stagnant for so long. But despite my best intentions, a lack of Internet connection sealed the fate of no posts.

We now have connection, albeit v e r y slow! Of course there are lots of things that have been happening that I'd love to share. Tonight's not the night though, it is 6.50pm, and hungry kids that need food baths and bed need my attention. But, one thing I will share, as it is one of the happiest things that have happened to me since moving ....

I am very fortunate that I have a half sister that I simply adore, she is 14 years my junior and from my Mothers second marriage. And, now I have two! Almost serendipitously, (we had made contact via email about 6 months ago, but had no idea at all that living here would put me in her 'sphere') I have been reunited with my other half sister, Leah who is 12 years my junior from my Dads second marriage. She and her partner own a catering business on the Central Coast, and a cafe at Erina Heights - which IS MY local cafe! What a surprise and a JOY!

This is she and I! What a gift! This move has given me more than I ever hoped for.

xxdls

Sea, Tree and Books from France

2010-06-02T10:37:00.005+10:00

We are in the middle of moving house and office. We are having a tree and sea change, moving to Matcham which is 14 minutes west of Terrgial Beach on the Central Coast of NSW.

We have been anticipating this move for a month or so now, and only just got confirmation last Friday. One thing about my procrastinating husband, when he DOES make his mind up things move very fast.

One nice little respite in all the craziness going on around me was opening a box form my dear friends at Quiltmania. Carol had written to tell me that she was sending me some treats ... and what a treat they are!

These books have been published by Quiltmania for the European market and the content is in French and English.

Thank you Carol for your niceness, it is appreciated!!

xxdls

+ jumbo ricrac!

2010-05-14T12:04:00.003+10:00

And this is what we got! Sadie seemed to like it, and I loved that kiss!

thanks for the fun Frieda Anderson

2010-05-11T16:01:00.003+10:00

At AQC a week or so back (OMG why does time fly so fast?) I participated in Frieda Anderson's Laughing Leaves workshop. Not a sewing machine was to be seen - but here's what I made!

With nothing but double-sided fusible web and heat to hold it together - how clever. I have heard quilters exclaim that fusible web is permanent many times, but never really had the confidence to test the theory myself. Plus the minimal experience I had with it, about 7 years ago, was that it would not stay adhered to the fabric (I've since learned that fusible web has a 'use-by-date').

I believe that if you only learn ONE thing in a workshop you are in front, just one new technique to blend into your future work. The piece you make in the workshop is, in my opinion, a bonus to the other tips, tricks and techniques that generous tutors share!

After Frieda's workshop, and her generosity as a tutor, I can confidently handle fusible web and I look forward to making use of it in future projects PLUS I've got this bright funky wall-hanging ready to be quilted!

xdls

Sadie's cot quilt

2010-05-11T15:55:00.003+10:00

It seems to be an oxymoron, but I enjoyed my mother's day without the kids! I sat serenely at the Central Coast 4th annual Charity Quilt Show meeting quilters and quilting Sadie's cot quilt.
Today I have stitched the binding to two sides, ready to slip stitch in place tonight, then the other two sides tomorrow.

What, may you ask, is that jumbo ricrac for? You will have to stand by for the finished quilt on Friday!
xdls

Nice one Nicey Jane

2010-05-07T14:07:00.004+10:00

Or, more formally known as the 2010 Blankets of Love Challenge.

We started this challenge, with the support of Bernina and XLN Fabrics, in 1999. Each year we have laid down a challenge to use a fat 1/4 of one of the ranges that XLN fabric distributes in Australia. This year we feature three of the patterns from the new Nicey Jane range by Heather Bailey - you will receive one of these three, pieces supplied at random.

Visit the Nicey Jane Swatch Gallery HERE ...

The fat 1/4 is available, free, simply by sending the Fabric Request Form (found on page 43 of DUQ 141) and a SASE to us. In turn you make a 24in Blanket of Love quilt and send it to us by Friday June 11 for judging.

The winner will receive a marvellous new Bernina 350PE sewing machine valued at $1,799.

Learn more about this fab new machine HERE ...

All of the entered quilts are donated to the Blankets of Love Program - providing solace as a keepsake for a grieving family, that have lost a baby prior to or at birth.

Visit your local newsagent and buy a copy of Down Under Quilts 141 and participate in this very worthwhile activity - and you may just win a new sewing machine.

If you wish to purchase the magazine direct from me, I will send it to you POST FREE, just put Blankets of Love Mag Please in your subject line and send to me at my email - deborah@creativelivingmedia.com.au

cheers dls

AQC - here I come!

2010-04-24T13:02:00.001+10:00

As Sarah says, the pewter (couldn't possibly be silver!) lining on the dark cloud that is a volcano eruption, is that I can now make it to the Australasian Quilt Conference. I have never been before, and prior to planning and booking the Quilts + Flowers tour, I had booked myself into two workshops, plus committed to a stand there and I had arranged a display of quilts from the three best independent magazine publishers in the world! Down Under Quilts, Quiltmania and NZ Quilter.

Now that our flights are cancelled and there is no chance of getting off this continent in the foreseeable future I have booked flights to Melbourne - woo hoo.

I will be on my stand during Thursday and Friday, plus spending some time with the quilt display, pop by and say hello. I will have the latest issue of Down Under Quilts - 141 April - and the first issue of the exciting new magazine - Down Under Textiles, on sale there.

see you there!

Camping & Fishing

2010-04-21T12:53:00.003+10:00

During the NSW school holidays my husband took the two kids to Patonga for the entire 2 weeks. They came back on Sunday night about 6pm. I am still trying to catch up with the washing! (If I had of gone to UK I wonder who would've done it?).

I drove up each week (it's only 1 1/2hours north) for a couple of nights, but the rest of time was chained to my desk here getting two magazines produced at once - Down Under Quilts and Down Under Textiles - which are both June releases.

Mason loves fishing and spent some of every day trying his luck. He caught this Flathead on one of the days I was there. How proud he was, and so was I and his dad! It was 43cm long, we ate it for dinner that night!
xdls

Aunt Martha's Rose's progress

2010-04-21T12:42:00.002+10:00

A few weeks ago I confessed that I did not buy enough background fabric, and had to substitute it. This is the new fabric, I think it's looking quite nice! What a relief!
dls

A big catch up ...

