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Spring at last.

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The weather has been so lovely having walks with Saxon in his stroller looking at all the blossoming gardens has been very relaxing and Inspiring as I needed some extra flower drawings for my quilt.

I will be sending the Summer School info next week so I will be sewing the last few items today and tomorrow email me if you haven't received an email by Friday as you know I changed my computer this year so there could be some minor glitches. Summer School is open to everyone if you would like the info send me your email.

Patty Harants has started a class in Memphis Tennessee teaching my Trundle Quilt here are the first photos of the groups work.
Prue Mcbride, love the sweet little birds.

 I don't know who is peeping behind that beautiful centre! Nice work

Georgette Carpenter,such a great background .

Thank you girls for sharing your work keep us up to date.

Speaking of America remember the lovely Amish Tapioca we ate at Katie and Emmanuel Fishers, well I had a go at making it! It tasted the same but I don't remember hers having lumps...perhaps using the microwave to speed it up was a mistake, still better then the Tapioca we got at school, the English girls will know what I'm talking about.
I will never forget that wonderful Amish dinner.

Back to sewing.
Sharon has been working on her Sampler for three years but is finally finished.
What a beautiful quilt and such an achievement.


Congratulations!
Photos from class this month.


Birds of a Feather made by Karen in about three months.
This pattern is from 1998 such a lovely little quilt.

Some girls can cope with my Petunia off centre.


But girls like Vicky like to centre.
Both look great.


Plain and Fancy


A beautiful Irish Circles by Kerrie.


Bev has been very busy with her cream tea.
 

And Suzette has finished.


Had to show you these prawn buttons Margaret is going to use them on Whimsical Wool.

Lenore has finished her Eye Candy I think her son will be very happy.


Some close ups.

Really yummy.
New Fabrics arrive at Post Office Patchwork Glenbrook and of course this is my pile.

A lady handed in her button collection to share with everyone such fun rummaging and finding lovely old buttons.

This is Ruskin after a visit from Saxon he gets so tired running away from him.
That's all for today happy stitching everyone,
Karen x





Great News

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Hi everyone,
Great news Rhonda won a prize at the Houston show!
Congratulations Rhonda your Baltimore is outstanding.
New reproductions from Rhonda's shop   
Post Office Patchwork Glenbrook.
Just when you think you have all the reproductions you need another yummy collection arrives.
 

Thank you girls for all your bookings for Summer School I will get to the invoices next week, some are still making decisions on quilt choices and which days to do so I will give it another week and invoice you all at the same time.
Saturday and Sunday are the most popular days so if you want to come over the weekend let me know.
A few photos of May Baskets.
One of the quilts on offer at Summer School.
This medallion quilt has lovely tessellated borders,appliqué, tiny baskets and tumblers.
I am still finishing this quilt and just love the journey the pretty fabrics and of course you all know my favourite blue. 



Here are class photos from  the Glenbrook Wednesday girls.

A few Whimsical Wools on the way.

I was going to crop the quilt on the wall but I like it.
Most of you local Sydney girls know Bronwyn peeping behind her quilt.
Suzanne's beautiful Marriage Quilt.


Nicky has done a lot more on her "Black Tea"
That's it for today I am going to have lunch with my daughter.
Girls some of your emails bounced back to me so if you didn't get a Summer School email send me another request.
Have a great day everyone!
Karen x









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Spring cleaning.

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Hi everyone,
Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful spring weather.
I have been tidying my sewing room and stash, you all know how much work that involves.
Good news is there are great scrap bags ready for Summer School.

But first Bev is the first to completely finish the marriage quilt.
All hand quilted and ready to give as a wedding present.
Congratulations Bev what a lucky couple.


I will be sending the invoices out later today for Summer School, thank you to the girls who went ahead and paid anyway you make it so easy to organise.
It was also lovely to hear from the girls who can't make it this year, I hope you all have a great 2014.

Here is proof of my tidying skills.



Wow now I don't want to mess it up.
I bought this lovely book so of course I keep finding a nice spot to sit and read.

