Serging Queen

May 2011

2011-05-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

I have recovered from the 'fall' and the shoulder is still giving me twinges periodically. Perhaps just getting older?
I am having trouble on my website with contacting me...try directly at
annevanderkley@optusnet.com.au

Sorry for the inconvenience

Stash busting

2011-01-15T17:07:00.001-08:00

I have been busy creating chaos in my house, as I pull out an overwhelming embarrassment of riches, tidying up so that I can start with at least getting rid of any duplicates of 'stuff'

We have polished wooden floors, wonderful for cleaning up after a creative session.

Busily cutting circles of fabric STR (surplus to requirements) for re-purposing as Suffolk Puffs, I dropped and slipped on one piece, upended boxes of already tidy-as-I-went threads,stablisers,beads, ribbons, braids etc., etc.,...you name it, I sent it flying! Of course I hadn't put the lids back on the plastic tubs as I was going to catalogue the goodies. And I don't know whether at my age I have fallen over or reached that dubious place of having 'had a fall'

Severely wrenched my shoulder and a back muscle, in pain +++ now for 2 days. Giving analgesics and anti-inflammatories a work out also.

The 'tidy up' is still all over the place, worse than ever as my hubby made our dining area (using the table no less) safe by clearing everything to one side on pain of death that he throw anything out yet!

I am almost back to being able to laugh about it, mingled with trickles of tears of pain if I laugh too hard(!!)...my computer chair is the most comfortable seat I can manage for any length of time.

I am going to have a sale of 'embarrassingly excess to requirements" (or should that be painfully in excess) at home in the next month or so, with some of the funds to go to our flood stricken fellow Aussies

Festive Season

2010-12-14T18:31:00.000-08:00

Doesn't the year just gallop at this time (and has the horse bolted?)
We are having Christmas breakfast with our daughter and her partner...she has taken the reigns this year (keeping to the equine flavour of the post) and then we are home alone!
Our son is in China still studying post grad, but now looking for work in Shanghai. The outlaws are all involved with their immediate offspring and the upspring (my MIL) is going interstate.
I plan to sit down for a long read, some snoozing, and having a languid day overall.
This and the next week are consumed with 'must catch up before Xmas' events. Why, oh why don't we spread the cheer a little further over the year before I start my bah humbug feeling?
For all those celebrating whatever...enjoy the moment. And from me and mine to you and yours, have a good and safe time. And share a happy thought with me and those around you.

2 in a day?

2010-12-02T17:28:00.000-08:00

No, just me accidentally hitting the wrong button!

December

2010-12-02T17:24:00.000-08:00

Yes I have been off the airwaves for entirely personal reasons. Think I am on top of most of it now.
Just where has this year gone?

Off'n'on

2010-08-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

Have been backwards and forwards from the old to the new computer.
Because I went to Windows 7 and 64 bit encryption for my new CS5 software, I have been updating drivers and lots of stuff (!!!) that I really did not want to have to play around with...what price progress?
I will say I love my new large monitor; I can survive without specs when I need to.And watching movies (sewing related of course) is fantastic.
Now I just have to work out what I have done to my font on the blog............mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

3 days in a row!!

2010-08-17T00:08:00.000-07:00

Well, my endeavours to date are starting to pay off with the new computer. I'm not welded to the seat yet, and have successfully transferred much of my data from the laptop...that's success in my language!

Can't work out iTunes yet....you know how Apples like Apples and not PCs: can still play what I have on my iPhone...do I really want to have another interface?????
In between, am creating a magazine project for next year.
I think some people are truly surprised when they realize just how far out you work to publishing deadlines and schedules. It is always a bit weird working in woolen fabrics in the middle of summer for a winter project.
Anyway, back to the other demand of the day

Sucker for punishment!

2010-08-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

Bear with me for a few days while I work out which end is up--me or the computer!

Re-installing programmes has its moments ( as well as those things I should not say out loud). My Internet security is telling me it's on-no it's not-yes it is....get the drift? And it won't work with the browser I had, so more time spent on that particular time wasting exercise.

Why do I do it????????????????????????

Updating my Blogging Skills

2010-08-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Playing with the new computer ...

Challenges of one kind and another

2010-08-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Am backing up all my computer files at the moment before I have a new one installed. Am going back to a desk top with 2 monitors this time so that I can get up and racing in new software and drawing programmes, in preparation for more professional eBooks.

What a challenge!!!!!!!!!!! Cleaning up my current workspace has unearthed some now vintage software: did I really buy Encyclopaedia Britannica on disc? And boxes of floppy discs and an external disc drive.

I won't admit to some of the other stuff I have! I was looking at just what pre dated Google and how astonishingly far we have come technologically in such a short time.

If I am unavailable or eBooks are ordered, bear with me until I work out what's what.

URGHHHHHHHHH...why do I do it to myself?

The domino effect

2010-08-10T00:52:00.000-07:00

I have had my own annus horribulus this year, with some of the older members of the family deciding to exit to another (hopefully better) place and working on some relationships and family things. YUK, YUK, YUK!

Then the flu...down for 7 days in bed, up too soon of course and then a second round of recovery.

2 uncles interstate in the last 2 weeks! Always a chance to catch up with extended family but more sadly, I am sure I have seen some of the oldies for the last time. I am usually a glass half full person, but the glass has been pretty empty recently!

However, I am back working again, doing some of those things that were on my agenda "some" time ago. Moving forward again.

Travel with me

2010-01-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

Have been marking time this week, getting lots of goodies ready for my teaching stint in Victoria (Aus) in February. I have 8 out of 9 days in a row in and around Hall's Gap. Check it out (Where's Anne and click on the link) as I think there are still a few spots left in some classes.
Am looking forward to my meandering drive south, via some of my favourite places...the organic licorice/chocolate factory (Green Grove) in Junee, staying and playing with a friend in Wagga Wagga, organic bakery in Uranquinty, lunch with my cousin in Talgarno, via Wangaratta and wineries/cheeseries/olive groves, overnighting somewhere rural, always fun in those small country towns and then meandering down to the Grampians and Hall's Gap.
Check out Google maps if you want to have a metaphoric journey with me. Yes, I know it's 3 weeks off, but I really love going bush.
Am back to my packing and preparing goodies...a ton of work, believe me! But worth the time investment for the outcomes.

