Margaret A. Rowe

Busy with Amelia

2012-02-13T11:50:00.000+11:00

I haven't blogged for ages because I've been so busy working on The Amelia Challenge Quilt, trying to get it ready for readers who have been desperate to read the next installment. My head has been down and my tail up! Meanwhile, I've had sample chapters printed. These will be sent to shops who stock the books, so customers can read the first chapter without damaging the actual books (are YOU one of those people who bends covers in bookshops?!!).
This past Friday I had orientation at Box Hill Institute. I have begun my Diploma of Textile Art and am SO excited by it all. I will keep you all posted on my progress. The only homework so far is computer work. Nothing to share there.
I do want to share with you that Amelia is, in my own opinion, the best book yet. I have enjoyed writing it, and my characters have really surprised me with what they're getting up to. You'll love it!

Owl Apron

2012-01-20T14:36:00.001+11:00

Before Xmas DD and I were in Spotlight and saw a shop assistant wearing this owl apron. DD loves anything with owls these days, and we luckily found the bolt of panels as we were leaving. It has been sitting near my sewing area for weeks because I didn't have the quantity of plain red fabric in my stash that I thought I had. I sat down and considered what I could do differently, looked in my stash and found this rooster fabric. DD is extremely keen on chooks, so this became the obvious solution for the lining. Now it's a double sided apron.

As she will be using it for bookbinding, I anticipate it will be covered with glue by next Xmas.

Another Quilt from "The Amelia Challenge Quilt"

2012-01-16T09:04:00.001+11:00

One of the characters makes this quilt in the next novel - The Amelia Challenge Quilt. Can you guess who it is? Unfortunately it's not a great photo and my red design wall doesn't help matters much. The colours are very rich and golden. The fabrics are from a range called 'Florentine'. Am not sure how to have this quilted yet.
P.S. re the possum we saved last week. The vet put him down. They said he had an injury to his stomach area and he wouldn't have recovered well enough to survive in the wild. We didn't notice any such injury and think he was put down because he was a brush tail possum. :(

Possum rescue

2012-01-11T15:25:00.000+11:00

Bad luck turned unto good luck for this little fellow. I came home mid morning to find this furry ball curled up in the middle of the back lawn. He is a brush tail possum, probably a teenager because he is not full grown. They are very aggressive compared with ring tail possums so I wasn't keen to pick him up. My daughter rescued him for me. Without fear she patted him and he must have been too sick to care. He did not appear injured, but the neighbour had poured citronella into her pond to keep away the mosquitos and perhaps this possum had drunk the water. Maybe he had a very bad stomach ache. While he waited for DD, I put a box over him to give him a dark space and popped a plum on the grass in front of him. He ate it. Then he was taken to the vet where they'll fix him up and put him with a wildlife carer until he is well enough to go bush again. And even luckier for him that this all happened yesterday when it was a pleasant day, for today has been a multiple of deluges, with fast, driving rain and plenty of wind. Good luck little possum.

New York Beauty

2012-01-10T09:40:00.000+11:00

The five days before Xmas were my second marathon as I made this quilt for my Mum. I had done a class at Michelle's Sewing Basket in Ringwood, with tutor Lesa Seegel. The aim was to improve my curves. I learned that I was better at it when sewing by hand than by machine, but still rather poor workmanship. Fortunately Mum loves anything I do. These were the best photos I could get considering I was on my own at the time. (Haven't trained the cat to hold up a quilt for me yet!) This quilt was made using scraps of blue fabric from my blue Giant Dahlia.

Table Runner for Horse Lovers

2012-01-05T14:57:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year. I love a new year. I always make lots of plans, write lists and set a lot of goals. I bought a fantastic new diary called "Mi Goals Diary". Check them out here. It's the best diary I have ever had.
There has been a lot for me to blog about lately, but I haven't made the time. I'll start with a few catchup blogs. Two weeks before Xmas I had a 3 day marathon in which I made a table runner for people who are horse lovers. The dresden star has folded points (the white pieces) sewn into the seams. It's a lot of fun to make. I included these blocks in my Quilt for Japan earlier in 2011.

The Building that Brought me to Tears

2011-12-18T17:38:00.000+11:00

Bonython Hall - part of the University of Adelaide.

As we approached this building, when on holiday there last month, I became excited at its Gothic style, my favourite style of architecture. I began snapping away with my new camera. We came to the steps and the great doors were open, inviting us in. There was no hesitation as I entered the building and lifted my head to take in the magnificence of the ceiling, the decoration, the flying arches, the heraldry and all the space about me. My eyes welled with tears of joy at its beauty.
A small group of people were gathered at the far end of the hall. They began to disperse. A woman headed towards us and said she would have to lock the door now. I asked if we were not supposed to be in there, and she kindly said it was okay (one of those times when having grey hair and looking like a little old lady when you're not, actually works to my advantage). She allowed us to take whatever photos we wanted before leaving.
That was a day in which we were truly blessed, to have come to that building, the one building on North Terrace I really wanted to see inside, and the door was open for us.
(And if I cry at an Australian Gothic building of the 19th century, I'll need more than a box of tissues when I go to England!!)

Beautiful Hahndorf

2011-12-12T13:47:00.000+11:00

Hahndorf in South Australia is one of the most beautiful man-made spots I have been to. My husband and I fell in love with the place. While there I took some more 'artistic' photos with my new camera. Mind you, I took over 650 photos in 10 days, so here are just a few taken around Hahndorf -

South Australian talks

2011-12-09T14:49:00.001+11:00

I haven't felt much like sharing with the world lately, plus I am busy writing, so my head is immersed in a very particular place at the moment. Still, it's high time I blogged and shared some photos. Above is me giving a talk to the lovely ladies of the Murray Bridge Library Group in South Australia last month. While holidaying there, I also spoke to Salisbury Stitchers (below), a group that meets in suburban Adelaide, and who specifically invited me along to their meeting.

Both groups were very warm and welcoming. I found South Australian to generally be friendlier and more relaxed than Melburnians. There is a lot to see and do in Adelaide and I look forward to going back again some day.

The Next Amelia Challenge

2011-11-17T17:50:00.000+11:00

I've been agonising over what to do with my "Etchings" (by 3 Sisters for Moda) layer cake for most of the day. Have finally worked it out. Now to do the maths.

(pre-approved by the cat though)

Cupboard Cat

2011-11-16T23:20:00.000+11:00

Kitty in the Expedit

The Amelia Challenge Quilt sneak peak

2011-11-13T21:18:00.002+11:00

I have been on my annual holiday, returning last Tuesday, and the last five days have flown past quicker than when I was away, yet I don't seem to have done as much. However, I have been working on my Amelia Challenge Quilt, pictured here, finished five minutes ago. Of course it still needs to be quilted and then I think it will be even more beautiful. It has a special name but you will have to wait until the book The Amelia Challenge Quilt comes out to find out what that is, and why. Meanwhile, I thought you might like a sneak peak.
smiles
Margaret

And the Winner is ...

2011-10-28T21:43:00.001+11:00

In honour of remembrance day coming up on 11 November I put everyone's names into the hat - a genuine Aussie slouch hat.

Hubby swished them around a bit and drew out the luck winner who is ...

CONGRATULATIONS GILL from the UK.

Please email me with your snail mail address and I will get these in the post to you. [rowekeys01@optusnet.com.au]

Hopefully they will make good Xmas reading for you.

