Ruby Tea is launched

Ruby Tea is launched!

Every month I feel like I'm repeating myself...so here I go again - where is the year going? I can't believe that next month will be time for the final block. I have mixed feelings about reaching the conclusion of this Mystery BOM - first and foremost, I'm delighted, it's so great to know that you are out there taking part in this mystery and making each block each month your very own. This is just so rewarding. Secondly, I am suprised how quickly the months have flown by. I admit, there have been some late nights each 14th of the month and some software and printer glitches - but it's all been well worth the work and learning curve, thank you so much to everyone out there taking part in this BOM.

Now's a good time to sit down with some red tea and think about where Red Delicious is going to take pride of place - a wall? a bed? a table? I have the perfect spot in my home and my red scrap shelves are now a little lighter thanks to my Use The Stash commitment.

For those of you who have joined Red Delicious late, there will be a Red Delicious complete pattern pack made available when the Red Delicious mystery is completed.

For those of you who are having ongoing troubles with Scribd.com, may I suggest that you join the Red Delicious Yahoo Group? It's free, downloading is EASY and you have an opportunity to share, discuss and upload Red Delicious related pics. The next Mystery BOM will be through this Yahoo Group exclusively, so there's never been a better time to join in!

If you've missed out, all missed blocks can be purchased via my Etsy shop. All links are on the left side of this page.

Happy 15th ! Happy Quilting!

Workshop Work

This weekend I'm tutoring a workshop at the Ouyen Retreat. It's a 6 hour drive, so I have to be really organised as there's definitely no chance of popping back home to collect some forgotten item....

So, what do we teachers do before a workshop? We prepare, prepare, prepare!

Kits, packing, weighing paint, preparing laser cut stencils, etc.... it feels like I always forget how much work goes into pre workshop work - but it's always worth it and always rewarding. I can't wait to meet the ladies attending Ouyen and getting down to some serious and inspiring stenciling.....

Vic Showcase is over

Sunshine and Shadow

Ring of Roses

Dream Fountain

Vic Showcase is over for another year. I can't believe how quickly it passes.

Thank you to sponsors and organiser's who never fail in making each year better than the last. I was really impressed with all the quilts exhibited - there were some great examples of bold color which I loved, and lots of hand quilting and traditional quilts. A great mix and definite inspiration for anyone interested in quilting and design. And of course, quilter's make the best company - it was no nice to put some faces the names of some Red Delicious Quilters and bloggers generally.

What now?

Well, I have a few pieced quilts I'm thinking of, and as always....I really have to try and find some time to get to grips with EQ6! No I still havent gotten around to it....even though it would probably speed up the back catalogue of ideas I have. Anyhow, you have to aspire to something!

Thank You Westalee Design

Thank you to Leonie and Bill at Westalee Design

for sponsoring this year's Best Original Design Award

How appropriate to have an original ruler designer sponsoring this award!

They also have a great website - why not visit via the link?

Ah!... my heart skipped a beat when I saw all the design tools and nested templates on offer which I could use in my next quilt, which of course I am already busy thinking up. Well, it is about time I made my next pieced quilt and now it's even easier. I have no excuse!

Sunshine and Shadow

Sunshine and Shadow

The Vic Quilter's Showcase opened on Thursday and I am delighted to announce that Sunshine and Shadow won the Best Original Design Award.

Congratulations to everyone taking part in the show this year, as usual the work is just inspiring. Also, a big congratulations to Linda Steele who won Best of Show for her quilt Star Crazy.

This is a quick pic of Sunshine & Shadow during quilting. If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I was working through this quilt step by step, so it's nice to finish this process and be recognised for the work put into designing an original stencil quilt. There are so many great original designers out there that I feel honoured to be recognised in this way.

Unfortunatley due to unforseen circumstances, I wasn't at the Presentation on Thursday, so I dont have a full size pic yet, however I plan to head in tomorrow and will post an updated image then. Also hanging in the show is Ring of Roses and also my fantasy challenge wall hanging "Dream Fountain".

For those of you going in tomorrow - Saturday- hope to see you there, do come by and say hello!

Back Home

What a week!

Last week I was honored to be a tutor at Quilt Encounter 2009

Thank you to the organisers and of course students - the days just flew by in the company of such talented quilters. I really appreciate the love and support that shone throughout the encounter. The end of day get together of tutors and meeting new people was a definite highlight and reminded me again just how rewarding sharing quilting techniques can be. I cant wait to see some more examples of stenciling shining through in upcoming showcases...stenciled blocks: I know you're out there....

Now I'm finally home and finishing off my quilt (more pics early next week)

Vic Showcase (Jeffs Shed) is around the corner - doors open Thursday morning

Do come and say hello, I will be there everyday milling about

Cherry Blossom

Block 9: Cherry Blossom

Block 9 is now available. For those of you who have been experiencing trouble with Scribd.com (or just don't like using it), have you considered joining the Esther Aliu BOM Yahoo Group? It's free to join and you have access to the available blocks easily once you are a member. It's also a great place to discuss ideas, techniques, and post pics of your fabulous finished blocks (my favourite bit!)