2010-04-21T12:06:00.002+10:00

Over the past month I have been working double to get all my work done so I could be away for three weeks for the Quilts + Flowers Tour ... as most of you would know by now, the volcano erupting in Iceland two days before we were due to fly has put an end to that plan. And to millions of other people's plans too!
Finally I have had a chance to clear my head, well almost, and find a little time to catch up with you all. I will send out a few posts, separated into different subjects, and let you know what I've been up to, apart from un-organising a quilt tour!
xdls

There's been a change of plans

2010-03-31T17:24:00.005+11:00

Earlier this month I told you about the red and blue Aunt Martha's Rose Garden quilt that my mum is making me.
See the fabric with the 'biscuit-coloured' background? That was chosen to be the 'pathway' pieces - and would require 3.6 metres more. I only just made it back to Material Obsession today to purchase required amount, and guess what? the bolt was finished just a few days ago.
Fingers crossed the new fabric, a little more edgy, mix of red and blue ... works! Oh no, I just popped over to that first post... now I am scared! 3.6metres is one heck of a mistake.
Please give your humble opinion... is it going to work?
dls

Cloth and Culture

2010-03-25T13:05:00.004+11:00

In my role as Editor I get to review books that relate to the magazine's content. Over the years I have reviewed a huge amount of varied titles. These days, my review copies are limited to textiles and quilts.
Not that I am complaining. Limited, is NOT the word I should use though!
In the past year the amount of books coming into Australia or produced in Australia has tripled at least. The amount of distributors that send me books has tripled too. John Reed Books is a distributor that has just introduced their craft catalogues to me. The first shipment of books for review arrived from them today! They sent me a collection ranging from sewing for kids, through to art quilts, quilts and textiles. These will be reviewed in issue #2 of Down Under Textiles and issue 142, 143 of Down Under Quilts.

And, they sent me the most astonishing hard cover book I have had the
pleasure of opening for some time!

Cloth and Cutlure by Ruth E Funks is an illuminating exploration into the engaging world of this artist’s remarkable body of work. This beautifully compiled book has 288 pages bursting with brilliant imagery and layered with enlightening insights into Funks' craft.
This stunning photographic documentation of her work, showcases Funks unique design aesthetic as applied to wearable art, her passion for the medium, and her innate understanding of evolving fashion.
Her pieces include a versatile collection of design and creation techniques, with each garment providing a springboard of imagination and application into the textile lover’s and artist’s worlds. Above the inspiration, this delightful monograph is an authoritative historical documentation of a talented American artist’s contribution to the fibre and style community worldwide and an essential textile art guide for the design and fashion enthusiast.

This book is published by Independent Publishers Group and distributed in Australia by John Reed Books, RRP $66.95. It will be available in book stores and specialist shops around the country. ..... or,

You can buy a copy from me (limited time-limited numbers)

for – $60+postage.

Let's blog about love Ba.By

2010-03-25T08:00:00.005+11:00

let's blog about you and me ... sorry couldn't resist imposing the words of one of my favourite songs.

You simply MUST go to the Pour L'Amour du Fil blog... (translation = For the Love of Thread...) and I'm loving it BIG time!

We (as in 14 lovely ladies and Lynn Hewitt and I) will be travelling together to visit this event (in France) in April, and spending two fabulous days soaking up a modern, sophisticated and deeply respectful and innovative celebration of threads and fabrics. (Bravo Carol)

There will be workshops from International tutors - Sue Spargo and Sarah Fielke and more, and displays by astonishingly talented people such as (the master) Yves Nohara from Japan, (his display includes this rather large quilt - 6m x 8m ... plus others)

This workshop by Jane Bolton takes my fancy ... I hope I can fit it in!

Plus we will see displays by Francoise Marchadier - embroiderer, and Yves Loyer who does fabulous works that purrrrrs with excitement (cats are one of his favourite motifs!).

As my dear friend, Carol Veillon (talented and insightful organiser) says (in English translation) "so expect to be palpitations"... Carol, I am being palpitations already!

xxdls

Judging the Royal easter Show 2010

2010-03-23T19:38:00.005+11:00

I was honoured to accept an invitation to judge the patchwork and quilting section of the 2010 Easter Show. Tuesday 23 March was the day, what a slick, organised, friendly and professional day it was.

After arriving one hour early, I sat in my car and caught up with Mummy's quilting (committee) life for half an hour. Then in I went.
How calm, how organised, a tea? yes please. Then my two allocated stewards (lovely ladies) led me to our judging area. We had 7 sections within the category, including two junior categories.

I was particularly impressed with the junior categories. It was an honour to bestow a Standard of Excellence to the under 12-year-old 1st place winner - that quilt will hang in a special place.

There was less than 100 items entered, and the work was fabulous.
After my day there I have a new respect for the items entered for judging and encourage you all to consider entering your quilts/wall-hangings/quilted items next year.

The prizes are not of the type of the annual guild shows, although some do include cash, but the shear act of participating and sharing, and in turn encouraging, is valuable.

This year the Show organisers have mindfully encouraged the patchwork and quilting inclusions, to the extent of offering a special display area to the NSW guild.

If you are planning a day out to this year's Royal Easter Show, make sure you visit the Creative Arts Halls. I'm sure you will come away impressed and motivated - I did.

xdls

AQC - selling my 'tickets'

2010-03-18T19:47:00.004+11:00

I have to face the fact that I have to withdraw from the two workshops I am booked into at this year's AQC.

This was to be my first time... I was so excited. But, my intention to leave the Quilts + Flowers Tour of UK and Europe early, to be back here in time for AQC, has proven very difficult, and extremely expensive. So, after many gathered opinions, I have decided that I will stay on with the tour group and complete to the 2nd May.

I was so excited about these workshops, and I am frustrated that I can't make it home in time... but I suppose I can't really complain about a tour through Bruge, onto Amsterdam, and a visit to the Open European Quilt Championships, Keukenoff Gardens, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank Museum? surely that would be surly, to say the least!?

This means that my workshop bookings are up-for-grabs! Now, I realise that scalping is not legal, I am not looking to make a profit, but I do want to recoup my costs...

The workshops I am booked into, and want to 'sell' are:

SATURDAY MAY 1
Laughing Leaves
Tutor: Frieda Anderson

and

SUNDAY MAY 2
Start Designing
Tutor: Julie Haddrick

send me an email if you are interested.

xdls

The life of an editor

2010-03-17T19:30:00.003+11:00

This week has been, and will continue to be, huge!

here's what's on the agenda, not necessarily in this order ...