Thank you to all the lovely ladies who entered my little competition - even from the US! It was terrific to meet you and I hope we keep crossing each other's paths.

Happy Blogtoberfest

P.S. I finished the last redwork block today - phew!

Redwork Comic Relief ???

2011-10-27T12:33:00.000+11:00

I forgot to blog yesterday. I was drowning in redwork!! As mentioned previously, I am on a deadline now, to finish my Amelia Challenge by the end of Saturday. So far I am on track, with most of my time spent stitching. ONE TO GO! Wahoo!!

My own Amelia Challenge

2011-10-25T15:05:00.000+11:00

The Amelia Challenge Quilt will be the 4th book in the Australian Challenge Quilt Series and I now have to admit to myself that I am struggling with my own Amelia challenge quilt. The design had 13 blocks with the redwork pattern you see in the photo and I have just finished number 10. I thought I was up to number 11 but alas, there are 3 still to do. Yesterday I decided I would have this quilt finished by the weekend in readiness for my trip to Adelaide to talk to some quilt groups there. Now I know my challenge will be mightier than originally thought. The blocks each take about 7 hours to do.
Deep breath. Here goes ...!

Australian Challenge Quilt books giveaway

2011-10-23T23:05:00.000+11:00

Now it is my turn to give. To finish Blogtoberfest with a bang I am giving away a complete set of my Australian Challenge Quilt books. If you are a quiltmaker, you'll love these Australian flavoured novellas about friends who take up challenges set by their Patchwork and Quilting Guild. Woven into the storylines are different pieces of Australian patchwork history.
To win the set, please leave a comment on my blog. To get two entries into my giveaway, become a follower (or let me know that you already are). I will draw the winner on Friday 28 October.
Good luck.

Thanks Kat

2011-10-22T00:23:00.000+11:00

Sewing Therapy

2011-10-21T15:07:00.000+11:00

The rain has been falling gently, gently today, making it a perfect day for some sewing therapy. I finished covering a coat hanger, cut out a whole pile of hexagons from scraps from recent projects, made the binding for my Laura Ashley quilt from leftover charm squares, then finished off by playing with scraps from my newly begun New York Beauty. I even cleaned my sewing bench!

The Rollercoaster of Life

2011-10-19T15:06:00.000+11:00

Sometimes you just want the rollercoaster of life to stop and let you get off for a while.

New York Beauty class

2011-10-15T23:18:00.000+11:00

Spent most of today at Michelle's Sewing Basket doing my New York Beauty class with Lessa Siegele. She is a terrific tutor who is very helpful, and shares so much. I am learning anew the foundation piecing technique, but am specifically doing this workshop to learn how to better sew my curves. It is quite obvious in the photo that my curves are not smooth. Spent the evening cutting out in readiness for tomorrow.

A little rough patch

2011-10-14T14:48:00.000+11:00

The last couple of days have been a little rough with news of my Uncle passing away, and less than 12 hours later learning that my friend in England lost her mother. Then a moron ran into the back of my car at the local shops, and to top it off my daughter had a car accident. She's fine but her little car looks rather sad. Darling hubby may, just may, be able to save it.
Meanwhile I've put up a cloudy photo that's as grey as we feel today. It is the Information Centre at Bendigo, once the General Post Office.

Farewell Uncle Doug

2011-10-13T15:18:00.000+11:00

Margaret and Doug, 1972

my Uncle Doug, 1923 - 2011

R.I.P.

Stars and Sprigs

2011-10-12T14:48:00.000+11:00

I'm afraid I couldn't help myself. I began a new project today, cutting out the white background fabric for my Stars and Sprigs quilt by Kim Mclean. The browns are to be turned into bias for stems and vines, and I decided to use my Moda Charisma charm squares for the centres of the star blocks. I bought the pattern at the Australasian Quilt Convention earlier in the year after admiring it for a while on Quiltsalott's blog. Check out her blog and her work - it will blow you away!

Preparing for a class

2011-10-11T14:55:00.001+11:00

Today I spent a bit of time preparing for a class I am attending this coming weekend at Michelle's Sewing Basket. I am going to make a New York Beauty quilt under the guidance of Lessa Siegele using blue and white fabrics. I pulled out all these blues from my stash that were originally used in my Giant Dahlia (Michelle Yeo pattern) and purchased the white for the background. My plan: as I will be making a quilt purely to learn the technique, I may as well make it in colours my Mum likes and give it to her for Xmas. She loves my quilts =)
If you would like to see a photo of my blue Giant Dahlia go to my post in October 2009.

Vignettes from the Reign of Vickie

2011-10-10T12:31:00.000+11:00

This is the book I have been reading recently, loaned by a friend who found it amongst her family's treasures. It was published in 1886 and reads like a newspaper of the time, telling stories many and varied. It describes the coronation of Queen Victoria, fighting in Afghanistan (yes, it was happening back then too), riots by the Chartists, and the death of Charles Dickens. A fascinating look at another time - another world.

Baby Jackets

2011-10-09T16:21:00.000+11:00

The Registrar in Melbourne will shortly be required to register the addition of two new Australians, with those anticipated events expected by month's end. (Heehee - can you tell I'm reading a nineteenth century book!) Here is the result of the crochet I have been doing lately, with the yellow appearing in a previous post. I still have one more to make, which will be yellow with blue trim.

Tidying up the scraps - and a poor magpie

2011-10-08T20:00:00.001+11:00

After finishing my quilt yesterday it was time to do a bit of tidying up in my sewing area. I had these little triangles left over from a previous quilt that have been sitting beside the sewing machine waiting to be turned into half square triangles.

Once sewn together they had to be trimmed to a uniform size - 1.5" While I was doing this there was a huge hullabaloo outside. Some bird was making an incessant call that I took to be a young bird trying to get attention. That last part was quite true but to my horror, upon investigation, I saw 4 magpies beating up on 1 young magpie. I do understand that magpies have a very strict order to their lives, and young ones must always be obedient to the parent, even in adulthood (why doesn't that work for humans??), but these birds were trying to kill the poor thing and no matter how hard he called, his mother nearby could do nothing but coo out to him. Even when he tried to fly away they chased him. They ended up in the backyard 2 doors away, and his screeching became muffled as they sat on his throat. My daughter went and split them up and eventually he found his way to a tree in our back yard where he licked his wounds - and he was quite beaten up. But he could fly.

After ensuring the young magpie was okay (for now at least) I returned to my half square triangles. There were 44 in total, now added to my stash of little squares to turn into an art quilt one day.

Laura Ashley windmill side 2

2011-10-07T15:25:00.000+11:00

Hot off the sewing machine. This is the windmill side of my Laura Ashley quilt, completed a few minutes ago. Not all my windmills travel the same way - have you noticed? I like to put the unexpected into my quilts. Unfortunately I'll have to wait for my machine quilter to return from holiday and then fit my Laura Ashley quilt into her schedule, which means I won't have it truly completed for a while yet. But I'll show you when I do :)

The Dreaded 'Unsewing'

2011-10-06T15:13:00.000+11:00

The plan was to show you the completed second side of my Laura Ashley quilt. Unfortunately the best made plans do go awry, as you can see. I ended up displeased with my work and felt compelled to do some 'unsewing' to fix it. Hopefully tomorrow you will see the finished work. But now I have to go to my 'paid' job.

