Before I jump into this weeks happenings I just want to say an enormous thank you to all of you for the absolutely amazing response to my last post. Your kindness means a lot to me. Thank you to those of you who also shared with me pieces of your past. This blogging community is a compassionate one filled with so many amazing and generous women. I am pleased to be a part of it. After reading Kirsten's beautiful I am from I felt compelled to write my own and I am very pleased that I did, it is quite a cathartic process and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Yesterday I sadly cleaned, oiled and packaged up a dear old friend .... she has been so very good to me! We have spent many a long hour together. She has served me well! Good bye my sweet 440 :( ....
And hello 820!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Woooo Hooooo ... this has to make the transition to 40 a whole lot easier!!! She has only just made it outside the box as all the usual Sunday night rituals had to be attended to first ... but you can be sure that it will be unlikely that I will get any sleep tonight!!!! For those of you in Melbourne I got her from the lovely Kate from Kate's Sewing Centre in Bundoora and did she do me a deal... well she actually did Mr Don't Look Now a deal but you know what I mean! She also gave me an unbeatable trade in for my 440 as well! So if anyone is interested in a 3yo well cared for and well loved 440 you will find one on her shelves today.
So other than this pretty amazing machine what did I else did I get for my birthday ...
From my dear friend Lisa I got this beautiful package ....
Thanks Lisa you are so sweet to have thought of me! I am sad that you live so far away!
I bought myself a copy of Photoshop Elements after getting quite excited by this post which lead me to this post ... . I may never actually work out how to use it ... or more to the point I may never actually get the time to work out how to use it, but I would like to!
I was also pretty excited to find out that my circles quilt will be displayed on the Living Creatively stand at the Stitches & Craft Show here in Melbourne later in the month ...
I've called the quilt Circue des Cercles which is French for Circus of Circles.
My quilt that I have been working on for the past few weeks finally made it's trip to Sydney & you will hopefully get to see it in August this Year. I called it Love Birdsand it is eventually going to belong to my Jessica. It will be her 7th Birthday present ... sadly she wont actually get to snuggle in it on her birthday but hopefully she wont mind too much.
We are very lucky here in Melbourne to play host to the Australiasn Quilt Convention which started on Thursday and finished up yesterday. I made the trip in on Thursday and had a great day visiting all the stands and checking out all of the quilts. I was pretty excited by what I found on the Homespun / Quilters Companion stand ....
I don't think that I am meant to actually show you all yet ... but honestly that little bit of a quilt that you can see there is my quilt!!!! You will get to see the whole thing next month in the April edition of Homespun!
I was meant to meet this girlat the convention but forgot to write down which stand she was going to be on so I just wandered around all day madly reading eveyone's name badges like some weird stalker. Next time Jan!
But guess who I did get to meet last night ....... the Peppermint Patcher herself ... oh and her Pete! It was lovely to meet you Tracey and I'm looking forward to our trip to the my fabric mecca tomorrow!
I also got to meet some other lovely ladies including Claire, Lisa, Fairlie& some other lovely ladies who I will link to in my next post (I was hoping that someone else would have already done the links so that I could have stolen them ... dam it!!!). Anyway it was a lovely evening even if Mr Don't Look Now did stretch my tolerance levels when it comes to innovative parking!!!! (long story)
Before I go I will leave you all with a couple more pretty gorgeous versions of my designs. Firstly, Norma from Petit Debutant has made one of the Flower Garden pillows & Jen from Quilting Sisters made a pretty lovely quilt using the applique design from the Art Smocks.
There are so many more things that I wanted to share but I really need to get back to my new machine!! And a new project ... plus a couple of old ones that need finishing (Sue this week I promise!!!!) ...
Have a great week!
Kellie
What a great way to celebrate the 40's a brand new machine. Looking at my Aussie clock I'm guessing you'll be burning the midnight oil. Congratulations on your stunning circle quilt being displayed at the Stitches and Craft show, and oh my gosh how exciting another quilt in an extremely popular quilt magazine. You must be on cloud nine....
