BeBe Bold - Contemporary Japanese Textiles

New Happenings and Projects for 2012

2012-02-08T01:11:00.000-08:00

It is lovely to be back and I have been catching up with the goings on here at BeBe Bold.
Sarah and Andrea have sadly left us. They were both fantastic and we will miss them.... Gabby has joined us so all is good!

While in the UK I did do a little bit of work....not much but I did complete this quilt by using sashiko thread to hand quilt around the centre rectangles of the blocks. Not sure from the image that this is obvious but the link takes you to the fabric roll that I used to make the strip blocks.

Sakizomemomen Roll

Crochet has been such a lot of fun to do and personally I think so much easier than knitting although my Mother wouldn't agree. She happily knitted scarves for everyone using our lovely Olympus wools while I made the scarf above. The link for the free download is here. Crochet scarf

This sweet baby bonnet was made by Rose here in Lismore only last week. Rose is a friend of Gabby's how nice to know that she can do make such things!.....perhaps she can teach me how to make it??

Lastly while in Wolvercote I spent a few days making Temari balls from the kits that we have so that I would have more an understanding on how they are achieved. I will be honest they are not what I am used to making but again I thoroughly enjoyed the process and I was pleased to see them looking so pretty in the bowl. My family were very impressed...They are easier than they look!

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Until next time

Switzerland and France - Alps

2011-12-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

How lucky am I to be in this beautiful place! I am visiting relatives living in France. My Brother is lucky enough to live in France and work in Geneva.

A few snaps of one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen taken from the Chateau in Gruyeres..Switzerland with the Moleson Mountain in the background! http://www.chateau-gruyeres.ch/

View from one of the Chateau windows

We then went to find out all about Cailler chocolate...the tasting went well too. A few purchases made!

The weather was very different last year when I visited. There was a tremendous amount of fresh snow. Amaryllis and I enjoyed snowshoeing while Simon Skied.

Jet d'Eau in Geneva last year when it was freezing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_d'Eau

Yesterday Amaryllis ran in the L'Escalade through the old parts of Geneva. http://www.escalade.ch/cms/ along with thousands of other runners...all in different groups and at different times during the day. Great

fun.

We enjoyed watching and supporting while sipping our vin chaud!!

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Rugby at Radley School

2011-11-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we went over to Radley to watch Hamish play Rugby. It was a good game with an unfortunate result of a loss to Abingdon. Hamish and the team put up a good fight as they performed to a large crowd. It was a great turnout even though ninety percent of the audience were supporting Radley. However, the Roper posse and I made sure, even though there weren't many of us, Hamish could hear us. After the game, we headed inside and had a nice, warm cuppa. Most of us had great fun, but I think George got a bit cold as he continuously asked to go home.

Hamish (black stripe) as captain of his team wins the toss.

In action!?

Hamish post match

George pleased to be heading home! He did actually say he enjoyed watching the game.
Till next time,
take care,
Lucy and Jane

Crochet Ball for Baby - African Flower Pentagon

2011-11-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

It took a little practise to learn how to make the flowers but I really enjoyed the process. I saw one of these baby balls somewhere and thought it lovely. Sorry but I can't remember where....

I used OLYMPUS CROCHET COTTON----EMMY GRANDE COLORS

and for the border I used the white from OLYMPUS HERBS because it was a slightly softer colour.

http://www.bebebold.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=117&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=142

...........A very big thank you to Heidi from "Heidi Bears" http://www.heidibearscreative.blogspot.com/

for her excellent tutorial! I can highly recommend visiting her blogspot as she has many interesting projects.

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Train Trip

2011-11-14T06:47:00.000-08:00

We had a great day out on Saturday. I had a date with G who was very keen to catch a train...so we caught the bus into Oxford, walked to the train station and then took the train to Didcot were there were lots of steam trains, old carriages, train tracks and even an old station.

Next time we will go to London as there were not enough stops to Didcot.

Leaving Oxford

One of many!

We were also lucky to observe a film crew as they prepared an old train with pretend snow for a section in a movie....I noticed that it was a Russian train because of the writing. I later discovered that it was for the latest Anna Karenina movie starring Keira Knitely.

Of course we were not allowed to take photos, sorry, as I would have loved to have shared some!!

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Christmas is Coming!

2011-11-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Christmas this year and to brighten any room I designed the Star Wall Hanging and the Sashiko Star Decorations using the stencilled fabric SSF-1 as found on the website.

These stencilled fabrics are fun to play with as some of our customers would agree. Many different patterns can be achieved from the one fabric!

These projects are fun and easy to make...and would also make a lovely gift for someone.

I also wanted to show off our sweet new kitty cat and puppy dog pencil cases.

I love the way the zip pull is the tail! Another great gift.

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Now in the UK!

Another Stunning Crochet Piece!

2011-10-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well this beautiful scarf was made for us by Elaine.....Another big thank you! It was such a treat to open the parcel that arrived in the post...

The soft colours from the Herbs collection are a real contrast from the bright hues in the Colors collection that were used in the cushion that Dianne Pickford made...as seen in the previous post.

We are excited and getting ready, packing for the show in Brisbane (starts on the 19th) where you will be able to see these lovely pieces on display. We will also have all the beautiful threads that went into them.

http://www.craftfair.com.au/Brisbane2011/

REALLY hope to see you there!

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Beautiful Crochet

2011-10-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

Isn't this cushion just so lovely, bright and pretty.

BEAUTIFUL! Many thanks to my friend and crochet teacher Dianne. She truly did a magnificent job. Oh I'm so lucky. I love running my hands over the soft inviting flowers.

Dianne used nearly every colour crochet cotton we have from the COLORS collection. Another delight from the Olympus Thread Company.

The flower pattern we found in the book called Beyond The Square - Crochet Motifs by Edie Eckman.

Motif #114.

They flowers actually remind me of sea anemones...not sure why but they do.

Till next time,

Take care,

Jane

Sale and news

2011-09-26T00:04:00.001-07:00

We are having a sale. In store and on line.
With 25% off all Japanese fabric, Sashiko and yarns!
Starts this Thursday 29th and ends 5pm on Sunday
9am to 5pm
I have very much enjoyed learning how to crochet. Many thanks to my friends that have been patient with me as I learn the chain, double and treble crochet stitch!! It is such a lot of Fun...I read somewhere that once you finish one flower you can't wait to start the next..... And it's so true. Now I can take sashiko and crochet with me as I travel...so good. I have included some images of my flowers and the finished pin cushion.
Until next time,
Take care
Jane

Knitting and Crochet

2011-08-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

We have enjoyed busy times away having fun at Craft Fairs and introducing the beautiful yarns and crochet threads from Olympus to our customers. We have just added a number of Japanese knitting and crochet books to the website. They are beautiful! and make me want to really learn....I took my crochet hook and threads with me on the trip but as I am such a beginner they stayed in the bag because I needed a little more time to concentrate.

We will shortly be adding many, many more crochet threads to the website so please keep an eye out for them!

One of the books on crochet

The lovely 3 ball scarf that Cally made from our Cocotte wools....I enjoyed adding the tassels using my crochet skills!!

A sample showing the glorious colours in the Herbs range of crochet threads. Amazing lustre and quality.

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Home Again

2011-07-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

Well the trip back to Oxford was well worth it not only as my Mum is so much better but it was also great to catch up with the family. The weather was fabulous and the evenings long...a lovely time of the year.

Home now and trying to get back into the swing of things...lots to catch up on so sadly I have to miss out on being in Townsville for the Craft and Sewing show that starts today 14th -17th July....Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre...Cally and Sarah will be there and have many exciting things to show and share!

While in the UK we visited Kelmscott Manor. Country home to William and Jane Morris of Morris & Co. A place just outside Oxford that I have always wanted to visit and one I highly recommend. I will visit again one day and make a whole day of it to take in the beautiful walks making sure to have lunch at the pub.

