Theodora Cleave's "A Day of Play" and a Weekend of Fun

Well Shez and I headed off nice and early on Saturday to Baxter for a Christmas workshop with Theodora Cleave.  Was lovely to meet up with Melody, Ondrea, Sue and Tracee as well.

                                                                       Hard at work

Lots of beautiful inspiration from Barb

Dozens of gorgeous samples for us to be inspired

Loved Barb's beautiful stockings.

I did do some work - some xmas tags, painted and decorated paper mache box (bottom left),  decorated canvas (bottom right). Bon bons are still a work in progress.

And of course it wouldn't be a workshop without a purchase or two as Karen from Mrs Martins Quilt Shop had a stand there.  Some of my favourite red fabrics, some more of Theodora Cleave's beautiful buttons and a couple of xmas patterns. Plenty to keep me busy here.

 

I was very spoilt over the weekend. How exciting - Shez handed over this beautiful box of goodies from Christine , my secret partner in our FHFswap.  Lots of gorgeous looking gifts inside, but I do have to try and restrain myself until the 14th December when the first one can be opened. Thankyou so much Christine - it all looks so inviting.

 

And we have had the VIP treatment from my gorgeous friend Keryn all weekend, and as well I have been thoroughly spoilt also by Shez, so will share all that next time.

Cheryl

And the Stockings were Hung

The Christmas decorating is continuing. Thought you might like to see some more lovely handmade gifts from friends and swaps -

They look so lovely together and about to go up.

I just had to show you this one as well. I stitched this one 3 or 4 years ago and just love it. This is only half it's size and is one of Viv's Creations lovely patterns. 

Now I'd forgotten (well not really because I'm stitching one) to show you my purchases from our local quilt show a couple of weeks ago. Not only was there lots of gorgeous quilts, but four lovely shops as well, including one with thousands of antique buttons. 

I couldn't resist this lovely bundle of red fabrics or the lovely new wool from The Quilted Crow girls. Would have loved the red wool also but they had sold out. And then because I love xmas I had to have this new Rosalie Quinlan pattern (sorry didn't realise the light had reflected off the photo). It is stitched in various cosmo threads, but I'm stitching mine in DMC equivalent.  Cheryl

And so It Begins

Well a few weeks ago I received this beautiful wallhanging (among other things) from one of my lovely friends, Michelle in our FHF swap - spotty was the theme -

Isn't it me and isn't it gorgeous?  So of course I had to hang it. So I admired it for a week or so and decided it needed company.

So out came some beautiful pieces I had bought from another gorgeous friend,  Keryn during the year (www.christmascreationsbykeryn.blogspot.com).

And one of her very cute reindeers.

And then of course I had to open a tub or three to fill in the gaps.

Then out came these beautiful handmade wallhangings and gifts from special friends.

 

My walls will look wonderful

Maybe next I'll start on the Jim Shore or there are more tubs to unpack.  Stay tuned. Cheryl

Our Local Quilt Show

Our local quilt show was held on the weekend. For a small town we have some very talented quilters and I thought you might like to see a few of my favorites -

Isn't this koala quilt amazing?

Pretty poppies

This was a favourite - all different stitched teapots with a beautiful vintage hankie to match each.

And my friend Sandy's beautiful Christmas quilt - a design from Viv's Creations. Pity the beautiful quilting doesn't show up.

I have seen many stack and whack quilts, but never a star one. How effective.

Lots of beautiful applique - the photo does not do it justice.

And there were some quilt shops there, but I was very good. Just a couple of little purchases, but will leave that til next time. Cheryl