Little bugs

2010-01-22T16:20:00.001-08:00

When I had 330 emails in my spam folder (from the same Viagra seller!) the other day, I decided blogging and working at the computer was not a great option! I suspect it was my fault, going to reply to what I thought was a known address...who knows? I keep saying if it was a sewing machine or overlocker I could sort it.
My computer has been sick with a virus and has had computer medication but I think it still has a malingering bug.
Some emails addressed to me at anne@annevanderkley.com are reading as gibberish, so if you have signed up to my newsletter I might not have picked up the email. In that instance, try emailing me at annevanderkley@optusnet.com.au
Will have to talk to my computer gurus again about this...but I tried to make my deadline for blogging!!

New Year

2010-01-11T18:50:00.000-08:00

First and belatedly foremost, a Happy New Year to you all.
Is it really January 12th already?
I never make resolutions, because when I used to, I did as I do in life & try to do too much, disappointing everyone but namely myself.
So, the infrequent blogger is going to try and blog a couple of times a week (is that safe??).
I have had the pleasure of seeing my friend Judith from the US for a short time while she was in NSW...she is a tireless traveller with an energy that puts me to shame. We met over sewing machines in Naples, Florida, a stunning part of the world. Judith is now accomplishing fantastic work with beading and Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and is inspiring me a little too much already....do I have time to take on another pursuit?
Sadly, the Downunder from Upover trip will not happen this year. Let's blame the gods of too busy rather than the economy so we all feel OK about it.
And I was going to visit some of my favourite but unknown places....ahh, another day.
So blog #1 is done.One achievement at least!

Heating Up

2009-11-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

Back from Adelaide on Monday evening...I love the smaller shows, a real intimacy about them that just does not happen at the larger shows.
Of course, Adelaide decided to heat up just in time for the fair and is getting increasingly hot this week just as I return to Sydney and wait for the heat to catch up with me here!
I caught up with some family I had not seen or spent that much time with in years: my 83 year old aunt told me stories about the family that had me in tears of laughter and really lightened up a heavy year.
Am getting back to work slowly with a few magazine articles on the horizon as well as being the cover girl for the current issue of Machine Embroidery and Textile Art (Vol 16, #4) with an ultra-fine wool made into a ruana and 3D leaves as well as painted leaves. Thoroughly enjoyed making this one! Titled Wrapt in Oz

Here today, gone tomorrow

2009-11-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, the willow-the-wisp is back after being missing in action most of October, consumed with finishing up estates and all the other things that must be attended as the family baton is being passed to the next generation. It is quite a consideration being in the 'frontline' now.
I have been also involved at a committee level (shades of last man standing syndrome) with ATASDA, the fantastic textile group I belong to
www.atasda.org.au
and am off to Adelaide tomorrow as part of the ATASDA team promoting textiles at the Exotica exhibition. Hence the title of this blog. Come and say 'hello' if you are going to be at the Adelaide showgrounds over the duration of the show (Thurs-Sun).
After all that, at it with a vengeance when I return to Sydney next week.
I am staying with my lovely old aunt...I don't think she has either a computer or the internet, so I will be missing in action for a little while yet.

Quiet Time

2009-10-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Have been off the blogwaves since last week. My FIL passed away last Thursday so we have been out of the loop and under the radar for a few days

Not hiding, working!

2009-09-29T23:06:00.000-07:00

Got back to Sydney and did the usual, took a week to get over my PHD (post holiday depression!). A friend of mine and I both agree, the highs of the holiday are never the same for the folks at home... Coupled with my FIL's condition, the joy of our holiday is hard going at the moment...it takes a while to get back into the swing of everything once more and then a 21st on top of that.
We had a fabulous night at Emad's, a Lebanese restaurant in Sydney with family and friends. Plain good fun!
Now sort of/kind of trying to get everything done a little bit at a time each day with all the extra travel we are doing between sick beds and home. Bear with me once more for the next little while please.

Beijing

2009-09-23T15:12:00.001-07:00

Back in Beijing by ourselves was good, but we really missed both our son's company and his communication skills. We did manage to navigate our way on the underground, back to the silk/pearl markets for a final shopping fling.
Have been quiet...my FIL has gone into a hospice and will probably not return home. We are doing quite some running around and looking after my MIL at the moment. Yes, it's THAT sort of year

Inner Mongolia...still

2009-09-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

We ate at a Chinese 'chain' for lunch (3pm mind you) and I admired our very young waitresses hair band: it was immediately taken off her head and presented to me! Our son has written to the restaurant group thanking her for her kindness...all employees have a staff number, a truly good idea. And the food we had was spectacular once more....wish we had chain food as good as this in my hometown. My China trip sounds like an adventure for foodaholics and I truly think it could be such a trip for serious foodies.
Big siesta and very late dinner finished our last full day in Inner Mongolia.
Before we flew out we went to an ancient temple and then an amazing modern arts museum/precinct. Hopefully the Chinese will not destroy all their history in the name of progress. Back to another amazingly modern airport: we were early for our flight and unlike anywhere else I have been, they readily changed our very cheap priced tickets for seats on the earlier flight!!!!!!
Very mixed feeling when we got back to Beijing and our son went back to TianJin and we caught our cab to the city for our last 2 days

Inner Mongolia

2009-09-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

There is something pleasing to say we ate Mongolian Hot Pot in (Inner)Mongolia! And it was sensational!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We arrived early afternoon, our hotel on the outer limits of downtown Hohhot. Our first (wrong) impression was that there was very little there. We were, however, the objects of amazing scrutiny. Being 'older' people travelling with our mid 20's son is an unusual family travelling dynamic, but the blatant stares were a little disconcerting initially. Our son explained that many Chinese from this part of the world would rarely have seen tourists from other countries, let alone a family such as ours. And the fact we were travelling independently too.
We went to the Grasslands the next day, about 150km from Hohhot but an eternity away from civilization and crowds. Discovered Yurtels, our word for the pre-fab rows of concrete yurts (with concrete floors and air conditioning units on the outside)...not the mental picture I had of the fold-up felted numbers I had seen in National Geographic as a kid. Not a cloud in the sky, we saw a 'show' of talented horse people and wrestling...interesting. The journey was outstanding, fantastic roads as we had experienced everywhere else in China.
That night a fabulous Inner Mongolian dinner where we were adopted by a group of Inner Mongolians who were just astounded we had travelled there and that our son was such a good Chinese speaker and good Chinese boy looking after his parents the way he did...another night of too much beer being bought for us as a tribute to our travels.
The next day, we travelled the other direction past coal mines and more working power stations than I ever thought possible! To the desert and sand dunes that just appear out of nowhere. Fantastic! The boys let loose and did a sand slide down a dune and then had to walk back up. We all went in a converted army car, "surfing" the dunes. No OH&S considerations here...old fashioned hold on by the skin of your teeth and keep your fingers crossed....the best part of the journey!
More next time

