Busy Bees

Hi everyone,
The excitement is building in my little corner of the world. My new studio is becoming a reality. Step by step it's coming together. The boys have been working hard and Holly has been sorting buttons! We might get some pretty new jars or some cute old ones to house the colours and they will brighten up a shelf. Decorating is in her DNA.

Looking through one of the windows to a pretty wild garden. Outside is an old, very big mandarin tree with the worst fruit in the world. It's absolutely laden with fruit too, of course! It's fate is often a topic of conversation but I'd hate to remove it as it looks so lovely.

Inside, boxes of tiles to lay. The floor will be lovely and cool in our hot climate and easy to clean. And the best inclusion ever...a store room.

This is the lovely old door I have been saving. Now to strip the paint, clean & sand.

Not sure what colour to paint the door....will think about that!

This is the front. There is another set of windows on the right under the tarp. I can see a large pot of flowers will be perfect under the window.

Apart from all the outdoor construction I have been asked to work on a project for Homespun's Australiana issue out next January. Sounds like a long way away but as everything needs to be completed by end of June it is a priority right now. I really enjoy doing this particular issue and Wattle was my contribution for last year.

Well, back to organising some more patterns to be sent down to Helen in Tassie ready for her return from the US quilt show. As well as finishing off my pink nursery quilt.

Enjoy your day.

Deb

Mother's Day

Stress levels normal...........computer drama fixed.....and it's a beautiful day. Thank goodness!!

Today started with a lovely breakfast, a leisurely walk to nan & pop's house for morning tea and then back to working on the studio. Even though I'm not doing any of the work ( except bring tea & biscuits)it's exciting.

The weather is lovely, just cool enough to be comfortable still in short sleeves and great sleeping weather.

Still working on my new quilt. I have made changes to design images as well as colour choices....that's what designing is all about. Drawings are great on paper but don't always translate to fabric well and some colours just fall into place.

I wasn't using any brown ( chocolate ) until I started arranging the design elements and it just happened. I guess everything really is a little better with chocolate! I'm really pleased with the result at this stage and will show more soon.

Also, there is a fashion show at caboolture 15th May showcasing some wonderful new designers. One creative and talented designer Antje Palandt will be exhibiting her felted wearable designs...check out these link: website, blog

Hope all mums enjoy their special day,

Deb

Drama!!

Hi Everyone,
Just a quick post.....
I'm having a frustrating time getting computers working properly and just wanted to explain -should you not have received replies to emails or worse....orders not processed. I have installed a new "super dooper" computer that has Windows 7 and, well...it's different! Everything conflicts, can't get my internet or networking going etc, etc. The older computer that died and then resurrected itself has gone 'all wobbly' in sympathy. We are working at getting everything sorted so in the meantime, thank you for your understanding and patience.

Take care ( and say nice things to your computer).
Deb

This weekend

Hi Everyone,
Thought you may like a preview of A Little Sheepish Quilt all finished. This was a joy to make. I love raw edge applique at the moment, it's quick and easy and gives a great result.


this is the cute little "sheepish" toy that is included.

And now for a sneak peek at my next project...well at least the colour selection. I wanted to do something really feminine and sweet....I think these will work nicely.

This is the best thing ever...a new custom built studio. My darling husband & sons are constructing an area that will hold all my paraphanalia and accommodate all I love to do. Holly and I are so excited. I will post photos of their progress as it starts to look interesting. I enjoy watching a building take shape and love to supervise whether it is appreciated or not. Actually sitting in the middle of things and dreaming is more like it, but it is pretty exciting!

Take care

Deb

Sheepish

Sheepish!....In every way. What have I been doing since the first of April? Well, busily getting all my patterns ready for printing. Big job initially setting them up in the format required but all on track now. I've learnt new skills (the very hard way) and excited about the avenues I've taken. A little Sheepish quilt will be hot off the press and available as soon as the patterns arrive ...I will be watching the mail daily.