And I have been doing a bit of crochet.
I am making the Game of Throws from a Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

And May Baskets is almost finished!
I think the warm weather has done something to me, I can't sit still.
Here are some class quilts.
Karen found the border for her lovely Bumble Bee.
And is also getting on with County 
Kilkenny, love the vintage piece of fabric in the middle.


Lynne has finished her wedding ring and as always it is hand quilted.
Another gift!

This is a very old pattern but a great quilt to sew quickly.
The Eiderdown by Natalie with an all over quilting pattern by Susie Anderson.

It's nearly the end of the year and Jan is getting ready for next year by finishing off.
Plain and Fancy

And Miss Porter and John.

Patchwork Plus Miranda has these peeper templates for those of you doing Birds and Blooms next year.
And some lovely new fabrics.



Anne has just returned from a U.S trip and bought this great bag of ready cut wool circles, perfect for Whimsical Wool.
I hope you enjoyed my up date today, I know I don't blog as much as some but I like to wait until I have plenty to show you.
Lovely comments last time great to hear from my cousin in England, hi Irene and I miss you too Lisa!
Have a great day everyone,
Karen x









Fires

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Hi everyone,
I am still o.k I am prepared my car is packed, I can't take everything so the decision of what to take and leave has been very difficult.
Of course the pets all have a carrier ready, Barry will be the most nervous, he's the black rabbit.
The community meeting tonight was very good we all know what's going on.
Thank you everyone for all your emails and messages it does help.
The offer of homes for my quilts has been very generous unfortunately I can't get them to Sydney hopefully with all the back burning tonight Blackheath will be o.k 
I do have a request girls a family I know lost their house in the fires left everything behind as had no time to pack, even lost  the family pets. They are in need of women's clothes size 18 and 22 not many donations this size so if you have anything spare bring it along to our next class.
They are staying with friends so don't need goods or anything else, a charity quilt is already on the way.
Susie and Anne are also still fine it's all just so unsettling.
We are all looking forward to getting back to normal soon.
Lve to all,
Karen

Thank you everyone.

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Thank you everyone for your kind donations the clothes were really lovely I can assure you all it has been delivered directly to families who lost their homes.
A lovely quilt top was donated by a lady from Eastwood which was then quilted in the mountains all I had to do was the binding and deliver it to a lovely 86 year old lady who lost everything, she loved it!
I know a lot of community work is still being done and it seems rentals have now been arranged.
The Mountains seem to be finally settling down.
I unpacked everything but still can't seem to find some things.

Good news from Houston Rhonda won first place for traditional appliqué and viewers choice! well done Rhonda a much deserved win.

Thank you all for Summer School payments I will be sending requirements to you all over the weekend.
I thought you might like this photo of all the lovely items one class has accumulated from the talented Alexandra Callow.

I know Alex has finished all the birds for Summer School but can't take any more orders for a while.

Classes have been very busy great progress on our Whimsical Wool quilts.
So here are some photos for you.









So many variations, love them all.

Our end of year classes are here again I am looking forward to all our Christmas get togethers and of course the planning for next years quilts.
Take care everyone,
Karen x


Merry Christmas.

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Hi everyone,
I have found a quiet moment christmas eve to-catch up and wish you all the best for Christmas.
My shopping is done and wrapped and the food is ready to cook, looking forward to the next couple of days.
The first Christmas gifts I bought were these hearts which never left home.

The Christmas get togethers were lovely as always thank you to all the girls who brought along beautiful food.
A group of us went to the Queen Victoria building for high tea and some shopping.

It's hard to see your friends through all the food.
You all know chop chop sew.
The tree was stunning.
Me and my lama. Too large to wrap.

Prue Mc Bride in the U.S has almost finished her Trundle quilt and it is a beauty.


Ruskin getting festive with his piece of tinsel.
I will have more quilts to show in the new year and updates from Summer School.
Thank you all for your friendship and support this year I look forward to next years classes.
Have a wonderful time with your families and have a safe and happy holiday.
Love to all,
Karen 







Blue Mountains Summer School.

