tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67951565693395520562012-01-29T14:19:17.453+11:00antique quilts. my quilts. other stuffKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.comBlogger871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-11452724896411057692012-01-28T02:00:00.001+11:002012-01-28T02:14:03.054+11:00

Tasmania's Overland Track didn't disappoint...I thought the weather and the sheer toughness would dominate my first impressions of the Overland, particularly because I'd cut my teeth on much easier tracks on mainland Australia and New Zealand. (Click on the photos to embiggen.) However it was the the sheer majesty of the landscapes which took my breath away. Every day, every few moments a

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com7Cradle Mountain TAS 7306, Australia-41.6851318 145.9526516-41.8748683 145.6367946 -41.4953953 146.2685086tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-23590279107126137992012-01-02T21:31:00.001+11:002012-01-03T07:10:37.983+11:00

To all my friends, newly met via blogging, and old and true, I wish you every happiness in 2012. I welcomed the New Year with close friends sitting on our boat on Sydney Harbour watching the amazing fireworks displays...yes plural...the City of Sydney welcomes each new year with two stupendous fireworks displays:- one at at 9:00pm and the biggie at midnight. It's an explosion of colour

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com7Sydney NSW, Australia-33.873651 151.2068896-33.8868345 151.1871486 -33.860467500000006 151.22663060000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-15203110048339090372011-12-29T16:56:00.001+11:002011-12-29T19:10:29.681+11:00

Jane needed some calming down... After the complexity and busy-ness of the centre and surrounding 20 blocks in my version of the Jane Pizar coverlet,  I felt an element of simplicity and calm was called for. Hence:- the Laudanum border. So, a decision was made to add a simple sinuous reverse applique border using only two fabrics: a reproduction antique Dutch chintz from Den Haan & Wagenmakers

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-15137463391331512712011-12-26T11:30:00.000+11:002011-12-26T11:44:54.316+11:00

Now that Christmas Day is passed (in the Southern Hemispere at least) I would like to reveal the gift I made for my SSCS partner. My partner is also from "down under" - well, across the ditch down under in New Zealand. (I trust Michelle is safe, although she is well away from Christchurch our NZ friends have once again been rocked by strong earthquakes.) The quilt I sent to Michelle started

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-52320812375057737202011-12-23T17:03:00.000+11:002011-12-24T09:01:47.404+11:00

my Christmas wish to you     Peace Happiness Health Love and time to quilt xox K

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-42915504663831164272011-12-20T08:14:00.001+11:002011-12-20T08:15:08.252+11:00

In the past week little snippets of time have been stolen from the busy leading-up-to-Christmas-holiday crazy schedule to sew. It has been a welcome relief from the manic nature of what has become Christmas, the luxury to sew, and thereby clear the mind. Sewing is my therapy. Last night, the last pieced block of the 20 which are to surround the hectic pieced centre of my Jane received it's final

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-88999461969347196882011-12-13T11:57:00.000+11:002011-12-13T11:57:23.440+11:00

  ... and if all else fails....

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-67058125959549620542011-12-09T13:27:00.001+11:002011-12-09T13:29:07.115+11:00

While I was out walking this morning the elves delivered my SSCS parcel!!  My tricky Secret Santa didn't put her name anywhere..all I know is she is from Ontario Canada... Inside the little box were two little parcels...no peeking!!!!???  (the note didn't say no squeezing, feeling, sniffing or otherwise mauling though)...I WAS allowed to open my ornament gift .....  ...and this sweet little felt

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-56641451292444670572011-11-28T18:25:00.000+11:002011-11-28T18:25:31.512+11:00

Finally the little secret box of Christmas goodies is winging it's way to ....? my first ever secret Santa I hope their new owner loves them as much as I have enjoyed creating.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-50569076914704751332011-11-09T13:48:00.000+11:002011-11-09T13:48:51.978+11:00

Second Tuesday is workshop day for me at Cottage Quiltworks a lovely store in Warriewood on Sydney's Northern beaches. It's a great day, rather keenly anticipated - lovely bright workroom, great fabrics in the store and a warm and friendly group of quilters and lots happening. As recent additions to the class my friend B and I believe we supply the balance to this talented group who seem to

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-32709884321778393642011-11-01T18:40:00.001+11:002011-11-01T18:44:55.060+11:00

Apparently that's how my mind works. When I was designing gardens I found if I slept on a plan for a day or two a  problem would resolve itself and the design would flow quite quickly afterwards. I learned not to force the issue (fine if you're not on a tight time constraint). I don't do a lot of garden design any more but this method still serves pretty well to resolve quilt design issues, as

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-13597713669598347202011-10-23T16:44:00.000+11:002011-10-23T16:44:48.039+11:00