Two days of photography - one on location shooting gorgeous images, and one in the studio doing flat shots and step-by-steps so we can be sure to share the instructions to make quilts and textiles in the best possible method,

Checking DUQ 142 proofs,

Checking Creative Expressions 27 corrections,

Placing all advertising into CE27,

Finishing off Down Under Textiles #2 content,

Organising the display of quilts for the Australasian Quilt Conference in April/May,

Completing travel plans for the Quilts + Flowers Tour, afore-mentioned in my last blog,

and confirming the workshop with a talented tutor, for our 14 travellers, in Giverny, France.

I'm sure that's not all, but that is the bulk of it. Good thing for me, I simply love my job, and all that I do, how fortunate am I?

xdls

SArah Fielke + Pour L'amour du Fil = F.U.N

2010-03-15T19:33:00.003+11:00

I am counting down the days until Lynn Hewitt and I lead a tour of 14 lovely ladies to London (and nearby environs), France and Amsterdam , with a short stop in Bruge on the way through, for lunch and to visit a quilt shop (of course!). We leave on April 16.

We have loads planned, lots of quilts and lots of flowers and cultural and historical sightseeing - such as chateaux in France, Hampton Court Palace, Liberty of London and more, more, more ...

Some of the highlights are - London we visit the V&A to see the Quilts 1700-2010 exhibit, France we visit Pour L'Amour du Fil (For the Love of Thread) and Amsterdam we visit the Open European Quilt Championships and Keukenhof gardens.

When we visit Pour L'Amour du Fil we will catch up with the editor and publisher of Quiltmania, AND the organiser of the event, Carol Veillon. Quiltmania is France's independently published quilt magazine. I met Carol about ten years ago and was the recipient of her generous hospitality when we stayed in her gorgeous home in Brittany, France. We will visit with our own home-town girl - Sarah Fielke - at the event and cheer her on also!

I soooo cant wait! I am already getting over-stimulated!

April issue of Down Under Quilts

2010-03-10T10:52:00.005+11:00

Check out the latest issue, there is a great article about the exciting new quilt exhibition being shown at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Click on the widget below for immediate access.

	Look inside >

Quilts 1700-2010

Something about March?

2010-03-09T18:30:00.004+11:00

Each year as March dawns, and lengthens, I have a strange sense of anticipation. No other month makes me feel there is something about to happen ...

Is it because it is the month of my dearly-departed Nanny Thelma's birthday? Is it because my first, and sweetest (and only) niece was born this month - soon to turn 5?

Is it because I (mostly) find people born in this month frighten me with their intensity and fragility, lovingness and ire. I'm always afraid I'll be caught off-guard, lacking grace and understanding (because of my fear and) despite my fascination.

Sigh, I will ponder longer. Happy birthday Nanny and Sachi and cousin Christiaan and Kathy D ... and others ...
xx

Anzac Biscuits

2010-03-09T18:15:00.004+11:00

These are the first ever batch of Anzac Biscuits I've ever made. I'm sure they are not meant to be that flat?

I didn't have rolled oats, so I crumbled up Oat Bix and added them, that substitution seems to have worked, based on the taste - they are very yummy.

Now all I have to do is resist eating them ... arghhh - I can resist anything - except temptation!

dls

Red and Blue and Avignon too

2010-03-07T19:11:00.003+11:00

On my way home from the quarterly ATASDA meeting on Saturday I stopped at Material Obsession in Gladesville. It was not that I needed more stimulation, I was already over-stimulated! But I did 'need' some fabric. For a new quilt idea that may well take another few years to even be started. Turns out the toile fabric I was looking for wasn't what I expected, so that didn't come home. However, I spotted some blue and red fabrics that will go just nicely with the colour palette I have chosen for the hand-pieced - hand-quilted quilt that my mum is making me!

When my generous friend stopped by a second-hand stall in Harrington on New Year Day and bought me a gift of old quilt patterns she didn't realised just what a gift that would turn out to be...

When I posted some pics of the patterns my mum asked me to send her the Aunt Martha's Rose pattern. Suspecting she wanted to make a quilt with it, I begged her to make it for me. Happily she agreed, and asked me what colours I'd like.

Last year I discovered the colour due of rosie red and bright blue. I have been seeing this combination a lot since then, particularly in Michele Marvig's new fabric range - Suzani - that is the starting palette, and these little beauties are destined for the same quilt.

I picked up this floral and had to have it - along with a spot and a stripe. (There is ANother quilt idea I'd like to explore) Do you think it needs another fabric? Mmm, I'm not sure, I am going to try it with just these three.

When the lovely lady at MO was cutting the fabric I glanced at the selvedge and saw that the name of the range is A Breath of Avignon by Sandy Klop for Moda. Avignon is one of my favourite cities of the world - how serendipitous!

dls

Begonia Quilters Inc, present ...

2010-03-05T15:19:00.003+11:00

their biennial "Festival of Quilts", this weekend in Ballarat. We sent the girls a 'goody box' to share - you could win a free subscription to Down Under Quilts just by visiting.

Twenty ladies produce a visual feast of contemporary and traditional quilts to display every two years. This years' exhibition will feature the group challenge A Touch of Purple and An Unexpected Landscape. This year the display will be presented at the Eastwood Leisure Complex, 20 Eastwood Street (rear of Safeway), Ballarat.

As we are too far away, Erica and I are off to the quarterly ATASDA meeting at Epping. We expect to come away overstimulated with textiles, threads and yarns.

Where are you off to this weekend for your frequent fabric dose?

dls

random thoughts

2010-03-04T20:07:00.003+11:00

as pertains to my life's thoughts right now.

1. Feeling very grateful to the generous folks at SINGER for sharing one of their latest quilters models with me - The Confident Quilter - makes me feel more skilled already!

1. I have just quaffed 200gm of smoked salmon, drenched in the most delicious juice of not-terribly-expensive limes. And, wondering how incongruent was it that I was eating it off a melamine Hello Kitty plate ... nevertheless, it tasted fabulous.

2. Is this the start of a career in astronomy? (do they all sit on tables when 9?) Check out the telescope - bless Mason, he is going to look at the stars tonight. I couldn't even even see past the backyard with it - but, he is very committed, today!

3. Very much anticipating the quarterly ATASDA meeting on Saturday. So many nice friends to catch up with, and then lots of new ones to make! AND soooo much to learn...

4. Anticipating the Jacqueline de Jonge workshop in June - check out the NSW Guild's blog for updated info (for Sydney) or Gold Coast web for other states. I am so not into foundation piecing BUT you simply must see Jacqueline's work - it is tremendous. I must have a quilt like this in my life! If you don't want or need a workshop, be sure to contact Chocolate Coated, who are one of the few Australian sellers of Jacqueline's patterns.

