The most frustrating part for myself (like many of you, I'm sure) is being powerless to help those suffering in Queensland. But thanks to the initiative of some wonderful creative people like Toni, there IS something I can do to help...

I am auctioning my 'Ginkgo Blues' quilt to raise funds for the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal - details of how the auction works can be found below...

This is a win/win situation... bidders have the opportunity to own an original quilted textile wallhanging, and 100% of the funds go to the ones who need it the most. 'Ginkgo Blues' measures 100cm x 108cm and is constructed from beautiful hand-dyed cotton fabrics, with hand-painted leaf embellishments and heavy free-motion quilting... please have a closer look in my Gallery page.

How this auction works:
1.  Bidding will start at $100 (Australian). 
2.  You can place a bid by leaving a comment on this blog post with your bid amount and email address.  Please make sure that your bid is higher than the previous bidder.  
3.  Your bid must be in whole dollar increments.
4.  This auction is open to everyone, however $35 will be charged for International addresses.  Postage is FREE for Australian residents. 
5.  The auction begins NOW and will END at midnight on Monday 24th January 2011.
6.  At the close of the auction, I will contact the winner (please make sure your bid comment includes your email address).  The winner will pay the winning amount directly into the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal and send me proof of payment via email.  Once proof of payment has been received, I will post your quilt to you.
7.  Thankyou for participating and happy bidding!

Well, here is the reason for my extended absence here - I've been working like a maniac to produce a new body of textile work for my exhibition which begins tomorrow... and it's finished!!! We hung the show yesterday, and I must say it looks pretty fabulous.

If you are anywhere near Wollongong, I'd love you to come check out the exhibition and say hi... and if you're free please do come along to our Opening Night on Friday 1st October at 6:30pm and celebrate with us - you might even find something that you want to take home with you...

My first task was to update my class list to show my new classes, which I'm very excited about. I have added the Painted Surface Master Class and Free-Motion Quilting Tutorial to my list - here's hoping some of you might be interested in getting me to come share them with you and your local group.

You can download the 2010 Class Flyer over there -->-->-->-->-->

 The students created blocks either from my designs or their own inspirations, using a variety of paint techniques on fabric - Julie's blocks above were just stunning.

Among other techniques, we made print blocks - this beauty was the work of Marilyn.

The printed borders they created were so beautiful - this one is Meri's.

This is Jennifer's...

I loved Trish's jellyfish & bubbles...

And Merediths border was simply divine.

Still unpacking, but I'll be back with some more eye candy for you tomorrow.

I've just about finished the third class sample for my new Master Class. Phew... I've been chained to the sewing machine all week, but I'm so thrilled with how these have turned out.  

Now I just have to tweak the notes, do some photocopying and think about packing... don't think I'm going to be taking many clothes, my suitcase will be full of more important things!

Well after losing a week or more to illness, I'm back in the studio hitting it hard to get ready for my new Master Class which debuts at the Creative Winter Escape in Coffs Harbour next weekend. I've just about finished the second sample, and have done the surface enhancement for the third, plus the kits are nearly ready to go.

Phew! Launching a new class is lots of work, but I know it will all pay off - the art quilters doing this one are going to have SO much fun!!!

I've been busy in the studio, and am very excited to show you some new work at last! This is the first (completed) sample for my new class - The Painted Surface for Art Quilters.  The class will have it's first run in the full format at this year's Be Creative Winter Escape in Coffs Harbour in July 2010.

This class will showcase five different approaches to enhancing your quilts with paint, using three unique designs created especially for the class, or working from your own image, as well as free-motion quilting. 

There are still a few places available in this master class - click on the link and sign up quick if you are tempted!

Apologies to Helen, whose gorgeous quilt I somehow missed photographing.  It always thrills me to see all of the different colour combinations and individual styles that my students bring to my designs.  

The Dookie weekend has been held for the past 21 years, which must make it one of the longest-running quilting events in Australia.  I highly recommend it to any patchwork and quilting enthusiasts as a thoroughly enjoyable retreat, excellent venue in a great part of Australia, perfect organisation by the hardworking committee and a wonderful group of women in attendance.

Hopefully I'll see you again next year, Dookie!

Christmas seems to have come around even quicker than usual this year. I'm starting to feel like getting into the festive spirit, even with all the renovations happening around me. So I thought I'd extend a small holiday gift to any of my loyal readers who still lurk here in the faint hopes that I might post something!

If you're in the mood for a fun handmade project to add some colour to your home for the festive season, you can click on the link below for my FREE Christmas decoration project, as pictured above. I hope it adds some JOY to your yuletide - MERRY CHRISTMAS!! and thanks for stopping by - I promise more regular content in the new year (it could hardly be less regular now, could it?).

 click here