What a fence

Front entrance to the House

George Jack's relief of Morris dreaming beneath a tree from the Memorial Cottages.

This is Tom in his splendid hat that he wears in the summer while he is out gardening. So easy to keep adding flowers and I love the kangaroo! Tom helps to keep Mums garden always looking so pretty.

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

In the UK

2011-06-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

I am here in Oxford as my Mum has been unwell. Fortunatebly I am pleased to say she is on the mend and getting back to her old self.

I came over in a bit of a rush leaving a number of obligations and commitments behind me. I have to thank my dear friends and family as they did not hesitate to step in and help with keeping BeBe Bold up and running in my absence.

Here is George my dear nephew now two years and something! He has appeared many times in past blog entries.

He know the names of all the cars...a petrol head as my Mother says. We enjoyed a couple of hours at the Wolvercote Midsummer Festival..... http://www.wolvercote.org/index.html came home and then spent a little time on YouTube looking at various cars that he wanted to check out...the next thing I knew he so sweetly fell asleep in my arms.

My Mothers garden looks so pretty at the moment as you can see. A complete contrast to the last time I was here in December when there was snow all around.

Today is the longest day and I am about to cycle into Oxford to do a bit of shopping and pop into the Ashmolean Museum as there are a couple of exhibitions on. http://www.ashmolean.org/

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Knitting and Perfect Weather

2011-05-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

The weather here has been perfect for knitting!

How happy I was to complete my first scarf and it took no time at all. I picked three balls of parfait wool from Olympus as I thought they were a complementary combination.

It was fun to see the colours change as I went....very subtle and interesting.
Of course I am now onto the next scarf which I started last night, using branche in black/grey.
Perhaps after this one I will try to knit something like a pair of fingerless gloves. I hope they are easy to make!

These yarns are on the website if you would like to look. http://www.bebebold.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=261&Itemid=141

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Mothers Day

2011-05-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to show off my sweet present Isn't this just so beautiful. I love it! What a happy Mother I am and of course the bees wax candle is from my favourite candle supplier.... Happy Flame at www.happyflame.com.au

Bless you Sarah!

until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Tasmania

2011-05-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

We had a brilliant time in Tasmania. I wish we could have had a month to spend exploring all the beautiful places of interest. People have told me that it would remind me of the UK and it did but it's still so uniquely Australian...which is a good thing!

The Craft and Quilt Fair was excellent. The venue was lovely and so easy to get too.... We also enjoyed watching The Wedding on the telly in our Motel room....what an event.

We took many photos of our trip and here are just a few. It was such a good idea to have a couple of days holiday before the show!

A picturesque stop in Campbell Town on our way to Port Arthur

The bridge in the beautiful town of Richmond

Port Arthur. We spent the afternoon here..Well worth a visit. Such a very special place!

Tasmans Arch

Cally and Pete at Tasmans Blowhole

......the whole place was so peaceful and tranquil

View from Ralfs Falls..all the way to the sea!

St Columba Falls...So incredibly beautiful. The sun was going down when we got there which added to the spirit of the place.

We are off to Perth soon....and really looking forward to it!

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

AQC - Melbourne - Great time as usual

2011-04-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

Sarah drove down with me this time and we caught up with Kate for dinner near Sydney on the way....so I was a happy Mother. It is a long drive however and seems even longer coming home. AQC (Australasian Quilt Convention) was a wonderful event again with many extraordinarily beautiful and interesting quilts to view and lots of workshops to attend.

Unfortunately there was a thief about!! and they stole quite a number of items from our stall including our precious bag samples...they obviously had no idea of the effort and time involved....I suspect they really didn't care. So sad

We stayed a five min walk away from the venue which was great. My Friend Chris Timmins helped us on the stall which was lovely. Thanks Chris.

The most exciting news is that we now have our new web site up and running which is so wonderful! Please visit when you can.

Today we are packing for our trip to Tasmania for their Craft and Quilt Show. April 29th-May 1st in Launceston. We are going to have a couple of days off to have a mini holiday. I have never been there so I am really looking forward to it.

Until next time,
Take care,
Jane

Fun time at the Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair

2011-03-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Our first show for the year was fun and it was lovely to catch up with customers and friends. There was a lot of interest in our new crochet kits which was great....I really love crochet work and only wish that I could find it as easy to do as people say it is! Of course I am a total beginner...perhaps I can practise on the big drive down to the Australian Quilt Convention in Melbourne.

I have been reliably informed by our customers that the Olympus crochet cottons in the kits are excellent to use and have instructions that are clear and concise.

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Brisbane Craft Expo March 24-27

2011-03-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

Firstly we would like to say that all of us at BeBe Bold are feeling very sad and worried for the people in Japan and our thoughts are certainly with them at this difficult time. Thankfully our friends in Japan are safe.

This will be the first show for us this year and we are so looking forward to it as we have many new and interesting ideas to share. We are excited about our new website that is nearly up and running, we would like to thank our customers for being so patient especially as we have been promising a newsletter for quite some time now.

This is the hempleaf sashiko tablerunner that I did late last year which we have subsequently made up into kits. The bowl of sakizomemomen fabric eggs is a complimentary pattern that is included with the kit

Until next time,

Jane

New Year 2011

2011-01-16T00:56:00.000-08:00

Well over a month has passed since my last post. My trip back to Oxford was brilliant as usual although it was a little sad to say goodbye to my Mum...but she now has skype so we chat away. I love it as I have even been able to show her around the place and she has now met Millie the dog.

I had a brief trip to visit my Brother and his wife in the French Alps just before Christmas. He works in Geneva but lives just over the border in France. So picturesque and I enjoyed snow shoeing. Photos to follow once I can find them

Decorated trees in Geneva...a few of many.

The local pub...shows how cold it was. The snow was wonderful for the first few days and everywhere was white, crisp and beautiful...but it did cause havoc for travellers trying to get away for festivities.

December 27th and our annual pilgrimage to Shorthampton.

My Brother Felix with young George now aged 2. Hamish and Lucy. Susannah taking photo..not sure where the dogs are?

Take care until next time,

Jane

Back in Oxford

2010-12-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time of year and I'm back in Oxford with Mum and family and as you can see the weather has been very cold with a blanket of snow covering the Country.

Back walking Quinta the dog each morning..... She gave me a lovely welcome and the man that runs the little shop couldn't believe a year had passed since my last trip....It really is surprising where time goes.

Carl who runs the shop (I believe he must be one of the most important people around) sells fresh bread everyday that is baked here in the village. This is the loaf I bought to go with our soup...how lovely to get three in one!

I popped into the Ashmolean yesterday and as always had a great time http://www.ashmolean.org/ It has changed incredibly since I was a child and all for the better! It still ranks high on my list. Not sure if I will make it to the V&A this year but we'll see.

Until next time

Take care,

Jane

Melbourne Cup Day

2010-11-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

I truly can not believe that the Melbourne cup is here again....It seems like only yesterday that we were picking our horses! where does time go?????

I am feeling a little envious of all those in Houston attending Quilt Market and the Quilt Show. I think it must an amazing event to attend and I plan to do it next year going with a friend.

My news....We recently returned from a wonderful and eventful trip to Japan, then a few days later we were up in Brisbane at the Quilt and Craft Fair which was just fantastic as usual and the last one for us for the year. Although we are heading down to Melbourne to the Trade Fair to Represent Olympus (Sashiko etc) and Inazuma (bag handles) in a couple of weeks. That is a weekend event and one we are looking forward too.

These two bags below were made by my friend Diana Cooper. She used our purse frames and beautiful fabric from Olympus. One being a gift for her friend in Perth.

It's the last day of our SALE today here in the studio and on the website if anyone is interested!