More of Bendigo

2011-10-06T10:42:00.000+11:00

I forgot to post yesterday because my daughter was ill. She's not well today either but hopefully on the mend. Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of Sacred Heart Cathedral juxtaposed behind the old post box. I love the contrast. Interestingly, the post box may very well be older than the cathedral, which was not completed until the 1970s.
I'll post something crafty later today.

Church Architecture

2011-10-04T14:59:00.000+11:00

St Johns Presbyterian Church, Bendigo

My husband and I love church architecture. It is so interesting. Steeples point to heaven and I find they are a clever design element in church architecture as they never fail to make me lift my chin to the sky and admire their loftiness.

Beautiful Bendigo

2011-10-03T15:29:00.000+11:00

This weekend past we went to Bendigo specifically to see the White Wedding Dress exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery. The exhibition covers the past 200 years of white wedding gowns from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. If you get the chance to see this before it finishes on 6 November then DO. It is remarkable how well all the textiles have survived, some for nearly 2 centuries. The workmanship, by hand on most, is inspiring.
While walking about town I wanted to begin my newest hobby - photography. All I had with me was a little Kodak 'aim and shoot' digital. Nothing fancy about that. So I aimed well, and accepted what I shot. I was very pleased with all my photos, and will share more over the coming days. This photo above was taken outside what was the General Post Office but is now the Information Centre. These half horse half dragon bases to the lamps were fascinating and whilst it wasn't my intention to take a silhouette, I'm very glad it turned out that way. I love it.
I need to P.S. my post on the 4 bags I made recently. I should have mentioned another blogger who has posted the instructions for these, making them accessible for everyone. See www.quiltsalott.blogspot.com and look for the origami pouch in her tutorials. I also guarantee that you will be hooked by her blog - what a quilter!!

Laura Ashley side one

2011-09-30T14:56:00.000+10:00

What a difference 2 days makes. Whilst I probably should be attending to my writing, I chose to spend my time with this Laura Ashley quilt. From earlier posts you may recall that a friend gave me a double stack of genuine 1970s Laura Ashley charm squares. I decided, after a couple of false starts, that I would make a double sided quilt. This is the square in a square side now completed. I am very happy with the floating effect.

Sashing for my Laura Ashey quilt

2011-09-28T15:26:00.000+10:00

I managed to grab an hour this afternoon to cut some sashing for my Laura Ashley quilt and sew on the cornerstones. The rest of the day was spent phoning all the patchwork shops in Adelaide to chat with them about my impending visit to that City of Churches. Everyone was so nice. I am really looking forward to my break. Seeing Adelaide will be one of my goals marked off my bucket list.

Christmas Presents made

2011-09-26T14:55:00.000+10:00

Four little bags were finished by the end of the weekend in readiness for Christmas. I had so much fun going through my stash looking for fabrics that were appropriate for each of the intended recipients and extra fun going through all my button jars searching for the perfect finishing touch. I have my own button jars, Mum's buttons and my Nanna's buttons in the original jar and tin. They are so much fun. Unfortunately my daughter was horrified at the thought of inheriting them all. Hopefully she'll change her mind one day.

This was the first bag. The tiny spots of yellow in the fabric led to the addition of the yellow teapot. A yellow heart adorns the other side.

This was the last one I made and I chose touchy-feely black velvet buttons that add a nice element of texture.

The paisley actually has metallic gold in it which has not shown up in the photo. The buttons were wooden ones, in the raw!

I wasn't sure how this one would turn out because the pattern repeats on the fabric were a large distance apart but the result was very pleasing with most of the pattern on this side and all blue background on the other, giving the bag a front and a back.

Keeping the Hands Busy

2011-09-25T17:33:00.000+10:00

I haven't been an angel when it comes to keeping my resolution to stay away from computer games, but I have been trying to change my habits. Having a bit of crochet on hand has made it easy to pick up and occupy my hands when I might otherwise resort to playing a game. I have been working on quite a few things lately. Pics of finished items coming soon.
P.S. Sulking over - will probably self publish my children's novel within a year. Am tired of playing the mainstream game.

Manuscript rejection

2011-09-22T15:08:00.001+10:00

Harper Collins just rejected my manuscript -
Prattle House 1415.

I always feel a little bit beaten up when I get a rejection.
Will sulk overnight only.

Confession and Resolution

2011-09-20T11:03:00.000+10:00

I need to confess that I am addicted to computer games. Last night I did a bit of a tally on how much time I spend playing computer games and I was horrified, then I was angry with myself. I won't share the figure, but I have to admit that I could achieve so much more with my life if I wasn't wasting a good chunk of it. Perhaps the reason for my addiction is fear - fear of success. It's a big hurdle because it means stepping out of my comfort zone. I feel sure there are many readers who will associate with this.
Now I will make a resolution (and how many resolutions do we all make and break, but I'll make it anyway) - to value my time and to use it well.
After all - life is way too short, isn't it?

Lemons into Lemonade - Coathangers

2011-09-19T09:59:00.001+10:00

Recently I made an error in judgement when I bought a particular wool because I loved how soft it was. It was not suitable for the intended projects so I needed to think of something useful to do with it. Eventually I struck on the idea of covering the new coathangers we had bought at the supermarket which were covered in a slippery satin-like fabric. All the clothes were slipping off them. Now they are all covered in this beautiful soft wool. I have covered about two dozen in the last couple of weeks. And I have had fun rummaging through my ribbon tin looking for suitable pieces of leftover ribbon to add that finishing touch. It has been a nice little distraction from working on big quilt projects.

Laura Ashley charm squares

2011-09-14T12:09:00.002+10:00

One of my patchwork friends had a number of stacks of Laura Ashley charm squares which she gave to each of us in our group. We received a stack about 6" high with 2 sets of charm squares containing 4 pieces of each print. These fabrics are genuine 1970s Laura Ashley. What a gift, considering today's retro craze.
Initially I wanted to make mock cathedral window blocks using black, thinking that would pop the bright colours out, but after making a couple I was not happy with my work or the effect and gave up on that idea. One of my friends was making hers a two sided quilt using the square in a square block and it turned out so well I copied her. Half way through I decided I wanted to do something different with the second set of charm squares after seeing the windmill block in a magazine. I have now decided that one side will be square in a square and the other side will be windmills and both will have white sashing. Now I need to get white fabric to go with the old Laura Ashley. Stay tuned.

Black Dahlia quilt

2011-09-08T11:16:00.002+10:00

I have been withdrawn and self absorbed for many months and am not sure I'm ready to plunge back into the public eye but here goes. Recently I promised someone I would put up a photo of my Black Dahlia quilt (pattern by Michelle Yeo, see http://www.michelleyeoquiltdesigns.com/html/s01_home/home.asp) and somehow it is always easier to do something for someone else than it is to do it for yourself (does that sound familiar to you?). I hope you enjoy the quilt. I've made a blue one and a black one, and I have material for a red one, which is on this year's bucket list. Running out of time ...

Bucket List

2011-05-27T12:40:00.000+10:00

I am really behind with my 52 week bucket list. I put up the list last October and there are only 21 weeks left in my 'year', but I still have 38 things left on my list. It has been interesting to note the types of things I have 'avoided' doing. The list of Experience Goals has been basically untouched but the household chores are being done (several of them are nearly finished - but just not quite sufficiently for me to mark them off as done). Why is it that I am prepared to do housework without rewarding myself with some fun, personal experiences? Is it that 'female' thing of putting others first and being the responsible one in the family. Nobody else notices if there is dirt in the bottom of the wardrobe. Why does that matter so much? Interesting.