5. This is one of the ways that my time gets wasted in the office ... (to be more accurate - the only way my time gets wasted, but hey... its all for a good cause!)

ah, yes, did you need me? we are busy ...

what about a bit of a chat?

this is the culprit - Sadie Deborah - does she enhance the quilted background do you think?

yours in stitchery .. dls

Down Under Quilts 140

2010-03-04T19:16:00.005+11:00

Down Under Quilts has gone bimonthly. Consequently I have had many calls from concerned readers because they haven't seen an issue since last year. Last year? Doesn't that sound a long time ago?
The first issue for 2010 was February, albeit released a little late, IS now out there, in your neighbourhood. Check your local newsagent, you're sure to find it. Here are a few pics of the fabulous contents...

An adorable yo-yo wall-hanging by Vicki Hines,

a divine scrappy quilt by Lorraine Downey,

a review of the Quilts 1700-2010 exhibition currently showing at the V&A Museum, London,

some of the inspiring quilts from the 2009 Queensland Quilters Guild Quilt Show,

does this look like a kimono to you? No? You'll have to read the article to find out more,

and, then Lorraine signs off with the promise of more good stuff next issue - due out April 2010.

dls

Liberty frocks?

2010-02-21T18:10:00.004+11:00

... not yet.

Last weekend at the quarterly NSW Guild meeting there were 'trading tables' where one could sell their used-to-love-it fabrics and quilting related items, to a new, loving owner. I purchased these two gorgeous pieces of Liberty Lawn from Nancy - for the grand sum of $10. When the grand-bubba Sadie can walk I will make her two frocks; how cute will they look?!

dls

BTW, to set the spacial perspective, this is the view from the back of our house, this is our yard, and out there beyond the trees is the jetty where Mason was fishing when he caught that 'monster' fish yesterday.

Does fishing run in the genes?

2010-02-20T18:20:00.003+11:00

If so, it skipped a generation. My grandfather was a champion fisherman - back in the days when there were plenty of healthy fish to catch. His specialty was Flathead, Tailor and Bream. As a small child I accompanied him on many many fishing expeditions, he made me my own line, and a little fishing basket with my gear. I also trawled along the beach for prawns, yabby-pumped, gathering weed and made burly with my Pop. None of this fine apprenticeship seems to have had any lasting effect though. I do not have the patience to fish and not a scrap of the skills I once had.

My son Mason, seems to have got the fishing gene. He is so keen and I will never take him (mean Mum!), but today I relented and joined him on the jetty just near our house. He had no bait so I took some bacon (I don't recall using bacon as bait when I was kid) and helped him put it on the hook.

Take a look at the view. I took my Sudoku puzzles and sat with him.

Eloise tried her luck with a hand reel.

With the first cast he caught one. A baby tailor, about 10cm. It wriggled and jumped and flopped straight into ... my bag ... eek, that wasn't the plan! We were squealing with delight, and forgot to take a photo. We tipped him out of the bag and back into the water.

Bait up, try again. He hooked a bigger one - 15cm this time. Still so excited we didn't get a photo.

Some time later we decided to give up and go home, and just then he landed his third, even bigger fish! 20cm this time! Still not a legal size, so off the hook, kiss goodbye and back in the water. This time we got some photos ...

That was fun...

dls

Quilts + Flowers Tour

2010-02-18T20:49:00.003+11:00

One of the major attractions of the 201o tour to London, France and The Netherlands is the Quilts: 1700 - 2010 exhibition at the V&A museum in London.

The V&A's inspirational archives of pattern are the greatest in the world. Quilts 1700-2010 is a visual encyclopedia of design, with thousands of minute pieces of fabric reflecting three centuries of pattern and print.

Celebrating the exhibition, the V&A have produced an exclusive range of products. The range includes a limited edition collection of 18 printed quilting fabrics, bringing to life designs from the quilts on display.

Do you feel inspired, do you need a holiday or do simply DESERVE some quilting R&R? Consider joining our tour. I have specially designed the itinerary to include the best quilty activities on in that area of the world in April...
dls

a response to questions

2010-02-18T19:58:00.004+11:00

I know it sounds dumb (I really must ask my blog buddy Erica how to), but I can't answer comments on the blog posts...

There were a few questions about purchasing Down Under Textiles in America and the UK...

We are establishing international distributors, but meanwhile the magazine can be purchased directly from us, the publishers. Visit the website to obtain the order form.., and send it thru! EASY! and we'll mail it to you! (It's only $6Aus postage.)
dls

a visit from Kai

2010-02-16T16:42:00.005+11:00

Once aponce a time, Michelle nannied Eloise (who coined the phrase once aponce a time!)... now Michelle has her only gorgeous baby - Kai William. Michelle and Kai live in the Southern Highlands and we dont get to see them nearly enough. Last weekend they came to visit us for the weekend. He is too adorable; we all love him, and he seems to love us too.

Eloise loves him ...
The cat seems to be ok with him, but definitely doesn't love him as much as he loves the cat!

Uncle Phil and Kai seem to have a mutual love fest going on!

Mason loves him too

And so do I, but I didn't get a photo of him and I!

dls

List of retailers

2010-02-10T17:26:00.005+11:00

I was not near my computer either Monday or Tuesday to post a list of retailers as promised. Instead, I took up an impromptu (and generous)invitation to to join a friend and her two daughters for two nights at the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage at Seal Rocks. Above is the view from the front veranda, just as we saw it when we arrived on Sunday evening.

Here are some more photos... what a beautiful spot.

This is a (edited) photo of the blow hole, which is to the north of the headland where the lighthouse is.

Eloise and her friend, braved the (cool) wind at the top of the lighthouse steps.

Mmm, I do so like those up and skewed photo angles ...

This view is to the south-east of the lighthouse. The far clump of rocks are where the seals like to sit and sun-bake - hence the area's name.

Now back to my promise, these are the retailers who will stock the brand new, fabulous (if I do say so myself) textile magazine.

The Quilter's Rest
Gone Rustic
Handcrafters House
Essential Textile Art
Dragonfly Fabrics
Sew Bright Alpine Quilting
Punch with Judy
Silksational
Sewco Sewing & Patchwork Centre
Coastal Quilting Service
Sunspun
The Thread Studio
Honeysuckle Patchwork
Pompom rouge

Other stuff ...

2010-02-06T19:31:00.006+11:00

(other than Down Under Textiles I mean, 'cause that's high on the list of my life's topics right now) ...