Friday was a fantastically stunning Spring day here in Sydney - blue skies, no wind, with the fragrance of Spring flowers heavy in the warm air.  I adore Fridays because it's a no office, sleep in a little later than the usual 6.15am and do as I will day...On Friday my house is crispy spring clean (thankyou to my new  fabuloso cleaner) my windows sparkle (thankyou Wally the wonderful window

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-28589813683754516642011-10-21T14:05:00.002+11:002011-10-21T14:37:52.370+11:00

Do you read The Quilting Gallery? Apart from having a comprehensive quilting bloggers directory, they also have a  quilt shop locator, a directory of quilt guilds, a quilter's market, and a whole lot more.... Every week they hold themed competitions and this week's theme is 'paper pieced'....so just for fun Mad Birds and Hexagons has been entered. If you like, you can vote for my quilt by going

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-2902648269311914662011-10-13T10:15:00.001+11:002011-10-13T20:29:17.457+11:00

Once again, The Washington Post has published the winning submission to its yearly neologism contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternative meanings for common words. The winners are: 1. Coffee (n.), the person upon whom one coughs.2. Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained. 3. Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach. 4. Esplanade (

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-83940465869971140022011-10-04T19:00:00.000+11:002011-10-04T19:00:19.086+11:00

The centre medallion of Jane is finally completed... crazy how long it has taken to complete the corners... My little "orange segments" block... Still searching for the "perfect" centre, but that will come when it comes....  Meanwhile I've been having fun making zeez.... Six of 20 9" blocks which will surround the centre medallion... these will be trimmed down to 9" (the backing linen tends to

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-88020176030137884232011-09-19T13:33:00.000+10:002011-09-19T13:33:48.366+10:00

Here is my "Mad Birds" quilt - featured in this month's edition of Quilt Mania! I was aware they had taken photographs whilst the quilt was hanging at the Darling Harbour Quilt Show in June, but thought that in the plethora of images taken my quilt would end up "on the cutting room floor" so to speak, but no, here it is for all who care to see.  Note this photo has been pinched from Kathy's

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-9334558135046476822011-09-17T17:28:00.000+10:002011-09-17T17:28:14.196+10:00

Today was a fine excuse for some quilting friends to get together for sewing, lunch at a chat. We were greeted at the door by this .... The "Wedding Quilt" is for Bernadette's son and new daughter-in-law who were married earlier this year. The design is based on an antique quilt in "For Purpose and Pleasure" . The centre panel was signed by the bride, groom and wedding party, appliquéd tulips of

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-45224705961927481782011-09-01T21:02:00.000+10:002011-09-01T21:02:58.863+10:00

The applique blocks for the pseudo BTCT have been put away for a little while in favour of Jane....I feel rather bad calling her Circles of Death, she really isn't that bad....rather fun really and it's been a pleasure to work with her again. The next round with lots of appliqué shapes is almost completed. It has been a lot of fun putting together the tiny pieced stars and circles and random "

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-90027971530745452852011-08-26T08:40:00.002+10:002011-08-26T08:56:14.768+10:00

A little web surfing a while back turned up a lovely crossed rosebud block at JulieKQuilts made using wool with blanket stitch...gorgeous.  I thought it would be a nice addition to my pseudo-BTCT. Julie has gone on to add a central flower and little daisy-like flowers in the corners to finish hers, but at the moment I don't mind my version looking a little spare...the negative space in the centre

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-9952209179216473302011-08-16T23:23:00.001+10:002011-08-16T23:24:07.562+10:00

Over at the Beyond the Cherry Tree Blog, Sharon suggested participants show off their completed blocks all laid out together. Go check out Mimi's blocks - they look fabbo. I did start off following the pattern, but have now deviated so far from the original that it's barely recognisable.  Nevertheless,I thought it might be time I saw them laid out together....there's 4 from the original quilt

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-67713278671294873162011-08-15T18:15:00.000+10:002011-08-15T18:15:25.928+10:00

Hello dear friends. Here I am back from my little holiday and the mind is already wandering as to the whens and wheres of the next...I find it the absolute best remedy for post-holiday-blues!! Anyway here are a few holiday snaps from the slopes of Perisher last week. (I'm pretty rubbish at the whole self photography thing - clearly) After a small hiccup involving a somewhat damaged ankle

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-19202183094023467092011-08-05T20:07:00.009+10:002011-08-05T20:07:00.521+10:00

No I'm not losing it! (we-ee-lll, maybe just a little, it's been a while since I've had a holiday) It's just that it's that time again, time for a little skiing holiday. I'm off on Saturday for a week and this is what I'm almost desperately looking forward to.... (Apologies to my North American friends, I know many of you are sweltering!) Perhaps making some fresh tracks amongst the snow gums..

