Isn't this beautiful???

I thought I would share this beautiful photo with you.  It's been a couple of years since our handsome Jack Russell cross left us - he had been with us for 19.5 years, but sadly old age took him.  Some people can get another dog/animal straight away but I just felt it was something I wasn't as yet prepared for.

Last month I decided to sponsor a Guide Dog Puppy through their first 12 months of training. I have just received my pack with all the information and this absolutely delightful photo. It is mum Trudy and her litter of puppies, not sure which one is mine, but have been told his name is 'Jackson'.  There are 5 boys and 1 girl in the litter.  At regular intervals the Guide Dog Association send out information and photos on how your particular puppy is progressing.  I will share these with you.

Don't you think she looks a loving mum.  So calm and serene with those puppies around her.  Ooh I just want to pick one up and have a cuddle.  

Fibre Arts Australia

On Tuesday a friend, Jenni, and myself travelled up to Ballarat (in Victoria) to have a look at the Fibre Arts School for 2013.  This is held in the Ballarat Grammar School over 6 days.  When you enrol you choose a class and work with that teacher/tutor for the whole week.  You stay on site and all meals are provided.  A great way to spend a week, don't you think.

Sorry, I don't have photos, but if you wish to see some of the examples and read about the different tutors go to this link. While there have a look at the other art schools on offer around the country.

I can't wait for July when Jenni, another friend Jeann and myself go to the Winter School in Ballarat.  So looking forward to this - I will be working with Caroline Sharkey, an amazing artist and quilter.  You can see some of her work here on her website.

What all quilters need!!!!

I subscribe to Alex Anderson's and Ricky Tims' 'The Quilt Show' and love watching their videos.

Well do I have a beauty for you - this is something all us quilters need. I'm posting with 'tongue in cheek' so please don't blame me, but I think it is fabulous!!  If you go to this link you can watch it on Youtube.

I will say no more, it speaks for itself.....

A finish and a WIP

Working through my collection of Japanese fabrics I discovered quite a few 3" squares, and wanting something to do which didn't stretch my brain too much, sewed them into squares and then sashed and bordered them with a navy blue.  I tried black but it was a tad harsh.

 Still had a lot of squares left, so decided to cut them in half and make a 'Japanese Coin' quilt. Had enough of the blue to sash in between the rows, but not enough for a border, thankfully, as I didn't want to same look.  Now I have to decide what to do for borders - will probably keep it on my design wall for the time being and audition different types as I decide what is the best.  Apologies for the shadow on the photo but I use the wall just outside the room where I sew and have to take a photo looking from side.

Still have heaps of fabric left, plenty of Fat 1/4s and half yards.  As it's not my style or choice now thinking EBay may be a good option.