making transfer ink

These days we have a wide choice of marking pens and pencils, including the wash out ones, but it hasn't always been so easy. I came across this information the other day on a little newspaper clipping my mother cut out, presumably from the "Advertiser", though not sure when. It was one of a number tucked into one of her travel diaries from the 1970s.

"Making transfer ink for embroidery designs - Mix equal quantities of castor sugar and laundry blue which has been ground finely. Store in a screw-top jar and when required for use mix a little with cold water to the consistency of writing ink. Trace over the outline of the design, using an ordinary clean nib".

So, if you worry about what is actually in the commercial ones you could try this. It just might be difficult getting hold of the laundry blue and an 'ordinary' nib now!

Some of the other clippings were interesting too - cleaning silver, preserving autumn leaves, waterproof shoe polish and the 7 Wonders of the World.



This picture is unrelated - just thought it was worth sharing. What is it? A floret of a bromeliad flower.

unravelled exhibition

If you're in the Adelaide area there is a very interesting exhibition at Red Poles Gallery (McLaren Vale) entitled unravelled. It includes weaving, felting, baskets, clothing, jewellery - and tea cosies by a group of textile artists. On until 25 July, Wed to Sun.

spots, stripes and patches at the zoo

Change of scenery today - we visited Monarto Zoo. It was fine, mostly sunny, not windy and green underfoot from the recent rains. Here are a few of the animals. Loved the striped tails on the yellow tailed rock wallabies -The cheetahs were lazing in the sun so difficult to capture their spots, but the zebra family with their new offspring were very obliging,
and this inquisitive lady came up to the viewing platform and looked me in the eye.

Walking back from the giraffe viewing area saw quite a few emus and big kangaroos, but no echidnas although they know they have over 100. Some red gums in bloom and many about to burst into blossom.

all good things come to an end...

The exhibition finished yesterday and some folk were asking when the next one will be! I've really appreciated all the positive comments but the most gratifying have come from non quilters who have admitted to 'a whole new appreciation' of patchwork and the use of fabric in art.

Mostly my pieces are made and entered in a quilt show as individual items and so only seen by a limited number of people. It has been good to see all the pieces together - despite the diversity (there is not enough time to make another /similar piece), I think they do show a growth and progression in techniques.

I didn't get much done on the crazy pieces at the gallery though I did make myself a new vest in the last few days. Now it is back to the works in progress and the long list of ideas.

Mossy mountain landscape

Is this a mountain or forest landscape?



Remove the large leaf plant in the corner in each photo and you might think so. It is actually a luxurious patch of moss growing beside our house, taken with the early morning sun on it. The boulders are small gravel pieces, and the large leaf plants are weeds.
And this is actually a close up of moss from the same patch that I took a few years ago. It looks smooth like velvet to the naked eye - the leafy appearance was quite a surprise.

Great response to the exhibition

Two weeks of the exhibition gone - two weeks of my leave gone. At home I've been catching up on a few overdue chores, done some more crazy pathwork in the front garden, and made a vest for Max, seen a movie, visited with family and so on. I doubt I will get through my long list before it is time to return to work.


Yes, I am really happy with the exhibition. It has been a dream for some years, but but there was no knowing how it would be received. There have been so many wonderful comments - and even thanks for having the exhibition. I have enjoyed my weekend 'sitting' in the gallery. It is so interesting hearing folk tell of their favourite piece - all different ones for all sorts of reasons. Many seem to evoke memories, especially the scrapbook quilts - it is amazing how many folk have a connection to Port Pirie where I grew up. Many folk are amused to find a real use for shoulder pads, but I have declined all offers of more!


And what do I do while I am there? I finished off (binding, sleeve, label) one small wall hanging, but not having much hand work to do, I have pulled out my oldest 'work in progress' and done a few stitches on it - a crazy patchwork started only about 15 years ago. Don't expect to see it soon It will probably take that many more years too!

spotted through the week...

... on our mop top tree (robinia) early one morning after rain during the night. I've not noticed the water beading so much on leaves before. Maybe I was just concious of it because my husband polished my car last week and the water beaded nicely on it during the rain.

It didn't last long, but looked first up like the tree had been dusted with snow or icing sugar. It was only close up that the water spots became obvious.

all on show

The exhibition is all underway and going well - I am pleased with the gallery and the way it all looks. After preparing for the launch somewhat nervously over the last few days, wondering how many might come, I can catch my breath and relax this evening. It was a very succesful afternoon with an encouraging and admiring group of family, friends and quilters. Most wanted to know why it had taken so long...
These are a few photos. Please come and check it out if you are able - it is on until Sunday 20 June

And here is a picture of A mixed bunch - the 'blooming shoulder pads' mentioned previously. It is another of my GIDDI creations - great idea, difficult to implement