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-27449341999662641182011-08-03T20:04:00.000+10:002011-08-03T20:04:10.989+10:00

Following on from my last post about the Quilts in the Vines quilt retreat.... Day two dawned foggy, frosty and VERY cold. Only two intrepid walkers ventured out but we did get to enjoy some very pretty views. Crunchy ground underfoot, a little different to the morning before.  Watch out for pesky 'roos   Frost on the racecar letterbox. 'Roo in the background below  After defrosting ears we went

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-83709733930937604392011-07-30T12:57:00.001+10:002011-07-30T13:22:52.929+10:00

A week has already flown by and only now have I had a chance to write about  last weekend, when  I was lucky enough to join Bernadette and several like-minded quilters at the first (of what we hope to be many) Quilts in the Vines retreat at Bathurst in the central tablelands of NSW. After a week of truly awful weather in Sydney, Friday dawned with torrential rain. Trips to the car to load

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-1335851543791520992011-07-18T14:45:00.000+10:002011-07-18T14:45:32.674+10:00

Just four more sleeps until my long awaited and much anticipated quilting retreat in Bathurst. Our tutor Marg Samson-George will be teaching a crib quilt in the style of  Mary Jane Hannaford.  Mrs Hannaford discovered quilting late in life and her style reflects what must have been a very unique, and perhaps rather eccentric personality.  What a woman she must have been to have created these

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-27702695287686453642011-07-15T08:00:00.058+10:002011-07-15T08:00:06.383+10:00

Don't you just LOVE birthdays? I do...And today ...July 15...is  mine... To celebrate the anniversary of my birth some 50-ish years ago I thought it would be fun to share some things about me you probably don't know... Rebel in a harness, Sydney 1958. I was born on Cocos Keeling (West) Island a tiny coral atoll, now an Australian protectorate, situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean half

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-33274373188299017362011-07-12T19:57:00.001+10:002011-07-12T19:59:36.146+10:00

This four-bladed version of the Prince's Feather is a keeper - the many innies and outies were a challenge but proved not as difficult as first envisioned.   I particularly like the central pieced junction of the four plumes. The original from which this pattern is based is a quilt in Bill Volckening's collection. Many Prince's or Princess Feather quilts were made with the first being seen c.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-33507768020499933722011-07-07T14:58:00.001+10:002011-07-07T15:10:19.889+10:00

My BTCT centrepiece is complete and I'm quite pleased with how he's turned out.   This exuberant eagle has been taken from the cover of Crib Quilts and other Small Wonders by Thomas Woodward & Blanche Greenstein (1981). (Hmm maybe I should have got the iron out.)  Sweetest little birds perched atop tiny trees, with the mandatory floating pot plant. Block 20  of BTCT is done too. I actually

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-15516567035861594712011-06-21T18:36:00.000+10:002011-06-21T18:36:06.586+10:00

Do you know this fabric?  It's a very dark brown with light tan and olive green leaf and berry pattern. Originally purchased possibly ten years ago. This is one of my all time favourite browns and it's been used in many of my quilts over the years, now I have less than a fat 1/4 left. I've convinced myself it would be perfect for the next round on my Jane Pizar reproduction (fondly referred

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-26896084525184662712011-06-17T20:32:00.000+10:002011-06-17T20:32:53.425+10:00

No  preoccupation is a grand thing! I've been having a fine time revisiting Eddie the Eagle who will be the centrepiece of my adaptation of Beyond the Cherry Tree quilt. Previous Eddie was too small so he was unpicked and resized to a bigger and better version. He should now play nicely with the other blocks.My progress is way way behind with this BOM but that's OK.Probably only 12 or 16 of the

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com6Sydney NSW, Australia-33.8689009 151.20709139999997-34.2412264 150.78688789999995 -33.4965754 151.62729489999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-75998975234128236562011-06-11T12:41:00.000+10:002011-06-11T12:41:47.606+10:00

Last weekend our Marg Sampson class got together at Material Obsession for our monthly instalment of inspiration, fun and lots of chat. Here are a few photos of some of the work currently underway:  Bernadette's beautiful broderie perse... ...and a stunning fussy cut hexagon border.  Jean from Linen and Raspberry has been working on  a version of Folk Art Basketsmore stunning fussy cutting. 

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-8002332937604589652011-06-03T08:50:00.001+10:002011-06-03T09:36:41.411+10:00

...until July 23 !! My great friend and the (non-blogging) better half of my Tuesday afternoon quilting twosome has re-invented the quilting retreat with her new venture:  "Quilts in the Vines". The inaugural QIV retreat will be held on the weekend of July 23-24 at Algona Vineyard on the outskirts of Bathurst in the Central Tablelands wine region of NSW. Everything has been arranged....