Bye for now

Take care,

Jane

Productive and interesting time

2010-09-22T01:46:00.000-07:00

This is the quilt Cally has just got back from the the machine quilter Anne MacGee of "Country Quilting...Her son Andy is very lucky. I love it as it was made using lots of traditional Japanese fabrics. Of course it looks even better in real life.

We had a stall at the Coffs Harbour Quilt and Craft show recently which was great fun as usual. I know I keep repeating myself but I love catching up with friends.

We are now stocking Cloth fabrics which are hand stencilled here in Australia. One piece has already been put into good use as a tablecloth. The eggs in the bowl come from the lovely hens that free range next door...In fact they have free range of a number of gardens in our street....very welcome visitors!

I have also been busy making lots of purses using these lovely purse frames in various shapes and sizes. Most enjoyable and addictive although not too be rushed! Writing up instructions in English has been a challenge but I plan to have a copy of instructions in English in each package....

Time to cook!

Until next time

Take care,

Jane

A new month is just around the corner

2010-08-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

A new month is just around the corner and warmer weather is on it's way...although I am pretty rugged up at the moment. I have just booked my ticket to go and see my Mother and family back in Oxford at the end of the year...back to the cold, not that I mind as long as it doesn't rain!

It is always exciting to book and have a trip to look forward to...I know my Mum loves to have the date. I can picture her now writing it on the calender that she hangs near the kitchen.
We have been busy here in the studio with new stock which we will eventually go up onto the website ...a step that always takes a little time.

I do have some interesting news. We are at the moment putting together a DVD that shows you how to make a lucky owl...well in fact how to make the owl named Hamish....more information coming later!

Here is luminescence which we have finally put a kit together for. We used all the beautiful sakizome momen fabrics from Japan. This is such a quick quilt to make, I think it could be made in nine hours from beginning to end! Does anyone believe me?

Until next time,
Take care,
Jane

It"s been awhile...

2010-08-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

Well I said I was going to try to keep this blog up to date but...well...never mind.
I am back home after some busy and enjoyable trips up and down the Pacific Highway.
A new kitchen is nearly finished which is just great with most of the work being done in my absence...excellent planning! Just need to get a new fridge and the walls painted. A photo will then follow.
We have booked tickets for a trip to Japan which is also exciting and this time I'm taking Husband and one daughter with me.
This entry is short as I am in need of breakfast and coffee!
Until next time
take care,
Jane

New family of "Lucky Owls"

2010-06-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

A lovely day yesterday..... making "Lucky Owls" using our fabrics from Olympus!

These are samples for our new kits that will be on sale at The Craft and Quilt Fair at the Sydney Exhibition Centre June 16-20. Please visit http://www.craftfair.com.au/ for more details.

And isn't this such a gorgeous little purse..This comes as a complete kit from Olympus. Janelle my friend did the crochet... as I only know what a crochet hook looks like ( I now have a few in the shop) but I did the rest the other night... too easy! The zip which is around the back of the house was simple to sew in by hand using the embroidery thread...If you want one then a lovely shop in Townsville called PomPom Rouge ordered them from us. pompomrouge.wordpress.com

Until next time
Take care,
Jane

Perth was great

2010-05-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

It was brilliant going over to Perth. What a beautiful city and so easy to navigate around. Catching up with my friend and her family was definitely a bonus. We took a couple of days off at the and drove around Hilary Bay and the Swan Valley (popped into a couple of wineries along the way)

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

New Sweet Dreams "Quilt as you Go" Kit

2010-05-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

My latest sweet dreams quilt is nearly complete. So some of the kits are packed in the suitcase. I just need to finish off the binding and I plan to do that on the way to Perth. We have never been to Perth so it's going to be excitng. There are a couple of days off after the show to have a look around which is even better! We are staying with a very good friend and family. Ruth and I did our nursing training together....some time ago in London. I actually see her twin brother more than her as he lives in the UK and in a beautiful part of Cornwall.

A close up of one of one of the squares

We used our posh fabrics from the gingham collection for the back of these quilts. This shows part of the back of the quilt which I appliqued small pieces onto too. These small quilts only take ten hours to make from beginning to end and this includes the time spent finishing off the binding by hand. Fun and quick!

Take care until next time

Jane

Perth next week and Paper Cranes

2010-05-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well we are now preparing for our first trip to Perth after having a wonderful time in Melbourne at AQC. So much to see there and all very stimulating!

Paper Cranes

While Cally is driving I spend some of the time making paper cranes which I enjoy and find very relaxing.... I think I could quite easily make them blindfold. We try to include a paper crane with each customers order.

I really enjoyed making this simple little popover sundress (free pattern download from Oliver + S). I used one of our lovely Japanese gingham fabrics and some trim that I embellished with french knots using sashiko thread, the flowers where simple applique shapes fused using visofix (vliesofix)

Back to work designing and making the next "Sweetdreams" baby quilt as you go!

Take care

until next time,

Jane

AQC - Melbourne - Excitement

2010-04-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

Last year was the first time we had a stall at the Australian Quilt Convention (AQC) in Melbourne in the old and beautiful Royal Exhibition Building. It was great fun and the quilts on display were just brilliant! It was a tad on the hot side (February) in the building and the country side very dry.
The drive as we approached was distressing as it was only shortly after their devastating fires and there was much visual evidence on either side of the road. I think the journey this time will be much greener.
We are setting off early Monday morning (Anzac Day) and taking the inland route....
There is of course still much to be done. One new Oliver +S popover dress sample to be made etc...

Sarah is going to be in charge while we are away. She put together all the owl kits for the make and take workshops yesterday 135 of them...we included the ones for the Perth show. I don't think she wants to make another one for a while. My new black/grey reversible wrap skirt made from our heavier weight double gauze fabric. Sarah made a pretty one too.

Take care

Until next time

Jane

Townsville and back

2010-04-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful trip up to Townsville....Flying was certainly quicker and something new for us....Usually we drive everywhere with our goodies in the back of the van. It was very interesting and we made lots of new friends. I was very impressed with the amount of places to stay and eat. It was warmer up there and the view out to Magnetic Island (Maggie Island as the locals call it) was just perfect. Cally was very impressed with the frangipani flowers...they really were beautiful, large and fragrant. We decided as we were packing up to come home that we would love to visit again next year.....You never know I may remember some of the faces but one thing is for sure I will look forward to it. We are now back into the swing of the studio shop and Sarah is back from Sydney and her Graduation and is ready to get back to working on the website which is great!!

Samples of our sashiko cushions....Pretty aren't they?

Until next time

Take care

Jane

Busy Time

2010-03-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

A busy time has been had since my last blog entry! I know this is the same for many of us...I suppose I realise more and more that running a business keeps you on your toes as there is always something to be done. I have promised myself to leave the studio no later than 7pm every night and to have Sundays for myself. This seems to work for me which is great.

Melonie our wonderful dress maker made this simple A-line skirt for me from one of our new beautiful fabrics from Japan which is similar to the fabric I made the wrap skirt out of last year but this fabric is double gauze (a heavier weight to most)... so hangs beautifully......Yet to go onto the web site as we are having a few technical problems in that department. Should be sorted soon hopefully.

Last Sunday I finished off making my tumbling blocks quilt made using the gorgeous fabrics from our gingham collection. I am at the moment writing the instructions for this fun and easy quilt.

Until next time

Take care

Jane

Millie returns to Sydney

2010-03-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

It was sad to see darling Millie go. She really is one of the nicest dogs to have around and great company and now of course the house seems so empty. Her mistress, our Kate was back in Sydney and had started back at Uni after her trip and was keen to have her home..... Fair enough. I suspect Millie will visit us again sometime in the future which will be just fine by us!

Yesterday morning I introduced sashiko to a craft group that meets at the local Library. Pam the librarian and coordinator (in green shirt) kindly invited me. Their sashiko work is one of four sides that will be made up into a drawstring kimono bag. It was great fun and I think a few have now got the bug.

