crazy pathwork

It's raining today - we have had a bit through the week, and all much needed and appreciated. Dodging the rain earlier in the week I did some crazy pathwork - no that is not a misprint. I laid some slate and stones in a short path in the front garden. With plenty of experience with fabric, selecting and placing the stones was easy - unlike digging the soil from between all the treee roots.
I have finished the 'blooming' shoulder pads (nothing like a deadline to get something done!). Here is a section to intrigue you. It's called A mixed bunch. I'll post a picture when I can find a backdrop and means to photograph it.




My task for tomorrow - both anxious and pleasant - will be to hang the exhibition. Hopefully it all goes together as planned, and all fits! I discovered a couple of the early works were not labelled, so of course I have remedied that.
Thanks to all those who have given encouragement. I hope that all the viewers enjoy.

The Adelaide Collection fabrics

Well done to Michele Hill for the newly released Adelaide Collection fabric based on William Morris designs. They look great. If you haven't seen them check out her blog http://williammorrisandmichele.blogspot.com/

New ribbons for the performance

Another week has flown. I'm gathering quilts for the exhibition (checking sleeves and labels etc) and came to this one that I made a few years back

with the title above. About a week ago I came across a poem that I wrote about it - I had forgotten that I had done so. It explains it all so I thought I would share it.


New ribbons for the performance

Don't throw those away -

Rachel's Mum will take them.



Miss Jan was strict, appearance paramount.

Ageing slippers in shades of scuffed pink

passed from girl to girl,

made good with new ribbons

trimmed at first wearing.

This first, unexpected test of Mum's sewing skills,

left pink satin scraps on the change room floor.



Don't throw those away -

Rachel's Mum will take them.

Growing feet (some too good to wear second hand)

filled the cupboard with possibilities.

Eisteddfods, concerts, emerging stars, troupers -

new ribbons replaced the tatty at each costume check

and intrigued wardrobe manager Mrs G,

her patience tested by non-sewing Mums,

still managed to call out on my behalf



Don't throw those away -

Rachel's Mum will take them.



A windfall came with the June decree

'New ribbons for all for the examinations'

and satin scraps fell like confetti onto the floor.

I made this wall hanging yet still bits remain

along with one unfathomed question -

why four new ribbons cut the same

produced four trimmings, all of different length!

Saw the pandas at the zoo

A busy week this week without any stitching. My sewing room/studio/office is the spare room and daughter Rachel was home from exciting travels in China and Nepal. Great to see her for a while. Not quite sure if she comes to see us, or just to get a fix of pasties and iced coffee (nowhere else makes them like South Australia!) She left for Mount Buller last night to work for the snow season and save money for the next adventure.

I took leave for a couple of days. We went to the Adelaide Zoo one day to see the Pandas - seems they have settled in OK. Maybe we were lucky but Wang Wang performed like a real show pony. Visitors are let in in batches. He got up, did a lap round the inner enclosure, then loped outside, did a lap and came and sat down in the front, chewed on a piece of bamboo for a bit and then loped back inside. Funi stayed in, just opening an eye on the crowd.
I hadn't been to the zoo for a few years, and I enjoyed the morning. The open enclosures, walk through aviaries and greenery are great.












Later went up to Morialta Gorge and walked to the first falls.






We've had fabulous sunsets over the last couple of weeks. I couldn't resist this one with the jet trails.




Now it is time to get back to my blooming shoulder pads.

Stitching postcards

With some of my quilting friends I am making small quilts to a subject drawn from the contributions of each of us in the group. Any size, any techniques. I have chosen 6"x4" postcard size.
At right is my 'doorway' - based on a photo I took in the UK

... and this is my 'split image'



The next two are almost finished. They are fun to do - I might become addicted!

Clever little spider

Came home from a walk on the beach this morning and found a huge spider web in the front garden - sort of oval shaped, at least 4 ft high and 3 ft widre. No sign of the spider, but one unfortunate fly had met his demise and upset the symmetry. The sun was glinting on it and I had to try for a photo. The photos have actually revealed the amazing construction - sharp angles and parallel lines. Went out to look late this afternoon and it was all gone with just a couple of guy lines left to assist rebuilding.

The quilt in the header

Here is a picture of the quilt - Butterfly World - used to make the header bar for the blog. I made it a few years ago. It's a combination of solid blocks and nine patches on point.

Douglas Scrub

I have just returned from a weekend retreat for 26 quilters and embroiderers at Douglas Scrub. Stitch 'til you wilt with fun and frienship and much to inspire! Great food provided and just a few dishes to wash. It's been an annual event for more than 20 years, with some variation as it was begun by Mclaren Vale Patchworkers and is now run by the Whyte House Gallery (Victor Harbor) - thanks Deb. I nearly finished 4 projects - didn't take all the right bits of course. Photo is of the sun rising this morning when I went for a walk. Suddenly came upon 2 kangaroos just after, but they were off on there way before I could take a picture.