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-41351808381076079302011-05-28T12:29:00.003+10:002011-06-02T19:35:56.703+10:00

been a long time, been a long lonely lonely lonely lonely t-i-i-i-me! 'Though not a Led Zepplin fan (by a long stretch!) this song has been twirling around my brain for a many days, subconciously urging me to write something perhaps? What have I been up to since last post? Attended the Antique Quilt Big Day Out Purchased a car, sold a car completed the quilting on all 9 blocks on the Mad Birds

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-71237104275303457332011-03-25T17:37:00.001+11:002011-03-25T17:48:02.339+11:00

Whilst preparing for this Sunday's 'Antique Quilt Big Day Out', I took the opportunity of today's clear breezy sunny weather to give two of my favourites a breath of fresh air. This afternoon the light was so nice I snapped some shots.  These two will be coming to Northbridge for show and tell, but for my "out of town" friends...a little preview! Purchased about 12 years ago from a favourite

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-51443551612532784062011-03-16T20:26:00.000+11:002011-03-16T20:26:26.649+11:00

Not a lot to show but lots happening behind the camera. Birds and hexagons is finito! well...the top is finished, the back is pieced, the batting washed and it's all ready for a-basting. Hopefully that will happen on Friday, then the fun begins. It will be hand quilted but there are no plans fixed in my mind yet - I think it's the sort of quilt that will tell me what to do as I go along. I'm

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-59733936534104000082011-03-05T18:22:00.000+11:002011-03-05T18:22:32.949+11:00

If you live in Sydney or plan to visit  towards the end of March, you might like to put this date in your diary: Sunday March 27th, 2011 2:30 - 4:30pm Antique Quilts 'Big Day Out'  at Northbridge Bowling ClubThe Outpost, Northbridge, NSW(click here to view a map) You are invited to bring along 1 or 2 old quilts for show and tell, or just come along to enjoy others share their antique quilts.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-28660160636724210212011-03-04T20:26:00.000+11:002011-03-04T20:26:53.752+11:00

After completing Teresa's blocks, I was reminded that I have two quilt projects in the WIP category from the 1930's, and thought it would be nice to bring them out, give them some air and have a photo shoot. (Read here that I am procrastinating....I need to sew the last 3 birds to the "Mad birds" quilt and I am dancing a little avoidance dance!!) So...This quilt top was purchased damaged with

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-32997488454150100262011-03-02T18:32:00.011+11:002011-03-02T19:59:20.827+11:00

These cheery looking blocks are for Teresa from Fabric Therapy. They are the February contribution for my monthly online quilting bee. Teresa supplied us with 3" 1930's-style squares and plain rectangles and asked us to supply 8 more 3"squares to produce 2 blocks.   This month I ditched the sewing machine and loved the process of hand-piecing the blocks. It's been quite some time and I had

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-79002633025771377142011-02-20T14:23:00.001+11:002011-02-20T14:30:08.597+11:00

Sydney continues to sizzle with this past week and weekend's temperatures 30+ again -  making sewing under a quilt top a challenge. On top of that work has been insanely busy, with my company's submission to the Federal government for a $10m grant finally being submitted on Friday- meaning late nights this week and working on my days off. As a result only small progress has been made on the birds

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-33840110522539448402011-02-13T11:28:00.000+11:002011-02-13T11:28:34.819+11:00

...I left school.  Last night I set foot back there for the very first time since. My first thought was "It's so small!" Funny how that is... things prominent in our lives take on an oversized impression. (My second thought was "Where's the bar!") The reason behind my somewhat reluctant return to school was a fund-raiser-turned-reunion. One of my Class of '76 classmates, Philippa, became a

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-34251878218193036932011-02-09T20:14:00.001+11:002011-02-24T06:59:41.343+11:00

Stung, smitten, swept off my feet, spellbound....by a guy named Gordon Sumner (better known as Sting) Mr EF and I spent the weekend in the Hunter Valley (a wine growing region about 2 hours north of Sydney) and attended Sting's outdoor concert at Hope Estate on Saturday night. The previous week had been hot, but the weekend was excruciating with 44C (around 110F) days and nights still in the mid

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-4371218574918577572011-01-27T14:03:00.001+11:002011-01-27T14:05:33.090+11:00

Australia Day, 26 January, is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788. On Australia Day we Aussies come together to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to be proud of our young nation. They say that over

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-18250749430192460732011-01-20T19:03:00.001+11:002011-01-20T19:05:25.578+11:00

Sadly, unlike my shark friends in the clip above (from one of my all-time favourite stupid movies),  the frikin' "laser" beams won't actually be attached to my head (I would think it could be rather handy on a crowded bus?) but aimed at my eyes, one eye in fact.  Early tomorrow morning I'm scheduled for laser eye surgery to (hopefully) obviate my dependence on reading glasses. I'm freaking out

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-35890108422364227852011-01-15T15:53:00.002+11:002011-01-15T15:57:22.146+11:00

