We have done some travel as well, going to both Canberra and Newcastle for weekends, and Ballarat for five days. These trips were lovely and we saw some interesting things wherever we went, met some interesting people and generally had a great relaxing time.
The machine quilting has been on the back burner a bit but I have finally finished quilting a quilt for Leah's new baby due in March - just have to bind it now. It was an interesting process as I did a different pattern in each square and Baptist fans in the border. It is by no means perfect but it is ok. There is a pile of quilt tops waiting beside the machine and I will gradually get them done.
A weekend away in Blackheath with my patchwork group was great - a lot was achieved and a lot of inspiration was gained from the work the other ladies were doing. I started to piece together an art quilt which I hope to sell - that is another story!
While this has been going on, I have also started babysitting my granddaughter Rachel while Sarah does a course. This has been a lovely time to bond with Rachel and watch her grow and change.
Our garage has been undergoing a transformation over the last week - or should I say a demolition and rebuild. It will eventually be a place for the tools and lawnmower as well as a studio for felting, dyeing and glass work. It is very exciting watching it progress. A deck around the pool and a pergola will complete the job. Can't wait for it to be finished and christen it with some felting and dyeing.
Last weekend I attended a workshop with Meredith Woolnough who taught us machine embroidery and resin with a view to embed some work in resin and some framed. It was a great workshop and Meredith is a great tutor. I will try to add a photo of the finished products soon (something I'm not good at doing). I am keen to use some pieces to add texture to both felt pieces and quilts.
My next task is to be disciplined enough to set up the studio well and get working on some pieces for sale at The Artists Loft at Hornsby, a pop up shop run by a group from ATASDA. We have the shop for a month from 25 October. There will be lots of interesting things for sale, the members of the group have many and varied talents from jewellery to clothing, scarves, painting, mixed media works etc. Check out the Facebook page to see what's happening - The Artists Loft NSW.
So, life has indeed been hectic. I look forward to some creative time and a bit of quiet relaxation at home once the building work is finished. Perhaps I will even get to post more regularly!
