"Melbourne Lace"- the quilt

Isn't it hard to get back into the regular work routine after being on holiday? I was inspired by the cottages with the iron lace & I'm happy they brought back pleasant memories for you Dianne. So while away in Northern New South Wales, just south of the Queensland border, I stitched the 8" square needed for the Alaska Fiber Festival 'Through the Knot Hole' challenge.

The process was easy with the use of prepared photo sheets, Printed Teasures by Milliken, for the printer. This was an old packet that I'd bought at Quilt Festival, Houston 5 years ago, but they were still OK.

Quilting along the printed architectural details brought it to life & I finished it with a binding of some hand dyed fabric which picked up the colours in the print. Just need to put in the 2 grommets [eyelets] & post.

Iron lace # 2

Australian quilter Eileen Campbell has made a series of quilts featuring iron lace through the Seasons. Eileen is well known for her intricate machine applique designs, books & patterns.

I'm away for a short break, travelling in rural areas so will post blogs when I return.

Iron lace

Many small cottages in Melbourne have the most wonderful iron lace decoration on the front verandahs. I took many photos as I noticed the designs were all subtly different, as were the accompanying gardens.

Japanese food

Many laneways in Melbourne CBD have cafes & coffee spots. A favourite of mine is the one running the length of the GPO, which is now converted to retail space. Two Japanese restaurants serve delicious lunch menus. I chose the Chicken Bento & as I can't tolerate hot & spicy, I  had to laugh at the condiment selection- ground up chilli, dry chilli flakes, chilli oil & soy sauce.

Breakfast food

One of the pleasures, when on holiday, is having a breakfast dish for lunch, which is very do-able in Melbourne with many cafes serving an all day breakfast menu.
However these gorgeous shots of Berry Pancakes & Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict were taken at Brisbane cafe Vagelis. They get my vote!

Koko Black chocolate

I love chocolate & have been eating quite a few since my birthday, just last month. A Melbourne treat is a visit to Koko Black in the Royal Arcade. This was the Summer Spoil with lots of raspberry flavoured treats. As someone who doesn't have the regular chocolate powder sprinkled on my cappucino, I never say 'no' at Koko Black's.
Jan, I'll have to get 'Copper Fire' out of the cupboard & bring it to a 2QAQ meeting so you can see it.

Happy 2010

Wow... 1.1.10! I can't explain it but I'm filled with joy today. There is something magical about new beginnings & the anticipation of the year ahead.

Wishing you all a very creative, joyful, healthy & successful 2010, no matter where it leads you. This guerilla knitting appeared on the Melbourne footpath, near where we stay. We're back home for a few days before taking off again, but I have lots of images of things that caught my eye, so will post them for a while.

And if you're interested iquilt have a feature on me in their on-line magazine, out today.