I've said it before and sadly, it seems I'm not learning. Machine piecing and me are NOT friends. I wanted this post to be something like "old dogs CAN learn new tricks" but no...seems this old dog is not mastering new tricks yet. My online friendship group task this month was a simple, rotary cut, machine pieced block consisting of 16 HST. Lovely block, clever use of values. I really like it.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-63151520266814177572011-01-07T19:27:00.000+11:002011-01-07T19:27:24.479+11:00

Christmas and New Year celebrations are over and new year revolutions have been made - I'm no exception and have vowed to do the usual (get fitter, lose some kilos and drink less - you know the drill), but nothing quilting related.  Although I've noticed some brave bloggers who've made public quilting vows, it never works for me (I'm too ADD when it comes to quilting.) Sydney hosted the usual

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-66811014762807630532010-12-23T19:05:00.003+11:002011-01-07T08:03:29.084+11:00

The empty field quilting world has been in the throes of a border rebellion. A major re-think has occurred with the border of the mad little birds quilt and although a great deal of time and effort had gone into border design1, it has now been removed and replaced with border design2 - a design with which I am much more comfortable, and can see myself achieving, eventually. The sepentine fabric

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-24823502130447755202010-12-07T23:07:00.000+11:002010-12-07T23:07:46.955+11:00

Trees are quite hard to draw, don't you think? In a previous job incarnation as a landscape designer I had plenty of cause to draw trees and although a subject I enjoyed, drawing them well is not so easy. I find sewing trees a challenge, too. The traditional pieced patchwork trees (often seen lying on their sides!) composed of many triangles I see as somewhat stiff and unnatural. This month in

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-67453369733898368162010-11-30T22:26:00.001+11:002010-12-07T23:28:44.705+11:00

Aren't new starts fun? This is my first of 25 blocks from the Beyond the Cherry Tree BOM. My fellow Cherry Tree friends from here started without me, I dawdled about finding the "right" background/s, but after spending some time on Sunday morning preparing several background squares, I succumbed to temptation and started on this fellow.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-5243763058246181492010-11-29T18:29:00.000+11:002010-11-29T18:29:44.368+11:00

Prince's song "Purple Rain" is totally stuck in my head at the moment.... Having read over the past few days of our North American and European friends' blog posts about snow days, I arrived home from work today to this...   November in Sydney means Jacarandas.  We are blessed (or is that cursed ?) with 4 Jacaranda trees - 1 in our small front garden and 3 in the back garden.  I adore them,

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-33422520921038189832010-11-27T11:33:00.001+11:002010-11-27T11:40:17.143+11:00

Nary a stitch has been taken these past few weeks while Mr EF and I holidayed in New Zealand. WWIT did come with me but stayed in the suitcase and therefore is in exactly the same state as she was before we left, although somewhat better travelled.  Centre broderie perse panel for WWIT Lovely parcels greeted me on my return: background for Beyond the Cherry Trees, I spent a little time yesterday

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-87408744557165266172010-11-13T06:50:00.044+11:002010-11-13T06:50:00.124+11:00

Thought there'd be no posts while I was away climbing mountains huh?  Blogger is clever and does it for me. Just wanted to say empty field is to be featured on the Bernina sponsored We All Sew site next week. How cool is that!? One is quite chuffed....even though I find it a little ironic as I am basically a sewing machine luddite, but clearly Erika is very inclusive. Erika, Miss Sews-it-all,

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-54127637909979956782010-11-09T23:07:00.002+11:002010-11-11T21:34:02.800+11:00

18 years ago this little person came into our lives (9 november 1992, Ali and Warwick) today, 9 november 2010 she turned 18. happy birthday Alicia. and because this blog is meant to be about quilting here is a short history of some of the quilts I've made for my special girl. 1992 - shadow applique - a re-do of my first quilt (made for my niece), Ali's first quilt. 1995 - School House -

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-2756196246638932222010-11-06T18:06:00.000+11:002010-11-06T18:06:48.739+11:00

Its the first Saturday of the month which means "Marg Sampson Worksop" day at Material Obsession.  The Mad Little Birdies quilt came out to play yesterday because I'd not done much homework this month - what with the distraction of WWIT and The Big Trek - and I felt compelled to do something to earn my gold star from Marg (crawler that I am). Others had been busier than I.    Marg Samson-George's

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-65201149721820450772010-11-03T07:18:00.000+11:002010-11-03T07:18:17.985+11:00

Do you receive the Quilt of the Month from the International Quilt Study Centre? It's one to consider subscribing to - each month a fabulous quilt arrives in your inbox with gorgeous photographs and historical information. image from IQSC This month features a white petassoun or Infant Lap Quilt from Marseilles with the most glorious hand quilting from the collection of Kathryn Berenson. Be

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-28216438170536721222010-10-30T11:02:00.001+11:002010-10-30T12:39:45.241+11:00