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Happy New Year everyone!
Lots of news for my first blog.
My daughter has moved to Adelaide to work so I am looking forward to a visit to SA this year, let me know where all the shops are.
Summer School was a great success we had lovely venues, scrumptious food and happy stitchers.
Let's show the photographic evidence.
First workshop in the Bates hall.
Such a lovely light space.


Leigh brought along her in progress Irish Circles quilt.

lots of work underway.

Barb had her Petunia from last year and her Lucy Boston table runner.


Sheryn is very happy with her piecing, gorgeous fabrics.
Angela had a great start with her rosettes.
Lovely fussy cutting.

Angela also had show and tell, her Susan Smith band sampler and her completed Lucy Boston.


Annette had to come on her own this year and found she could really focus and get her work done.
To be fair she was also the coffee run lady every morning and completed a corner by day five.

Wouldn't you love this bag! Shelley bought it from the V&A 
Fantastic first two days, Jo, Ally and Judy were definitely only starting one quilt but couldn't resist, luckily Rhonda had a half price sale as another essential shopping expedition had to be organised.

Friday was held at my home we started with only a few and ended up with 15 we called it fussy cutting Friday and had so much fun.
Shock of the day I made the scones.







Here's a treat Leah's fussy cutting.






A happy home full of friends.

This is what happens when a group of quilters get their hands on a piece of fabric to fussy cut.
I really did make the scones.
Our last two days were spent in the big hall.
Rhonda's girls look very relaxed.
My class, heads down enjoying the relaxed stitching weekend.
Lorraine had a beautiful pop up shop, so many lovely fabrics too hard to resist.

Lorraine was also our guest speaker at the dinner at The Paragon which was so entertaining.
We could all identify with the fads and changes over the last 25 years.
Everyone remembered the patchwork jacket but no one could recall any pattern being flattering.





What a fantastic five days.
Thank you to Helen and Kara such talented cooks your catering was outstanding.
And to all the girls who helped me set up, pack up and just helped whenever I needed it a big hug.
Annette for coffee and keeping me giggling all the time!
Date for next year 14th to the19th of January.
Looking forward to starting classes soon,
Karen x

Back to classes.

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IIt seems such a long time since our last classes.
First two days were with the Glenbrook ladies, Sue had finished her V&A quilt.

Anne only needed to sew the border on her Miss Porter and John.

And Jen had reconnected with her 1800's Folk Art quilt.

Remember our Karens Hexagon quilt? 
Well Kerrie finally got the inspiration to machine quilt her finished top, she did a fantastic job!

Rhonda had a beautiful new range to tempt us, perfect for May Baskets.

I did make a mistake for Summer School next year, it is still five days 14th-18th of January, thanks Annette I wouldn't have noticed until someone booked in for class on the 19th.

I have also booked the dates for the Port Maquarie workshop it will be a two day class 12th-13th of July at Stitched 'n' Framed a new shop owned by Jenny Gibbs.
I am looking forward to catching up with all the girls in Port.

Tomorrow I am off to Sydney for three days, one with Melinda at Quiltsmith and two days with Lorraine at Patchwork Plus.
I am sure both shops will have lovely fabrics and plenty of show and tell.
Bye for now,
Karen

Fussy Cutting

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Hi everyone,
Here is a completed Marriage Quilt by Karen from the Quiltsmith Saturday class.
Just beautiful!
As the class on  Saturday at Quiltsmith is full another Saturday is being organised, If you would like to come along just ring the shop for details.

The Port Macquarie workshop has changed dates to the 19th -20th of July
as the12th-13th is the Sydney Quilt Show.

Now let's look at all the lovely fussy cutting being done for Birds and Blooms.
Perfect fabric Lindy.




Love the magic mirrors.
 













Well that's all for now I am teaching the next few days at the beautiful shop Cottage Quiltworks on the Northern beaches. So many lovely fabrics I think I might have another walk around the shop  
I will leave you with the following, perhaps I should check my hair is in order!
Karen xx



Time management.

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Hi girls,
Boy doesn't time fly! I am at home more this year and really don't know what happens to the day, I look at the clock and it's nine in the morning the next time I look it's three in the afternoon!