Early this week I learned that Yvonne Porcella is battling cancer. Her son posted a heartfelt message to the SAQA website to let everyone know, and invite their prayers. Among many, many achievements, Yvonne was the founder of SAQA.

I recall that, when my mother first wholesaled patchwork books in Australia (count them - 25 years ago!), one of the reasons she carried and distributed Yvonne's books was that she had met Yvonne in America, taken one of her classes and was immediately transfixed with her methods, approaches and skills.

This week I have become aware of a quilter I did not know before - Jacqueline de Jonge. Jacqueline lives in the Netherlands, and to say that her work is colourful, is a GROSS understatement. Take a peek at her gallery - it is breathtaking!

The best part is - she will be teaching workshops IN Australia in May this year! Oh my, to make a quilt with Jacqueline is one of my new TOP goals. Her visit is being sponsored by the Barbara Meredith International Tutor Trust and she will be teaching on the Gold Coast and at other destinations (TBC). I am definitely joining in, I hope to meet you there!

... okay, going to keep it brief now, Hubby has booked a movie on Foxtel and it's nigh time I sat down and relaxxxxxed,

Went to Friday Showcase at Quilters Guild of NSW head office yesterday - Carol Timmins is not only extremely prolific, she is humble, talented and versatile.
Have bookings for more than half of the spaces for the Quilts and Flowers Tour in May, pls consider coming, Lynn and I would love to have your company!
My kids each went to different birthday parties today .. lucky ducks, they were so happy, nice to see.
I am O. V. E. R the rain! forgive me farmers but I truly ruly am!!!
Had a great nite last nite with lovely, funny friends and think I may have had one (or two?) glasses of lovely wine too many.
Have been invited (by one of those lovely friends) to join her for two nites in Seal Rocks.. so tempted, think I will..

Ok, me done, talk soon ...

xxdls

Honoured, delighted, humbled ...

2010-02-06T19:11:00.003+11:00

I am honoured, delighted and humbled by the response that Down Under Textiles is receiving both here in Australia and overseas, thank you, thank you, thank you!

I sincerely hope it meets your expectations.

Please let me know what you think of it when you get it. What you like, what you don't, what else you want in it, how often you want it...

all comments and feedback are VALUABLE, with them I can make it YOUR magazine!

xxdls

Answers to comments ...

2010-02-06T18:59:00.006+11:00

I will post a list of businesses that will stock the new Down Under Textiles magazine on Monday. (I remember some of them, but it would be unfair to miss any out of the list ... so stay tuned.)

This new title is a little too obscure for most newsagents, so rather than put my energies into a less than satisfactory response I decided to them in to securing coverage through your local specialist stores. They are, after all, the specialists ... and I am keen to support them, in this fresh, hot market.

Although ... stores are not used to stocking magazines, so please give me a hand by putting pressure on YOUR local supplier - or send me their info - I'll work on them! ;-).

Sarah Ann, I will contact you early next week :-).

The magazine cover price is $9.95. Postage in Australia - as per Aust Post - is $2.75. For those outside Australia, the international postage is $6(aus).

The magazine is at this stage*, a biennial magazine - released January and June. (yes, yes I know, the first one is running late, I am so hoping you think the wait is worth it!!)

xxdls

*put pressure on me if you want it more regularly, I'm easily influenced!

Down Under Textiles has touched down

2010-02-02T19:33:00.007+11:00

The very first shipment has arrived on Australian docks (we print offshore). God (and wharfies) willing it will be delivered to us within a week. Then all those textile lovers who have ordered a copy will get theirs within a few days more. Only a handful of businesses have, at this stage, ordered copies. I will post a list on Monday - so you can track it down.

The magazine will not be sold through newsagents, so put pressure on your local specialist retailer to contact us and order some copies.

This is a great technique shared by Erica Spinks ...

And a great tutorial from Dijanne Cevaal on how to make linocut prints ...

Sue Dennis shows us her great techniques using oil sticks from Shiva PaintStiks.

Dijanne Cevaal also shows us one of the many techniques on how to use Lutradur ...

And Samantha Pope shares step by step instructions on stitching a lacy delicate scarf, using Solvy as the base ...

We invited talented tutors from around the world to comment on their opinion on COLOUR ...

Plus, see some great journals to inspire you ... some of the best textile artists use journals to record their design sources and inspirations ... you can too ...

This is one of the fantastic artworks that Felicity Clarke shares with you ...

And much, much more... out soon.

I love it, I hope you do too! xxdls

a gift from a new true friend

2010-02-01T18:39:00.008+11:00

We camped between Christmas and New Year in Harrington (north of Taree). The day after we arrived our 'neighbours' arrived, and set up their (borrowed) tent in the pouring rain. To say it was distressing to watch their struggle is only topped by how distressing it was for them to set up an unknown tent in those conditions!

The next day, we chatted over a cup of tea (the rain was still falling) and got to know each other. Over the next five days we braved the constant rain together, our kids played in the pool together, they took Mason fishing (we cant even put bait on a hook) and we built a firm friendship in a few short days that seemed to hold promise for the long term.

After we left our campsite to head home, they stayed on ... and visited the local attraction of the annual Harrington Markets on New year's day. While there Karen picked up a bargain - just for me!

This is what she bought ... these old-fashioned quilt books published by Colonial Patterns, who are, extraordinarily, still publishing patterns after 70 years! By the way if you visit their website you can still buy these Aunt Martha pattern books!

The patterns book are pritned in two colours only and the pages are tinted yellow with age. Apart from 'modern and traditional' patterns, they share modest but timeless observations, such as the following that was printed in the booklet above.

There is much satisfaction - in fact fun - to have nicely done , hand worked embroidered household linens and tea towels worked in cute and appropriate designs. That is especially true when that work was done by you.

It sort of dresses up the whole housekeeping task. In turn it adds more pleasure to entertaining company.

Here are some of my favourite pages ...

Do you love that Dolly Varden?

This is an interesting pattern.

This one is similar to a pattern I am using to make a quilt for my youngest.

One of the charming components of this gift from my new true friend was that when I opened each one a handful of cut-out paper templates came tumbling out. The link to the past, to the quilter and/or needleworker who owned them once, was so much more succinct; a real person crept gently through my imagination, adding to my joy.

Our new friends live on the Central Coast, which is about 2 hours 'up the road'. We have already caught up twice since that camping trip. I feel so blessed to have met this family! Karen and I have many things in common; and she is creative and clever and strong and positive ... and clearly generous too!

xdls

Seasonal Sisters

2010-02-01T13:58:00.003+11:00

The talented trio - 3 Sisters - has done it again! This is their second collaborative quilt - and it won Best of Show at the Road to California Quilters COnference and Showcase last month.