"Floral" is today's theme. The postie arrived first thing yesterday with my background from Sew Unique Creations. I love it. Then the shopping trip to find broderie perse fabrics was successful. Cottage Quiltworks , a lovely store in Sydney's Northern Beaches, had remnants of Kaye England's Back Home Again and Harriet Hargreave's Austen Manor (with the fab peacocks). Surprisingly my stash even

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-22131384743069244292010-10-28T19:10:00.002+11:002010-10-28T22:16:20.235+11:00

A little shopping occured during my visit to Quilts in the Barn; two of Di Ford's patterns sort of stuck to my fingers and made the trip back home to Sydney. Good intentions were pondered - no new starts until something was finished. The best of intentions were flung out the window last weekend and baby 1/2" hexagon papers also came home with me after a recent dash up to my "'local" Material

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-17707673447000800762010-10-28T17:38:00.006+11:002010-10-28T19:43:45.896+11:00

Yesterday I arrived at work to find this... Inside I found... Inside of which was a gorgeous thankyou note and... After working for five years with men to whom it appeared I was invisible, who invited each other to lunch in front of me but never once asked if I'd like to join them, and whoseemingly forgot that "thankyou" is a word in the English language, a change of job, industry and location

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-9394770839223459332010-10-27T18:16:00.009+11:002010-10-27T20:39:45.913+11:00

Recently had a little flutter on abebooks.com and found some what I call "oldies but goodies". Books published quite some time ago, but which still play an important part in a quilter's library...some are not really eye candy, more i-deas books. Three by British author Averil Colby: Patchwork published 1958, Patchwork Quilts published 1965,  and Quilting published 1972. Averil Colby was the

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-43644838167494337382010-10-22T15:03:00.004+11:002010-10-22T21:16:37.346+11:00

Recently, I decided to join an on-line quilting group. It was a snap decision, and something I have never taken part in before, but thought "could be fun"... The other 11 members appear to be rather proficient with their sewing machines. Thinking to myself that I need to become better acquainted with Elvis,  I joined in. The first little package of fabrics arrived from Elaine yesterday, so

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-55235175335313707732010-10-19T01:33:00.028+11:002010-10-19T10:02:29.853+11:00

Meghan Leslie's version of DNQTTT (Deb's not quite telling the truth) How do I begin to describe the extraordinary talent, the amazing creativity, the open and true friendliness that was this past weekend?  I spent two delightful days in quilty heaven. Words escape me... Deb King's Pennsylvanian Applique Meghan Leslie's Mary Brown (basted and quilting in progress) I don't want to steal Linda's

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-19441556126572688212010-10-12T23:37:00.000+11:002010-10-12T23:37:25.821+11:00

Well, I wasn't, then I was... then I wasn't again, but now I am... going,  that is, to Quilts in the Barn. The flights are booked (thankyou Qantas Frequent Flyer points), the car and room reserved and the camera battery fully charged! I'm looking forward to seeing some great quilts, pouring over Threadbear's lovely fabric selection and pondering over which of Di's quilt patterns might just

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-55312792320423706132010-10-10T15:05:00.001+11:002010-10-11T20:40:53.989+11:00

This weekend was very productive - two pairs of cushions were made to dress up the freshly re-painted Adirondak chairs. Hot pink and grey roses on natural linen from Material Obsession, warm grey striped linen, lime green piping and  pom-poms from No Chintz. As I was sewing, memories of childhood days at the beach drifted back, when everyone had broad beach umbrellas with white pom-pom trims

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-16070573608243390662010-10-10T10:05:00.000+11:002010-10-10T10:05:48.835+11:00

Not a quilting post, but I wanted to share my morning with you... This morning the empty field family were most fortunate to have Breakfast on the Bridge. The entire Sydney Harbour Bridge was closed to traffic, the centre six lanes had been transformed overnight - turfed with real grass and decorated like a park - and we 3 and 5,997 other lucky people were privieged to take part in Sydney's

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-92016241329912737902010-09-29T19:30:00.003+10:002010-10-17T16:59:01.736+11:00

**Edit on 2.10.10**Sharon suggested I contact Barbara Brackman for her views on the pattern. Here is Barbara's reply to my email.Wow. Never saw them before. See this posthttp://barbarabrackman.blogspot.com/2010/02/mystery-pattern-swirl.html I'll put a link to your post in my next post on mystery patterns. How's that sound? Barbara Brackman Thanks Barbara for some further insight to these stars.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-603925476469483842010-09-26T11:56:00.004+10:002010-09-26T15:43:04.291+10:00

Recent posts by Kathie, Taryn and Donna on red and green applique and Baltimore applique have prompted me to share a treasured old piece. It measures 74cm square (about 30") and is hand sewn with white thread.  There is quite a lot of staining on the background muslin, however I'm undecided about washing it. I've collected several red/green/cheddar applique and pieced blocks, thinking to

