Chance Encounters.........

By chance in 1978 in London I met the renowned child psychiatrist, Dr Anna Freud who is the daughter of Sigmund Freud, the famous founder of psychoanalysis.

Again by chance, but this time in 2011 in Maitland (Australia), I had another connection with Anna when browsing through a book I came upon the following quote which resonated with me and is attributed to Anna:

“I was always looking outside myself for strength & confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time!”  Anna Freud

Over the years I have recalled that day in 1978 and always remember Anna sitting peacefully in a chair, lovingly supporting her sister. Anna died in 1982 at the age of 87.

In 1978 I was a young nurse enjoying the Aussie tradition of a “working holiday” in the UK. I was a private nurse (caring for people in their own home) and Anna Freud’s sister was one of my clients.

In 2011 I am a recent retiree enjoying free time............ time to roam, to enjoy coffee with friends, browse through shops and take the long way home!

India, spice markets in Jaipur - another of life's great adventures!

India again!

Isn't it interesting where life's journey can take us? Until the next post, K..............

Traditional Quilting this time...............

Back again........ I want to add to yesterday’s post with a story about traditional quilting & creative textiles..... Each week I join a group of “stitchers” at Southern Cross Needlework in East Maitland. Owned by Rhonda Eddy, the shop is located in a lovely heritage building which in itself provides inspiration. The talented "Wednesday" ladies are stitching a range of traditional quilting and embroidery projects. Ruth has embroidered and hand pieced her interpretation of the Victorian Post Card Quilt. She has made this beautiful quilt for her granddaughter, who I'm sure you will agree is one very lucky little girl!

The completed Victorian Post Card Quilt

One of the cute hand embroidered blocks

Another block......................

Recently I visited the Mosman Markets in Sydney where I purchased a charming fabric wreath which I have hung on my Studio door. Isn’t bright yellow such a cheery & happy colour????

As I mentioned yesterday the diversity of textile arts & crafts is an ongoing inspiration!!

I've just about completed a lovely quilt top - so hope to have that to share next time. Until the next post, K .....

Exploring Creative Textiles......

The variety and diversity of textile arts & crafts continues to inspire me. Last week I took a step away from traditional quilting to explore art quilting when I attended a 2 day workshop with the very creative & talented Lorraine Parker.  Lorraine practices a range of creative textile work and is a very experienced tutor, I recommend a visit to her website Creative Textiles

The workshop was titled “Paint & Free Surface Play”. We began with a blank canvas of white fabric on which we painted our own background colours providing us a wonderful canvas on which to express our ideas with fabric, yarns, threads and any other medium of our choosing. Lorraine shared her skills generously, guided and inspired us as we let the background colours "speak to us". This is Lorraine's beautifully embellished quilt.


Lorraine's completed quilt - our inspiration!



Lorraine encouraged us to approach our design with a free spirit & let the quilt to speak to us as we embellished with a variety of soft fabrics, yarns and delicious threads. She further inspired us by doing a bit of machine work on our individual quilts........... 

Of course in the time available we couldn't finish our projects. While our quilts are still in the early stages of design, what amazing creative possibilities await us as...............

I’ll let the photos tell their own story of emerging art quilts:

Suzanne's quilt




Caroline's quilt




My interpretation




Trish's interpretation

It was a wonderful workshop meeting new people, sharing skills and knowledge as well as pieces from precious fabric & yarn stashes.......... All this colour & creativity is good for the soul!!

May creative energy be with you! Until the next post, K ................