Laurel Burch Christmas Cats quilt

2011-05-24T12:08:00.000+10:00

Here is my completed Laurel Burch Christmas Cats quilt. It did not take long to put together, and because the fabrics made me happy, it was a lot of fun to make. I don't know when I will have it quilted, as there are a few other quilt tops still to catch up with.

New quilt started

2011-05-17T10:09:00.000+10:00

I've been a naughty girl and started another quilt. I saw the pattern in a couple of magazines and knew it was perfect for the Laurel Burch fabrics I bought about 7 years ago. I was able to cut my 21" x 10" pieces without wasting anything at all and the pattern allows the fabric to do all the work. My red design wall (flannelette sheet) doesn't help much but at least I have a design wall. Now all I need is the time to put in the sashing. Maybe Thursday.

Marmalade Quilt

2011-05-07T14:51:00.000+10:00

It was a dull day for taking photos but here it is nonetheless - my Marmalade Quilt that I finished binding a couple of nights ago. I love binding. It means the project is nearly complete. I still have to put a label on it, but am busy binding another quilt today in order to finish it and take it to Geelong to show my Mum tomorrow. She loves seeing my quilts finished and I have two for her to enjoy.
Bliss is the name of the fabric range by Moda, and I love it. It makes me feel very happy.

Guest Speaker at Latrobe Valley Quilters

2011-05-02T13:42:00.000+10:00

On Saturday my family and I drove to Morwell where I was a guest speaker for Latrobe Valley Quilters. In appreciation they gave me these beautiful flowers. Everyone was very warm and welcoming and made me feel at ease. It was nice to share my story with them.
It also made me happy to be with my family in the car for a few hours, where we could talk and catch up with each other. I was grateful for their company on the journey.

The Australian Challenge Quilt Series

2011-04-15T10:19:00.002+10:00

If you would like to order any or all of my fiction novellas please contact me by email:

rowekeys01@optusnet.com.au

Marmalade Quilt on the Design Wall

2011-04-08T14:19:00.000+10:00

I thought I was on the home stretch. Today I was determined to finish blanket stitching around the final set of petals, and I was nearly out of white DMC thread but managed to squeeze every last millimetre out of the thread and finish the bundle sitting on the arm of my chair. It was a lot of fun putting it all together on my design wall. When all was done I stood back to admire the process, then realised I was missing eight petals. I'm sure you can see where they need to be.
Last week, with the suspicion that I would run out of white thread, I went to my local Lincraft store only to have wasted my time - as usual. That store never has the colour DMC thread I want. White is not a particularly unusual colour. You would think they would have it. Now I'll have to drive further to get some from another store ... maybe tomorrow.

Having fun with Dresden

2011-03-30T09:16:00.000+11:00

After reading about the request for Quilts for Japan I spent a couple of days pondering what type of quilt to make. I decided to use bright fabrics to make the most cheerful quilt possible. Already working with brights for my Marmalade quilt I thought using the leftovers would be a good idea and found the perfect pattern at The Patchwork Teahouse (my happy place). The pattern is called Dresden Star and the white points are actually folded and sewn into the seam. I am having a lot of fun making this. I have no idea what the finished quilt will look like, but it will just grow out of love for my fellow human beings.

All Petalled Out

2011-03-25T12:14:00.000+11:00

Have been busy cutting out Vliesofix petals for my 'Marmalade' quilt. Unfortunately using right handed scissors means a leftie like me gets serious pressure dents on my thumb and forefinger.

This is what I am working on. I love the fabrics, having recently been more and more attracted to 'brights'.

Super Moon in Melbourne

2011-03-19T23:53:00.003+11:00

Listening to the news this evening I learned that Melbourne would experience a "Super Moon" tonight at dusk. We have not seen this phenomenon at Melbourne in over two decades, when the moon would look much larger than normal. Unfortunately I did not heed the words of our illustrious newsreader, Jennifer Keyte, when she foretold the event would be magnificent as the moon rose over the horizon just after 7:00 pm. I was half an hour too late when I went out to photograph the event. The moon had risen too high for me to see it at its best effect. But here it is between the gum trees at the local primary school a couple of streets away from my home.

The Sun was too Bright (hence - I need a light box!)

2011-03-16T22:30:00.000+11:00

I was tracing another block pattern for my Amelia Challenge Quilt when the sun came over the treetops and blinded me. Hubby's caps are usually (annoyingly) on the chair next to where I was standing - but not today. I had to venture into the garage (aka 'his cave') to borrow his gardening hat to shade my eyes from the glare so I could continue my work. Ten minutes later - accomplished.

Decorated Journal

2011-03-04T12:24:00.000+11:00

I was so inspired by a friend's decorated journals I had to do my own. It started with a piece of scrapbooking paper I found recently to which I added fabrics. From left to right: beautiful red silk, a strip of white antique braid, the scrapbook paper, and a piece of black brocade (unfortunately you cannot see the gorgeous texture of the black fabric). There are four keys - my husband's surname is 'Keys' so they are completely appropriate =). One key is a little diary key, one is my DH old FC Holden (no longer living), the next is DH family home front door key (house no longer there) and the fourth is to the front door key to our first marital home together. I finished it all off by tying scrap pieces of the red and black fabrics to the spiral binding.
This is not as good as my friend, Marion's journals, which inspired it in the first place. I'd love you to see hers at www.redthreadz.blogspot.com

Xmas in March - fabrics delivered to my door

2011-03-03T12:05:00.001+11:00

Xmas knocked on my front door this morning when the delivery man came with a box from The Fat Quarter Shop. Daughter and I had a fabulous time pulling out all the beautifully wrapped parcels and discovering what was there. I can't express enough how fantastic the service was - I ordered on Saturday (Melbourne time) and it was delivered Thursday. There was even an envelope with "Thank You" printed on it. How nice.

Even Mischief, our cat, was able to benefit from the delivery.

Now ... to get sewing =)

February Lost

2011-03-02T22:40:00.002+11:00

Would somebody please tell me where February went????????

The Amelia Challenge quilt block

2011-01-27T09:33:00.001+11:00

This is the first completed block for The Amelia Challenge Quilt, the next book in The Australian Challenge Quilt series. As you can see I have chosen redwork to give me the detail I wanted. Applique would have been too hard. I want to make a decent sized quilt so I will need 13 of these blocks. Better get cracking.
I will be at the Loch Festival on Sunday 6 February from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. You will find me in the CFA building with all the quilts from the Australian Challenge Quilt series. At some point I will give a talk and I will be signing books all day. Hope to see you there.

Mum's Bag

2011-01-25T10:05:00.001+11:00

Finished at last! This is the bag I wanted to make my Mum for Xmas but I only finished it yesterday. It is the 'Every Day Carry All' pattern from Blue Willow Cottage. With 3 compartments on the inside and 4 pockets on the outside, it should carry whatever Mum needs to tote. I'll save it for her birthday in July. [One more thing marked off my bucket list]

Optus Fails

2011-01-15T15:59:00.000+11:00

My husband and I are completely fed up with our Optus TV service which has been playing up for weeks now. FOUR TIMES the Optus repairmen have been out to fix the problem, but it still doesn't work. We start enjoying a show, then it pixilates, screeches, and at times drops out all together. They will receive yet another call on Monday.
They don't provide the service but they still charge us for it !! Not good enough.