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-44637198930663910232010-09-17T23:26:00.003+10:002010-09-17T23:45:09.115+10:00

A design dilemma has been plaguing me for some time now....I thought my problem was how to turn a hexagon into a square. For maths tragics like me it's a difficulty both in design and geometry. Some years ago I purchased a quilt top that had potential. It was a six-pointed, very scrappy Lone Star with 4 mini-lone-star satellites. The stars were made of 1880-1900's scraps, but they had been set

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-12125426331590507042010-09-10T14:44:00.001+10:002010-09-10T16:07:28.379+10:00

spring has sprungthe grass is rizI wonder where the birdies is?(anonymous) Cherrys, Wisteria and Jasmine are competing to see who can outdo the other in fragrance and spectacle. Robinia and Maple leaves are peeking through their bark and the trees will be fully clothed within the week. However, all is not right in the land of Empty Field...my mad little birds and I are not speaking. The birds

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-9517690466831044612010-09-05T13:31:00.003+10:002011-01-19T17:08:49.877+11:00

My friend Liz recently wrote about labels and wisely said a quilt is not finished until it is appropriately labelled.  I wholeheartedly agree, having seen many an antique quilt with absolutely no provenence, which leaves us all wondering the who, where and whens of the quilt. Her post reminded me of a quilt made a while back for Miss EF and it's fun little label. The embroidered blocks were

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-4468338340978372352010-08-27T19:14:00.009+10:002010-08-30T13:53:31.469+10:00

Star quilts are some of my favourite quilts. I own a few and have made a few. Today, I pulled out these three quilt tops from the cupboard to share - they are all roughly similar in age (I think) but very different in composition: Circa 1910 machine sewn quilt top composed of various indigo and cadet blue prints, striped shirtings, a burgundy print and a cheddar solid. Brackman has classified

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-67293391488038070012010-08-24T00:02:00.014+10:002010-08-24T18:39:04.689+10:00

Here's the latest finished block in my "mad little birds" quilt. Slow progress this week with late nights at work, school functions and, well, just stuff happening! I think I'm happy with how this one has turned out...The last of the 5 vase blocks is prepared and ready to go, so onward and upward! And by the way, if you enjoy colour, take a little trip over to my Thursday quilting buddy

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-43228455712835106622010-08-15T21:43:00.009+10:002010-08-16T21:19:57.719+10:00

Putting the final stitches into Ben's little quilt, sewing the binding down and finishing the label, I started to ponder over "lasts" and how bittersweet they can be.It's a great joy to place the last stitch into a quilt, bringing to completion (with a certain amount of pride and accomplishment) the hours of planning and execution mixed with love to create something unique. But at the same time

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-12298395241376050782010-08-13T09:51:00.012+10:002010-08-24T18:39:52.040+10:00

A brief little update post with the latest applique block in the mad little birds quilt. After a two month hiatus, the enthusiasm is once again at full strength after a fun and very productive workshop at Material Obsession with Marg Sampson last Saturday. I was so excited to get this pattern and have been working at it these last few evenings. Obviously there is lots more to do - the wonky

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-43559696498283455772010-08-05T20:35:00.029+10:002010-08-06T14:46:15.726+10:00

Another look into Kate's Works in Progress cupboard (there are lots in there!)This quilt-in-progress was inspired by Mrs Vigors' circa 1820 medallion quilt, published in Enduring Grace - Quilts from the Shelburne Museum Collection (1997). From memory, my quilt was started around 2000 or 2001.At the time I wasn't taken with the borders of the original so I winged it with other borders. Now looking

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-39796015635308501592010-08-04T17:28:00.003+10:002010-08-04T17:36:50.069+10:00

This is Roc.Just had to introduce him, aren't those eyes just too adorable? He's a Dogue de Bordeaux and the newest addition to my sister's menagerie. I am somewhat concerned about the size of those feet!

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-84588456686360675512010-07-29T23:25:00.012+10:002010-08-06T13:25:07.053+10:00

Another peek into Kate's wip cupboard.Seven Sisters is a long standing favourite pattern. My reading suggests the pattern may represent the first seven Confederate states or the seven stars on the Confederate flag. Alternatively, Barbara Brackman says in Civil War Women, the pattern may represent stars in the night sky, an image of old Greek mythology which told of the seven daughters of Atlas.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-53656970463320194532010-07-23T23:09:00.012+10:002010-07-24T00:43:10.628+10:00

Hand piecing is my thing. But every once in a while the services of a sewing machine are required. Therefore I own the most basic of machines. All my lovely can do is a straight stitch - but what a beautiful, even straight stitch! But my gorgeous girl is nameless, which I feel somewhat guilty about...(my car has a name - Rouge Lucifer aka Red Devil - surely everyone knows that red cars go fast

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-32626524356584950342010-07-19T23:02:00.007+10:002010-07-26T18:27:53.223+10:00