Party and Tianjin

2009-09-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Ahh, another child successfully off our hands and into adulthood: great party/meal at Emad's Lebanese restaurant in Cleveland street, Surry Hills (NSW). Spectacular chocolate cake from Chockers in Vaucluse courtesy of long time fabulous cake maker Briar Toose. Spectacularly unwell on Saturday and part of Sunday...too old for long night sessions now I think.
Meanwhile, back in China, we caught a fast train to the 4th largest city in China, Tianjin, a port/industrial/university town south of Beijing. These fast trains go from 6am until 11pm, leaving every 10 minutes...yes, every 10 minutes! And the cost? About 10.00 Aussie dollars...the Chinese realize that they can only grow the road system so far and are really rapidly developing their public transport system. And the more public transport they build, the cheaper it becomes...perhaps a lesson for all of us.
We just hung around and had a really laid back time in Tianjin...out to dinner with a whole lot of student's, our son's professor/private tutor, his mother...another spectacular fun filled evening, so cheap (12 people, too much food, yes, lots of beer) around 40.00 Aussie dollars for absolutely everything. The Prof says our son Dirk is the best student he has ever had...where did that lazy high school kid disappear too?
Next....Inner Mongolia

Saga of the Great Wall-Yin and Yang

2009-09-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

Our son arranged our tour of the Great Wall...we went via a jade shop and then to the wall...I did a little of it, enough to say I had been there and the boys climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed...you get the drift! Absolutely amazing and beautiful and admiration for the sheer physical feat of building it. Oh, all those toned legs from all those stairs!
Back to lunch at another jade shop...we told our guide/driver that we had not agreed to any shopping stops and had in fact already done 2.
Heated words,then we said that wherever he took us next, we would not go in and just get a taxi. He said he would drop us off then and there...AND HE DID!!!!!!!!!!!! On the road we were on, a major highway...but, I will say, at a bus stop. The 3 of us got out of the car in shock and amazement and just laughed. The people at the bus stop realized something untoward had just happened...our son of course had no issue...he reads and writes and speaks Mandarin fluently. However the young man he asked about which bus went to Beijing or the underground stunned us by paying our bus fare when we got on. He escorted us to our final train stop (which was only about 10 stops out of his way!!!!!!). What an amazing Yin and Yang experience!
Add to that, the best fun dinner that night at a very local place to our accommodation...no westerners venture into this restaurant as not one person spoke English or was there any part of the menu in anything other than Mandarin...stunning meal, lots of toasts to each other (beer is very cheap) and our entire meal cost the princely sum of about AUD $7.00.Will leave the missives for 2 days...off to Sydney to set up/prepare for our daughter's 21st dinner tonight

Reverence for the age-d

2009-09-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Our 2nd Beijing day was at the Summer Palace...being Aussies, we came in the 'other' way, climbed a squillion very tall and shallow steps (NOT designed for this short lady) and were greeted with a stunning panorama...worth all the whingeing on the stairs!
So many older Chinese were doing Tai Chi, others exercising in a very vigorous manner and, most impressively for me, part of a 'band' that was being conducted in an amazing building playng ansd singing traditional Chinese folk songs. All for the joy of it and keeping a fresh and invigorated brain as they age.
Back soon

More OIC

2009-09-07T00:49:00.000-07:00

Finally left the south...known as one of China's cauldrons with very good reason, and flew to Beijing to meet up wth our son.
We stayed in traditional 'suburb' of Beijing in a hutong in a non-tourist area of town. Local food and shops, walking distance to Tian An Men square...what a place. Big in all senses of the word...wide majestic streets and busy and bustling even at midnight.
Off to the Forbidden City our first day in Beijing...we didn't realize that 4 million people (or so it seemed) would be there at the same time!!!!!!!!!! Crowds, heat and crowds and heat...not my favourite combo at the best of times. Went walking to escape the crush, seemed my legs were walked off up to my knees that day. But the food.....I am ruined for Chinese food outside China now.
More tomorrow

O.I.C....Only in China

2009-09-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

Back last Thursday from China: have spent the last couple of days with family and ordinary things such as buying food! And planning and preparing for our daughter's 21st birthday celebrations.
China...WHAT a place. Our Mandarin speaking (reading/writing too) son Dirk made a potentially challenging country so simple for us. I cannot believe his skills and patience, translating back and forth for us and our Chinese acquaintances. And just how much fun we had as an unlikely family troupe (age-d parents/independent travellers)
First stop, Just my hubby and I on a boat cruise down the Yiangtze river. We flew to Beijing then directly to Chongqing (pronounced Chong Ching) to see the 3 gorges and dam project...how inspiring! The river is immense, the rate and scope of building astonishing and if anyone has doubts about China becoming the economic juggernaut of the world, just go there! Modern roads everywhere! And the scenery...powerful combo plus the fabulous people we met on board. Going through 4 of the 5 lochs is astounding too.
Will continue the China Saga over the next few days as I don't want to clog the arteries of the blog with too much too soon!

Jig Saw Year

2009-08-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

Well, the puzzle that is my year of 2009 continues. I had an unplanned trip to Canberra with ATASDA, www.atasda.org.au assisting them with their travelling display, then rapidly off to Melbourne and back, seeing family.
It was eerie as we went through the horrendously burnt areas of Kinglake, as we returned to Sydney via Yea: the last time we were through was 2 days after my mother's funeral and 2 days before the firestorm. We drove through fog with the burned, naked trees looking like a forest of ghosts. The countryside everywhere was beautiful, lush and green, perhaps telling a few fibs about just what is happening to the land at the moment.
We are off to China tomorrow evening to visit our Madarin speaking son who will be a perect tour guide. Perhaps a chance to relax and gather all the marbles I've dropped this year

Interstate Bound

2009-08-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

Am off to Canberra unexpectedly this Thursday through to Sunday at the Quilt and Craft Fair, helping out the shorthanded troops--flu ravaged-- on the ATASDA (Australian Textile Arts & Surface Design Association) display stand. Come along and say hello and catch up with me...bring hot chocolate or coffee for me if it's cold! Milk no sugar please.
After that off to Melbourne briefly to catch up with family and then back home to pack for 2 weeks in China with our son...am taking the computer to all places but China where I intend to catch up through Internet Cafes. And take lots of photos of textile related things for us all!