Today I am going to show our Sarah how to add the new fabrics to the website. There are so many to add and the task takes time so hopefully Sarah will be happy as this will be an enormous help to me.
Until next time,
Take care,
Jane

Newsletter and show and tell!

2010-02-28T23:24:00.000-08:00

Cally behind the stall at our first Craft Fair this year..We had a lovely time in Newcastle and as usual took far too much.

The newsletter is ready to send but I wanted to have a few lovely things to show off!

Mel our very kind and obliging dressmaker made this lovely rain coat for us from our latest pattern from oliver + s. We were excited to showcase our new laminte fabric...I will always remember the little girl I looked after in Paris as she had a little red raincoat and matching welly boots. Most days after her sleep we would walk to Le petit Hameau in the gardens of the Palace de Versailles. On the odd occaision there would be a shower of rain so on with little red coat!

Brilliant Lina has made these beautiful samples for us from our new bag kits from Olympus....to be on the web site shortly!! She has done such a fantastic job.

The very talented Lina has designed this lovely unique purse with owls on the front and an owl on the back. Don't you like the way she has the tree trunk wrapping around the side of the purse.

We are very lucky as Lina is going to teach us how to make this over three evenings or in a one day workshop. The dates and times are in the newsletter.

ever so sweet!

Until next time

Take care,

Jane

Newcastle

2010-02-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to say we are packed and about to leave for the drive down to Newcastle for the 'Craft Expo' www.craftexpo.net.au 19th-21st!
Until next week
Jane

Back Home

2010-02-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

Lovely sheep we passed on one of many walks

Well I'm back having had a wonderful holiday in the UK with family and friends...caught up with everyone.
Enjoyed lots of snow and glorious walks.

Hired a car for a week with the girls and friend Kieren. Drove and stayed in York, Bath, and Truro. We spent the last couple of days near beautiful Rye in Kent. We had a great time and saw many fantastic sites.
One of the exciting surprises was an exhibition in York.... At the York art gallery there was a Japanese Sashiko Textiles exhibition. It was excellent and to see so many wonderful pieces under one roof gave me goose bumps and I felt I was in heaven. Sadly there was no brochure for me to buy but the website is very informative www.sashiko.org.uk.

I have been a little busy since I returned and we are now getting ready for the first show of the year in Newcastle...really looking forward to it!
I must get on...
Until next time
Take care
Jane

Holiday to England

2009-12-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

I hope Christmas was a happy time for everyone.... Our potted olive tree was decorated this year- very peaceful!

We caught up with friends and family...our girls are home and so is Millie the dog.

Today I am heading to the UK to see my Mother and family. It really only seems like yesterday that I was there. I will arrive on New Years Eve and there is talk of celebrating at the local pub....I hope I will still be awake. Perhaps a little nap in the afternoon will be in order.

Until next time

Jane

"What's New"- Beautiful Fabrics!

2009-12-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

......It has been a while since I last wrote but like most people life has been busy. I must say It was wonderful to catch up with customers that came to our sale that we had recently.

I am very excited as we have some new beautiful fabrics that I think will make up into gorgeous clothes, quilts, bags and soft furnishings, cushions for instance! I will show you a few at a time before adding them to the web site...a job for next week perhaps.

This collection of soft colours 36 in all is the first I want to show off. I absolutely love them and know the very quilt to make using them. A simple quilt design that will show them all off.
A close up of the pinks in plain, tiny check, stripe and big check

We now have some organic fabrics from Japan. I had new born and young children in mind when I discovered these. In Japan they have very strict guidelines for their organic fabrics so I can guarantee these are 100% organic.

Waffle weave which I thought would be great on the back of a tiny quilt for a new born...just one idea and then we have
The stripe jersey fabric for t-shirts, bibs, booties etc.
The check cotton fabric has such a soft feel to it...luxury! The embroidery threads are from Olympus and I thought they were a perfect complement.

Don't you like our new kit from Olympus. What a sweet pink pig and chicks. Many thanks Lina for making them.

Until next time,

Enjoy lots of cheer and merriment!

Jane

2009-12-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to a fun wedding with the bride making quite an entrance by arriving in a helicopter.

Today I have a rotten cold that I have been fending off for a few days; consequently I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself and would like to spend the day in bed….. Perhaps later.

This week I made two cushions and a tiny quilt out of one of our new fabric packs from Olympus. These are not on the web site as yet because we have none left... but will be placing a new order next week

I also had fun making "The nursery" which is the second block in Rosalie Quinlan's “It’s a Dollies life” our "Block of the month" rosaliequinlandesigns.typepad.com/ which has started if any one would like to join us….A pleasant way to spend an afternoon. The blanket stitch on the machine made it so much quicker.

Until next time,

Jane

Sewing classes with Lina 2010

2009-11-25T17:31:00.000-08:00

For last few days I have been thinking about next year and what we will have to offer here in the studio. My "Workshop's on offer for 2010" is now complete and has been sent out to a few groups. These are workshops that I offer to quilt groups.
I am pleased to say that Lina has just popped in to organise dates and times for her sewing lessons starting in March. How exciting to learn to sew! I have made many quilts, but making clothes has daunted me....having made various attempts but finding it all too frustrating and scary trying to read and understand the pattern instructions. In Lina’s hands I know all will be well.

Here is a purse made using our lovely red spot twill fabric. I made it a few weeks ago and have enjoyed using it ever since!

Until next time

Jane

Oliver + S

2009-11-21T14:25:00.000-08:00

I thought I would show off the new samples we have had made up from the ever popular Oliver + S Children's patterns.
Next year, here in the studio we are going to offer sewing lessons. Lina Kempnich has very kindly said YES. I am very aware that there are people out there who are keen to learn how to make clothes and where better to start than making gorgeous clothes for the little people in our lives! These Bedtime Story Pyjamas are the place to start. Learning to sew with Oliver + S . I am going to learn to make clothes too....I did way back in time, at school but I know this will be a different experience.

Bedtime Story Pyjamas made by Lina

The Jump Rope dress a new pattern from Oliver + S

The Birthday Party Dress

These have nothing to do with Oliver + S but I promised to show them on the blog. My storage fabric boxes that I made to display our 1/2 metre pieces...so useful and quick to make...they would be useful for children to store their bits and pieces, lego perhaps.

Until next time,

Jane

Adelaide and Back

2009-11-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

Cally and I had a good drive to Adelaide for their Craft and Quilt Fair....22 driving hours in total each way, so not a short trip and we felt a bit weary when we got home. We stayed in Hay on the way down and enjoyed passing the wineries and orchards as we approached the city. Unley a beautiful part of the City is where we stayed...most gardens seemed to have an abundance of old fashioned roses...I felt a bit sad for those gardens as now I am sure all the flower heads have wilted and died due to the intense and prolonged heat..We left just in time.

Roses

The stall

Pete and Cally

On Friday I went down to Grafton and stayed with a good friend Chris Timmins (The designer of all those many and varied twisted Bargello quilts) she made baked dinner which was yummy! On Saturday I taught sashiko to the Jacaranda City Quilters...and had such a great day..Thank you for inviting me!

The girls at work!

The Jacaranda City Quilters with completed sashiko bags

Sunday was spent with friends at our Christmas party here at home. We call ourselves the unique girls. We have been meeting for seven years now but unfortunately this year we have all been a bit toooo busy, so it was a great opportunity to catch up with news!

The Unique Girls

Corrin who catered for us all....A very unique girl! Her food was absolutely delicious as always..I might point out that she is a professional and has been conducting cooking lessons out on their wonderful property near Byron Bay for a while. If you have a group that would love to learn to cook just let me know.

This week I intend to unpack from Adelaide...still not done and also do a bit of a tidy up around here!
Until next time,

Jane

Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair

2009-10-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time in Brisbane at the show and the quilts on display where excellent as usual and varied which added interest so there was something to view for everybody..I was very impressed also by the biggest hexagon quilt that is being made to go into the Guiness book of records. I am sure they will make it!

