Happy New Year! 2020 is here! 

I'm going to jump straight in and let you know about some upcoming workshops..

Next week I'll be in Melbourne at Sewn and Quilted as part of their Summer School.

On Monday 20th Jan, there are still a couple of places if you like to come and learn one of my Ric-Rac quilts, Ric Rac Razzamazz or Charming Smiles.

The Illawarra Quilters are Ric Rac Razzamatazz super quilters!! They made all sorts of wonderful versions. 

So beautiful in its simplicity.

Amazing quilting!!

and my new version to show people that it doesn't always need to be made with a black background and that you can use different size ric-rac.

and the ever charming Charming Smiles so pretty in 30's fabrics and vintage buttons.

Then on Thursday 23rd Jan,  I'm teaching Organic Quilting, the sort of quilting that adds the maker's hand to a quilt. These stitches can really add another interest to your quilts. This workshop is a lovely day of playing with stitches and chatting about life and lovely things. 



It's going to be a wonderful week of sewing fun with that happy Summer School vibe in the air. 
Call Carol at Sewn and Quilted if you'd like to come along on (03) 9877 1664
Or visit their website here.


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Another upcoming workshop .. 

The Blue Mountains Quilters are having a sewing retreat on the 18th & 19th of April. 
I'll be teaching Whizz Bang! in the Mountains!! Would you believe I've taught these blocks in all sorts of fabulous places around the world but this is the first time I'll be teaching them in the Blue Mountains. You don't have to be a member of the Blue Mountains Quilters to do the workshop (there is a joining fee) so everyone is welcome. I haven't actually checked to see if there are spaces left so if you are interested definitely jump in quickly. It's a 2 day workshop.  For more information email Robyn at bluemountainsquilters@gmail.com .



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There's still a week to see the Behind the Scene exhibition at Braemar Gallery in Springwood, Blue Mountains. 


I proposed a couple of different works but in the end it was Lolly Bliss Bombs that was picked. 

I've been humbled by the wonderful feedback I've had about it from fellow artists and visitors to the gallery when I've been there on my volunteer shifts.

There are quite a few textile works in the show, a whole room in fact, from knitting to quilts, and felting, along with all sorts of paintings, drawings photographs and sculptures. It's the sort of exhibition that has something for everyone. The exhibition closes this Sunday, but then I'll be back in May with a solo show of my quilts. Very Exciting!! More about that closer to the time.

Some photo fun with the temporary sculpture at the front of the gallery. 





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And another fun story of art to tell you.. Last year an artist called Amy Grigg contacted me out of the blue, she'd come across a photo of me in my patchwork princess dress online and wanted to use it as inspiration for a portrait. Well! I couldn't say no to that!

I sent Amy a few photos of me and she worked her magic to create this beautiful painting called A Warm Quilt on A Winters Day.
Its almost a Mona Lisa smile don't you think? It's quite surreal to look at such a realistic painting of oneself.

Such beautiful painted patchwork.


Here is the painting hanging as part of the Fisher's Ghost Art Award.

A Warm Quilt On A Winters Day will be on show again as part of the Blue Mountains Portraits Exhibition, showcasing portraits of people who are part of the diverse Blue Mountains community. 
I know I didn't paint the painting but it's a huge honour to be a person in the painting in the exhibition. The show is on at the Cultural Centre in Katoomba from the 25th January until the 22nd March. 

Amy is a professional face painter, you can visit her website here.  or visit her instagram feed @amy_grigg .



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To finish up, a selection of photos of the Blue Mountains some old some recent.

Thankfully Mr Daisy and I have been safe from the fires but it's been overwhelmingly sad to hear of the destruction and devastating loss of lives, homes and wildlife. I don't have the words to share my thoughts at this stage, except for mountains and mountains of gratitude to all those who have been fighting the fires. 


Smokey days make you realise how special fresh air is. 



It will grow back..



A burst of colour to finish. 

Take care, happy sewing, look out for all the beauty in the world, be nice to everyone.
I'll be back soon,
or perhaps I'll see you in one of my workshops :)