Now I'm Wiser

2011-01-13T13:42:00.000+11:00

Oh Blogger! Not the desired outcome at all! But at least I know what doesn't work. I have joined the ranks of those who knew the transfer would completely cover the image area with a plastic coating. This is no good at all for my purposes. Back to the drawing board.

Experiment about to Happen

2011-01-13T13:09:00.000+11:00

I need to repeat my pattern onto blocks 13 times for the planned quilt and the idea of having to hand draw every piece using my window as a light box does not appeal in the least. Even if I owned a light box I wouldn't be looking forward to it. The brain has been working overtime. I cannot print the pattern directly onto the fabric using my printer because the block is 10" wide. So I am going to attempt a transfer. I have faded the pattern so it is quite pale as I do not want a dark black line permanently printed on my fabric. But I'm not sure how the transfer will affect the sewing. Will give you the results when they are to hand.

The Amelia Challenge quilt Pattern

2011-01-09T14:05:00.000+11:00

I thought I might start sharing the journey a little more. Now The Caroline Challenge Quilt has sold so well, I have turned my attentions to the fourth book in the series, The Amelia Challenge Quilt. I need to make the challenge quilt myself to experience what my characters are going through. Here is a photo of the pattern for one of the blocks.

Craft Diversion

2011-01-08T09:49:00.001+11:00

After finishing 3 quilts in the last two weeks of December I felt I needed a craft diversion. I have been working on my scrapbooking, finishing albums started years ago but not quite completed. It has been very rewarding to do so, and I am nearly done. It will make working on my next album feel a whole lot better as I don't have to feel any guilt about incomplete albums on the shelf. And soon I will be marking another thing off my Bucket List.

Daughter's 21st Birthday Quit

2011-01-03T12:35:00.000+11:00

This was my best kept secret. I have been working on this quilt since May 2010, waiting for days that were free of other commitments and when my daughter was not home in order to create her a 21st birthday quilt that would be a complete surprise. It was finished 11:30 pm the night before she came home for her birthday, which was the following day. We had a wonderful time together on her special day, and she loves her quilt. Jacob's Ladder is the pattern, a symbolic gesture on my part to remind my daughter to climb the ladders in life that she wants to in order to achieve her goals.

Mum's Xmas Quilt completed

2010-12-24T14:37:00.000+11:00

Just completed Mum's Xmas quilt, including the label. Feel happily accomplished.

Pressies for my Patchwork Friends

2010-12-23T12:13:00.000+11:00

My little patchwork group had our Xmas lunch on Tuesday and swapped lovely pressies. These are the bonbon pressies I made for my friends. Inside a rolled piece of cardboard hides a colourful mouse pin cushion and the bonbon is made using a fat quarter (naturally) in a fabric I thought each friend would love and use, tied with ribbon from my ribbon stash.

Binding for Mum's Quilt

2010-12-22T15:27:00.000+11:00

Just finished making the binding for Mum's Xmas quilt. Am picking the quilt up tomorrow from Sky Bay Quilting. I love binding - it means the quilt is nearly completed.

Love Letters quilt no finished

2010-12-19T14:20:00.000+11:00

Last night I finished the binding on my Love Letters quilt. I bought the kit from The Patchwork Teahouse in Warburton, and had it quilted by Sky Bay Quilting in Werribee South. As it was a project without a deadline I have thoroughly enjoyed it, being able to work on it when I pleased, slowly enjoying every stitch. Bliss.

Stashing the Fabric

2010-12-17T14:25:00.001+11:00

I have been trying to clear my sewing area, but it all ended up on the floor for quite a while. Finally, yesterday I washed all the unwashed fabric purchases and ironed half. Today I completed the ironing and have a beautiful stash of fabric that I now need to store somewhere. My space is limited so I have a problem. Guess the answer is to get sewing and turn it all into quilts. =)
Am having a good day. Sold 30 books to Angus and Robertson, Knox store where I am doing a book signing tomorrow from 11:00 am. Sold another 30 copies to DA Information Services and then to put some icing on my happy cake, I received a phone call inviting me to be a guest speaker next year at the Australian Quilters Association. The date is 7 March. Am grateful for the day's blessings.

New Fabric always fun to get

2010-12-03T11:04:00.000+11:00

I never used to like paisley at all, in fact hated it with a passion - but that was in the 1970s. Taste does change over the years. Or maybe I have become more tolerant as I age. I love the movement in this fabric. It swirls and flows, like the ocean. That's very appropriate for Mum's Xmas quilt for her house by the sea.

Sewing Room Mess

2010-11-23T09:43:00.000+11:00

Life has been so hectic preparing for our daughter's move interstate (and first time away form home) that my sewing corner has become a dumping ground. In a last minute rush a CD case was needed for daughter's movies so my genealogy discs have been unceremoniously tossed onto a project box. My recent birthday increased my stash with some lovely new fabrics that are now sitting in a pile on my desk waiting to be washed. Even some books I received for my birthday are still sitting on my ironing spot.
Well - it's sewing day today. Let's see what I can do.

Book Signings at A&R - Living the dream

2010-11-18T21:59:00.001+11:00

Signing some books for the Glen's store manager. The place was awash with posters of varying sizes advertising my presence.

Putting price stickers on my own books in a real bookstore. Wow. That was a buzz!

A break in the traffic allows hubby to take a nice shot of me living the dream.

Book singings at Angus and Robertson

2010-11-11T09:41:00.001+11:00

I was sent a sneak preview of the posters going into the Angus and Robertson store at The Glen Shopping Centre, Glen Waverley (Melbourne) and wanted to share it here. It is a very big leap forward for my career and I am keen to meet lots of new people on Saturday when I am at the store to sign books. My upcoming signings for The Caroline Challenge Quilt are:
The Glen, Saturday 13 November from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Forest Hill Shopping Centre, Saturday 13 November from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood, Saturday 4 December from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Knox Shopping Centre, Saturday 18 December from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon
All three books in the series will be available. Hope to see you there.

Fairy Penguins

2010-11-09T11:01:00.000+11:00

I had a fantastic weekend. Scrapbooking all day Saturday with old school pals, non-stop chatter, followed by a night out in St Kilda with daughter and a young friend who took us to Mamma's Soul Cafe near the St Kilda Baths. It was vegetarian which was an unusual experience for us meat lovers but extremely good food that we thoroughly enjoyed. We also had fun watching all the young people drinking and laughing and dancing in the courtyard below. The music was different for us too, but good. I was sad to see how many young people smoke, knowing how hard it is to give up eventually, and how damaging it is to one's health. But they were having such a good time and I didn't see any unpleasant behaviour at all.
Being so close to St Kilda pier it was inevitable that we took an impromptu stroll down said very long pier. We nearly didn't go all the way as my husband suggested turning back but I pulled him along a little further - much to our delight. We found the fairy penguins at the end of the pier. They are so lovely. We stood about one and a half metres from a little fella who did not seem frightened of us at all. Plenty of people were making their way down there, and I hope with all my heart that the penguins are never harassed by humans, but treated with the respect they deserve. We stood very quietly and quite still for a while, then left them in peace.
It was something I had on my private bucket list to see those penguins, and I am so glad it happened through serendipity rather than planning. It made me very happy.