Posted by: Linda | March 02, 2009 at 02:34 AM
Wooohooo! Still using my 21st birthday present machine (lots of years ago - clue: as old as you +4!) I also have a lovely new machine... but I still love my old one! Here's to many more happy years of sewing ;0) Congratulations on being a world force in quilting. Try to imagine your children's I am from... A mum to be proud of!
Posted by: jill | March 02, 2009 at 02:47 AM
I don't know what link I followed to get here, but I'm glad I did! Love your blog, love your quilts... thanks for shareing with me
Beth/Dallas
Posted by: Beth | March 02, 2009 at 03:10 AM
Finally we get to see the entire quilt, it's beautiful!
Happy sewing on your new machine :)
Posted by: Ilse | March 02, 2009 at 03:27 AM
Hey girl what a fabulous post! So much fun stuff to see and read about. Congrats on your new Bernina friend! So exciting. Have fun! ooxx`jodi
Posted by: Jodi | March 02, 2009 at 03:44 AM
Your circles quilt is stunning Kellie - brilliant work! So glad you got that new beauty for your birthday - I just know you and she/he (does it have a name yet?!) will produce some fantastic work together. Take care. x
Posted by: Kitty | March 02, 2009 at 03:49 AM
Wow what a great present! And a busy week you have had! Thanks for linking to me! Enjoy your new toy. I too have a new toy to play with, I just need to find the time to post about it!
Posted by: Norma | March 02, 2009 at 06:13 AM
I am so happpy for you! What a wonderful gift from your Hubby. You are one talented lady. Congratulations on all your accomplishments. I can't wait to see your next quilt. Will you be coming to Spring Quilt Market in the USA? I hope so.
Happy Stitches,
Melody
Posted by: Melody | March 02, 2009 at 06:56 AM
YOu sound so happy Kellie, glad you had a great time meeting everyone especially Tracey. Have fun at Amitie today! Loving your new machine - looking forward to catching up some time soon.
Posted by: Cathy | March 02, 2009 at 07:47 AM
Your circle quilt is fabulous! That machine looks amazing!
Posted by: Kate | March 02, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Your last post was fabulous very beautifully written and I can relate to some of it myself. Sometimes misfortunate and hard times help to form the people we are and develop a strong sense of empathy. I saw your quilt on the stand at AQC on Friday, looks gorgeous as they all do. Knew who it belonged to as soon as it saw it.
Posted by: Bernadette B | March 02, 2009 at 10:14 AM
I am so jealous Kellie, I had a play at AQC also. Sorry I missed you, maybe I didnt but as I dont know what you look like who knows? I love your circle quilt and did see your stunning quilt on the Homespun stand...go play and create more of your wonderful works, Helen
Posted by: Helen | March 02, 2009 at 11:25 AM
It was lovely meeting you on Saturday. And that circle quilt...?
Amazing.
Posted by: Frogdancer | March 02, 2009 at 12:10 PM
WooHoo Kellie!!! Congratulations on your new baby -- would you just look at that wide throat area??? You're going to be in heaven quilting with that! That Circle quilt is spectacular -- why, oh why, can't you live closer??? Love Love LOVE your adorable patch on Jessica's quilt -- You're SOOOOO Talented -- You ROCK!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | March 02, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Belated Happy Birthday Kellie! - I just read your I am Me post - and I have tears welling up in my eyes. But life is what we make it and I am glad that we are all masters of our own destiny and can make improvements and teach others how to reach for the stars. Don't spend too many sleepless nights playing with your new toy!
Posted by: Tania - Jet Designs | March 02, 2009 at 02:01 PM
I saw your quilt at the Homespun stand and said to the ladie there"thats one of Kellies Quilts isnt it" I knew it straight away! Well done on all your achievements! (sorry shocking speller)
Posted by: Leah | March 02, 2009 at 02:21 PM
My sister and my mum went to the Quilters show. I havent heard yet how much they enjoyed it. I am hoping to go to the Stitches and Craft show later on. Your circle quilt looks exquisite. I can just imagine that you wont have any sleep now since you got your wonderful new birthday present too, lots of sewing hours for you.
