AMERICA

Not long now before I set off for my epic adventure to the United States. I will be spending 9 weeks on the road traveling from one end to the other, in between and all over.

I will not be posting on my blog during that time but will share stories when I return with images on Facebook. The link is in my profile.

There will be lots of quilt shop visits and sight seeing. I am looking forward to Pennsylvania the most and in seeing Amish life and all things to do with quilting.

So goodbye for now but not forever and I will see you all in June.

Take care
until next time 
Marina ♥

PATCHWORK POSTCARDS

Thursday was a great day at LPQ. We had a fabric postcard workshop. Here are some images of what people have made. They are so easy to make and very effective and interesting. Endless possibilities not just postcards. They could be used as birthday or other greeting cards, book marks and note cards.

These two are my first attempts. I made the wren one first but the edging was really dodgy. The second one turned out much better.

Its a great way to use up scraps and really special fabrics.

Until next time
Marina ♥

INTERNATIONAL WOMAN'S DAY

"The old threads are unraveling,
Get your needles ready. 
We are stitching a new quilt 
of humanity.

Bring your old t-shirts,
worn out jeans, scarves, 
antique gowns, aprons, 
old pockets of plenty
who have held Earth's treasures, 
stones, feathers, leaves,
love notes on paper. 

Each stitch 
A mindful meditation. 
Each piece of material 
A story.

The more colour the better, 
so call in the tribes. 
Threads of browns, whites,
reds, oranges
Women from all nations
start stitching.

Let's recycle the hate, the abuse, 
the fear, the judgment. 
Turn it over, wash it clean, 
ring it out to dry. 
It's a revolution
of recycled wears. 

Threads of greens, blues, purples
Colourful threads
of peace, kindness, 
respect, compassion
are being stitched
from one continent to the next 
over forests, oceans, mountains. 

The work is hard
Your fingers may bleed. 
But each cloth stitched together 
Brings together a community. 
A world, our future world
Under one colourful quilt. 
The new quilt of humanity."

Happy International Woman's Day

Until next time 

Marina ♥

STILL GOING :)

Despite the heat and the burning sun, I have been plodding along with Mrs Billings in between watering the garden and other things. The heat has been really draining lately causing me to not want to do much LOL.

Today I have been attaching another border of small squares. After this one there will be one more side to do then I can move on to the next border Yipeeeeee :)

Last remnants of colour from a summer garden. I can't wait for Autumn. Everything changing colour.

For years I have been trying to grow hollyhocks without success. They either drop dead or get eaten. This year finally some hollyhock flowers!!! Yipeeeeee

Until next time

Marina ♥

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Its 2013!! Wishing everyone, happiness, peace and a fantastic new year.

Every year is usually spent in front of the TV watching the fireworks all over the world. This year it was time to go outside and see them, smell them, feel them and hear them for real. Sitting in the dark on the grass at Kings Park overlooking Royal Park and the entertainment and things that were going on there was a great spot.

This is Richie's Mill and Stillwater in Launceston. 

As I was sitting there watching the sky I thought of all the quilts that were being created in my head. Inspired by the colours in the sky.

Pinks, reds, yellows, whites and blues. All the colours of the rainbow.

So much inspiration for new projects and things for the coming new year. So many plans, hopes and dreams to pursue.

It is the year of the snake so here is a little bit about that.

2013 is the year of the black Snake begins on February 10th shortly after the New moon in Aquarius, the humanitarian of the zodiac. This 2013 year of Snake is meant for steady progress and attention to detail. Focus and discipline will be necessary for you to achieve what you set out to create. The Snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 Animal Signs. It is the enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and collected of the Animals Signs. Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means that your family will not starve.

Until next time

Marina ♥

QUILTING GOODY PACKAGE

What an exciting parcel I received today. I am a big fan of Edyta Sitar and her beautiful quilts. I ordered some books and a couple of patterns and also a 2013 diary.

When I finish with Mrs Billings coverlet I see my next project will be something from these books and patterns.

A good way to use up fabric in my cupboard :)

Until next time 

Marina ♥

SEWING DAY

I had a nice sewing day today with my good friend Leanne (Lizzy the quilter - link below)

http://lizzie-the-quilter.blogspot.com.au/

We had a visit to calico crossroads in Exeter. We sat, sewed, ate and chatted for the whole day.

I love my early Christmas gifts and will be making my own delivery very soon :) 

A beautiful little quilt from Leanne ♥

Cookies and fabric which I know just what to do with 

The next part of Mrs Billings. 4 patch blocks for the next border. Not long now ! almost at the finish line and ready for the next project :)

Today was a great day. Thank you Leanne for visiting and for my AWESOME gifts ♥

Until next time

Marina ♥