Here is a photo of us Cally and me behind our counter and Uncle Peter, who came to visit us and to look at the amazing quilts.....I think he was quite astonished by what he saw.

We were very lucky indeed to have Catherine working on our stall. This was her first time but I think she must have been behind a counter in another life as she was brilliant!

THANK YOU so much.

As you can see from the photo we had some lovely samples of our oliver + s children's patterns on display.

We are now getting ready and packed for the big drive down to Adelaide for their Quilt and Craft Fair...so if you are down that way please come and say hello!

Back to the cutting and folding.

Until next time,

Take care,

Jane

Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair

2009-10-16T23:52:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready and excited about going to the Craft and Quilt Fair in Brisbane next week.
We head up on Tuesday to set up and then the doors open the next day for five days ending on Sunday.

I always look forward to this show as the quilts on display have never disappointed me.....
We have been planning, cutting, packing and writing patterns. I'm not sure if I will have them all done for the show but never mind....there will always be the next one.

Today I made some small fabric tubs to put my 50cm fabrics in and will take photos soon to show on the blog.

Isn't this quilt made by a local quilter Susan Wauchope just fantastic. She very kindly let me take a photo to put on the blog. Sue used many of the woven stripes to make the fish that to me look very busy swimming around. Her work is always so unique and interesting!

The jacket below was made using some wonderful fabric I got from Olympus Threads earlier this year which has many traditional kasuri patterns.....I love the jacket too and enjoy wearing it in the cooler months.

I must get back to work so until next time.

Take care,

Jane

Block of the Month- "It's a dollies life"

2009-10-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely weekend, still busy getting ready for the quilt show in Brisbane and also for the show in Adelaide which is only two weeks later...Cally and I will be driving down.....not a short trip but it should be interesting.

Here we have a small purse made using one of the frames and handle. It was made recently...also great fun to make although a little fiddly. I have written instructions in English on how to make them although the pattern and diagrams that come with each handle are fairly easy to follow

Making the first block from Rosalie Quinlan's block of the month quilt "It's a dollies life" was fun and I look forward to starting block two shortly..... I decided to use the button hole stitch on my Bernina sewing machine which was something I had never done before....it only took a short time before I got used to the techniques making this a quick way to applique the pieces onto the background. It would be wonderful of course if it was done by hand.

If anyone is interested in joining this block of the month please contact us via the web site..

Until next time,

Have a good week,

Jane

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE

2009-10-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

My Darling Kate has a birthday today..22 years old, she spent the day dancing....Uni exams!

Sarah my other darling and friends are cooking up a treat for her tonight..but not a late night they say until School is over for the year.

Aren't our new sashiko threads from Olympus beautiful. I can't wait to use them especially the red to pink and the lime green, turquoise colours. I have ideas and will let you see once I have something to show
However this quilt I can show you. It was made using one pack of our woven taupe's. The pack consists of 43 x five inch squares. I cut each square in half and introduced a new fabric horizontally and one vertically throughout the quilt. The quilt was then finished off with tie quilting using brown sashiko thread, simply in the centre of each block.......now for the instructions!

This is our new bag also made from some of the taupe fabrics. The hexagon flowers that I made a while ago have been appliqued on. I hope to have the instructions ready for both the quilt and bag ready for the quilt show in Brisbane later this month.....lets hope so anyway.

Until next time,
Jane

Bags

2009-10-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Bags have me preoccupied at the moment as I have been making a few over the last few days with thoughts of our environment. It would be wonderful to do away with using plastic bags altogether while out doing the shopping.

The solution to helping and having a more interesting and attractive bag was I thought a simple and fun to make reversible bag........So I decided to make three different sizes. The medium size makes a pretty good simple hand bag. The large one is useful for many things like nipping down to the corner shop, sewing projects or library books or...and the little one was because a young friend wanted one like her Mummy's. I also thought it a lovely way to show of gorgeous fabrics and as they are reversible there are two bags in one!! Little one

Medium size

Large size
The day of the dust storm "a view from home". What a strange and eerie sky there was that day!
I will be adding our new fabrics onto the web site today......Not really my favourite job but as my nephew Hamish says "it's got to be done"

Until next time

Take care,

Jane

Trip to Japan

2009-09-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

The trip to Japan was interesting and fun as usual. I have returned with new and fresh ideas. While there I went to one of their craft shows. Entrance to these events is free a little different to ours. One thing of note that I found there was a sewing machine that does sashiko work. This machine was new having only just come onto the market and was being launched in Japan and America..I wonder if it will make it's way to Australia? It wasn't cheap but the quality of the work was excellent and the stitches truly looked like the real thing although perhaps a little too perfect.
One of my favourite pass times is people watching and this is very easy in Japan as there are lots of going this way and that. It was fascinating to observe young men and women dressed to the nines, the girls teetering on incredibly high heels..and to watch them riding bicycles was amazing ......what skills they showed getting on and off! .and their makeup must have taken more than a moment or two to apply! .....with the next turn there would be a beautiful serene and demure middle aged women in kimono..what a contrast. As always at every turn if I needed help or directions there was some kind soul to set me right. Above is an image of an olive tree that I saw in the middle of an incredibly busy Mall. It even had fruit on it!

When these two little quilts arrived in the post I got instant goose bumps.....they are just so incredibly beautiful and well made and I am so lucky to have them. Both were made by the very talented Jeanette Gosschalk someone who loves to make miniature things. I sent her a piece from each of my taupe fabrics for her to showcase how lovely they are and she certainly achieved that. Imagine making a log cabin quilt out of these fabrics the usual strip width that would be beautiful too!
As soon as I got back from Japan I was on my way down to Coffs Harbour for their annual quilt and craft show which was great fun as usual. The little soft animals proved to be popular and I can understand why!

I have a sick daughter home from Sydney with glandular fever...Poor thing seems to be a sleep most of the time. Oh yes by the way I was going to write the instructions for my new bag while away....but that did not happen....so
Until next time,
Take care,
Jane

Japan

2009-08-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am off to Japan for a week which is very exciting it will be interesting to hear all about the recent election.....quite a change in government after 54 years of Conservatism. While there I will be looking for new and wonderful fabrics and products for the shop.
I thought I would show off my new crossover shirt made using one of my favourite shot cotton fabrics.I made these hexagons last week and have now designed a new bag using fabrics from our collection of taupe fabrics. These hexagons have been appliqued around the bag randomley. Instructions for the bag are to be written while in Japan......That's the plan anyway!Until next time
Take care,
Jane

Finished at last!

2009-08-21T09:14:00.001-07:00

What a fun time I had making these two bags. Both were made from one panel of our new fabric which has been specifically designed for the purpose. The little box bag I made using Janelle Everest's pattern....(which can be found on the website under patterns.....bags)

and this one below was a simple quick one. I just used our bag tape for the handles...My daughter K might like it for a ballet/dance bag!

.......On the way down to Canberra I finally finished the binding on my reversible "quilt as you go" log cabin quilt. Many friends have seen it on my design board for over a year......but I finally got to it which was very satisfying.. I truly love this quilt....which was made using our Japanese woven stripes on one side and and then the beautiful tsumugi cottons on the reverse.

This "quilt as you go" technique is one I teach over a weekend here in the studio and will be happening again next year....I will be teaching this technique next at a weekend retreat hosted by Sue and Jill from Moo Moo Stitches, Moobal www.moomoostitches.com.au 19th-20th of September..something I am really looking forward to!

Enough for now,
Take care,
Jane

Canberra

2009-08-16T13:37:00.001-07:00

The trip to Canberra was great fun. Cally and I enjoyed the drive down and back. The trip home was done in a day...leaving crisp frosty Canberra in the wee hours of Monday morning. It was a delight to watch the sun rise.