Congrats go to Annette, Gail and aussie art quilter HELEN GODDEN! Check out their website to see more.

Inspired by Gwen

2009-12-25T18:50:00.003+11:00

On the last day before Christmas (which seems so long ago but is only yesterday) hubby collected the mail from the post box. Among the post were two review books. One was by Gwen Marston, Liberated Quiltmaking II.

WOW, I am feeling very inspired and can already envisage two quilts. One with the red and blue colourway from the new Suzani range by Michelle Marvig, and one using the applique owl blocks I made 24 years ago. I used a range of deep, turkey reds and stitched them onto calico. I have made 12 of them, and can see a gorgeous Liberated Medallion using Gwen's methods. I have not ever been interested in making a medallion, but, everything changes... and what better time than the new year to make a few new quilt decisions.

This is two of the prints from the Suzani range, i think the colour combination is so delicious

I am spending the day in the Blue Mountains with my daughter and son-in-law and the new grand baby, Sadie. We have had a lovely day, and we are all looking forward to early bed tonight.

xxdls

where does the time go?

2009-12-23T20:52:00.004+11:00

The short answer, I don't know! It feels like yesterday that I promised myself that I would temper the progress of 2009 to be a more suitable, manageable and memorable pace. Guess what, that didn't work, instead it rushed past in a mix of good and bad, leaving me wondering what the final result should be considered as - positive or negative?

Before you read any further, be warned, I am feeling a little reflective (which may translate as wordy, rambling, boring, or ... who knows).

I suspect this may be my last post before 2010. We head off tomorrow and will not return till NYE. Therefore, I am considering what went before and attempting to make sense and take forward some lessons.

here are a few of my lessons ...

I learnt that family is much more important than I ever imagined, or I could restate that by saying, i realised just how gorgeous your family is, by looking in the right places and pouring your true heart into the relationship.
I learnt the love from mother to daughter to grand-daughter.

I witnessed, and felt blessed by, the love and understanding of my son-in-law for my daughter.
I have come to know a grown-up and amazingly charming and connected young man - my son Jake.

I have constantly experienced the wonder of working with my husband. His knowledge, intelligence and generosity are invaluable. (Though, Darling, ease off in the control stakes!)
I have grown to realise you can't do everything, and that to graciously say no, or step away, is okay. (I suspect I have to work on that a little more!)
I learnt a lot about 'pure' (unadulterated) friendship when I traveled to England and France with Erica, thank you Erica! You put the true into true friendship.

There are more positives that don't come immediately to mind, so maybe not so insightful, but that add to the year that was, the person that will be. There are many negatives that I really don't feel like exploring right now. Although, I wont make the mistake of ignoring them altogether, they will be pondered over the Christmas break ... one thing I always promise to myself is to not regret, and not feel guilty. To stay humane I remain reflective and embracing of the lessons learnt the hard way. They are not be scorned, or feared, they make us what we are.

Now, to some loveliness ... here are a few photos I'd like to share in recognition of some of my more memorable and life-changing moments of 2009 ...

4 generations! Now that IS a special moment.

I have been lucky this year to have re-established a relationship with my three (and only) gorgeous aunties (after more than 20 years), here they are with their great-niece Tara-Lea and their great-great-niece Sadie.

LOVE you aunties!

I saved this image earlier this year, I don't recall from where, but I just loved the colours, happy Mondays? happy everyday!

My nine-year-old Mason knows his way around electronic items far better than us older folk... and he took this picture of his niece, Sadie, with this cute border.

That's about it from me this year. I will be camping between Christmas and New Year, and have a good book packed! IF, I can get access to a computer I will drop in.. meanwhile,

Christmas is about family, traditions, loving and accepting. It's not always easy, but it's always worth the effort!

From me and mine to you and yours, have a very lovely Christmas and a fabulous new year!

dls

Free pattern for Authentic Aboriginal prints wall-hanging

2009-12-14T18:07:00.006+11:00

In the current issue of Down Under Quilts (on page 41) we offer a free pattern to make a wall-hanging made with authentic Aboriginal print fabrics. Since the issue was released a week or so ago I have mad many requests for the pattern, and thought you guys might like it too. Click over to the digital version, and send me an email if you would like a copy.

BTW, I just checked the link from page 41 back to my email addy, and it appears to be broken. My IT guy is coming in the office tomorrow, so I will get it fixed. Meanwhile, if you do want a copy email me at deborah (AT) creativelivingmedia(DOT)com(DOT)au

xxdls

My lovely weekend

2009-12-07T11:51:00.003+11:00

I had the weekend to myself, which is unheard-of in my life. I was fortunate that there were a few fabric-related things I could do, guilt-free. Strangely, my heart kept skipping a beat whenever I contemplated the time, then I would take a deep breath and remind myself I did not need to be back for anyone.

First, I visited Material Obsession's Open Day. This is a great occasion to meet some of the tutors that will be presented workshops in the following year. There are many that I would love to do, including with Wendy Williams and with Kathy herself. Check out the timetable here, and sign up now, some classes are already booked out!

Then, I ventured further north, to Epping and attended my first ever ATASDA meeting. I met the amazing Kirry Toose, who was so charming and friendly. I also caught up with Nola Archer. Nola helped me with duQ project editing for a few years way back when ... it was so nice to refresh our friendship,and to be reminded how calm and clever she is! I caught up with zany (excuse the pun) Fiona Hammond who had some of her amazing beaded pieces on display and for sale! She is teaching some fabulous workshops for ATASDA next year - visit their website to find out more! You don't have to be a member to join their classes.

Later that afternoon, sitting on the back veranda listening to the crickets, and ONLY the crickets, I deemed at 5pm that it was WINE o'clock, and sat and read my book. About 8.30pm I toddled off the bed, mmm bliss.

On Sunday I did a little housework - not too much though, I didn't want to spoil my fun. And then sat and read my book almost all day, without the wine this time. I finished the book, the third of a trilogy, about 6.30pm last night. What a fabulous book, and what a fabulous weekend.

Where was the family? They went camping. I am starting to like 'camping' I think! Everyone went to bed happy, but a tad sunburned! :-( note to self, sunscreen IS required in the heat of the day!

cheers
dls

December 2009 Down Under Quilts ... and onwards

2009-12-01T12:33:00.003+11:00

Down Under Quilts goes bi-monthly

The December 09 issue will be on sale in newsagents tomorrow and subscriptions are in the mail. This issue will be on sale right through to the end of January. As of next year the magazine will become a bimonthly. The release months will be February, April, June, August, October and December.

