Making a Medallion using Flea Market Fancy

I've been playing with these blocks for ages and really not liking them very much but now that I am on school holidays, I have had a bit more time to think and play. The Flea Market Fancy quilt blocks have been joint together to be the centre of a medallion quilt.

A couple of borders were added

 Flying ducks were prepared

Added,

With another border too.

I'm liking the look of this a whole lot more now and the next few rows of blocks are nearly ready to join.

I just love holidays!

A Few Nights in the Country

Last weekend I went with my husband to see Bruce Springsteen in Hanging Rock.

Brilliant!

It was his last Australian Concert. We were bundled up outside. Although it was a very chilly evening I didn't feel a thing as he performed for nearly three and a half hours.

The next day dawned crisp and clear with the promise of a warm day ahead. We explored the countryside, visiting Kyneton, Gisbourne, Trentham and Macedon and ended up in Hanging Rock which we climbed (slowly) to enjoy the glorious views.

You can just see the stage in between the 2 trees.

The stores that were open had all sorts of antiques and art.

Loved this metal screen I spotted in one of the gallery's gardens.

One of the best things I saw and had to be really quick to snap was a building in the city.

We were on our way home, just entering town when I spied this building. No idea what it is called or what it is for.

Do you think the designer is a quilter in their spare time?

More Photos from Abroad Because I've done Nothing!

I have been very lazy with my blog, opting to read a bit here and there but really not entering my other world of stitching lately. It has all been a bit too frantic in the real world to be able to escape.

While I was abroad, I was constantly overwhelmed by the incredible talent Indian people have with textiles so I thought I would put up a few photos of what I was seeing all around me.

 I eventually chose 3 pieces from here but it was so, so hard and now that I am home I want more!

I did not know what to do when the owner emptied out this bag of treasures for me to look at. Each piece had been originally part of someone's clothing. How could anyone part with something that has taken so many hours to make?

Lots of places sold beautifully woven floor rugs

 Huge patchworks of mini embroidered pieces were hanging everywhere. These things represented years of work and here they were at prices that belied their worth.

 Each design was unique and magical on its own

 I just had to take a photo of this bedspread. I had seen something similar on Pinterest and was enchanted by the design. Well this quilt is actually one piece of fabric. The design is painted on and then there is some hand quilting all around. Fooled me but it looks great.

Lots of gold, mirrors and shiny stuff adorn some of these pieces.

There was a never ending parade of colour and talent.

I haven't even touched upon the mosaics and paintings in the palaces and forts.

You just have to go there!

How do I begin?

How does one begin to describe nearly four weeks in India?

Surprising

Beautiful

 Fascinating

Ancient

Fresh

Intricate

Industrious

Hilarious

Captivating

Spicy

Mystical

Magical

Colourful

Impressive

Travels Abroad

Living in Australia means that when you go overseas, it really means traveling far away from home. My son has been taking a gap year in Israel, living on a kibbutz and doing charity work teaching underprivileged kids. My husband and I decided to visit him and were absolutely amazed by what this tiny country has achieved in the short years of its existence.

First of all, what struck us was the vibrancy and energy of the people and cities. The place totally buzzes all day and night. People are out and places are open to all hours so there is always somewhere to go and something to do.

The whole country is steeped in ancient history.

Roaming the old city of Jerusalem was like finding yourself in a maze.

It was fascinating and exciting to weave our way through the tiny stone paved streets.

Free tours are the go, taking you to all the different quarters of the old city in Jerusalem.

Of course there were wonderful mosaics and tiled floors to be inspired by.

 These three coming from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. 

Wonderful doorways in the artist's quarters,

 Ancient suburbs in Tel Aviv, that are being restored and brought to life with designer boutiques and lively restaurants.

Arab spice shops in Akko, a town steeped in history and filled with ancient ruins.

Fresh food markets to die for!

And a rather thriving street art culture where grafitti is rather appreciated.

 Cats prowl everywhere.

Apparently they were brought in to get rid of all the mice.

Although the cats are ferral they are incredibly gentle and everyone seems to take care of them and appreciate their being all over the place. Not a mouse was to be seen.

When I mentioned that our cats have to be locked up in our homes at night they were horrified and wanted to know what we did with all our rats!

Most of the country gets to enjoy a glorious sunset every night.

 Any yes, I did buy some jewelry by Ayala Bar although not this particular piece.

My husband was very, very patient.