This lovely owl was made by my friend Bronwyn Harradine who joined us from Bellingen a few weeks ago for our craft group. I wonder where he sits at her place?

An enjoyable weekend was spent making hexagons from the pre cut fabric packs that we have here in the shop.....not too sure yet what to do with them but my mind is ticking! I also made two bags to show case a new fabric that has been designed specifically for making bags! How clever are the Japanese designers. I will take photos shortly.

Until then,
Take care,
Jane

I had to + a few more pictures from the retreat

2009-08-02T13:09:00.001-07:00

The work space was wonderful at the retreat. Mary busy with her mystery quilt! in the foreground is my quilt as you go using old and new traditional Japanese kasuri fabrics. I am using silk wadding in this quilt....very nice it is too! It's going to take quite a while for me to finish. Would you care to join us on our retreat that I am planning to hold next year here. Me teaching for two days and the other few days finishing projects and relaxing. More on that later

Janet at the retreat enjoying my book from Japan on quilt as you go by hand....

Bye for now,
Jane

On the Road again

2009-08-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well, we're off again. This time down to Canberra for the Craft and Quilt Fair there....August 6-9 -Stall H11...and have been busy getting things ready and packing. I have even found time to send the latest newsletter.
We have some new kits from Olympus in Japan that are rather sweet. They're wonderful as they even include the stuffing! English instructions and patterns are excellent. We also have some new variegated embroidery threads from Olympus that have got the thumbs from our local embroiderer's...naturally lustrous.
I have made a new owl as the fabric has just arrived....(fabric not on the web site yet though)

I joined a group of friends and had a brilliant day and night away with them on their retreat in the peace and quiet.......I took hand sewing and I felt I was in heaven.........no computers, mobiles etc..just great compnay, good food, wine and even a game of stitchopoly in the evening before bed. The workroom that we used had fantastic lighting and room. The girls were very busy with their various projects and I was very happy to be able to have the time to do my hand work. I will add a few more images next time!

Until then,
Take care,
Jane

The beautiful Bellingen Valley

2009-07-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I taught the fan quilt at .....Hunters & Collectors Barn 190 Gaudron's Road, Sapphire(via Coffs Harbour), NSW, 2450.Phone: 02 66537702......This is definitely worth a visit when next you travel through Coffs Harbour... A delightful shop full of fabric treasures and staff that are very kind and helpful! The girls working on their fan blocks and practising curved peacing.....which is much easier than you think!at the end of the day I drove down to Bellingen to teach for the weekend. This was the second time I have taught at the house with this beautiful view. I always have a fantastic time when I stay in Bellingen. Great company!!!! good food, keen participants and breath taking views I stayed with Jeanette and this is the view over the Bellingen Valley that she enjoys every day.......how lucky! Saturday was spent learning the quilt as you go techniques to make a small quilt and then on Sunday we made the wrist bag and lucky owls......But Michelle spent the weekend making a fan quilt.....and

finished the top by 11 am on Sunday... I think she enjoyed making it... as she selected another lovely collection from my fabrics to make another one. Michelle then delivered her quilt top to Anne MacGee on her way home as she wanted to get it quilted quickly as it was a gift for a special friend. Anne and her husband Nick run "Country Quilting" http://www.countryquilting.com.au/

Until next time..Have a nice week,
Jane

"Quilts for Babies"

2009-06-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed the weekend so much as I taught on Saturday here in the studio and then made another quilt for a baby on Sunday and we even caught up with friends that were down from Brisbane.
On Saturday I taught my Seriously easy "quilt as you go" baby quilt..... I think everyone enjoyed learning the techniques and would have no problems finishing of their quilts at home. Helen Merzliakov who came up from Coffs Harbour for the workshop with her friend Kerry had a quilt top that she had made. Helen used one or maybe two of our Katazome design panels, some kasuri fabrics and also incorporated woven stripes into her work. I think it wonderful and I can't wait to see it quilted.

These are the two Seriously easy baby "quilt as you go" quilts that I made... one for boys and one for girls. I have now made a few but these two are quite a contrast as they are both gentle and calming which was my intention.
This is the one I made last Sunday for a baby boy. The kits are ready and now just waiting for instructions. We were only able to make ten kits due to fabric quantities. This is the front.....

and this is the reverse side of the quilt. The three little pigs alternating with fish!

And this little quilt is for baby girls. The first image show the front of the quilt

and this image shows the back of the quilt and I used the lovely Kokka fabrics buses and little charactors going to school.....the back is so sweet...A reversible quilt even!

And this image shows the binding, the back and the front.Until next time,
Have a lovely week,
Jane

Lyndell McDonald's Follow the Path Quilt

2009-06-24T02:18:00.000-07:00

Well done Lyndell!

Lyndell McDonald won a prize at the Sydney quilt show for her beautifully feminine version of "Follow the path". A worthy recipient!
I designed this quilt a few years ago because I had made a mistake cutting out segments for a traditional double wedding quilt I was making at the time and consequently had all these segments....I love it when these things happen as I truly believe magic can come from mistakes!

Lyndell's work is always so perfect and it amazes me how she finds the time as she runs a farm pretty much on her own. The Superb quilting was done by Barbara Cowan who has a business called the Quilt Connection in Brisbane. Barabara is one of the very best commercial quilter's we have here in Australia. She takes enormous care and pride in her work and always considers the quilt makers wishes. http://www.thequiltconnection.com.au/

I made a new "Seriously easy baby quilt" on Sunday and enjoyed the day so much. I started in the morning and had it completed by the evening and that includes finishing the binding by hand. The quilt is for a little baby boy to go peacefully to sleep. I made this one gentle and quiet unlike my previous ones that are bright and busy.
I will take a photo soon and put it up on the blog.

Until then
Jane

2009-06-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have nearly finished unpacking from the trip to Sydney and the Quilt and Craft Fair at Darling Harbour. Cally and I had a good drive down and passed this very small and very sweet caravan on the way. It was for sale...

It took us all day to set up our stall and only two hours to take it down and repack the van for the trip home!

We had a busy time at the stall and met many new people. Our childrens fabrics were very popular as were the Oliver + S patterns. But the owls won the prize and my workshop each day was full by ten past nine.......I was so surprised. We have decided to go down to Canberra to the quilt show there in August. A few people asked us if we would be there and after a little discussion....we decided that a trip to Canberra would be fun plus I have a few friends there.

Until next time

Back Home

2009-06-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Leaving Heathrow and England and the wonderful long evenings behind......9.30 pm......... Singapore 6.30 the next evening.....going forward in time. I am always happy to spend time in this Airport. Quiet places to read or work, good food and tiger Beer.

The time in England went too quickly and I must thank my nephew and niece Hamish aged 11 and Lucy aged 9 for writing my final blog entry from Oxford. They are such quick learners and are always great fun to be around.

I flew down to the Trade Fair in Sydney on Thursday and was pleased to find some wonderful new fabrics for Be Be Bold.

Cally working hard and the van packed to the top!

Cally and I are now very, very busy getting ready for the Sydney Quilt and Craft Show in Darling Harbour as you can see! The fair is on from June the 10th to 14th. Our stall number is

I 46. So if you are around please come and say hello!
We are leaving here at 5 am tomorrow and will be setting up our stall on Tuesday. As we have taken far too much it will take us all day to set up and make our stand presentable.....

Until next time

Last day in Oxford- Hamish and Lucy will write my blog!

2009-05-31T04:53:00.000-07:00

Farewell Great Britain

Granny's party at the Cherwell Boathouse

Its been great to have Jane in England, but she sadly has to go back to Australia. We have enjoyed her company and have had a lot of fun with her. One of the fun times being Granny's birthday party! She played a big part in that and did a great deal of work into it so that granny enjoyed herself, so we've heard!