Still transferring data

2009-07-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

Taking my time to transfer old files and programmes to the new computer. And I have a new iPhone to learn at the same time. I was wondering why I did all this at the same time (got new equipment) and the tax man had a lot to do with it! Bought the package for tax benefits...but it also taxes my brain at the same time too! I believe all these challenges help stave off dementia though, so there is always an upside to techno-idiocy.
I have a new Great nephew...congrats Aarron and Peta for the beautiful Eamon Jack. My hubby and I are practicing at being Great Aunties and Uncles. So nice to have some cheery news and a new baby in the family! And the new phone already proved its worth when I received a photo as well as me sending an email of congrats...am feeling very pleased with my newly acquired skills, shoo to old age.

I think I've done it!

2009-07-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

Spent a couple of hours with the comp. gurus yesterday (most of it enjoying their new home) and trying to get down to using one computer only and not joggling between the two. Think it's nailed!
I feel like a dinosaur when it comes to some of the techno stuff, but history has taught me that it is much better for me to take a couple of weeks to sort stuff out (transferring files) than going like a bull at a gate. Yes, I can transfer everything at once, 'puter to 'puter, but I am actually trying to clean up a lot of files and....scary thought....perhaps delete some really old stuff I haven't looked at for a long time. I'm trying to find a mirror to see if this is really me talking!
In the meantime, sewing some divine summer weight merino t-shirts for an upcoming trip to China to visit with our son. Also helping a very tall friend alter some of her patterns...never realized how challenging it is to get something to fit when you are having to stretch everything at least 25cm/10in. I used to have to do that width-ways!!! Can't comprehend economy long, rather than economy wide.

Not in hiding, truly!!

2009-07-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

I have not been in hiding: went interstate with my brother and sister to most probably say our farewells to a favourite uncle and auntie of all of ours. My brother has a developmental delay so it was good to see how he was travelling emotionally and physically since our Mum died early this year...interesting travelling as grownups. Some of the same arguments still happen too!!
Back at home trying to break in a new computer...I think I am an idiot of the first order in this dilemma, so Paul and Kay (THE computer gurus for me), expect a visit soon, perhaps when you have settled after your move? Just where are some of those emails I thought I had sent?
I have also decided that I am not going to make the grade as a daily blogger, so expect my missives on around about each week. Guilt or passion for something may well drive my blogging, but every day is just not working for me...I think having too much angst because I haven't blogged each day is not the road I want to take.
Same applies regarding the newsletter...I have most/much of the content, refining the layout and then to make sure I do not get treated as a spammer. The more I learn, the more I need to know. Apparently that will help my brain defy Alzheimer's, learning all this new stuff...just hope I can remember it all too.

Not raining, pouring!

2009-07-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

You know the old saying it doesn't rain but it pours...happening in this neck of the woods at the moment!
My FIL is in extremely poor health and we have had a lot of running around to do for he and my MIL...yes, the kids just leave and the natural progression to caring for the older folk just happens. As it is probably meant to be in the natural order of things.
I was busy last week as Guest Host with Creative Machine Newsletter: an interesting range of questions (if you are a Yahoo Groups member, you can check old posts) that will be incorporated into my newsletter. I am still surprised after all this time that so few people play with their overlockers/sergers as I do!
I am between computers at the moment, not on the Internet yet on the new one, will happen soon. Still working on my old (not so reliable computer): my computer gurus are between new homes/work spaces, so the newsletter is on its way but slowly, and now with a much better format and focus...just like the shampoo add, it may not happen overnight, but it will happen!
Apology also...I am going back through my history of those who have purchased e-books recently...seems that I need to e-send them manually at the moment until we work out how they are e-shipped upon receipt of payment. I am going through the orders to confirm who has or has not received their books. let me know if you have had an issue please.
I have also decided to blog only a couple of times a week at best. My life is so out of my control with family at the moment, that an absolute daily blog guarantee is just not possible.
Catch you all later

Guest Host and Tour Guide

2009-06-22T01:21:00.001-07:00

Cryptic clues uncovered!
News Item #1
I am Guest Host on the Yahoo groups Creative Machine Newsletter, a group of dedicated stitchers in an online forum first started by Robbie Fanning and then continued for a while under the umbrella of Threads magazine. It has been going for some years and if you want info, answers, stimulation or just to sit back quietly and read about lots of 'things' sewing, this may be a group for your consideration. This week is my chance to serger-cally enhance the group.
News Item #2
Next year I am going to be the Australian tour leader for some of you from the Northern Hemisphere. We will have a strong focus on all things textile as well as entertaining any of the men folk who come along. The tour covers lots of the scenic highlights but also goes off the beaten track and takes in countryside not normally covered in a traditional tour. You are all being given 'first dibs' for info.
This is in association with
Downunder Travel Toronto
Registration opens August 1st, 2009
Phone: 1-888-642-1630
Fax: 416-642-1634
E-mail: stephanie@downunder-travel.com
and
www.creativestyling.com (Jo-Anne)
Contact either Jo-Anne or Stephanie for more details

Busy Week next week!

2009-06-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

Just letting you all know in advance that next week will be a busy one with things International happening. Not meaning to sound too cryptic, all will be revealed Monday (Northern Hemisphere) time.
I'll just say think about talking to me or coming to play with ...all will be revealed soonish.
Have shaken off most of the lurgy except for the cough: I think I must be keeping whole households awake overnight at the moment. All in all though, feeling so much better. Nothing like most of the week in bed (again!!!!!!!!!)

Glad there's no camera

2009-06-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

I am still battling the lurgy I got at last week's show: runny nose, sore throat and raspy voice...definitely not attractive!
I have 5 metres of the most beautiful lightweight wool to create a garment for a magazine article, due by early July: I have so many ideas I could use 50 metres, but the way I feel at present, 5 metres may be 4 too many. Back to find some inspiration and more importantly, energy

Craft and Quilt Fair

2009-06-14T17:58:00.001-07:00

I have just surfaced from the Craft and Quilt Fair at Darling Harbour in Sydney where I was at the Art to Wear exhibition all week, answering questions on behalf of many interstate artists unable to attend as well as endeavouring to stop people from touching wearable garments, an almost impossible feat! It was themed "Black and White, cocktail, elegant", with the emphasis on construction and finish.
Wow, has the bar been lifted this year: I think we will be in a dilemma next year with the judges having a really high level of artistry and attention to detail and more candidates than available mannequins or space.
This exhibition is under the umbrella of the NSW Quilters' Guild, Australia's largest guild: any member of the Guild can enter into this juried exhibition (just giving you all a heads up for next year).
Images of the work will be posted on the website in the next couple of weeks, I will post a link so you can drool over the work.