Thought I'd share some different "Dottys" by two ladies that have kindly pattern tested for me.
Sue made this top...love the variations.

and Glenda's ..... imaginative quilt back..
and an alternate -blanket stitched block... thank you both.

We made some scrumptious biscuits the other day so I have included a link...they are worth trying, but only have a small portion...yeah right! Brown butter toffee blondies from Martha Stewart. I don't think we can buy toffee pieces in the cake making isle in Brisbane at least so my tip is to crush 2 packets of Werthers Originals ( small ones) and use those. Yum! Let me know what you think.

Off to dinner,
Take care
Deb

Marathon run

Hi Everyone,
No, I haven't actually run in any marathons, but the last couple of days have surely made me feel as if I have. It is nice to take time out and breathe.

Just before I tell you all the news...a little diversion. The 6th Asia Pacific Triennial is in Brisbane at Qld Art Gallery & GoMA. Beautiful exhibition and worth seeing if you are in town.

This is an incredible artwork by Subodh Gupta " Line of Control" using brass & copper utensils.
and this.... a communal art work making small flying devices ( planes, helicopters etc) from found objects.


My favourite...I think! This beautifully crafted artwork by Kohei Nawa " Pix Cell - Elk#2" this artwork transforms the body of a taxidermied elk ( bit yukky!) by covering it with transparent glass & acrylic beads. these beads fracture, distort & magnify the images captured inside the spheres.
Pretty impressive!!

Okay the water is a little BROWN ( silty I hope)
- view from the big ferris wheel at Sth Bank Brisbane AKA "The Wheel of Brisbane"

and another.

My news....well the new website is up & running...yeahh!! Still lots to do. After 6 years it was time to freshen up, rethink and reorganise. I have made some changes and one very important aspect is the Publishing and Distribution of my patterns in partnership with Pattern Press. I am delighted to announce this development. Helen and her team ( a BIG thank you!!) have been hard at work...now that was a marathon effort, processing the patterns. It will take some time before they are all in stock as despite all efforts there are only 24 hours in a day. As they say " it won't happen over night, but it will happen!

Let your favourite local craft shop know they can now order a supply from Pattern Press for a convenient option.

I'm looking forward to finishing " a little sheepish" a new nursery quilt over the Easter break and adding to the website.

I'd love to hear any comments about the new site/look.

Wishing you all a safe and peaceful Easter.

Take care

Deb

ps. Bohdana, best of luck with the International Doll Exhibition 9th of April in Prague.

Colour, colour, colour!!

Hi everyone,
Such a crazy time. The felting weekend for our junior artists has finished and I am still trying to catch up on some sleep and feel human again. The weekend was once again held at Mt. Glorious and we were very lucky with the weather. The cyclone that was causing trouble up in North Queensland didn't affect us too much and light, misty showers were welcome. The temperature was fairly cool and comfortable.....perfect felting weather. Green grass everywhere.

We were surrounded by colour. This is a small sample of the beautiful wools and colours that we worked with.

Making flowers

Making a piece of Nuno felt

Making cords....that was popular and so much fun.

Our talented guest artist Antje provided inspiration and the technical skills to produce some amazing work. Her warm,fun loving nature and generousity of spirit was appreciated by all of us. Spending time with a group of amazing, funny women who are also incredibly dedicated teachers is such an enjoyable experience. I know I love being a part of it.

I would love to show you some of the finished images from the photo shoots later on, but for now these are small glimpses of the work in progress.

Almost forgot....here is a peek of something "sheepish". Almost ready for testing now.

Before embroidery....yes, they do have legs!

I know Dotty is already advertised in Australian Country Threads mag but due to some technical difficulties the pattern is complete but not yet available. Sorry for the delay but it's almost there!! The adverts as you may be aware need to go in months in advance and sometimes things don't go exactly to plan. But, I think it's worth the wait.

Take care

Deb