A quick progress report - Benjamin's little quilt top is completed.It certainly turned out bright...(hope it doesn't give him nightmares).A wait now, until Friday, when I can purchase some batting and get started on the quilting. I'm thinking perle cotton. The simple quilting on the yellow vintage quilt in Kathy's recent post caught my eye.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-77456079514940078622010-07-18T22:37:00.008+10:002010-07-18T23:35:14.909+10:00

Do you have UFO's or are they WIP's? Is there a difference? I wonder if it's just a matter of attitude. UFO's to me sound sad, like they may never progress beyond that point, forgotten almost, found in the cupboard by the grandkids after nana goes to the nursing home. Sometimes I buy 19th century quilters' UFO's and take great pleasure in completing them, thinking all the while about the original

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-74812057477896016852010-07-16T14:23:00.002+10:002010-07-17T12:52:51.988+10:00

Well, a new LITTLE man, and a new LITTLE project...sorry the reality is not quite as saucy as the title sounds!My neighbours and great friends were recently blessed with a new baby boy and brother to my best little mate Will. (Will visits often but I think he prefers my cat Harley to me!) When Will turned one, he received a quilt from me, so with the completion of one project (my string stars), I

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-13511879074980800492010-07-13T18:13:00.017+10:002010-07-14T18:00:34.554+10:00

In February my best quilting buddy coerced me into signing up with her for a series of classes at Material Obsession. Until February I was happily ensconced in my safe quilty zone of antique and reproduction quilts. I had worked hard to develop a style of blending old blocks with repro fabrics, and I was comfortable.Now that comfort zone is all gone! Our fabulous tutor Marg Samson has dragged me

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-53922861479530733512010-07-07T11:08:00.016+10:002010-08-06T13:26:54.076+10:00

Just returned from a week's holiday with 17yo daughter - probably the last opportunity for relaxation prior to her HSC (final year 12 exams, which are a pretty big thing in NSW).Although it's very early in the Australian ski season we went to Perisher Valley, thinking even if there was no snow, it would be a chance to relax. Surprisingly, there was plenty of (man-made) snow and not many crowds so

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-68729232622804386742010-06-23T10:16:00.006+10:002010-06-25T20:04:46.408+10:00

Shameful (and really quite pathetic) I know, but I have been envying my Thursday quilting friends, various quilt shops and even fellow blog writers their design walls.You see, I live in a house with many windows - which makes living in it wonderful because we always have a view of the garden, but as a result there are few walls, which makes it difficult to assign a space for a design wall. Plus

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-28134286035462314142010-06-19T11:51:00.022+10:002010-06-19T13:08:11.099+10:00

Just wanted to share some quilts from the Sydney 2010 quilt show.My friend was honoured with an invitation from the Quilter's Guild to display her traditional style quilts. It was wonderful to revisit these old friends, having witnessed the evolution of some from idea to completion.Upon entering the show visitors were presented with two of Gai's quilts. She doesn't believe in small quilts....(had

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-79649766604819885432010-06-18T17:34:00.007+10:002010-06-18T17:45:51.434+10:00

This is Bethel's Sage (Salvia involucrata ‘Bethellii’), isn't she pretty? In my wintery garden which is currently 99.9% green, young Bethel here thumbs her nose at the cold with her glorious lipstick pink flowers. The foliage is a splendid bright lime green that reflects the low winter light beneath the Jacaranda trees.I found her some weeks ago when gifted with an unexpected free Saturday and

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-23215055653397364512010-06-15T20:00:00.010+10:002010-08-06T13:26:27.060+10:00

Ever see a quilt where the quilting on the outer borders is a bit thin on the ground and you think to yourself - uh oh, she must have got sick of it? I can sympathise completely!Over the past few months - on and off...mostly off - I have been struggling with the quilting on this string pieced quilt. The quilt was constructed using a combination of an antique centre star and new satellite stars

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-31130874167663071682010-06-11T10:08:00.013+10:002010-06-16T18:29:14.216+10:00

Thursday is my favourite day of the week; a day of no work, an opportunity to sleep in past 6am, and best of all, a day to spend quilting with my 2 best friends. Thursday-sewing was resurrected in January (following a four year lull), after I successfully negotiated a three day working week with my employer. Thursdays have quickly become the highlight of my week.Take yesterday...in the absence

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795156569339552056.post-84779218073206694532010-06-09T22:40:00.003+10:002010-06-15T21:04:51.927+10:00

Rain has a way of slowing me down. With soccer cancelled and the garden too wet, rain gives me permission to sew. After years of waiting patiently to be finished, I collected a much loved top from Adri who had quilted it beautifully (much thanks to Liz for the introduction). A rainy weekend allowed me to finish the binding.Adapted from an 1840's quilt photographed in Kiracoffe's "The American

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521387709223213711noreply@blogger.com3