Melbourne Quilt Show

Its been an incredibly busy few months since my return from France.

So much has happened, and so many quilts  to share.

 But where to begin???

Probably at the most exciting thing that's happened in recent weeks.

Vic Quilters had their annual exhibition in July here in my home town.

l had decided earlier in the year to join, so was eligible to enter a quilt for judging.

This was a first for me.

 

After speaking to Karen, who does my machine quilting,

she suggested that l enter my Sawtooth Diamond Quilt, which l duly did.

The quilt was entered in  the Two Person Professional category,

l being the maker, Karen being the machine quilter,

as both Karen and l have earnt money from quilting.

 

On the Monday before the exhibition opened,

 l received a call, inviting me to attend the awards ceremony.

With many butterflies, l stood with several friends, waiting for our category to be called.

l had convinced myself that MAYBE the quilt would get a judges commendation.

 

So imagine my complete SURPRISE and delight to win the First Place Blue ribbon

for the category!!!

It was a truly special moment, which l was delighted to share with Karen.

She is now hanging proudly in my Living room to be admired every time l walk past.

 



 

Karen also  blogged about it here,

and  has great photos and a story about it here.

 

 

 



Over  the next few posts, l will try and catch up, because of course,

our next QITB is only 5 weeks away, and there is going to be

 so many great quilts to share with you.

 

Thanks for visiting.

Linda.

 



QUILTS IN THE BARN 2013.

Here is this years flyer for Quilts In The Barn.

 Jenn did a wonderful job. Many thanks!!

Please feel free to put this on your blog if you are in Australia.

And of course, if you live overseas and want to come visit, please do.

We promise to look after you very well!! LOL

l for one can't wait to see all the beautiful quilts hanging together in the barn.

 



 

 

Here is this years raffle quilt, which was anonymously donated.

 Beautifully pieced, using Dutch chintz fabrics purchased

from Den Haan & Wagenmakers,  

and stunningly quilted by Karen Terrens.

 

 

 

This years exhibit promises to be our best ever yet!!!

hope to see you there!!

Thanks for visiting.

Linda.

 

 

 



The last of France!!

Warning!! Photo heavy!!

Make a cuppa or pour a glass of wine, and sit back and enjoy

as you come on our trip around France!

( and one day in Germany)

Don't forget to click on the pictures for a closer look. 

We visited medieval villages,

 



where cars seemed out of place.

 



 

Saw Interesting signs.

 

 



And cute cuckoo clocks. 

 

Fascinating writing on  ancient walls.

 

and an interesting array of sausages.

 

Saw signs older than we could imagine.

 

Climbed many, many stairs.

 

Admired breads in shop windows.

 



 

Marvelled at the architecture.

Enjoyed the last of the Easter decorations.

 

 

And saw multitudes of different salami's for sale.

 



 

Wandered along riverside lane ways.

 



 

Visited famous sights in Paris.

 

Enjoyed more wonderfully amazing architecture.

 

 

And wonderful city vista's.

 

 

Visited with some Alpaca's.

Stayed the night in this wonderful chateau.

 

 

Where l found these old wheels lined up against the barn.

 

Which l thought was perfect for a photo shoot of a recent antique quilt purchase.

 

Saw a new use for those used coffee pods that are taking the world by storm.

 

Gazed longingly at wide mountain vista's.

 



 

Saw sheep in paddocks in small mountain villages.

 

And bought some of this cheese from one of the local makers.

 

 

 Visited a village famous for its red peppers.

 

 

And bought a tin of their smoked paprika, made from the plants grown locally.

 

Meet some  friendly goats.

 Visited a wonderful herb and spice shop.

 If they don't have it, it doesn't exist!

 

Saw cows wearing bells.

And yes, they are noisy!

 



 

Drove through wonderful mountain scenery.

 

Saw beautiful memorial crosses beside the road.

 



 

Walked beside stunning rivers.

Was inspired by these beautiful stone walls.

 



 

Drove along  amazing mountainous country roads.

 

 Found snow at the top.

 

And these bikes that my DH had to climb!

 

 

Drove past Manor homes undergoing repairs. 



And wondered what this large factory beside the river must have once been used for.

 

Stopped at a small village market, where l could have bought my own cow bell.

 

 

Or a religious statue among other things.

 



 

Had MANY wonderful meals,

 

 

and even tried snails, (didn't like them!!! )

 

 and the best French Onion Soup!!

Saw interesting shaped salami's for sale.

 



 

And people shopping for souvenirs.

 

Visited the famous Rosary Basilica in Lourdes.

 

Enjoyed more countryside vista's.

 



 

Found interesting door knockers.

 

Visited open air markets.

 

Where we saw huge slabs of  nougat in many flavours.

 

Tempting pies.

 



 

Baskets of beautiful strawberry's.

 

 

All kinds of olives.

 

 

 

Breads bought by weight.

 

 

Cakes of all kinds.

 

 

And so many variety's of cheese my head was spinning.

 



 

Se we bought several pieces, along with olives, bread and the best tasting strawberry's,

 and had a picnic by a river.

 

 

Admired this doorway with its wisteria arbour.

 

Wondered by these clogs were nailed here.

 



 

Ate a beautiful lunch on a patio,

 



 

While admiring this view!

 

 

Saw fields of bright red poppies.

And wanted to move into this farmhouse.

 

Passed MANY fields of grape vines,

 



 

And found bargain wines in the local supermarket.

 

 

 Visited many medieval castles.

 

And gazed at views enjoyed by people over the centuries.

 



 Said hello to a friendly donkey.

 

 

Passed this lonely stone structure on a country road.

 Admired this stunning stone wall.

 



 

Stayed in this wonderful Bed and Breakfast in Provence.

 

Where l was able to visit the chapel,

 

to explore Caroline's antique quilts, which are for sale.

 



 

 

And were treated like royalty by the fabulous hosts, Caroline and Hubert.

 

 

Walked along narrow streets.

 

Loved this window and its ivy.

 



Passed fields of lavender, not yet in bloom.

 

 

Visited even more wonderful castles.

 



 

Saw these interesting Brioche in a market,

 

And the biggest Tuiles l have ever seen.

 

 

Enough  Saucisson to please everyone.



Crates of white asparagus.

Divine roast chickens and potato's cooked in their drippings.

 

 

Boxes of fresh radishes.

 

And was tempted to ride this merry-go-round.

 

 

Marvelled at the roof on the Hospice de Beaune building.

 

Saw field after field of yellow canola.

 

Paid a visit to this wonderful Chateau de Chantilly.

 

Saw stunning Chantilly lace.

 



 

And restoration work being painstakingly undertaken.

 

And stood in awe in the magnificent library.

 

Before catching our plane back home.

 

 

 If you have made it this far, you are to be congratulated,

 and hope you enjoyed your mini trip through France.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about places we visited.

 

Thanks for visiting.

Linda.