Needlework Tours and Cruises Sydney Retreat

I was very happy to attend the recent Sydney retreat organised by Maureen and Simon from Needlework Tours and Cruises, where I taught “Pemberley” and “Wentworth”.

Here I am holding up “Pemberley”.

The retreat was held in the beautiful grounds of Knox Grammar School at Wahroonga and we were blessed with beautiful weather most days.

First was my “Pemberley” class teaching all my hand appliqué techniques.  The ladies had a lot to tackle, lots of samples were made and some progress on the centre block.

This one by Janet.

And this one by Louisa.

Then a lovely day off, including a visit to gorgeous Collaroy in the winter sunshine (plus a couple of patchwork shops on the northern beaches).

My next class was to teach “Wentworth”.  Lots more techniques and work on the centre of the quilt.

This beautiful one is by Cathy.

Great work by Janet with William Morris fabrics.

This striking one by Lorraine.

A tutor’s stall evening was held where I had the opportunity to sell some of my patterns and kits.

Here I am with Louisa.

It was a fabulous event.  Such a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, everyone enjoying their passion for embroidery and quilting with wonderful tutors, perfect organisation, yummy food and lots of fun.  I highly recommend attending the next one.  Thank you Maureen and Simon for having me!

My Week at Hobbysew

Lovely classes at Hobbysew Kings Park last week.  Here are some of the beautiful quilts finished and being made.

This is Dru’s pretty in pink “La Belle” quilt, started in Summer School in January.

And a close up.

Sharon has finished this magnificent “Spikes and Specks” quilt.  It is been superbly quilted by Belinda Betts of Eucalypt Ridge Quilting.

Rae is working on this gorgeous “Lambton” Centre.

Kerrie has been working hard on such a gorgeous “Longbourne”.  She decided to add the extra fabulous chains of 1/2” hexagons to her borders.

Anne is working on a stunning centre for “Donwell Abbey”.

Sharon is making a version of  “Jelly New Year” with a sensational feathered star block from my “Navaho Star” Pattern.

Meredith is also making these beautiful blocks for “Jelly New Year”.

Thank you ladies for all the inspirational stitching!

Whitecroft Jane Austen Tour September 2021

The next wonderful Whitecroft “Life and Times of Jane Austen” tour will take place in September 2021. 

The tour will be based in Bath for ten nights.

I have been privileged to accompany two of these amazing tours and I am very excited to be joining the  third tour with Helen Bertram and Jane Tapley.  Helen was thinking of retirement but after several requests she has been persuaded to create one more Jane Austen trip for us.

Whilst the itinerary has not yet been finalised,  it will include many gorgeous locations associated with The Life and Times of Jane Austen.  You do not have to be an Austen fanatic to enjoy this bespoke tour, however. If you are interested in textiles, history, gardens, architecture, art, literature, embroidery, fashion, food, scenery and great company, you will not be disappointed.  We have had a couple of gentlemen on tour and they have also enjoyed it very much.

Here are some my memorable highlights from previous tours.

Of course seeing the Jane Austen quilt on display in her home at Chawton.

Winchester Cathedral, final resting place of Jane Austen.

Montacute, with its magnificent gardens and collection of antique samplers.

Chavenage, filming location for the recent Poldark series. This is the location for the Poldark property, Trenwith.

Stunning Sudeley Castle with fabulous gardens and collections of treasures.

Chawton House Library, closely connected to the Austen family and now a repository for the works of female authors.

The delightful village of Lacock, film set for many historic productions, including the Colin Firth “Pride and Prejudice”.  The Red Lion was the outside location for the Meryton ball.

A visit to the amazing medieval cathedral at Wells to see the incredible stone carvings and the ecclesiastical tapestries and vestments.

A delightful lunch in the Pump Rooms in Bath.

The beautiful Fashion Museum which displays exquisite historic garments on life size models.

Number 1 Royal Crescent to see how the wealthy (and their servants) lived in Georgian England.

The gorgeous American Museum in Bath to see their extensive collection of antique quilts and furniture.

The famous Roman Baths.

Looking back over all my photos fills me with wonderful memories and excitement for the next tour.

If you would like to express your interest in this tour, please email Helen Bertram here.

I hope you can join me!