Many things have gone back to grass roots here, and I am thoroughly enjoying getting in amongst ALL that goes on with producing magazines. Three years ago I was running a company of almost 30 staff with up to eight magazines at one point. We had a great team and fabulous products. But, as time progressed I revisited my aims – and running a large company was not one of them.

Producing a magazine that I am passionate about is my aim. Next year I will be devoting time to creating the magazine and to creating the companion website, with the aim to make your experiences with the magazine and website and quilting in general more valuable. I hope to increase my personal interaction too, and will be in attendance at Expertise Events’ AQC and quite a few of the Craft & Quilt Fairs around the nation.

Bid-4A-Cause

Ten A4 textile artworks have been sold with a total of $2200 raised for NBCF. There are four artworks remaining – at $100 each. Pop over to bid4acause.blogspot.com and make your BID now.

New Textile Magazine

Down Under Textiles is an exciting new Australian magazine that is entirely devoted to the textile arts of yarns, threads, fibres and fabrics. The first issue includes projects by well-known artisans and shares interesting techniques in easy-to-understand format.

Embellish a BAG and win $500

The Textile Art Festival organisers and Down Under Textiles have combined to offer a cash prize of $500 to the most creatively embellished bag. All entries will be displayed at the 2010 Textile Art Festival. As one of my ‘personal’ quilting friends, I want to offer you the reduced entry fee – which includes the bag handles and instructions – for only $25 (instead of $30). Click here for your entry form.

Visit amazing QUILTS & fabulous FLOWERS

Places are still available to join this wonderful tour through UK, France and Amsterdam visiting some of the most exciting quilt events and exhibitions as well as glorious gardens. View the itinerary here, and download your booking forms.

Visit http://www.creativelivingmedia.com.au/ to find out more about these exciting plans for 2010. You can also download order forms and entry forms.

let's make that ...

2009-11-30T19:01:00.002+11:00

SIX are sold, and we have raised $1700 so far.

Once the A4 artworks reach $100 - that's the best price - it will not reverse any further. Don't wait around, BID $100 for your favourite at 10am.

5 textile pieces sold - $1500 raised!

2009-11-30T11:27:00.005+11:00

Over the weekend five A4 artworks were sold and a total of $1500 raised for National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Thank you to all the artists and the clever textile art collectors!

The following A4 artworks are still available - at $200 each today! pop over now and BUY one - it's for a good cause!

Or, take your chances and hope your favourite is still available tomorrow, when you can BID for it at $100!!!!

Sue Dennis

Sarah Louise Ricketts

Robyn Kennedy

Jocelyne Leath

Brenda Gael Smith

Olga Walters

Erica Spinks

Dijanne Cevaal

Caroline Sharkey

Go on, what are you waiting for...

Raising funds for breast cancer research - 2 artworks sold

2009-11-29T19:32:00.002+11:00

Two of the gorgeous textile artworks have been sold over the weekend. Wendy Bailye's and Lisa Walton's.
Tomorrow is the fourth day of the reverse auction - and artworks will be available for bids of $200. The first bid in for a particular piece will be the winner.
Go over to the Bid-4A-Cause blog, and take another look at the 12 remaining textile pieces, surely there is one there that you love! There is more than one that I love!
Happy bidding! dls

Guerrilla Knitting

2009-11-24T09:27:00.004+11:00

When I was walking down the main street of Balmain on Sunday morning, a sight took me by surprise!

There was Balmain's very own act of guerrilla knitting on a pole - outside the Balmain Police Station. I love it!!!

Other public places in Sydney that have been wrapped in yarn are the old toilet block in Taylor square, and in Newtown and Rozelle by graffiti artist Denise Litchfield.

It is believed that guerrilla knitters have operated in Britain, Scandinavia, the US, Japan and South Africa. It has been suggested that Litchfield might be Sydney's first.

Visit KnittaPlease to see an interesting gallery of more than 20 installations around America and Europe.

It's a very busy time of the year for us all, but if you do find yourself with time on your hands, and yarn in the cupboard maybe you can join in?

dls

Bidding begins for A4 Textile Artworks soon

2009-11-23T14:10:00.001+11:00

Get ready ladies and gentlemen; it is now time to support our fund raising activities for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

On November 27 the auction will BEGIN – tell ALL your friends.

There are 14 wonderful textile artworks up for grabs. You can add an artwork to

your textile collection for a fraction of the price that these artists' work normally sell for.

Scroll down to earlier posts to refresh your memory.

All money raised will be sent to the NBCF – there are no admin or artist’s fees

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A calm woman's desk?

2009-11-23T13:32:00.004+11:00

Last week I wrote, and I quote...

"At present I am just putting the finishing touches on Down Under Textiles. I cant tell you how excited I am!

And, then in the afternoon, I had the breathing space to refocus on the next issue of Down Under Quilts. More on that later."

I sounded quite calm didn't I?

Here I am "with more on that.." The "breathing space" has turned into "hyper-ventilation", as I stare down the barrel of a LOT of work to be finished by the end of the year. YIKES.

Does this look like a calm woman's desk? No, not to me either...

(gotta love Christine Cohrs quilt in the foreground! - it is a project in #140)

On my desk you can see the (new) distraction of a beautiful book that Lynn Hewitt bought back from Japan for me. It is called Kuroha Shizuko and shares 38 divine quilts, each with an English explanation of the quilt (thankfully). I can't understand the instructions, but that doesn't matter, lucky for me I honed my drafting skills more than 25 years ago!

Now, back to that messy desk, (note to self - put my gorgeous new book in the bag to take home...) and get some work done. The projects for #140 were all completed last week, thanks to Lorraine (mummy or GREAT-GRANDMA as she is known to at least one person). This week I am sub-editing the articles. Then it's into design next week... and then I can breathe deeply. Uh, maybe not, then it's Christmas, oh well maybe next year I can breathe? Perhaps that can be my new year resolution?

dls

new life for old fabric

2009-11-22T09:26:00.003+11:00

Yesterday at the NSW Guild meeting at Burwood RSL, the guest speaker was Diane Groenewegen, artist and a collector. She has collected embroideries, buttons (her favourite), aprons and more over 40+ years. She shared slides of her works that she has created from old fabrics, doilies and embroideries. She does not cut up fabrics that are in good condition, choosing rather to breathe new life into those that are damaged. Cutting away the good bits and allowing them to live on in another creation.