Advertising hoarding on my forehead

2009-06-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

I think I must have a blank space on my forehead at the moment that says "whatever it is, give it to Anne"
Came back from Brisbane...interesting new show...went to the back to back challenge and came home on Sunday night (last week) with a raging sore throat, runny nose and eyes and all that jazz. Just asking myself whether it was swine or sheep flu! Anyway, have tried to keep myself out of the action by staying at home and predominantly in bed! My interesting year continues.
I will be in Darling Harbour from Wed-Sun, with the Art to Wear component of the Quilters' Guild. Have seen many of the images...WOW, they look fantastic. Come over and say hello while you are down there

37 days to go

2009-05-22T00:35:00.001-07:00

I have just returned from Queensland...they had their average yearly rainfall in one day!!!! I am waiting for the ark to be re-floated, just 37 more days to go at this rate for Noah and the animals to take off again. (Leave the rodents behind this time).
Have been playing with some felt and working with Jane from the Fibre Hut regarding combined workshops next year. Perhaps I will see some of you at the show in Queensland next week (if Brisbane is still there).

Kurri Kurri weekend

2009-05-17T23:15:00.001-07:00

Returned tired and excited after the Kurri Kurri weekend with NCEATA (www.nceata.org) as their artist in residence. Working with no agenda other than developing skills and ideas is totally liberating. I have experimented with some new techniques and will be developing them in the future for workshops and e-books. Great tutors there also...Judy Hoowarth,Claire Brach, Kirry Toose and Wendy Scott energised and exhausted the students with their projects.
I will be a tutor next year (3rd weekend in May) so get your bookings in now if you want to come and play. The venue (and food) is great, the stimulation of working and playing and sharing with like minded people is absolutely priceless!

Here today, gone tomorrow

2009-05-13T22:50:00.000-07:00

Now that I am just back on the blogging air, just advising you that I will not be posting again until (perhaps) Sunday, but then most probably Monday as I prepare for Artist in Residency in Kurri Kurri.
I am working on Black/White/Silver as I said and towards some new techniques for a new publication a little later in the year. I also pick up my Art to Wear entry adn will be taking some image for the blog for next week. I keep on feeling that I have let you down by not getting images up as I had promised, but I am moving forward at last.

All clear

2009-05-13T00:15:00.000-07:00

I have had the all clear from the specialist...no known reason why, but I am shooting off lots of extra heart beats (maybe I just have more than enough to go around!!) and unless they all join up and give me trouble, he does not want to see me again.
Phew...do I feel better about this! I think everything is settling down in my life.
Getting ready to pack for Kurri Kurri this weekend, working (??playing) with black white and silver collars/neck attire and cuffs.
And, no, I haven't forgotten Forum photos...I have NONE on my camera, waiting to receive some for show and tell.
I am also trying to take some images of the skirt I wore at the ASG industry day in Morisset last Saturday, but my time just leaked out of the day today.

Heart Starter

2009-05-11T23:53:00.001-07:00

I came back from Forum and had to have a whole swag of Cardiology tests...off to the Cardiologist today for results. I am absolutely fine as far as the way I feel, but have some weird-crazy-little-guys showing on most of my tests. Probably nothing, but need to eliminate any nasties.
I also took some time off from everything personally. My Mum died earlier this year and I thought I was fine with everything, but I hit an emotional wall after Forum in conjunction with everything else that was happening.

Heart Starter

2009-05-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

I came back from Forum and had to have a whole swag of Cardiology tests...off to the Cardiologist later today for results. I am absolutely fine as far as the way I feel, but have some weird-crazy-little-guys showing on most of my tests. Probably nothing, but need to eliminate any nasties.
I also took some time off from everything personally. As I have written earlier, my Mum died earlier this year and I thought I was fine with everything, but I hit an emotional wall after Forum in conjunction with everything else that was happening. I am back on track now, getting everything together for Kurri Kurri this weekend.
BTW, if any of you want to come and visit and see what I am doing, please phone Gail Stahmer on 0418495708. As this is being held on the TAFE campus, permission has to be given for 'outsiders' to visit

Orange in Autumn

2009-04-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

Fantastic weather, people and programmes at Forum this week. I will have images next week from the photography class I am doing.
Just wanted to let you know that all is well and I am actually still in existence

On and off the air

2009-04-15T23:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the intermittent blogs this week: I have been having more medical treatment for my shoulder and I am sure you all understand just how time wasting some of that process can be. I am more functional after massage, ultrasound and continuing pain relief. And of couse, I have been told not to use my right arm...HAHAHA...as I am right handed, that is truly impossible.
My F.I.L. has been in the medical wars this week with more radiotherapy and we have been a bit busy there too.
I am off to Orange for Textile Fibre Forum this week where I am doing a camera course. I changed from the original stitching class I was going to do as I hurt too much doing even simple things for too long and thought I could cope with the photo class. Time will tell.
Where I am staying, on a friend's property, is not always DSL friendly:for those of you not from Australia, telephone (Mobile phone) and computer coverage can be less than satisfying once you are away from a large city with little or no reception at times.
I will blog if and when I can, but will be back fully on the 26th.

I did it again

2009-04-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

Missing in action again after an overactive morning walk. I have been trying to ramp up some kilometres and walk a number of times a week, sometimes with my husband, often on my own as his 25 cm height difference translates to longer legs and bigger steps than I can keep up with.
It had rained overnight, but was clear and beautiful when I walked the other morning when I once again inelegantly (??) went head over turkey on some slippery ground and braced my fall with my right hand, hurting my right shoulder once again. Heavy duty painkillers and rest once more.
I have always had a tendency to clumsiness, seems it is manifesting itself more often than I care for.
I have to keep the walking up: our son is going to complete his academic (Arts degree, already has finished his Science degree) studies in China (he speaks, reads and writes Mandarin fluently) and we promised to walk the Great Wall with him. It is apparently 10km of undulating walk with 2 flights of steps in the section he is taking us to. The 'surprise' bit is at the end...keep walking up hill and down dale or get on a flying fox across a river. I don't like heights at all, but have promised that I will do it with him as a tandem 'fly'. Keep your fingers crossed for my shoulder! Will let you know when that is happening, much later in the year I think.

