FROM MY STUDIO

The year 2009 is ticking past rapidly, although the beginning has been tinged with the sadness of the Victorian ‘Black Saturday’ bush fires in February. Australia is certainly a country of extremes with floods in north Queensland and extreme heat and devastating fire in southern Victoria during that month. It constantly amazes me how the human spirit comes back brighter than ever whenever people are touched by disaster, whether a physical illness or crushing acts of nature.

It is at such times of stress that our spirit can be renewed through the pastime of sewing, quilting and embroidery. We have heard of such experiences in past issues of CE and trust that this issue is no exception and that it will bring hope and joy to all, especially those whose spirits need a little lift or who need to be re-motivated.

It is amazing how therapeutic our chosen craft can be, bringing not only joy to those who delight in the creating and making of an item but the happiness it brings to those who see or receive it.

This issue is packed ‘to the rafters’ with projects, ideas and inspiration starting with the first part of Robyn’s Renaissance quilt, a great quilt for beginners with a really easy way to learn embroidery placement or to take advantage of the new large embroidery hoops available. I finally designed a baby quilt, the first ‘baby’ item I have thought about in years as my ‘baby’ Sam turned 30 at the end of April. Robbie followed my vague sketch and created the delightful Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail crib or cot cover and matching pillow sham. And of course, being a proud ‘noo noo’ (nana) I wanted to share pictures of my two new grandsons Harvey and Cooper-Jay just to show off to CE readers! I know you will all allow me this little bit of bragging, and to celebrate their births we are giving away the FREE design for the innovative ‘bunny-tails’.

To go with the baby theme we have a whimsical beaded butterfly mobile to catch the sun in the nursery or to hang in the garden. Speaking of outdoors, Christine and the girls from Melann’s share a captivating picnic set: bottle bag, tablecloth, napkins and casserole holder for those lazy fall/ spring brunches in the sunshine.

We introduce you to Enid Webb who showcases custom-made hankies which are quick, easy and functional, looking beautiful as well as teaching great techniques. With quick and easy in mind we also have some stunning butterfly necklaces that take no time to make, along with Susan’s sensational handbag doorstoppers from Melann’s.

Judy Green and Enid show off some breathtaking tablecloth techniques and Michelle Griffith delights us with a miniature quilt, giving directions for embroidery using all hoop sizes. We get the first sneak peak at Lizzy Allen’s Bernina Challenge quilt and Kim Bradley enchants us with her Floral Confetti throw. Just perfect for those in-between months, Bernadette comes up with a transitional boiled wool embellished wrap, and our Sewing Legend Wanda Roszak from Holland proves again that we truly are an international magazine.

For those of us in Australia, it is great to see Sewco and Caboolture Sewing Centre combining their drive and initiative to present the first Machine Embroidery and Quilting Conference to be held in Australia. It will be held on 13 and 14 June in Brisbane and Simon and I would love to see you there ‘up close and personal’ as we have been invited to be guest artists. For more information contact Leslie by email: sewingconference@bigpond.com

Speaking of upcoming events, go to page 17 for information on my

Academy of Accredited Tutors

to be held in August this year in the US. After many requests I will again be presenting this comprehensive licensing with a week of educational training and fun, which will equip each student to teach exclusive classes with confidence and pizzazz!

Also we would be remiss if I did not lastly draw your attention to our Light up a Life Challenge USA® in support of something that has touched each of us in some way – breast cancer survivors. Turn to page 66 to enter this challenge, as well as viewing a wonderful concept to beat the recession with ideas to give new life to a much-loved jacket, hat, shoes, or blouse lurking in your closet.

We know that this issue of CE is not only candy for the eye filled with glorious photography of inspiriting projects and ideas that are perfect for every ‘designing woman’. With this in mind I would like to leave you with the thought:

Design the life you love and celebrate your joy!