Posted by: sue | March 02, 2009 at 02:40 PM
Happy Birthday, Kellie!and what a super gift from Mr DLK.
I love the circles quilt and am in awe of your eye for colour and design.
I'm curious- did you sketch it out on paper first, or do you just sit down with scissors and stash and 'go for it' in an Edward Scissor Hands type genius blur? I would love to read a post about the process that leads to your creations- how you get from the blank white background to the fantastic finished product? Susan
Posted by: Susan | March 02, 2009 at 03:47 PM
i just love everything from the beautiful quilt to the cute little thank you card! your so inspiring! thank you!!!
Posted by: Julie Isa | March 02, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Kellie,
Wohoo does not do it justice. O.M.G what a thing of beauty. Lucky you. Your quilt circle of cirles is stunning as is all of your work. Ev erything always looks so wonderfully fresh and clean.(sounds strange I know but you know what I mean-its the white touch)
Posted by: Deb | March 02, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Your circles quilt is SOOO GREAT
Bye Manuela
Posted by: Manuela | March 02, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Kellie, I saw your quilt in all its glory on the stand and it is truly breathtaking. I chatted to people about it all day and the truth is that you and your work are universally LOVED by everyone. I can't wait to see your quilt at stitches....please stop and say Hi .
Posted by: Jodie | March 02, 2009 at 08:22 PM
I was at the quilt show on the weekend and saw your quilt at the Homespun stand. It is so much more beautiful in person. The quilting is exquisite.
The new circles quilt is amazing too.
You have a great week too.
In awe!
Andi :-)
Posted by: andi | March 02, 2009 at 08:23 PM
What an awesome looking machine! I can't wait to see your quilt in the next homespun magazine - from the sneak peek it looks gorgeous!
Posted by: Renee | March 02, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Thanks again for such a lovely day today. I don't want to go to work tomorrow so that I can stay home and play with all of my new fabrics...
Posted by: tracey petersen | March 02, 2009 at 09:25 PM
I saw your quilt at AQC over the weekend, and it is beautiful! I'll be picking up that magazine as soon as its out, thats for sure.
Posted by: Kate | March 02, 2009 at 09:50 PM
Everytime I go and see your blog I am impressed by what you do! Your quilts are soooo beautiful, I just love the colours you use and your patterns are so nice! I wish I could do machine appliqué like you.
Thank you for the inspiration!
Posted by: Sylvie | March 02, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Kellie,
Much time was spent admiring your magnificent quilt at the Exhibition Buildings on Sunday - it is truly magnificent as is your Circus of Circles - am so disappointed we will be interstate during the Stiches and Craft Show so I cannot see it in the flesh!!
Once again you have thrilled us all with your work and will no doubt continue to do so, especially with your new machine!!!
Christine
Posted by: Christine Miller-McKinley | March 02, 2009 at 11:41 PM
I just love your cirque de circles, it is absolutely gorgeous. I wish you could show us more of the love birds quilt. I am sure your daughter will love it.
Posted by: Jackie | March 03, 2009 at 12:16 AM
Let's just say that THAT machine would make transition into the 80's easier.
I continue to admire your work. I'm glad your that new machine will make it easier.
Posted by: Mary | March 03, 2009 at 02:34 PM
This post has all the links Kellie...
http://stompergirl.blogspot.com/2009/03/visitors.html
Lovely to meet you and your husband the other night. Caroline
Posted by: Stomper Girl | March 03, 2009 at 06:07 PM
Glad you were spoilt on your birthday Kellie! Your new machine looks fabulous - looks like it has all the bells and whistles - I am sure you are having lots of fun with it! Love your Circle Quilt - so bright and happy. Looking forward to seeing your latest projects in upcoming issues of Homespun.
Posted by: Lisa | March 03, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Ah, the end of an era. So bittersweet.