I receive lovely emails each week asking about purchasing my patterns.
I don't sell patterns commercially but I am happy to print a pattern for you.
The only retired pattern is Antique Appliqué.
The patterns for classes 2014 are also unavailable.
Let's look at photos.
Here are two beautiful finished quilts.
Irish circles by Kerrie and Miss Austens Garden by Elizabeth, both girls attend classes at Cottage Quilt Works.


I have a group of girls doing The Sampler quilt in The Netherlands with willeke at her shop Fat Quarters, here they are working hard.


Another group started this year at Patchwork Plus Miranda Australia.







It's such a small world.

I had a request for a photo of my Lucy Boston to see how it was quilted.

Fancy border by Connie Macy a truly gifted machine quilter.
Big blocks in the ditch.
Now for a few Fussy Cutting wonders.
This one always makes me smile.










Many more to come so much fun to do.
Well it's lunch time ,my parents are here and they are fussy cutting mums Birds and Blooms, there seems to be a lot of discussion as to the best method to fussy cut so I best get in the middle, ha ha.
Take care everyone,
Karen x

Beautiful Yuwa fabrics

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My purchases for today beautiful Yuwa fabrics at Patchwork Plus today.

Shops number 95402786

Happy Easter.

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Hope you are all enjoying your Easter eggs this morning.
I have a quiet moment to update my blog before the entire family arrives for dinner.

The girls in class have heard all about Cinnamon Buns and Barry, two bunnies I am looking after for my daughter who now lives in Adelaide.
I thought Easter was a good time for a photo.
Cinnamon Buns, really likes her food.
Barry, still going 18 months after the stroke, defying the vet who predicted he was not long for this world.
Barry Cunningham.
They are cute Saxon loves feeding them.

Back to quilting!
I have bought some of the new French General material to make a quilt for summer school.
Just letting you know as it is available in stores now.
Here's what I bought.
2 mtrs of each and 20 cm of lots of bits and pieces.
The quilt will be nine blocks fourteen and a half inches. Appliqué a small amount of foundation piecing and put together on the machine, perfect easy quilt to show case the fabrics.
Of course it could be made with what you have on the shelf.
I have started my Dear Jane!
It really is a lot of fun.
Birds and Blooms has created some wonderful blocks, a few girls have commented how lovely our Lucy Boston blocks are, Birds and Blooms is a hexagon rosette block but the fabrics would be good for both blocks.
Here are a few more.


The girls are really coming along with their samplers.



That's all for today, I love family get togethers hope you are all having a happy Easter Sunday,
Karen x

Celebrations.

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Hi Everyone,
Well I have had a birthday now 56 it always seems odd when you remember how old you are, I don't feel any different probably because I have medication to keep everything normal.
Also it was my wedding anniversary 34 years! That's amazing the time just flys by  so much has happened over the years I never thought I would accumulate such an outstanding stash!
Throw in Mothers day and all my special days were done in the space of two weeks, fantastic.
My son made me a birthday cake.
Flowers were from Chris and Jan (cottage quilt works)
So cute the tablecloth and cake stand.
My friend Helen bought me an adorable owl from the famous Alex Callow, so cute.
These are also cards given to me, also made by Alex.
She really has such a wonderful eye for detail.
A couple of finished quilts from Cottage Quilt Works.
Miss Austens Garden By Sue.
Irish Circles by Terrie.
Wendy, Megan and Kerrie are making progress with their May Baskets.



I love little pictures in a quilt.

How about new fabrics, so many this month.
These are from Post Office Patchwork Glenbrook.
The green on the left would be a lovely alternative for the Elephant fabric.