The Caroline Challenge Quilt

2010-11-02T10:35:00.001+11:00

Everything is changing, whether the quiltmakers want it to or not. Nothing stays the same as the group of friends continue to take up the challenges presented by the Glenvale Patchwork and Quilters Guild. Isabel makes some changes in her life by choice, but the others are presented with difficult times as they learn to cope with new phases and forced adjustments to their lives. Their president, Jane Campbell has to deal with the biggest change of them all. But what does any of this have to do with squatters and shipwrecks? As The Australian Challenge Quilt Series continues with The Caroline Challenge Quilt the five friends learn more about their Australian history, taking their lessons of the past to find ways of managing in the present. A warm story in which the values of friendship are cherished.
Now available direct from the author, Margaret A. Rowe. Contact me by email rowekeys01@optusnet.com.au.

Blue and Yellow Quilt together

2010-10-23T18:14:00.000+11:00

It didn't take long to put this together. It is the disappearing nine-patch, which began as 6" squares sewn into one large nine-patch that is then cut vertically and horizontally to create 4 blocks. These smaller blocks are then turned about different ways to create the pattern. Now that this much is completed I think I need to add a border to it. Have been looking for fabric that suits and decided on blue.

Mum's Xmas quilt

2010-10-22T11:33:00.000+11:00

Here on my design wall is the beginning of Mum's xmas quilt. Her house is all blue and yellow, which determined the colour scheme, and she once admired a quilt with birdhouses on it, so that's where the theme came from. Now that I have the stitcheries a certain measurement I will be filling in the gaps with disappearing nine-patch blocks. I saw the idea in a magazine a short while ago and thought it perfect for this project, however, I am actually flying by the seat of my pants with this one, and am not sure how it will turn out. Keep posted to see! Could be fun.

Bucket List Brigade

2010-10-21T22:37:00.000+11:00

With much help from my daughter I have put up a little picture of a bucket for The Bucket Brigade. If anyone would like to join me on this adventure, please do. We can all support each other, inspire each other, share ideas and be winners. Copy the pic if you wish, and put it on your own blog site. If you have a list of goals, put them on your blog, then work your way through them one by one. Before you know it you will have obtained your goals and YOU'LL FEEL GREAT.

Love Letters

2010-10-16T12:12:00.000+11:00

Here is the completed quilt top called 'Love Letters'. I bought the kit at The Patchwork Teahouse in Warburton, after first seeing it on the Fabric Frolic when I frolicked with a friend in 2005. I have had a lot of fun making this quilt because there has been no time line, no desperate need to finish it by a certain date, so I have plodded along with it as I please, enjoying the process. Instead of embroidering the lovey dovey sayings according to the pattern, I chose to address my 'letters' more personally. One has my maiden name and childhood address, another has my husbands name and childhood address, and the third is addressed to both of us at our current address. I found a fabric with stamps on it, albeit U.S. stamps, cut them out and blanket stitched them in place. I had to make my own monograms too, which I dud using Derwent pencils to colour in the letter and embroidered around the letter with floss, finishing them off with a couple of embroidered flowers. Since doing that I have learned that the pencil will probably wash off.
Now I will send it off to be machine quilted, then I will have to complete it with a prairie point binding.

52 Week Bucket List

2010-10-15T09:52:00.000+11:00

I've wasted 15 minutes trying to get this photo to stay rotated and refuse to spend more time on it so here it is, albeit sideways. This is my 52 week bucket list all worked out. It has turned out to be more of a 'finishing' plan for the nest 12 months, after which I should feel pretty good about myself. I think what is holding me back at the moment is the large number of unfinished projects I have. They make me feel guilty, so dealing with them all will clear my way to move forward onto bigger and better things. I feel good about the list.
Now - to work out how to put the list on this blog properly.

Bucket List Brigade

2010-10-14T10:39:00.000+11:00

I had to post again! I'M SO EXCITED. I was talking about writing my bucket list and then discovered that Frazzledsugarplum has already done it. How inspiring! I have to keep using exclamation marks to let you all know how excited I am! This is great stuff. Congratulations Frazzle, that's a fantastic list and so much of it is already ticked off as done! Now I have the inspiration I need to do mine. I will spend time today writing my list and perhaps the first thing on that list has to be "Work out how to put the list on my blog". (Am so computer illiterate)

Maybe we could start a group - the Bucket List Brigade.

I was TOLD to buy fabric!

2010-10-14T10:28:00.000+11:00

You may not believe this, but this morning my husband phoned from work to say the US exchange rate was so good I should buy some fabric. How wonderful is that!

Thanks for your comments re the book idea ladies. I so agree.

Am thinking of putting up a list of things on my bucket list, here on my blog, then marking them off as I achieve them BUT, I'm really scared to do it because it would make me so accountable. I thought it would be interesting to have one thing per week for a year. Maybe the first thing should be "overcome the fear and enjoy life!!"

Craft Fair inspires book idea

2010-10-13T10:32:00.001+11:00

Here I am at the Blue Willow Cottage Stand at the Craft Fair, Royal Exhibition Buildings Melbourne, with my two books, The Maria Challenge Quilt and The Elizabeth Challenge Quilt. I was also handing out invitations to my upcoming book launch on 30 October for The Caroline Challenge Quilt.
While sitting there I was able to observe the public at close hand and it was while doing so that I was inspired with an idea for a book - A Guide for people on how to Behave. Instead of left and right pages I would have right and wrong pages. The wrong page would demonstrate the bad behaviour, such as gaping yawns without covering one's mouth, children who don't know how to say 'thank you' - so mummy does it for them, people leaving the public toilet in such a state no one can use it after them. Do you get the picture? I'm sure you do. I think the problems come from a variety of reasons - some people are just lazy even though they know the right thing to do, others don't actually know what the right thing is, and some are just pigs.
I wonder what your thoughts are?

Craft Fair

2010-10-10T09:24:00.000+11:00

Back to the Craft Fair today to do book signings. It has been a busy week with plenty of work to do. I have finally taken my book to the printer (yes - I do leave things to the last minute) and have the proof to read this weekend, but I have also been working each day at the Craft Fair. The plan is to complete the proof reading tonight after the fair, go back to the printer tomorrow and organise everything with them, and spend this coming week trying to catch up.
Somehow I have a feeling the plan may not make it into my world of reality.

I'm back! And will be at the CRAFT FAIR

2010-10-03T21:28:00.000+11:00

Phew! What a long three weeks this has been. Someone used up all our internet gigs in the first 10 days and we have since had to go without. It has been most inconvenient, to say it nicely. At last I am back, though, and heading into another busy two weeks. In fact, I will be working the next 12 days straight, as I do my usual paid job Mon-Fri and from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 I will be at the CRAFT FAIR doing BOOK SIGNINGS. I will be at the Blue Willow Cottage stand from 10am to 2pm. The fair is at the old Royal Exhibition Buildings in Carlton. Perhaps I'll see you there.

A bit more of the holiday

2010-09-10T07:57:00.000+10:00

Terang Cottage Crafts at the Courthouse

Finally I worked out how to upload a photo to my blog, so now I can share more of my holiday with everyone. Purrumbete is in a previous post - take a look. Beautiful. Our second day I got to the patchwork shop at Terang, which is in the old courthouse building. It's really lovely with plenty to look at.
We spent the night at the Lighthouse Lodge, part of the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum complex. At 4:00 am the plasma TV on the wall opposite our bed turned on, waking us from our deep slumbers with surprise. We had to conclude that a ghost was playing tricks on us.
we saw the laser light show, the Wreck of the Loch Ard, at the museum - fantastic. We would recommend it to everyone. They are doing a good job at the museum.