If you look closely at this image, you can see the individual pieces cut from old fabrics, joined together to make a still life. The background is an old table cloth.

Diane also does block printing and other textile art techniques, teaching

these skills around the country. She is a member of ATASDA and on their website you can see Diane's Member Gallery more of her work. What a gracious lady, I could easily imagine her cherishing and patting her buttons collections!

Today I was editor

2009-11-18T18:49:00.002+11:00

After being so happily distracted by the imminent birth, and subsequent arrival, of my first grand-baby for the past month, today I relished the experience of getting back into my editor of Down Under Quilts and Down Under Textiles mode.

At present I am just putting the finishing touches on Down Under Textiles. I cant tell you how excited I am!

And, then in the afternoon, I had the breathing space to refocus on the next issue of Down Under Quilts. More on that later. Meanwhile, let me remind you how great issue 138 is ... not only is it one of my all-time-favourite covers, the content is marvellous. It includes an exclusive review of the annual Quilt Festival in Birmingham UK - Europe's largest. A gorgeous bag pattern, and a sweet hand made quilt using paper piecing.

But, that's not all, so to find out what else is in store jump over to www.downunderquilts.com.au to sign up for your free subscription - which is only available for a limited period.

Then in a couple of weeks you can anticipate a whole new fabulous issue of Australia's first patchwork and quilting magazine.

Erica is our 'cover' girl once again with an intriguing quilt made from selvedges, plus we share many inspirational photos of other selvedge items and the instructions to make a functional shopping sack too.

One of my favourite features is Australian Designers. We introduce you to 20 talented people who are clever enough and talented enough to bring their original and unique prints to the Australian (and world) patchwork market. Then Kathy Doughty and Co, from Material Obsession share some brilliant ideas on how to include these diverse prints in your quilt making.

Lastly, today I had a meeting with the insightful MD of Bernina Australia - Greg Anderson - and his ever-so-talented offsider - Kerry Hay. It is a pleasure working with Bernina, whom have been so generous and supportive of our industry for so very long. It is refreshing to learn that they are moving with the times, and we at DUQ , DUT and CE look forward to moving on with them in 2010 and bringing our readers even more interesting and interactive content.

In case you haven't noticed, I LOVE my job! I love being a quilter, and I simply love producing the magazines. Part of the discussions with Greg and Kerry was about that passion, and how much drive and determination we put into our jobs. And we all concurred that we are privileged to work in this industry.

So, to you, my friends, thanks!

Sadie Deborah Albury

2009-11-16T15:06:00.005+11:00

Well, the cutest little bundle has finally arrived, at 9.20pm 15.11.09, weighing in at 4.3kg (9.7lbs!!!), and 53cm long.

It was a long day for mum, and she's still a bit sore, but everyone is happy. The buba is so content and serene.

Here are some photos of her ....

with her daddy,
and her Mimi

and her Uncle Mason
and her Papa,

and her Aunty Eloise, Uncle Mason and Mimi

How chubby is she! 9.7lbs...

My sweet little grandbaby - Sadie Deborah Albury!!!!

dls

A baby, a 24 hour plane journey and a batch of cookies ...

2009-11-10T17:57:00.003+11:00

what do these three things have in common?

These are the things that my four children are awaiting right now!

Tara-Lea's baby is due in a few days; Jake boards a plane in 36 hours and flies from New York back to Sydney and right now, Eloise and Mason are cooking vanilla cookies.

I wish I could take a photo and show you how cute they are, the cookies that is. They are little shapes, no bigger than 1 1/2in in any direction, and the first batch is out of the oven.

Jake has my camera, and while I can't share pics of cookies, I guess I will concede that photos from his NY NY trip are more important right now. He celebrated his 24th birthday in Times Square - how cool!

lets hope the baby 'pops' out (as Eloise says) soon, the plane journey is ontime and uneventful, and that we don't burn the next batch of cookies.

sweet dreams..
dls

an apple today and goddess relics last week

2009-11-04T16:37:00.005+11:00

When I arrived at the office today there was a parcel waiting for me. I didn't recognise the sender, so had no idea what was inside. What a surprise, how delightful - this gorgeous Apple Pincushion made by Nicole Vaughan of Craftapalooza.

Nicole is very generously giving away two kits to make this crunchy morsel in issue 139 of Down Under Quilts. And she popped this one in just for me, already made up! Thanks Nicole - I love it!

A week or so back, when I was in Brisbane at the Craft and Quilt Fair (BTW don't miss the one in Adelaide this week), I ran into Sue Dennis. Sue is sharing a paint stick project in the first issue of Down Under Textiles, and she also contributed to the Goddess Roseus fund-raising auction Bid-4A-Cause recently. Sue gave me this sweet postcard, which is reminiscent of the A4 piece she made for the auction - take a look.

happy stitching, dls

Textiles Today!

2009-10-28T19:27:00.003+11:00

Today we did the second half of photography for the new Down Under TEXTILES magazine.

There is such a great line up of diversity. I feel really grateful that it is all coming together so nicely. I am looking forward to people gaining benefit from the magazine; there is nothing else in the market catering to those of us who lament, "I wish I could ..." or "How do they do that?"

I have invited some of Australia's best-known textile artisans to help us with projects, information and galleries - and what a fabulous lot it is!

Today we photographed the step by step photos for the projects - count them - 10 in total!, the amazing ATC gallery and the many inspirational books and so much more.

The techniques we cover are lino printing, silk paper, paint sticks, stitching on Solvy, wet felting, dry felting and more. From talented artists such as Sue Dennis, Erica Spinks, Cecile Whatman, Dijanne Cevaal and multi-award winner Felicity Clarke.

And dont think that's all - there is loads more... will share a few sneak peeks tomorrow ... stay tuned.

dls

in two places at once?

2009-10-26T18:48:00.003+11:00

For those who are wondering (Hi Fran) how I could be in Europe and in Melbourne... well, it goes like this...

I made the commitment to organise and lead the tour first, THEN in a very exciting and creative meeting with Expertise Events, we hit on a fabulous idea for an international display at 2010 AQC in Melbourne.

Fortunately, the Quilts & Flowers tour is lead by TWO leaders - myself and Lynn Hewitt. I will accompany the tour through to Giverny, France, then I will dash home to Australia and set up our stand at the AQC - and participate in the two workshops - I sure hope I can stay awake for them!

Lynn will take the group on to Amsterdam, and back home. Lynn is an accomplished tour leader, and normally leads our tours by herself - so I am sure that she, and the group, won't miss me for the last week.
dls