Liberty frocks?

... not yet.

Last weekend at the quarterly NSW Guild meeting there were 'trading tables' where one could sell their used-to-love-it fabrics and quilting related items, to a new, loving owner. I purchased these two gorgeous pieces of Liberty Lawn from Nancy - for the grand sum of $10. When the grand-bubba Sadie can walk I will make her two frocks; how cute will they look?!

dls

BTW, to set the spacial perspective, this is the view from the back of our house, this is our yard, and out there beyond the trees is the jetty where Mason was fishing when he caught that 'monster' fish yesterday.

Does fishing run in the genes?

If so, it skipped a generation. My grandfather was a champion fisherman - back in the days when there were plenty of healthy fish to catch. His specialty was Flathead, Tailor and Bream. As a small child I accompanied him on many many fishing expeditions, he made me my own line, and a little fishing basket with my gear. I also trawled along the beach for prawns, yabby-pumped, gathering weed and made burly with my Pop. None of this fine apprenticeship seems to have had any lasting effect though. I do not have the patience to fish and not a scrap of the skills I once had.

My son Mason, seems to have got the fishing gene. He is so keen and I will never take him (mean Mum!), but today I relented and joined him on the jetty just near our house. He had no bait so I took some bacon (I don't recall using bacon as bait when I was kid) and helped him put it on the hook.

Take a look at the view. I took my Sudoku puzzles and sat with him.

Eloise tried her luck with a hand reel.

With the first cast he caught one. A baby tailor, about 10cm. It wriggled and jumped and flopped straight into ... my bag ... eek, that wasn't the plan! We were squealing with delight, and forgot to take a photo. We tipped him out of the bag and back into the water.

Bait up, try again. He hooked a bigger one - 15cm this time. Still so excited we didn't get a photo.

Some time later we decided to give up and go home, and just then he landed his third, even bigger fish! 20cm this time! Still not a legal size, so off the hook, kiss goodbye and back in the water. This time we got some photos ...

That was fun...

dls

Quilts + Flowers Tour

One of the major attractions of the 201o tour to London, France and The Netherlands is the Quilts: 1700 - 2010 exhibition at the V&A museum in London.

The V&A's inspirational archives of pattern are the greatest in the world. Quilts 1700-2010 is a visual encyclopedia of design, with thousands of minute pieces of fabric reflecting three centuries of pattern and print.

Celebrating the exhibition, the V&A have produced an exclusive range of products. The range includes a limited edition collection of 18 printed quilting fabrics, bringing to life designs from the quilts on display.

Do you feel inspired, do you need a holiday or do simply DESERVE some quilting R&R? Consider joining our tour. I have specially designed the itinerary to include the best quilty activities on in that area of the world in April...
dls

a response to questions

I know it sounds dumb (I really must ask my blog buddy Erica how to), but I can't answer comments on the blog posts...

There were a few questions about purchasing Down Under Textiles in America and the UK...

We are establishing international distributors, but meanwhile the magazine can be purchased directly from us, the publishers. Visit the website to obtain the order form.., and send it thru! EASY! and we'll mail it to you! (It's only $6Aus postage.)
dls

a visit from Kai

Once aponce a time, Michelle nannied Eloise (who coined the phrase once aponce a time!)... now Michelle has her only gorgeous baby - Kai William. Michelle and Kai live in the Southern Highlands and we dont get to see them nearly enough. Last weekend they came to visit us for the weekend. He is too adorable; we all love him, and he seems to love us too.

Eloise loves him ...
The cat seems to be ok with him, but definitely doesn't love him as much as he loves the cat!

Uncle Phil and Kai seem to have a mutual love fest going on!

Mason loves him too

And so do I, but I didn't get a photo of him and I!

dls

List of retailers

I was not near my computer either Monday or Tuesday to post a list of retailers as promised. Instead, I took up an impromptu (and generous)invitation to to join a friend and her two daughters for two nights at the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage at Seal Rocks. Above is the view from the front veranda, just as we saw it when we arrived on Sunday evening.

Here are some more photos... what a beautiful spot.

This is a (edited) photo of the blow hole, which is to the north of the headland where the lighthouse is.

Eloise and her friend, braved the (cool) wind at the top of the lighthouse steps.

Mmm, I do so like those up and skewed photo angles ...

This view is to the south-east of the lighthouse. The far clump of rocks are where the seals like to sit and sun-bake - hence the area's name.

Now back to my promise, these are the retailers who will stock the brand new, fabulous (if I do say so myself) textile magazine.

The Quilter's Rest
Gone Rustic
Handcrafters House
Essential Textile Art
Dragonfly Fabrics
Sew Bright Alpine Quilting
Punch with Judy
Silksational
Sewco Sewing & Patchwork Centre
Coastal Quilting Service
Sunspun
The Thread Studio
Honeysuckle Patchwork
Pompom rouge

Other stuff ...

(other than Down Under Textiles I mean, 'cause that's high on the list of my life's topics right now) ...

Early this week I learned that Yvonne Porcella is battling cancer. Her son posted a heartfelt message to the SAQA website to let everyone know, and invite their prayers. Among many, many achievements, Yvonne was the founder of SAQA.

I recall that, when my mother first wholesaled patchwork books in Australia (count them - 25 years ago!), one of the reasons she carried and distributed Yvonne's books was that she had met Yvonne in America, taken one of her classes and was immediately transfixed with her methods, approaches and skills.

This week I have become aware of a quilter I did not know before - Jacqueline de Jonge. Jacqueline lives in the Netherlands, and to say that her work is colourful, is a GROSS understatement. Take a peek at her gallery - it is breathtaking!

The best part is - she will be teaching workshops IN Australia in May this year! Oh my, to make a quilt with Jacqueline is one of my new TOP goals. Her visit is being sponsored by the Barbara Meredith International Tutor Trust and she will be teaching on the Gold Coast and at other destinations (TBC). I am definitely joining in, I hope to meet you there!

... okay, going to keep it brief now, Hubby has booked a movie on Foxtel and it's nigh time I sat down and relaxxxxxed,

• Went to Friday Showcase at Quilters Guild of NSW head office yesterday - Carol Timmins is not only extremely prolific, she is humble, talented and versatile.
• Have bookings for more than half of the spaces for the Quilts and Flowers Tour in May, pls consider coming, Lynn and I would love to have your company!
• My kids each went to different birthday parties today .. lucky ducks, they were so happy, nice to see.
• I am O. V. E. R the rain! forgive me farmers but I truly ruly am!!!
• Had a great nite last nite with lovely, funny friends and think I may have had one (or two?) glasses of lovely wine too many.
• Have been invited (by one of those lovely friends) to join her for two nites in Seal Rocks.. so tempted, think I will..

Ok, me done, talk soon ...

xxdls