And these little beauties had to come home with me.
I just got home from a walk around the neighbourhood with Saxon and picked up this amazing Autumn leaf, beautiful.
Two girls are leaving classes this month. Lynne is retiring from Sydney to the country, we will miss you Lynne but wish you well on your new adventure.
And Natalie is having a baby in July so of course we are all excited for her and can't wait to have a cuddle in a few months.
Saxon is fast asleep I have worn him out!
He is snuggled in my little Jane Austen Quilt, won't get away with that when he's older.
Take care everyone,
Karen x

New Block of the Month

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Hi everyone,
I feel really guilty that it's taken me so long to update my blog, when lovely Margaret asked if it was broken I promised as soon as I got home I would post.
We will be starting the new quilt in July.
It is called The Friendship Quilt as it is inspired by nineteenth century friendship quilts.
Each month you will be getting two blocks one appliqué and one pieced.
It will have one appliqué border and three pieced borders. 
The quilt will be 60 x 65 so not too big.
You can do this correspondence.
First two blocks.



It has nice sashing and cornerstones.
I bought my backgrounds from Cottage Quilt Works, they still have the background for the appliqué blocks and some kits.
Appliqué background.


Pieced blocks background.
Kits.

Corner stone fabric.
Requirements: 1 mtr background for appliqué.
.5 for pieced blocks.
.30 for corner stones.
Of course you can make this in any colours you like.

Sue has finished her Sampler which was inspired by the Sundial Quilt.
It is always lovely to see the personal and unique blocks stitched into the design.
The quilting by the very talented Christie Wong is so beautiful.




May baskets is going well, most are ready for the final border.
Can you see the difference in Elizabeth's basket border?
We all love our tiny basket row!

Speaking of baskets, why do cats think they can fit in tiny spaces....it's like me trying on a pair of size ten jeans!
I have booked to come to Quilts in the Barn in October so looking forward to catching up with Melbourne friends and visiting some shops.
It is very cold in the mountains today so I intend to sew and drink plenty of tea.
Take care everyone,
Karen x
Just a quick note, I am not booked to teach in Melbourne in October, sorry for any misunderstanding.

Quilt Show

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Hi everyone,
The Sydney Quilt Show is lovely I know a few were worried about the new venue but it is light and airy the quilts looked so much better with all the natural light.
My quilt Birds and Blooms got second place in my section, such a nice surprise.
One of the judges was Kim Maclean which brought back memories of me, a young mum, sitting in awe in front of her quilt a 'A Tisket a Tasket one more Basket'at the Sydney Quilt show many years ago. A white glove lady said to me, "you know you just need to practice, you get better every quilt" I said I couldn't imagine ever entering a show like this.
I can't remember how many quilts I have made since then but I have loved making all of them.
I caught up with lots of friends and had a really nice day.
The best of show is a stunner, go see it!

The pattern for Birds and Blooms is available.

I will be sorting out Correspondence today for the Block of the Month, the first posting is Monday.

Looking forward to Port Macquarie and catching up with you all.
Happy stitching everyone,
Karen x


Sunday in my sewing room.

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Hi everyone,
I feel like July has been a very long month!
Today I am in my sewing room preparing block three and four of the block of the month.

I love making this quilt, looking forward to some stitching later on.

My trip to Port Maquarie was wonderful, Stitched and Framed is a lovely shop with a light and spacious class room.
Lots of fun with our magic mirrors, fabric designs take on a whole new use when we fussy cut.
Lovely to catch up with my Port Maquarie friends, see you all next year.
Samples of fussy cutting in port.
Great class room.

My Plain and Fancy above.


I didn't get to Port last year so two years later some truly inspiring finished quilts.

Denise has been very busy.
The sampler just needed a border.
Folk art Baskets.

A couple from Sue.
The Wedding Quilt.
Marie Antoinette. 
The Sampler.


The start of Jester and Irish Circles.



The Jester pattern is going in Quilters Companion this year.
Here is a sneak peek of the beautiful quilting Kim Dolan has done on Sue Brooks Jester which will be used in the magazine.....yes that means mine wasn't ready.
Sue's work is so beautiful, her appliqué is well perfect.

Best get to work or I won't be ready for Cottage Quilt Works tomorrow, still in my PJ's
Lastly my daughter Anna is off to work in Ireland, having an English mother finally paid off.
I haven't seen any of my children off at the airport for an indefinite time, girls that is really hard!
Well I guess that means I get to see Ireland.
Have a great day everyone,
Karen x

Block of the month.