Surprised

2009-04-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

Our anniversary yesterday (27 years): I had instructions to be ready to go out at 5pm, dress good casual.
My hubby had researched and found an Indian/Sri Lankan restaurant for us in Homebush (Sydney). We ate well, went down both marriage memory lane as well as travel memory lane with the food. Ate till our stomachs touched the table (well, it seemed like that anyway!) for the princely sum of...wait for it...$22.00. We checked, but that was the right price. Called Janani, on the southern side of Homebush station.
Also found a store selling saris (on sale) from Chennai, in the street parallel to the railway line, also on the southern side. I think I might start doing railway line eating from now on!!! This was in the dark, so I am sure there are bargains galore to be discovered in the daylight too

Why did I start?

2009-04-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

You know how it is...the more you do, the more you need to do! Why did I ever start to clean up? I think I am now further behind than when I started and having decided that I was going like a bull at a gate, I thought I should focus on one room at a time.
I have. Our bedroom is now the tidiest it has been in years.
There is still stuff all over the dining table, and I am becoming an even better procrastinator than usual with regard to cleaning and tidying up the stash. And I haven't forgotten photos and newsletters, it is just that I am sorting them out (emails) so that it does not register as spam, and the images so that they are not too big. I am trying to work it out myself so that I can problem solve if needs be when I am travelling.
I have also been organizing my goodies for Forum in Orange. This is fantastic for those who can get to it, am adding the link so you can check it out yourselves
http://www.ggcreations.com.au/tafta/forums.html
This was the place that really converted my brain from formal to feral.

Cleanup

2009-04-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

I scribbled down a few (well, lots really) ideas last night and was going to go hammer and tongs today and then thought I should tidy up a bit. What a disaster!
The more I started to do, the more I realized I had to get orgamanized (as Ruth Barnhill, a Babylock dealer in Florida says)...and you know what that means. I reckon it could take me a week to get back to the surface of my kitchen table where I put everything when I started.
I don't know whether I am disgusted or disappointed that I have so much accumulated orgamization to undertake!
Ah, another day in the life of the creative stitcher (don't think my hubby is too impressed at the moment though). I might just go and have a glass of wine...if I can find the glasses.

Working again

2009-04-03T00:02:00.000-07:00

Had the day off but have renewed the creative cells a little too much already!
For those of you in Australia and NSW particularly, I live at the foothills of the Blue Mountains: I went up to Katoomba today and just became a tourist again, enjoying the sheer beauty of the place once again.
On the way home we stopped in Hazelbrook at Selwood Science and Puzzles: WHAT a place to be inspired by.
Amazing old garden as you go in, but each room of the old house is dedicated to different items: games/puzzles/jigsaws (such as Escher, holograms, 3D puzzles)for adults (OK, some kids too). There is a kids room, a science room, a book room and a fun science 'try me' room with interactive playstuff.
My inspiration came in the book room with some of the 3D and optical illusions...all of a sudden I was thinking just how I could achieve some of the effects in my own style.
As I am going to be the inaugaral Artist in Residence at the Newcastle Creative Embroiders and Textile Artist weekend in May (Kurri Kurri TAFE McLeod Road, Kurri Kurri) I thought that would be the place I started developing this theme.
I will let you know if it is open for the public, but I am planning my work already. And another visit to Hazelbrook!

Gremlins in the Works

2009-04-01T23:12:00.001-07:00

I am having a time of it at the moment!
Don't know what I did to make the pain in my shoulder so acute it has almost rendered me useless for 2 days (perhaps skiting about finishing my art to wear and finally finishing my magazine article under painful duress) but today, all of a sudden, it was OK once again. Who knows what gremlins are in my works at the moment? And to top it all off, I couldn't blog even if I had wanted to yesterday as I kept getting a message about my cookies not being enabled...go figure! Back live today, with a day of freedom from any deadlines.
I have just been invited to be Artist in Residence in May: will tell all once it has been confirmed, but this is a really nice accolade and delightfully unexpected.
Please bear with me regarding images...I am feeling a bit like I am wading in a pond of glue at the moment, but I am more than half way through the pond and can see the other side, it's just taking me a little longer to get there than I planned. I think my life is just like that at the moment.

No More Excuses

2009-03-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Art to Wear is signed, sealed delivered!
Have been at it all day, hand delivered it to the photographer who lives about half an hour away. Will now finish the last part of the technical article (that I did not realize I still had to do, DUH!) and then clean up the images I have taken them and get them on the blog.
I have had too much on my plate at the one time yet again, and my shoulder has been giving me lots of trouble: pain mainly despite anti-inflammatory drugs, so have had other some limitations for the last week or so.
It is cold today, and wet, wet, wet! How can we possibly have winter starting to gallop up when it was so glorious last week?
Photos and Newsletter this week are the next things to address.
Back to the article

Down to the wire

2009-03-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

Have been sitting out the electrical storms, new modem and working out last minute technical sewing challenges.
I thought I had my Art to Wear nailed and then I tried the outfit on a mannequin (courtesy of my local shoe shop, Foot of the Mountains) in Glenbrook, my local shopping centre.
If you've ever been in a store filled with women with something on display, you will realize that 15 different ideas and opinions are directed at you --all at once!
However, I realized I had a draping/technical issue with the "Outer Limits" (my entry for Art to Wear) and have subsequently made a simple top to go under the garment, re-fashioned the straps and am undecided about the petticoat to perhaps go under it. I think I have only 2 more seams to stitch, trim all the loose threads and then press it all. And still no photos yet. However, I think I could have sold the outfit then and there to some of the ladies and I am going to re-work all the panels into separate garments later on.
However, it is to be delivered for (professional) photography on Tuesday, so there are no more chances or excuses for not getting finished. I think.

More Electrifying!

