Tuesday 29 June 2010

The most perfect Sunday...............

I feel so privileged(and exhausted) to have spent the day yesterday, learning from these lovely ladies, Leanne Beasley and Rosalie Quinlan.  Lesley from Forget Me Knots in Christchurch organised the most fantastic workshop, a Mid Winter Christmas theme, and every detail was perfect, thank you so much Lesley!

The day for me started at 4am, with an hours drive on icy roads to catch the plane to Christchurch.  Not only did Lesley organise everything, she even came and picked me up at the airport - now that is service!
Leanne and Rosie are wonderful teachers, with a great sense of humour, very down- to-earth, and both are very big on doing what makes you happy, if you aren't enjoying a technique or project, find a technique that will be enjoyable.  Our 'mistakes', or what we think are mistakes, make our work original, and keep it looking handmade.
This sweet little bag 'Three Sweet Bluebirds'(the third bluebird is on the needlecase inside) was one of Rosalie's projects, and it was so neat to see how she does her needleturn applique, an art I really admire, but am hopeless at.  Silk thread certainly helped make my own piece look a lot neater, and I will keep practicing,
I am determined to master it.  Rosalie also taught a doll called Poppy, and a beautiful stitchery which can be finished onto a canvas. 
 
Leanne talked to us about designing our own quilt, where to begin, use of colour, keeping it balanced, and heaps of ideas and patterns to get us started.  The blocks above are the work in progress on her own quilt, which as always is going to be stunning.

One of the highlights for me was being able to have a really closeup look at some of the girls original quilts, and other projects, one I really fell in love with is this one, Rosie's 'I Remember' BOM quilt.  I am really going to have to practice that needleturn.
 This is Leanne's latest BOM 'Down in the Garden' and it is stunning.
 Some of Leanne's cute little pincushions.
 
 Just some of the gorgeous bits and pieces that Lesley had set up on display to tempt us.
 
It was so cool to meet some other bloggers, including Shiree, and  Deb, who are both doing the Gardener's Journal Stitchalong, and lots of other lovely ladies who were all so friendly and welcoming.  (One sweet lady who lived near the airport even dropped me back there on her way home - Thanks so much!)

So, all in all, a fabulous day away, great people, great food, lots of new projects to get busy with, and memories to treasure.

Till next time ...............Happy, happy stitching

PS: It really is nearly 1.30am, but I wanted to write this post, while it was still fresh in my head!  After a long day at work today, yesterday already seems like a distant memory.........sigh.
       

19 comments:

Annie said...

That looks like such a wonderful day! I can see where you fell in love with a couple of those quilts... they are so in your style and colors.

We're having a heat wave here.. hottest June in history! Sounds so weird to hear you talk about icy roads!

Missy said...

Oh such eye candy!!! I'm so envious of you quilters!!!

hugs
-missy-

perlAmica said...

Che lavori favolosi!!!
I colori sono bellissimi!!!

Baci dall'Italia
Cristina&Anna

By Hoki Quilts said...

What a fantastic time you had, I'm so glad you got to meet our Deb and Shiree they are really nice ladies too. So, what's the first project you're going to dive into?
hugs
Miche'le

Deb said...

What a great time it looks like you had. I think that it's so much fun to meet fellow bloggers.

Katrina said...

Oh you lucky girl - I'm so envious! Sounds like a wonderful time and it must have been so inspiring seeing all those lovely goodies :) Have a good week.

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

It was delightful meeting you Nicky, such a wonderful inspiring weekend huh!! I am glad that you made it home safely, and look forward to catching up with all you do.Have a wonderful week,

Thimbelina said...

Sounds like the perfect day Nicky....So Jealous!

Pat said...

Nicky, Hi, from U.S.A.
Your work is most beautiful, my dear friend.
Thank you for sharing.
Happy Quilting!

Raewyn said...

Hi Nicky from Northland. I couldn't resist leaving a comment when I saw the name of your blog...very like my blog address!! Looks like it was a fabulous workshop with Rosalee and Leeanne. Lucky you!!

Karen said...

I'm envious, only a little mind you, you can keep the 4am start - lol.
Absolutely awesome day. To be able to be up close and personal with their own work would be so inspirational. Sigh, maybe one day.

Marlene said...

Visiting via Debs and Shiree's blogs.Saw you flew from Invercargill. Have just relocated here myself.Don't think many bloggers in the area??
Looks like you had a fantastic day and well worth the trip.

Grethe said...

Seems like you had a top day with the two designers! It is such a great thing meeting someone you have admired from the distance. I did too,as Leanne and Gail Pan visited Norway some time ago. Still stitching on a couple of things from them both :-)

Michelle said...

I can see why you had a great time. The quilts are all beautiful.

Leeanne said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time. I've enjoyed looking at your blog and reading about the stitchery stabilizer comments...does anyone just stitch straight onto background fabric?

Cynimin said...

Oh those quilts are all so beautiful! Those cherry colors really pop out at you. I took a look at your SB stockings you have posted and I just love the way you did them. I started 1 ofthe 7 that I have planned to do but I'm using the darker fabric but I'm really liking your fabric so much better. I think I'll switch.

Chookyblue...... said...

it is great to see the girls work isn't it.........not the same as looking at the pics.........

Siobhán said...

Wow, it sounds like a fantastic day!! I loved the close up pics, thanks for sharing!

carole brungar said...

Looks like you had a fantastic class!! Lucky you!

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