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I am so impressed everyone has done their "Friendship Quilt" homework.
Here are the pictures of blocks three and four.

Our first row is now complete.
Wendy has finished her marriage quilt.
Hand quilting around each shape was enough quilting.
It's beautiful congratulations Wendy!

Lorraine has also finished her top.
Anyone needing help with fabrics I will be teaching at Quiltsmith tomorrow then Patchwork Plus Thursday and Friday.
Best get my printing done.
Have a good day everyone,
Karen x

On the mend.

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Hi everyone,
Thank you for all the get well emails.
I am sorry I had to cancel last weeks classes but I totally underestimated the op I had.
I have never had stitches before no idea
what it would feel like, it doesn't help that it's in the middle of my back.
Gosh the brave girls who have major procedures then arrive in class a month later! Amazing.
Anyway my problem is over apart from having all the stitches out... Does that hurt!
I must also up date my emails as some of you did not receive the email, my apologies girls.
Let's get back to sewing!
Block five and six are ready for September.

 I got the gorgeous cat fabric from Quiltsmith.
 Nice easy appliqué block.
Kelly who is doing correspondence BOM
sent some nice photos.
They are lovely Kelly.

A few photos from the girls in my Glenbrook class.
How cute are the thirties fabrics.




I never get tired of the blocks from Birds and Blooms.
Elvis is back!
A bit Alfred Hichcock.
I will catch up on my emails today too.
Sorry for the delay everyone.
I just want to say thank you to my friend Helen, she's the girl who turns up with flowers, food and friendship and doesn't even hint that you look awful!
Take care everyone, back on the road Saturday.
Karen xx

Summer School

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Hi everyone,
Summer School info goes out in the morning please email me if I miss you.
We are having SS at The Redleaf Resort this year so if you are staying there you can sew in your PJ's!
The new owners have promised good food and a lovely room to work in.
Can't wait!
Well I did have a strange month the block of the month had two block six and no five... It's like the 13th floor just isn't there. 
Thank goodness Wendy  and Anne had the courage to tell me to "take panadol and go to bed" or I might still be only making block sixes.
Here is block Seven and eight.



The quilt so far looks like this.

I have finished the appliqué border that goes across the top, so cute.
 
I had a lovely cooking day with Saxon here is the delicious plate of cup cakes.
Still finding sprinkles.
I used my Be-Ro cook book my grandmother bought me.
Be-Ro flour came from the north of England.
It's lovely to have this memento from my Grandma,so important to remember to sign books.

I have a couple of emails of finished quilts
So here are two from Sheryn.
Miss porter and John.
The Nottingham Quilt.
Here is Lesley's Sampler which was recently displayed at the Maitland show.
Thank you for sharing your work.

This is Michele's amazing hexagon block.
The tech girls... Yes Michele and Brenda showed me how to get on the Instagram still not sure what I am doing but it is fun, thanks girls more time on my phone.

Anna was in Amsterdam and called into Petra Prins shop... So jealous!
But there is a parcel coming home for me, she said it is a beautiful store can't wait to go one day.

I fly to Melbourne on Thursday to visit and go to Quilts in The Barn.
I have so much on my list to do, can't wait!
Good night all,
Karen x


Summer Scholl

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Hi everyone,
All is going well for Summer School.
Rhonda has sold her shop and finished her treatment so here is the start of her red and cream quilt for SS.


It looks lovely. She is also getting the Ann Randoll pattern finished to give to last years girls, it's wonderful to see her so well and enjoying semi retirement.
There are places left in her weekend workshop.
I have been busy with our BOM
Here are the next two blocks.

I just love making these blocks!

Photos just in of The Trundle made in America by Prue McBride her husband did the amazing quilting.


Just beautiful!

My daughter has returned after three months away.
She called into Petra Prins shop and bought this.

Full of beautiful Dutch chintz fabrics.... So beautiful.
I am traveling next year so that will definitely be on my list.
Anna said the shop was lovely and Elsbeth was so friendly, can't wait to visit.

One more photo.
I am addicted to these little pin keepers!
Take care everyone,
Karen x
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