As you probably know Jane has taken Quinter for many walks and has greatly enjoyed herself. We are sure Tim and Rosemary (the owners of Quinter) are very grateful for that help.

Jane will be missed, but everyone will be looking forward to her coming back in december.

See ya later!

Hamish, Lucy, Sarah, Giles and George!

2009-05-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Giles back from a golfing tour in America. Hamish and George.
Hamish picked a fantastic bunch of buttercups on the meadow. We took baby Goerge and the dog for a quick walk this afternoon. We even popped in to see Jeanne (a family friend that I have known since I was seven or eight as she lived next door to us in Oxford). Jeanne has a great spot here in Wolvercote that looks directly onto the Meadow.

A walk with Sarah and Lucy. Following close by are the dogs Monty and Quinta

Lucy

Wittenham Clumps.

Until tomorrow!

Thank goodness my camera has been found with thanks to my Brother Giles!

2009-05-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

For Peter, Sarah and Kate some more pickies of George.....He really loves the camera.

It has been a while since I last wrote as I thought my camera was lost. We have just returned from a lovely few days in Kent visiting my Brother Simon and my sister in law Amaryllis. Unfortunately I don't have photos at the moment but my Brother Simon lent me his camera so hopefully in time I will get copies. it was a very beautiful area. The gardens at Sissinghurst in Kent were as you would imagine a beautiful English garden to be! The day was gloriously sunny and there were many visitors and I even heard the odd Australian accent which made me wonder where they were from in Australia!

The day after Mum's Birthday I went for a walk down the Oxford canal tow path with Quinta the dog so I wanted to share a few images here on the blog

This is where we started just a five minute walk from Mum's house.

I wonder if these are the ducks that live here on one of the long boats.

these longboats are homes to individuals and some are occupied by families with bicycles parked along side. I love this garden setting on the bank close to one of the boats.

Quinta out in front

As children we used to spend many happy hours playing along here and on port meadow and even on the railway track! We wouldn't dream of such things today.

One of the tilt bridges along the way. This one is near St Edwards school

Isn't it beautiful!

Until tomorrow!

Wolvercote, Oxford - Mum is 80 today!

2009-05-19T04:06:00.000-07:00

Brisbane airport Sunday the 17th May. great flight to Singapore and then onto Heathrow. We arrived 10 mins early.........that doesn't happen very often. Got to Oxford at around 6.30 a.m and then caught the bus to Wolvercote. Mum was just getting up so it was nice to surprise her by popping my head round the corner of her bedroom door! I crashed early afternoon and then was pleasantly surprised to see that Felix and George were here.

George now a little more grown up on Grannies lap. Isn't he so gorgeous! He enjoyed having his photo taken.

My Mother has a very pretty garden and I haven't seen forget me knots for years as I always come over to Oxford during the winter months. Everything is very green, spectacular and very much alive, fresh and new. Tuesday 19th and Mum's Birthday, she opened presents and cards and then I went for my morning walk with Quinta my favourite dog....She remembers me from trip to trip which is always pleasing. We did the usual walk for us past the old Nunnery and lock.

and then followed the river towards Oxford and then back over Port Meadow towards home. The meadow is covered with buttercups and daises. The last time I was on the meadow at Christmas we enjoyed watching people skating across the frozen ice that covered the area then!

Until next time,

Jane

Getting ready to go!

2009-05-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Flight tomorrow for England leaving from Brisbane.....A long trip but I'm excited and really looking forward to catching up with my Mother and family and seeing my little nephew George again..... I wonder how he will have changed. Packing started but there are still many jobs to go!
I will enjoy watching all the movies on the plane and making lots of paper cranes.

Here is a photo of the reversible jacket that Jeanette made to sample a pattern from indygo junction called turnabout Jacket IJ822. it looks wonderful. I wish it was in my size!

I thought you may like to have a look at my log cabin quilt.....Many of my friends and customers have seen this work in progress as this reversible quilt as you go quilt has been on my design board for over a year in different stages but now I am happy to say it's looking as if it is nearing completion after a concerted effort last weekend. Perhaps another Sunday after my return from the UK and the Sydney quilt show and it will be complete! this side of the quilt I have used my woven stripes and on the reverse the tsumugi cotton fabrics. I will take more photos later when finished.

Also I thought I would show you another version of my seriously easy quilt as you go quilt made using pre-cut 5inch squares from the range of Japanese yukata fabrics. This quilt is quick and easy to make unlike the stripe log cabin!

The next time I write will be from my Mums computer in Wolvercote, Oxford.

Take care and thank you for reading my news.

Bye for now,

Jane

Friday and all is well

2009-05-07T23:52:00.000-07:00

I promised that I would show the new samples that Jeanette made for us.

This sweet gorgeous wee dress was made from a pattern by Oliver + s called the Birthday party dress. It can also be made with a beautiful long bow at the front. The fabric is one of ours from the Kokka range and is not on the web site as yet as I have been hiding it until the sample was made.......I didn't want it to sell out too quick! The tiny blue spot contrast just compliments the dress so well.

Another gorgeous pattern from Oliver +s the sailboat top,skirt and pants pattern. Here we have a shirt made out of our elephant and other animals fabric found under childrens fabrics #a032. The pants were made using our traditional Japanese woven stripe found under woven stripe #2552. This fabric will cope with a lot of wear and tear and is elasticated at the back. The skirt would also look great I think!

The week has been busy unpacking from Be Creative and now I am starting to get very excited about my trip to the UK to visit my Mother........ She is going to be 80 and she's having a PARTY!! and we are going on a mini holiday she and I. Just a few days but they are going to be brilliant!
I will add more again soon!

The last Be Creative by the Sea

2009-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Cally made this lovely but simple designed quilt from a selection of fabrics in the shop.The teal coloured sashings and borders really show of the fabrics. This was a special gift for her lucky niece who turned 21. I taught my Japanese folded fan quilt and Bronwyn used a selection from her Japanese fabrics that included wools and silks.

Some of the participants showing their completed sashiko bags. It was really wonderful to have a group of women in the class from Canada. They were on a trip that took in Be Creative for three days! What a great week it was in Coffs Harbour at Be Creative by the Sea. Sadly it is the last in it's present form so there were many farewells and also many discussions about what was going to replace such a wonderful event. I have taught there seven times and Be Be Bold the shop has also been part of the retreat....Many friendships have been formed there with participants, store holders, tutors and the many wonderful helpers.

Unpacking is I think the worst part about going away and this part always takes me ages as I try to find more exciting things to do.

Jeanette popped in this morning and delivered the sweetest little party dress from a pattern by Oliver + S and also samples of the sailboat top and pants that would look great on any three year old boy. Photos of which will follow shortly.

Off to Coffs Harbour and Be Creative by the Sea

2009-04-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well I have been very busy getting ready to go down to Be Creative by the Sea. This is a wonderful seven day and evening annual retreat for quilters. I am teaching two one day workshops and I will also have my shop there at the resort so if anyone is in the area please drop by. the event is being held at the Opal Cove Resort. There will be so much to see as there are some very creative people attending with some tutors coming from overseas. It's a great time to catch up with friends and customers and to hear their news!

I have included a photo of the beautifully decorated table my friend Cally set for us to celebrate my 50th on Friday night. It was a great night with good food, wine and dear friends.
Yesterday was a day spent organising the samples and instructions for the workshops and making sure I don't forget anything! Also packing the van........ I always take far too much as I really want to show off all the lovely things we have here in the shop.

While away I will attempt to add interesting snippets.

Until then,

Jane

Fido the dog and Kate's wrap skirt

2009-04-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Kate and her wrap skirt

Fido the dog-Pattern by Melly and Me

I have some new images to add to the web site so I thought I would show them here first.

