Running Away from Home ...

... But only for the weekend.  Schoolhouse Quilters held their annual getaway and we were due to arrive in Toowoomba on Friday afternoon. What better way to start, however, than by attending the Textile Art Festival on Friday morning at the Brisbane Convention Centre before heading up to Toowoomba, a drive of about an hour and a half from Brisbane.

What an absolute delight this exhibition was - everything from knitted art tea cosies,

through to wonderfully creative wearable art and woollen accessories,

not to mention an incredible collection of contemporary quilts - pure bliss.

Brisbane fibre artist Prudence Mapstone had us all in awe with this incredible creation.

Then there were all the vendors with their enticing goodies.

My credit card was screaming for freedom and it was so tempting, but I was incredibly disciplined and bought only a packet of machine needles.  However, the same can't be said for some of my friends!

What a perfect way to start the weekend, and that was only the beginning ...

Deadlines

What do you think of when you see the word deadline?  Stress?  Tension? Panic?  Yes, all these and more.  However, without deadlines I for one would simply sit around all day dreaming of what I would like to create, be it a quilt, dress or recipe.

For me deadlines usually mean there's an upcoming market on the horizon or a quilt exhibition, or maybe a desktop publishing job.  Right now I am working on this quilt.  I can only show you little bits, otherwise I would be shot at dawn.

I'm not quite at the head-in-brown-paper-bag phase, but I can feel that the deep breathing exercises are just around the corner.  I have finally completed the quilt top, but now the fun bit begins - machine quilting. 

The completed quilt (ha!) will be part of the Jems Quilt Sitters' exhibition to be held on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July at Brookfield Hall, Brookfield Road, Brookfield.  Opening hours are between 10.00am and 4.00pm and the hall will be filled with the most creative quilts.  I will also be selling some of my Hot Fudge children's clothing in the sales room - more deadlines.  It promises to be the most marvellous occasion, with lots of delicious refreshments and even a jazz concert on the Sunday.  Pop it in your diaries now.

Deadlines - who needs them?  Me.

Shadow Shots

No, we don't have snow, but all the same it's been cold by Queensland standards.  It was minus 1 overnight in some parts of Brisbane (including Chez Fudge) before it topped at 21 degrees Celsius, or 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  Still, it was a stunningly clear morning and what better could we do but visit the farmers' market for some fresh produce. 

A cup of Dutch Chocolate Coffee renewed the spirits ...

... before stocking up on herbs for the jaded kitchen garden ...

... and some beautiful parsnips and mushrooms,

... as well as fresh tiger prawns, pumpkin and bunches of basil, coriander and all manner of goodies for a Thai prawn and pumpkin curry which we had tonight.  Mmmm.

After settling the herbs into their new home this afternoon, I noticed some shadows dancing across the lawn.

For more shadow shots, why not visit Hey Harriet's Shadow Shot Sunday. 

Market Trends

You couldn't have ordered a more perfect day.  This was Brisbane at its best, with a crisp, clear early morning to cheer us up as we motored to the other side of the city to set up for the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market. 

Apart from the usual children's clothing, I had a new line of cushions to create a little more interest.  I had a custom order for reading cushions for a children's reading nook and loved them so much I decided to make a range to sell at the market and in my Etsy shop.

After ably helping with the setup, Mr Fudge kissed me a fond farewell and I had time to walk around and greet the other BrisStylers, both old and new.  There is always a warm and friendly buzz in the air with this group - it's quite contagious.   Here are some of the stalls:

Kellie Christie shot to celebrity status this week when everyone's favourite cook Maggie Beer wore one of her beautiful creations on the TV series Master Chef.

Melanie of Kimono Reincarnate's beautiful stall was next to mine and drew crowds like bees to honey.

My other neighbour was new mother Catherine of Made by Maisie.  I lost count of the number of little girls who were dragged away crying and pleading to their parents for a Maisie doll.  I was pleased to see that many a little girl walked away clutching a Maisie doll of her own.

Miss Dish had some gorgeous brooches and hair pieces.

Sandrine of SM Boutique brought her usual French elegance to the market.

Sophie of Strat Designs has been absent for a few months and was warmly welcomed back.  Her beautiful creations are so tempting you could almost eat them.

  

Outside the market took on a carnival atmosphere.  Great weather, great friends, perfect day.

Market Time

It's coming, you can feel it in the air.  BrisStyle Indie Designers Market is only two sleeps away and there is a definite buzz among the marketeers that this is going to be the best one yet.  Here are just a few of the tempting items which will be for sale on Saturday:

• When?  Saturday 5 June
• Where?  St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton
• Hours?  9.00am to 2.00pm

Our BrisStyle star of the week is Kellie Christie whose fabulous button necklace was worn by everyone's favourite Maggie Beer on Master Chef this week.

Kellie will be selling her designs at our market, so if you saw Maggie on Tuesday night or in the June edition of delicious, come along and meet the designer.

My stall will be inside the hall, so do come along and say hello.