The "friend" embroidery hoop gift you received is wonderful.
Posted by: Holly | March 04, 2009 at 08:27 AM
I've tagged you for a meme. Just letting you know...
(I nearly bought a new machine today. I went to Amitie and asked them which machines they'd recommend. Of course, the shop I went to at Southland sold every other brand under the sun except the one I was looking for...)
Posted by: Frogdancer | March 04, 2009 at 03:54 PM
I saw your quilt! I went down for the whole 4 day convention and attended lots of classes and I am so jealous that you got one of those fabulous machines! I paid my $10 dollars to make the bag so I could get to play around with it.
And I have to admit, every time I wondered down from the classes to do some shopping I always walked passed the Homespun stand hoping I would catch a glimpse of you. It sounds a little silly but once I saw your quilt there I knew you would have to be attending some time! I know it was a little stalkerish but I am back in Brisbane so there is nothing to worry about now :)
Posted by: Melanie | March 04, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Another beautiful quilt - congratulations!
Posted by: Amelia | March 04, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Wow, you have such a beautiful blog filled with so many gorgeous projects! I'm inspired to make a doll quilt for my DQSwap partner using some of the flowers, butterflies and birds you make on your pillows and quilts. They are really cute!
Thanks for the inspiration, I'll let you know how it turns out!
~Jessica
Posted by: jessica | March 05, 2009 at 01:24 AM
Kellie, you live such a busy life, I am amazed you have any time to blog at all!
Lovely new machine, but you surely deserve it.xx
Posted by: meggie | March 05, 2009 at 01:03 PM
I just have to tell you that I LOVE your work and thank you for your inspiration.
I used the pillow tutorial and applied it to a quilt I am making for my niece for her first bday. I put a picture up in my blog of where it is at now. I actually pieced the rest of the top together last night. I am just wondering wether to blanket stitch the applique or be brave and quilt around the pieced once it's all together??
Thanks again,
Jill : )
Posted by: Jillian | March 05, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Wow kellie, what a machine! I hope you two are very happy together. What a husband as well!
Love the circles quilt by the way, it is stunning.
Kim xx
Posted by: Kim McBirnie | March 08, 2009 at 06:53 PM
Oh my Stars you are talented! I have featured you today on Today's Creative Blog. Please email me for your featured button code that all featured bloggers receive.
[email protected]
Posted by: kim~todays creative blog | March 10, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Just had to come and have a look at your blog after reading about it on Todays Creative. I love all the beautiful colours you use in your creations. I am not a sewer myself more into beading but after looking at all your work it makes me want to try it out. Shame there is only 24 hours in a day. Looking forward to reading more. Thanks
Emma :-)
Posted by: Emma Copley | March 10, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Came over from Today's Creative Blog and you truly are creative and talented...wow!
sandy toe
Posted by: sandy toe | March 10, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Found you over at Today's Creative Blog, and you are one talented lady!! Love your beautiful quilts and pillows!!!
Posted by: Kara | March 10, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Saw your site on TCB. Your quilts are AMAZING!
Posted by: Jaime | March 10, 2009 at 11:14 AM
your work is beautiful!
Posted by: patty | March 10, 2009 at 11:31 AM
I found your site on Today's Creative blog... it is beautiful! Your work is stunning and thank you so very much for sharing your talent!
Posted by: Hilary | March 10, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Just found your blog featured on Todays Creative Blog and all I can say is WOW! It may be my new favorite! Your quilting is amazing and what fun designs. I am such a fan of bright colors too. Thanks for sharing your work and inspiring all of us new quilters!
Alyson from Minneapolis, MN, USA
Posted by: Alyson | March 10, 2009 at 12:02 PM
This is AMAZING!!!! I love the circle quilt!
Posted by: vanessa | March 10, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Just letting you know that I finished my quilt that was inspired by your pillow tutorial. Check it out when you get a chance. Thanks again.
I LOVE your work!!
Jill : )
Posted by: Jillian | March 12, 2009 at 07:44 AM