2009-03-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

What a storm last night! I thought it was exploding over our house at times and then we had horizontal rain. Our little Silky Australian terrier is a sook at the best of times but she was almost convulsing with terror last night, and I was truly scared at times.
I was sewing when it started and with a great big "bang", our power went out and returned some time in the small hours of this morning. Dinner (which I had thrown in the crockpot) was again by candlelight and I spilt a glass of red wine over the new book I was reading with one of the thunderclaps.
We have part of our neighbour's liquid amber over our lawn and driveway, and limbs of trees strewn allover the yard...cleanup day today.
My son pulled all the power leads out of computers andI think we are all OK on the communication score.
Let's hope it is not 3 nights in a row

Electrifying!

2009-03-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

No, I did not forget to blog: a terrific electrical and thunder storm saw us very romantically (HAHA) eating and reading by candlelight yesterday, and sorting out an unwell modem today.
I am down to the wire on my Art to Wear ( I hate to imagine how many hours I have spent on this garment), only a few more days to go. I will take some images tomorrow and post them as soon as I have worked out how.

Sort of Kind of Day Off

2009-03-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

I actually Sort of Kind of had a Day Off today, playing in the garden while the weather is at its best in Autumn, though I think it was still a bit summer like today...or was that because I was actually working hard (and working my hubby harder). Did some planting and weeding and by the time I got around to taking some photos, realized I did not have my camera charged (who's a dope?).
It was nice to have a fibre free day

More Lost

2009-03-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

How did I lose another day this week? As I said, I have been busy, but this is getting a bit scary losing so much time. However, I have been productive and tomorrow I plan to take some images and start posting them (when I work out how) so I can talk in 'colour' and pictures rather than just word in black and white.
I love all the new technology but I don't like the way it takes time to learn and how much you need to repeat your actions to remember them and to make it second nature. However, I would prefer to have this issue rather than using the teenage lament of "I'm bored" (perhaps that should be 'I'm boring' because I haven't bothered to get out of my own way and learn something to keep myself occupied) and just wasting whole days sitting idle.
I think I feel a bit like the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland , just lost.

Lost

2009-03-19T01:22:00.000-07:00

No, not the TV programme, just yesterday.
I have been having a real ball going back to my all time love of FME (Free Motion/Machine Embroidery).
There is something simultaneously energizing and relaxing doodling with machine needle and thread and embellishing a simple piece of fabric. I have been enriching some glorious black wool fabric and some natural white wool knit for art to wear. Creating wings for Nike (the Goddess, not the shoes) has proved, and in fact is still proving an interesting and worthwhile challenge as I work out how to make a bolero/wing outfit for initial display and then to actually be worn at a later stage.
I am using conventional machine and overlocker thread to keep a matte finish to all my work: my hubby was v.v.impressed with my efforts so far and with someone who lives with my out-of-brain creations on a regular basis, to get that sort of accolade is truly something else.
Off to share the rest of the night with the birthday boy (aka my hubby) and no more stitching for the rest of the evening

Onward and Upward!

2009-03-17T00:06:00.000-07:00

Flat out like a lizard drinking today, out for a walk first thing (isn't this time of year just THE best weather?) and then a real wriggle on with art to wear. I had a "Lights On" moment (and someone was home) about a way to present some surface embellishment and have been going at it relentlessly.
I am not trying to be cryptic about what I am doing--all will be revealed--but while it is a work in progress I prefer not to do any show and tell in case I change my mind. I will only say that it is very textural this year!
Back to work!

Gobbledegook

2009-03-16T01:31:00.001-07:00

I have had lots of response to the machine Embroidery and Textile Art article and the link on my email for my upcoming Newsletter.
Now, I don't understand why, but when some of you have been on the website and clicked "Contact Anne" I am getting a whole raft of letters of the alpahabet that seem to have been selected at random..sdmwpri[wertnbwnw9...that sort of thing. This is not happening for everyone, just some people. I will talk to Kay and Paul aka my computer gurus tomorrow. If any of you have gone that route, try contacting me via the newsletter link and leave a message.
I will send an email out next week to try out the system. In the meantime, please bear with me as I learn this foreign language called computer. I already understand the language called overlocking/sewing/knitting/crochet/textile art, but in an endeavour to keep my brain somewhat healthy, (seniors week here in NSW, Australia), the pundits suggest learning a new language. "Computer" would not have been my first choice of new language, but it seems I am stuck with it at the moment.

Sewing One Handed

2009-03-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

Seems I am taking 3 steps forward and 2 steps back at the moment! I tripped and jarred my already damaged shoulder and can only let you try and imagine the pain! Lots of analgesics, anti-inflammatories and rest (sort of, kind of, maybe, sometimes, when I am asleep) have it down to not gnashing my teeth with every movement.
I have been doing some needle felting (with a machine) as I can manage to manouevre fabrics and surface embellishments one handed and I am developing an previously unknown skill of left handed crochet...not for the fainthearted, just those running late.
I hope I am going to see some of you at Darling Harbour in June so that you can see the fruits of my left handed labour as well as some of the mixed media production I have done (Am still doing!!!!!) this year

Up all night?

2009-03-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

I was emailed by a friend yesterday who was marvelling at my keenness and commitment to blog daily at odd hours. I checked the time on the posted blogs...nooooooooo, that is not me at those hours, that's the joy of the intergalactic airwaves and the fact that the posts are dated for the US timezone.
I actually wish I was over in some cold spot at the moment...3 am hot flushes and night sweats would be more bearable in a cold climate. I have the airconditioner permanently set on 'menopause' (the coldest setting, highest fan!) and to top it off I am of course working with pure wool fabrics for my Art to Wear. Perhaps I could have thought that one through a bit better.
After the end of this month I am planning to post images as well as have some sort of interactive forum for all my fellow bloggers and discussing techniques and processes of textile play.
Tell me what you think of the idea. Just go back to the main page and email me via Contact Anne and if you could put "Interactive Forum" in the subject line, I will get an idea of how many of you are interested in the concept.
Now I must stop procrastinating and finish off all my samples for the overlocker/serger article.
Too many things happening at once, yet again!

Well and truly sidetracked!

2009-03-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

I said yesterday that I only sidetracked myself for a bit yesterday...not quite true. I decided to play while I was getting dinner (yes I am one of those Goddess Superstars who cook--but I don't clean!!!--as well as stitch) and I will only say that dinner was very late.
I took my play from yesterday and started some knitting and crocheting for this year's Art to Wear. I am busy re-thinking my garment again.
I am sure I am not the only one who sidetracks themselves as much as I have. I always say when I am presenting at shows or events, that unless you stich/knit/cook, it is hard to fully understand creative passion when there are not enough hours in the day, days in the week or weeks in the year when your brain is giving you more ideas than you can create in a lifetime.
I suppose that is my rant for the day, and seeing I overdid my shoulder yesterday, my blog for the moment.