Back in the Steeplechase

2010-09-07T09:38:00.000+10:00

With the demise of our PC last week we took the plunge and bought an imac that is most beautiful. I am glad we decided to make the change. However, it has meant some other major changes that have created some hurdles I need to find my way over. Whilst there is a Mac version of the Microsoft programs Word and Excel, there is not one for Publisher, the program I have always used. I've had to buy a Mac compatible desktop publishing program and having installed it I sat down for a play. Nothing is going to come easily to me with this one and I find I am quite overwhelmed by the task ahead of me. Having chosen the date for my book launch I now have a timeframe to work within and it's going to be tough.
Further to all that, I still have a lot of tidying up to do on the manuscript and I find myself avoiding it each day. This is just the usual 'fear' problem, and once I work out what I'm afraid of I can overcome that hurdle too.
So, it's going to be a steeplechase this week.

P.S. I haven't worked out how to add photos to my blog either!

Another thing ticked off the bucket list

2010-09-02T16:00:00.000+10:00

We have just returned home form our annual holiday which was around the western district: Camperdown, Warrnambool, Portland, Mount Gambier, Penola, Hamilton, Ballarat - home. Naturally being winter it was very wet and extremely cold, but we did what we could between showers and managed to see most of what was on my list of things to do. It would be easiest to share a little at a time, so beginning with our first day:
We made it a slow start by arriving early at our accommodation, the beautiful Purrumbete Homestead. Purrumbete was settled by the Manifold family who were originally squatters in the district and became quite successful. The homestead was refurbished and brought into its current magnificent state in about 1901 (I think) and is an excellent example of the art nouveau style. Gorgeous. Every room is BIG. And the detail in the woodwork is a joy to see (and quilt designs in my head).
We spent our time there winding down in readiness for the rest of our holiday. I sewed hexagons while hubby read and we received superb attention form our host.

Learning to let the little bird fly

2010-08-03T10:43:00.001+10:00

It's nearly a week since my baby girl hopped on a plane and headed for Germany. It was a very emotional time, having been sick with a cold, busy working the Craft Fair, doing talks and fitting in the 'paid' work I also do. So I suppose the emotions were everywhere. I didn't go to the airport, prefering to say goodbye and go to work just as we would on a normal day.
We had major communication difficulties during the first 24 hours, meaning we did not hear of her safe arrival as soon as expected. We still can't receive texts from her, but we have facebook and email working.
All is fine her end. She has had to deal with travel sickness, missing the tour and a booking not being made as she thought it was, but has come through with flying colours. And all this in a country that speaks another language. Thank heaven for those wonderful Germans who speak English - I applaud you. You make people feel welcome in your country.
The first couple of days my girl was away I felt sick in the stomach, constantly. Letting the baby bird fly from the nest is not as easy as I thought it would be, but I'm glad it has happened, because now she is soaring like an eagle. The world is her oyster (mine too, for that matter) and she is grabbing it with both hands.
I'm so proud.

Way too much going on in my life

2010-07-30T10:45:00.001+10:00

Naturally I meant to blog immediately after the Craft Fair but I have to say, so much has happened I feel like I'm running but not going anywhere.

The radio interview was fine - there was plenty of room for improvement on my part. I didn't even mention the titles of my books! However, I did learn plenty about the process and what I will and won't do next time around.

The Craft Fair was fantastic. Again, I did have a down side, which was that I was very sick with a cold. It came on the first day, Thursday and on Friday the headache was quite bad. I did manage to see the doc and get antibiotics, because of course, I had ears and throat infections. I was so chilled to the bone it took me 5 hours with the heater on full, doors closed and a quilt over me before I warmed up.
Enough of that. The gals at Blue Willow Cottage looked after me very well and I met and spoke with so many people. I did my talk every day, mostly winging it, and felt quite happy with how it all went. I get very nervous about speaking to numbers of people. That's why I chose writing as a career and not public speaking. On the last day my husband taped my talk and looking at it later that night was extremely surreal. The way I appear on the video is not one bit like the way I feel on the inside. It's not how I see myself at all. But it must be how others see me. It's quite a strange feeling. The fair was great, and I wish I could have seen more of it for myself, but I concentrated on meeting my readers. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat with me, and those who purchased my books. Enjoy. Have fun. And don't forget to work on your bucket lists.
If anyone missed out you can email me direct to buy the books at rowekeys01@optusnet.com.au

This week we put our baby girl (age 20 mind you) onto a plane to Germany for a holiday. It is her first time overseas, and her first trip alone. She was met in Germany by a male friend (thankfully), but I was anxious about the flight with a stopover in Dubai for a change of plane. Her instructions were to text us as soon as she arrived so we knew she was there safely, but 24 hours more passed by before we knew anything, and that came via someone else. SO we are having problems with our phones receiving text from Germany and one phone company is blaming the other provider. Aaagh. We rang our daughter and spoke with her so know she's fine, but she was very sick on the flight over. Poor kid. It's hard being a mum. Now I know how my own mother felt when I went overseas on my own age 23 (a couple of years ago, lol).

So with all this happening and fitting in my paid work hours (as opposed to writing hours which are as yet quite unpaid) I received news this morning that an auntie is in palliative care.

So many emotions.

By the way, The Caroline Challenge Quilt was finished last week, and this week I have gone over it to make any alterations and corrections. Today I will send it to my friend for editing. Even that didn't go according to plan - the printer wouldn't do as commanded despite half and hour and several pieces of paper attempting to make it print on both sides. Technology! aaagh.

Gotta laugh.

Going on Radio!

2010-07-20T12:30:00.001+10:00

Wow! This rollercoaster ride has some real hot spots. Last week I was interviewed by a lovely young journalist at the Leader newspaper and had my photograph taken for an article that will be in the paper coming out tomorrow. Yesterday I was contacted with a request to go on radio. How exciting ... and a little bit nerve-wrecking.

I will be on 3RRR, 107.2FM at 10:00 am Wednesday 21 July.

Speaking at Melbourne Craft Fair

2010-07-15T10:27:00.000+10:00

I have been very fortunate to have two wonderful things happen to me: The lovely ladies, Chrissie and Rhonda at Blue Willow Cottage have again invited me to be a guest at their stall at the upcoming Craft Fair in Melbourne. Through these good ladies I have also been given a spot in the workshop programme to give a talk at 12:30 each day. I will be in Workshop 3, 12:30 pm each day Thursday to Sunday the 22-25 July, Craft Fair, Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Before and after my talk you can catch up with me at the Blue Willow Cottage stall, E35, where I will be doing book signings. You will be able to buy both The Maria Challenge Quilt and The Elizabeth Challenge Quilt, as I recently had both books reprinted. They sold out at the Quilt Convention in April! Wasn't that great! Thanks for everyone's support.
Now, time for me to go and do something with these buckets - they will be at my talk at the Craft Fair. See you there!

Do People Change?

