Aussies! Oi!

Great Australians.  Just love 'em.  Where would we be without our well loved marsupials and trees which shed bark instead of leaves?  Without quilting inspiration of course!

And... the clothesline (Hills Hoist) was the perfect place to hang my Aussies! quilt from, with gum tree trunk and dry summer grass in the background, as well as a Blundstone boot peeking out from the bottom of one of the photos.

Every year Chandler's Cottage organises an Australian themed exhibition which is held in the function rooms at the glorious Australian Gardens in Cranbourne.  The theme for the exhibition must be Australian, and I got as Australian as I could with my fabrics and patterns.  

The background and binding fabrics were from Leesa Chandlers designs/fabric range.
The green fabric for the two gum-nut and leaf appliques are from Reece Scannell.
The applique patterns are designs from Susan Matthews and were published in Australian Patchwork and Quilting Magazine in 1999.  Hmmm, 1999, last century.  Personally I am glad I have kept all of my old magazines, they are so full of ideas and inspiration!

This year, the Australian Exhibition just blew my mind.  It went over two levels and the variety in quilt types, knitted, felted, embroidered and beaded items was sensational.  It was fun, quirky and awe inspiring.

I feel very proud to have taken part in such a fun event.  I am already looking forward to next year.