Melly and Me have such wonderful patterns and Fido the dog is our latest sample. Kits for which will soon be available. My friend Lina Kempnich (A very good and creative sewer) made him using fabrics from the web site. She said he was great fun to make and she especially loved adding his face.
My daughter's Sarah and Kate came home for Easter and Kate made herself a wrap skirt out of our fabrics. She hasn't done much sewing but I feel she will do more one day. She says she will one day make a quilt! I hope so.

Sunday April 19

2009-04-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

Well this is the first time I have updated my blog since November 2007........ I thought I should try and master it as it does seem a good way to keep in touch. What have I been up to since the last post......Have been to Japan a couple of times and to the UK to visit my family a couple of times.
The little baby is George my nephew shown asleep on Pete's chest.... We met him while over there for Christmas. We went to Bath which was lovely as there is so much to see, but got there two days after the American museum had shut for the winter...so that was a bit sad. Not sure why I picked these photos out of the million I have. Who likes Jane Austen? I do,it was wonderful to walk around the ball room that once she had danced in.

I have also been busy with Be Be Bold. I hope to keep in touch with what's new and going on here in the studio as I am not very good at keeping up to date with newsletters. A friend I was at school with, very recently contacted me and she introduced me to Face book. Another world for me to get lost in!

Until next time

London With Felix

2007-11-19T09:45:00.000-08:00

My youngest Brother Felix who lives in Kidlington picked me up early in his rather unique red van. We were going up to London for the day. We parked the van in the College that Fe works at and walked to catch the bus from Gloucester Green. Got settled on the bus sat back and watched the sun rise over frosted fields.
We reached Marble Arch in good time and headed for The British museum to pick up tickets for The First Emperor- China's Terracotta Army.

Felix outside the British Museum

Inside the British Museum
We then went to have a look at St.Pancras Station that has just re-opened.
You can now catch the a fast train straight to Paris in only two hours and ten minutes. A very impressive and modernised building that definitely complements the character of the original.

Sir John Betjemen the poet responsible for saving
St Pancras station from demolition
by sculptor Martin Jennings.

"Meeting Place" a 9 metre high bronze
by sculptor Paul Day at St Pancras Station

The Terracotta Army exhibition was really worth it as it was beautifully put together.
Lunch was yummy in a Restaurant run by Italians- great atmosphere busy and friendly.
The Couthauld Gallery (Somerset House) to see The British artist Walter Sickerts exhibition The Camden Town Nudes. Enjoyed it although I thought it a little weired, also enjoyed the other works of art on show. There is a skating rink that runs in the winter months, we were lucky enough to see a rehearsal taking place. it was so chilly!
What a wonderful day and to finish it off a quick pint in the White Hart.

Felix and George in the White Hart

Skating rehearsal at Somerset House. Singers and piano on stage at right

Poppy Appeal

2007-11-14T03:14:00.000-08:00

Rememberance Sunday was a special day as always and I was lucky enough to be able to help a little as I did last year when I was here. My Auntie Noogie was down from London and she helped me go door to door in the Village. It was really lovely to have her company. People were so generous and giving. I was surprised and pleased to notice that the children were genuinely interested

We experienced the first day of frost the other morning and so I took a few pictures to show how beautiful the frost is in the early light

Bramble hedge

Stinging Nettles.....I remember these so well as a child. They really do have quite a bite!

The people here in Wolvercote and Oxford are so lucky to have Port Meadow on their doorstep. The walk each day is wonderful with my friendly companion Quinta a friends dog......... I will take you on a pictorial walk shortly when I have some photos. It takes only minutes to get onto the Meadow from my Mothers and also to the tow path along the Oxford Canal that takes you into Oxford. I usually do the loop.

Port Meadow is a large area of common land to the north and west of Oxford, England.
The meadow is an ancient area of grazing land, still used for horses and cattle, and has never been ploughed. It runs from Jericho to Wolvercote along the east (left) bank of the River Thames, with the railway and the suburb of North Oxford further to the east. It is a typical English floodmeadow and is a favourite area for walking, with easy access from the city of Oxford. It is also a UK government SSSI. In the winter it floods and if frozen forms a huge and safe area for skating. In late spring vast areas are carpeted with buttercups. Horses, cattle and geese graze the meadow and many birds can often be seen.
Because the meadow has never been ploughed, it contains well preserved archaeological remains, some of which survive as residual earthworks. Of particular note are several Bronze Age round barrows and an area of Iron Age settlement.
In the 17th and 18th centuries the meadow was used for horse racing, and low stone bridges laid over washes and ditches for this purpose still survive.[1]
In the south western corner of the meadow on the Thames, on the river is a small boat-yard facility and foot bridge across the Thames. The Medley Sailing Club, the furthest upstream sailing club on the River Thames, is located on the riverbank opposite the meadow nearby.

Taken from From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Many people ride their bikes into work or school from Wolvercote following the Oxford Canal tow path.

There are plenty of ducks and swans to view along the way

Isn't this a wonderful way to store fire wood.

The white Hart pub in Wolvercote a friendly place for a pint. I sometimes go here with my Brothers. I really enjoy a pint of Guinness, They are also teaching me how to play cards for money, I can't remember the name of the game but I haven't won anything yet.

Until next time

Wolvercote, England

2007-11-09T08:50:00.001-08:00

Well I have now been here for just over a week and all is wonderful. We have had only one grey day and that was yesterday.

The trip over was pretty good with no delays although of course it was long. My Brother Giles was there to meet me at Heathrow so early in the morning, then back to Mums for a lovely breakfast and wonderful English sausages..........you really can't beat them!

I have been for many walks and here are some photos that I took a long the way.

Walking beside the River Isis

The Trout Pub in Wolvercote
made famous by Inspector Morse

The Queensland Quilt Show

Shuji and his stall
at the the Queensland Quilt Show in Brisbane

The Brisbane Quilt show was very interesting and there were three Japanese inspired quilts that I liked very much. It was lovely to introduce my Husband to Shuji. Shuji from Wabi Sabi designs is taking a textile tour to Japan in January I met him in Mittagong at Quilt Indulgence as we both had stalls selling Japanese textiles and kimono. When I found out about his tours I signed up there and then

I went up to London on the Oxford Tube (bus that leaves every ten Mins) Saw an interesting Play at the Apollo Theatre, Glengarry Glen Ross with another of my Brothers Simon who is over here from Seoul, Korea. We had a great view of the Thames, Westminster and the London Eye from the Hotel we stayed in

My Brother Simon on Westminster Bridge
talking to Frances his daughter on the mobile

Me on the other end of Westminster bridge
with the London Eye in the background

Also went to the Victoria and Albert Museum ....A fantastic exhibition The Golden Age of Couture. Paris and London 1947-1957..Christian Dior, Chanel, Norman Hartnell to name just a few.
Enough for now!

Here goes

2007-10-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

How very exciting this is! I blame my friend and fellow Scquilter Lindi Jarman. I had a look at her blog and thought why not have a go. No one will read this but me!

I am off to visit my Mum and family in Oxford, England. Leaving Sunday from Brisbane. Happily I will be able to go to the Queensland Quilt Show in Brisbane on Saturday.

There I will be catch up with my friend Shuji who is taking a few of us lucky people on a textiles tour of Japan early in January next year. How very exciting it will be! He is having a stall at the quilt show to sell his beautiful authentic wares and fabrics.

First things first. I wanted to show you this sweet puppy. Every first and third Thursday of the month our group meets (group that's interested in Japanese textiles and craft) at my place. Helen came along with this very lovely bundle. She had only recently picked up her poodle puppy, and couldn't leave it at home alone all evening with the well established cats........so we were very fortunate to get a cuddle. When I get to Oxford there is a dog waiting for me to take for walks across Port Meadow and along the canal tow path into the City of Oxford. Quinta is a wonderful dog . My Brother Giles has just bought home a puppy labrador and they live not too far from Mum's. So I will be able to do lots of walking. The bike I hope is in the garage were I left it........It needs a new seat as the present one is pretty uncomfortable.

Enough rambling