2010-07-12T09:45:00.000+10:00

Recently I have been confronted with the concept that 'people change'. It has had me thinking very deeply about whether or not I believe this statement. Initially my heart wanted to believe it is true, that people can and do actually change. Sometimes it is even possible to provide what appears to be evidence that change has occurred. In the end I came to a conclusion:
People do not change - but life provides experiences that reveal a person's essence.
The basic essence of a person doesn't change. What occurs is a layering of events as one travels through the multiple experiences of life and these experiences allow us to reveal our essence. For example, someone who survives a major traumatic event does so because they essentially have the ability to do so. They reveal to themselves and others the power to overcome, which was within them all the time, untested. What we see as positive events, like being shot to stardom as a singer, for example, will also reveal the essence of a person in how they handle the experience. The result will always come from whatever was within that person anyway.
So no, I don't believe people change. I believe what we are capable of will unravel naturally when faced with different experiences; that we can only react to things in ways that come from deep within us; that we can even surprise ourselves with the way we pull through a situation, calling on energy from deep within that we didn't know we had, until we were tested. This can be perceived as change, but it is not change, it is something that was there all the time and just needed the right 'experience' to bring it out. I don't believe people can do more than they are capable of doing, but most of us don't know the depth of that capacity.
But it's all semantics.

Weekend away

2010-06-16T08:44:00.001+10:00

The view of the Otways from where we were staying

It's always nice to get away from the city for a break, even a short one. Three days in the Otways, even in winter, is a superb place to be. The weather was very cold, but I have to admit I did not go outside at all, preferring to stay indoors and sew, knit, read and eat. Bliss.
I wish I could show you the project I am working on but it is a surprise for the eventual recipient. It feels like I am carrying a lot of secrets this year - all nice ones though. I do like to make things for people and see the joy on their faces when they receive them. More bliss.
This week it's back to work and I am extremely busy now. Every day is full to the brim with something to do. Most important to me is my writing, which is going well enough at the moment. The third novel in the Australian Challenge Quilt Series is half way there.

Fear Passed

2010-05-25T10:45:00.001+10:00

My recent fear of sitting down at the computer to write seems to have finally passed. Thankfully. Now I can move forward and complete the novella I am working on.

This tree is at Fernshaw, at the bottom of the Black Spur, where a pleasant barbeque area is located. The tree was planted in commemoration of a visit to Fernshaw by the Duchess of York on 15 May 1901 - we were there on 15 May 2010. Love serendipity.

Writer's fear

2010-05-21T13:43:00.001+10:00

Writer's fear. What is it?
Lately I have had immense difficulty in making myself sit down at my computer to write. I will do anything to avoid it - clean the bathroom, clean the toilet, loads of washing, washing floors. Then there are the more damaging, less useful ways to avoid writing - play computer games, watch TV. I haven't even avoided my writing by sitting and sewing! There is a serious problem afoot!
In trying to work out what my problem is, I can only conclude that I am fearful this third book in the Australian Challenge Quilt Series will not be as good as the first two. I'm afraid I will let my readers down. Anything I do type I feel unhappy with.
So I asked my husband to read what I have written to date and give me an opinion. He said it was as good as everything else I have written. Why don't I believe him? How do I overcome this immense brick wall in front of me?
I should take a leaf from the gum tree I photographed at Marysville last weekend. Despite the raging firestorm of Black Saturday last year, and even though the outside of the trees are all charred black as night, the leaves are growing wherever they can, strong and green. I need to be like the burned trees, and the people of Marysville - fight back with confidence and cheerfulness; keep on going and in the end I will succeed.

AQC at Royal Exhibition Building

2010-05-04T09:00:00.000+10:00

I spent three days at the Australasian Quilt Convention at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne and met lots of wonderful women who came to talk to me and buy my books.

It was an honour to sign everyone's copies and I do hope they enjoy the stories I tell. There was no point in me attending the convention on Sunday - I sold out of books!

Thanks to everyone for their support. And a big thank you to all the gorgeous ladies from Blue Willow Cottage who looked after me.

Isn't the Exhibition Building beautiful? I think they have done a wonderful job of doing it up and it is one of Melbourne's jewels.

Day at the Convention in Melbourne

2010-04-30T17:28:00.000+10:00

It's a happy kind of tired I feel as I sit to write this. I've had one of those days indulging in the pleasure of the quilters' world and it fills my heart. Coming home, it is difficult to concentrate on driving when my head is spinning with a multitude of possibilities - that quilt kit I'd like to buy; that book I'd like to purchase; those threads all displayed in wonderful rainbows of colour that draw you in. Isn't the Convention just SO inspiring?
Speaking of inspiring - I spoke with Jinny Beyer today. I am sitting at the Blue Willow Cottage stand (194), directly opposite Mrs Sampsons Drapery where Jinny is busy talking to people about her fabrics and her new book. I decided to give her a copy of each of my novels, The Maria Challenge Quilt and The Elizabeth Challenge Quilt, as a way of thanking her for being inspiring and taking the time to come out to Australia and share her knowledge with us. I'll tell you a secret: one of the reasons I've chosen to be an author is because I am pretty good with the written word ... and hopeless when it comes to speaking. I think I blurted out something barely intelligible to Jinny before scurrying away. This is called "stepping way out of one's comfort zone." I know she's a regular person like you or me, but speaking to someone you admire, and who is well known, is not so easy for me.
So to all those wonderful people who talked with me today about my Aussie patchwork novels, thanks for taking the time and making me feel good. I hope you enjoy your books and look forward to catching up with you again some time.
Meanwhile, I'm back into the Exhibition Building tomorrow (May-day).

P.S. My daughter has just walked in the door with some lovely news. She works at Angus and Robertson and reports that a customer came to the store in a state of excitement about The Maria Challenge Quilt and was desperate to buy the second novel, The Elizabeth Challenge Quilt. She said she couldn't put the first one down and even though she hadn't quite finished it, she needed the sequel immediately, and had to know when the third one was coming out. Wow! That makes me feel fantastic. Thank you.

Korowa Quilt

2010-04-28T11:58:00.000+10:00

Way back last October I told you all about a new project I was working on for the 120th birthday celebrations of my old school and felt it was about time you got to see the finished result. This quilt is a replica of a large mural we painted on the wall of our common roomm but which was pulled down only a few years later when the school expanded.

The project proved to be one of those where everything that could go wrong did go wrong, and I subsequently spent a solid two weeks trying to finish it in time. I had trouble printing on the fabric (headmistresses photos in the stars; Korowa crest on the sun; 120 memories of my time at Korowa on the orange strip of land). The fabric kept catching in the printer, messing up several pieces. However, as each problem presented myself I simply had to work through it and resolve it. The quilt is certainly not perfect, but it's done. I hope you like it. It's different.

Don't forget I will be doing book signings at the Australasian Quilt Convention in Melbourne for the next three days. Find me at Blue Willow Cottage, stand 194. See you there!

Book Signing at Australasian Quilt Convention

2010-04-15T14:35:00.000+10:00

I will be attending the Australasian Quilt Convention for three days to do book signings, and am really looking forward to the whole event. You will find me at the Blue Willow Cottage (stand 194) with Crissie and Rhonda. Hope to see you there.

Book Signing at Angus and Robertson

2010-03-25T11:03:00.000+11:00

I will be doing a book signing at Angus and Robertson, Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre, Canterbury Road, Forest Hill VIC, this Saturday 27th March 2010 from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to come and chat with me about my novels. The store is having a children's day as well, so there will be entertainment for the kids.
See you there.