A visit to Quilts In the Barn

A couple of weeks ago I and a couple of friends (Jenni S and LeeAllan) visited 'Quilts In The Barn' in outer Melbourne where they were having their annual show of Quilts in the Barn'.  This year's show the emphasis was on reproduction and older quilts, with some beautiful vintage ones which had been sent over from the USA by Mary Koval. Mary was supposed to be there in person, but unfortunately her health dictated that she stay home.

Patty Harants and Brenda Papadakis were there with their amazing quilts, plus they also gave lessons and lectures.  Alas, I didn't get the opportunity to attend either of these events.  But they were both very generous with their time and spoke with everyone who was able to 'get a word in'.....

Here are just a few of the amazing quilts hanging in 'the Barn'.  Hope you enjoy seeing them.

Jane Austen & Barbara Brackman

A few posts ago (26 Jan 2014), I mentioned Barbara Brackman was going to publish a quilt recognising Jane Austen this time, instead of Civil War.  There have been a few postings with general information, but she recently posted on the Jane Austen blog (Austen Family blog) the first block.

While I loved her previous postings and general information, and I also like this block, I have a feeling it is going to be very similar to her Civil War quilts - in that they can resemble a 'sampler' type of quilt.  I am a tad disappointed, but may still do the blocks (or as few/or more) but only of the ones I truly truly like. Not sure what I was hoping to see, but will keep all the information and photos (which are great).  I have printed out Barbara's other BOM's and BOW's that she has designed in the last few years and have them in folders in my sewing room.  (I'm a bit of a history buff and when it incorporates quilting, I'm in heaven...)

While I have been unpacking and putting stuff away I took out some materials I thought would be suitable for this quilt. I like the parsley with the florals, but I think I need to find a smaller print.

I am hoping there maybe some blocks that I can use the larger prints for. But we will wait and see - of course if I choose to only make a few blocks I could use these larger prints for connecting blocks.  I don't have enough of the one material for borders.

Tomorrow I'm off to the Australasian Quilt Convention (generally known as AQC) for the day.  It is one of the best and biggest Quilt shows and convention in Australia and always attracts overseas tutors as well as the best of Australian tutors.  Hopefully I will be able to get some good photos to show you. The lighting in the old Heritage listed building is not that good for photography, but I will do what I can.

I was supposed to be going today, but life got in the way.......I was going by train and set my alarm to make sure I got up early in catch the 8.45 am train, buuuuuut I set it for pm instead of am.  Since I retired I'm not used to setting alarms (or that's my excuse anyway).  So I reset it properly this time and will be going tomorrow on the 8.15 am train.  Just as well the convention is on for 4 days!!!!

Till next time,
Take care, Joy

I'm back - Wow what a fantastic holiday......

I knew it was going to be good, but didn't realise how great!

We started with 3 days in Long Beach, California, most of which was spent at the International Quilt Festival. Our hotel was right next door to the Convention Centre and also on the beach front.  A fantastic view from my hotel window looking across the marina towards The Queen Mary.

One day was spent walking around the beach front, the wharf, and a tour of The Queen Mary.  Included in the tour was the Princess Diana Exhibition which was on board.  This exhibition traces her life from a child right through to include Katherine and William's wedding.  Unfortunately no photos were allowed, but it was a magnificent display of original gowns, letters, photos, memorabilia. If it ever comes to a place near you - it is a must do.  More information on the Exhibition can be found here at this address.

The ship is still in it's original state and extremely well maintained.  You can imagine just how life was back in those wonderful days of sailing.

 The exhibition itself was very good.  A lot bigger than ours back here, but not nearly as big as Houston.  All we had to do was walk out of the entrance to the hotel and across the Plaza and we were there!

 I will have more photos of the quilts and updates (in sections) of the most fabulous holiday in the days ahead.  Way too much for one or two postings!!

Ricky Timms is coming to Australia

Quilter, Singer, Musician, Writer, TV Star is coming to Australia in September 2012.  The Australian Machine Quilters Assoc is having a one-day seminar at their Quilt Festival in Adelaide and if you want to attend you need to go over to their website here, and get the details. I'm going to register - just love his work and also have some CDs of his show with Alex Anderson.  Anyone want to join me - maybe share a room???