Merry Christmas

May I wish you all a wonderful Christmas with your family and loved ones.

Thank you to all my loyal blog followers from around the world.  I love interacting through social media.  

I hope you will continue to enjoy my blog posts and photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Hope you get to relax and find time for some stitching.

Love from Katrina x.

The Jane Austen Society of Australia

I was privileged to be asked to be the guest speaker at the JASA Christmas luncheon last week.

I had a fabulous day presenting “My Journey with Jane Austen”.  I can certainly attest to the fact that Jane Austen has changed my life.

My love of Jane Austen and her brilliant writing has afforded me many wonderful opportunities for teaching, speaking, travel and life long friendships.

The luncheon took place at Club York in the heart of the city of Sydney.  There were 163 guests present.

The room was buzzing with conversation and celebration of Jane Austen’s birthday (which was on 16 December).

I presented a PowerPoint slide show detailing information about the coverlet that Jane made with her mother and sister.

I have seen this masterpiece on two occasions.  It is housed at the Jane Austen Museum at Chawton in Hampshire.

Here I am, just a little excited to see the quilt.

Here it is on display in one of the upstairs rooms at Chawton.

Gorgeous detail.

I was also happy to share my Jane Austen Quilt Collection with the audience.  I have now made ten major quilts, featuring English paper piecing and hand appliqué, and named after houses in Jane Austen’s novels.  It was very gratifying to receive so much interest in my quilts, my designs, colours, techniques and process, even from the majority of non-Quilters in the room.

Thank you so much to my son, David, who accompanied me on this special day and was most helpful in every way.

I had the chance to meet the amazing President of the Jane Austen Society of Australia, Susannah Fullerton.  

I fondly remember attending lectures given by Susannah on Jane Austen when I was in my twenties.  So lovely to meet her again.

Thank you so much for inviting me to your Christmas event, I had a fantastic day.  Thank you also to Jenny for your kind thoughtfulness throughout the day and to all members present for your interest in my work.

Here is the link to JASA’s website, if you are interested to learn more click here.

If only I did not have to work so much, I would love to attend all of their fabulous events.

Final Classes of the Year at The Stitchers Cupboard

Love being at my “home” shop, The Stitchers Cupboard in Camden.

Here are some photos of the great work happening there over the past week.

Jan has made two gorgeous versions of the Miss Lucas Star Satchel for Christmas gifts.

This is the beautiful one she made for herself to match one of her quilts.

Here is Pam’s gorgeous “Highbury” in soft pinks.  

It has been beautifully custom quilted by Pamela Rouse of La Maison Quilting  in Horsley, New South Wales.

Pam is now working on a lovely version of “Pemberley”.  Here is her centre so far.

Robyn has completed this stunning version of “Wentworth”.  Love the red!

Here is a beautiful “Lambton” Block by Julie.

This is a very pretty “Hartfield” Block by Jenny.

Natalie was determined to finish her version of  “Jelly Nation” before the end of our last class.  Here it is!

Thanks to all the gorgeous girls in my weekly Monday class for your friendship, fun and a little sewing this year.

Final school function at Macarthur Anglican School for David and myself at Speech night.  

A new chapter begins.

Lyn’s Fine Needlework, Last Class of the Year

Some wonderful work to finish up the year and of course, some great Christmas parties.

At Lyn’s Fine Needlework, Adrienne has almost finished all the blocks for her gorgeous “Lambton”.

They are all gorgeous.

Roh has done a great job for the appliqué centre of  “Winchester”.  Looks great!

I have a great class at Lyn’s Fine Needlework at Baulkham Hills on the second Wednesday of every month.

Please phone Jeanette if you would like to join me on 96862325.

Second Saturday Class at The Stitchers Cupboard

I am a lucky tutor to be able to call so many of my students as also my friends.

What a lovely day yesterday teaching and sharing with a great group of ladies.  Such beautiful work to share.

Here is a stunning completed “Hunsford” by Narelle in purples and black.  

Beautiful custom quilting by Sandra Kelly from Art n Quilting.

Mooneen was working on a gorgeous “Lydia” table runner with beautiful fussy cut flowers and a deep pink background.

Sue was working on these gorgeous Dresden flowers for “Highbury”.

Ivana had her “Rose Rhapsody” quilt with her.  The centre block was beautifully quilted by Katie Law of Nutmeg Quilting and the rest was quilted by Katy with an Edge to Edge Pattern.

Christine has almost completed her magnificent “Pemberley”.  Just the final border to go on now.

Lyn treated us to a delicious Christmas high tea in class.  My favourite is always in egg nog cheesecake.  Thanks so much Lyn.