AQC Surprise

Simon organised a family weekend in Melbourne as my Christmas present. I didn't realise until 2 days before we went that it was the weekend of the Australasian Quilt Convention! I managed an afternoon there to admire the quilts and do a little shopping - it would have been even better to have been able to join some of the classes, maybe another year.

I'd only been there a short while when someone asked if I was Emma? When I said "Yes!" she said, "I read your blog." I was flabergasted! It tuns out it was Sandi! We had a lovely chat before I had to continue on my rounds to see everything in a short amount of time.

I spent a while at the Pfaff stall and chose my new machine; a Quilt Expression 4.0. Then I came across Helen Godden demonstrating the fab-u-motion, which I've added to my shopping list after a chat with her! It helps glide the quilt around for FMQing, and it seems it's also available with a stitch-regulator, which I'll investigate at my local dealer later this week when I collect my mahcine from its service (I thought being away for a few days was a good time for an overdue service!).

I forgot to take photos at first, but here is a selection of quilts which inspired and delighted:

Detail of gorgeous quilting and fabric painting (I'd love to take an Esther Aliu stencilling class sometime)

A detail (above) of the quilt below, 2 double-page spreads of a fairy-tale book, stunning in it's intraicate detail.

Well, it's frogs....

Loved the colours in this next one, apart from anything else!

Detail of fireworks (rotated by blogger), I want to come up with my own way to use this idea:

Great use of autumnal prints: