Saturday, July 24, 2010

Sometimes Travel for Work

has its advantages.
This week has found me in Melbourne on a work assignment. Imagine my delight when I discovered the Quilt fair was on and only a 5 min walk from my office.
I planned my workshops to have a longer than usual break around lunchtime on Friday. I was scheming a quick whip around of the show.
I scanned the site map and discovered Threadbare had a stand as did Theodore Cleave.

I was standing at the threadbare stand when I heard a voice say Jean. Very quickly in my head I thought who would know me here, but looked around to hear a voice saying "Sue-Anne and this is Jan who works at Patchwork on Stonleigh"
I think we all had a little squeal and giggle, this was amazing , Jan had recognised me, well you can imagine ,chatter was going ninety to the dozen trying to get a zillion things said , however when things calmed down I did manage to get my camera out a catch a snap.
Wow, I think I am still pinching myself to be at the same stand at the same time, I can only say that it was meant to be.
I have long admired Sue-Anne's work and we have very similar tastes and ideas. Many an email has passed between us.
It was really lovely to meet Jan as well, Jan does not have a blog , maybe we might be able to convince her though.
Jan works at Patchwork on Stonleigh , a shop that I have long been a member of their fabric club and a shop that is on my radar to visit in the not to distant future. It is lovely to be able to put a face to the voice at the other end of the phone.
Sue-Anne, moi and Jan
I have to say this was the purpose for my visit to Threadbare, Corliss has began her version of this wonderful quilt that has been doing the rounds of the net in the past few months. Corliss's quilt still has to have the outer borders added, but what I have seen so far is truly wonderful.

I also had the pleasure of re igniting a past friendship, Barb Smith , Barb is the very talented designer behind Theodora Cleave. I knew Barb many years ago from Canberra before she moved interstate. Marg Low from Marg Low designs was helping out on Barb's stand ,it was lovely to meet Marg also, you may remember I made many coat hangers from one of her patterns as gifts last Christmas.Marg is also a very talented designer and does the most beautiful work.



As I have been travelling so much recently my sewing has had to take a back seat, I find it is much easier to pack a little cross stitch, hence I have dragged out this Beatrix Potter Sampler from sometime back.
Today I am off to have a days play at the lovely Liz's home. It is sewing day with the girls and I am getting to join in woho. See travel can have its advantages.
I fly home tonight at 8.30 pm into Newcastle and get to have a day or so at the 'Humpy'
I have loads to catch up on so maybe another post tomorrow.
Until then
Happy times
j


9 comments:

Nyla said...

Jean, thanks for sharing the serendipity of your travels. I always enjoy your blogs. I will be checking the blogs & websites that you introduced and am sure I will enjoy all. Happy trails!

Taryn said...

Great post! Lucky you to squeeze such fun and connections into a break from work meetings. I did have a treat last fall when I was traveling in California and had a one day break. I was googling quilt shops and found the Pacific International Quilt Festival was a mere 20 minutes from my hotel. I didn't run into any quilt friends, tho.

Cardygirl said...

That was great timing...lucky girl! How wonderful to spend a day with Liz too! Have fun.

Miriam said...

A beautiful photograph of friends together!

Jan said...

It was nice meeting you too Jean .We had a great day .Sue-Anne will let you know when we start the basket quilt.Jan M

Sue-Anne said...

Hi Jean, I keep thinking it must have been fate that brought us to Threadbear's stall at the exact same time! It was fantastic fun catching up with you.

Your cross stitch is divine and I love the raspberry red floss!!!

Unknown said...

Lovely to hear from you again...Lucky that you got to go to the show & catch up with blogging friends..
cheers

RG said...

Oh this is exciting and yes I'd say, meant to be! Such fun!!
Been thinking of you and so glad you found some girly time amongst your work.

Daniëlle said...

Feels great he to meet friends in real life!!Hmmm gorgeous basket quilt and love your red cross stitch! Glad you are enjoying yourself in between your working hours hihi! Happy hours at the "Humpy"! Hugs, Daniëlle