Samples

2009-03-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

I have been nose down today making overlocker/serger stitch samples for an article coming up in Machine Embroidery and Textile Art later this year. Those of you who are not real overlocker buffs can sympathise that I am re-creating every basic stitch that I have written about (all 5,4,3,2 thread stitches as well as all forms of Coverstitch). Believe me when I say I am sick of both being at my overlocker all day and secondly, changing stitches and needles etc.,...and I do this for a living!
However, I will say that it is good to get back into some real work at last, even if it is to do all the bread-and-butter stitches which are the foundation of all my creations. My mind started wandering to play ideas and I only lapsed into decorative wotk for about a thousand metres of stitching.
Will let you know the issue when it comes out, but off to finish a little more.
BTW, I am already starting to get sign ups for my newsletter...and I thought I was going to be slowing down a bit. Apparently not.

Evaporation

2009-03-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

If anyone is suffering high humidity, put it down to me! My days have been evaporating so fast that I am left high and dry wondering just where they all went.
A quick trip to the doctor had me spending the rest of the day having X-rays and making appointments for scans: my right shoulder (? now X-rated??)has been v.v.sore since I fell over on tram tracks in Melbourne and seeing I am right handed, it has been a real problem trying to "rest" it...HAHAHA, how do you do that in my line of work. Of course, the up side is I can't do the washing or hang it out.
I have also been trying to get up to scratch with my new ideas so I need another 48 hours in the week in addition to a wife or perhaps 2. I will be starting a regular newsletter, and as I do not want to aggravate the heck out of people, I am asking for you to sign up for it. And, no, I will not be selling or sharing your address with anyone, as I hate that invasion on my privacy myself!
Hope to hear from you soon

Long Tomorrows

2009-03-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

I tried getting back to blogging the day I said I would: I had some issues with connectivity for a reason seemingly only known to my computer. I did as I always do and pushed every button to get it working as it should, and then, 'bingo' I had a computer again...hate them when something goes 'wrong' or I just don't understand the problem. $*&$&@*@()!!!!!! When I get a few spare minutes, I will look at getting this one to the computer doctor.
I am developing a new way of presenting any of my new e-books them: it's in the pipeline. The current books are fine but will be reviewed and updated as the new ones come on board. More work than my fat quarters need at the machine or computer, but about time I pushed the boundaries of my art.
Watch this space.

Back on Track

2009-03-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not been on the intergalactic airwaves recently.
I think it has just taken me a lot longer to get over surgery, travel and my Mum's death and funeral than I thought. It has been a jam packed end of last year as well as beginning of this year already, however....yes, there's more in store.
I have been hatching up some new e-books with my computer gurus, some new ideas and other things guaranteed to keep me firmly on my backside (fat quarters converting to half acres!!!!!!!!!!) for the next 'while'. That's what you say when you don't know how long all this is going to take!
I am busy finishing off my garment for Art to Wear for June: pre-event photography means everything has to be finished by the end of this month which means my fat quarters are firmly entrenched on my sewing chair. Theme is 'Black and White', elegance and sophistication. My brain has been bursting at the seams with ideas. I need a wife.
Back to work, will talk tomorrow...promise!

On the airwaves again

2009-02-10T22:15:00.000-08:00

Hi All
My Mum's funeral was Feb 2nd, which we chose so that the
temperatures were not as extreme as the previous week (46 degrees centigrade
on the Friday) when we arrived back in Melbourne.
Mum's funeral was a fitting tribute to her life, celebrated with lots of family and friends, tears and stories as well as laughter and memories.
My husband and I drove back to Sydney, through all the countryside that has
so tragically been burnt along with so many people and houses.
I feel a great sense of desolation, both with the death of my mother coupled
with the devastation in the state and locality of my birth.
I just cannot
get myself back into any much sewing or serging at the moment, but talking and writing is helping me get back on track.

At Peace

2009-01-25T16:32:00.001-08:00

My Mum died yesterday afternoon, so I am with family sorting out all the necessary funeral details.
I will start back on a regular basis next week
Anne

With my Mum

2009-01-16T22:12:00.000-08:00

Phil and I came back from overseas and did a flying visit interstate to see my Mum who has been unwell...came back home and then I got the early morning call to come back as soon as I could.
Mum is slowly slipping away, so I am spending the rest of her life with her and staying with my family in the meantime.
It is not a sad time, just the ending of a well lived life, so please bear with us all at the moment

Kochi and Varkala

2008-12-12T03:51:00.000-08:00

How can I tell you how much we are enjoying India!
Kochi is an old fort and trading town, part of the spice trade originally. Peaceful. beautiful and we did a cooking/eating class there much to Phil's chagrin originally--he is now a convert to actually working a little more for his dinner.
Car down to Varkala, on the Arabian Sea where Phil is taking a dip while I sort out our next leg; some things you need to book in advance when there is a big pilgramage on, as we have realized. We have a 3.30 a.m. flight that takes half an hour and is deemed international so we have to be at the airport 3 hours prior to time because of teh terrorist threats!!!!!!!!
Food is absolutely stunning still. Fabrics and tailors everywhere and we are in wedding season here--the jewellry stores have to be seen to be believed, they are like huge supermarkets with gold, stones, diamonds, pearls....I am in shock.
Will write next from Sri Lanka

Hampi

2008-12-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

Will type this as it comes as the keys are jamming: we are in Hampi Bazaar (check it out via Google)today, came via Tuk Tuk from Hospet where we are staying , an amazing world heritage area, full of big rocks for Phil--reckon it is only fair as I have had a look at my fair share of old frocks!
Arrived from Hubli, took a car and driver for the princely sum of Australian $60-ish dollars. At times it was like being in the Aussie countryside with wheat growing and gum trees on the side of the road.
We are doing a Hampi tour tomorrow so we actually understand what we are seeing today, but thankfully not staying in this highly touristy place, full of backpackers--the youthful ones. We are also backpacking but not doing 1 to 2 star accommodation...our driver in Delhi referred to us as aged (pronounced as age-ed) on the way to the airport, so we are now referring to one another as age-ed wife or age-ed husband. Does this mean that we now have falls rather than falling over?
Love the country, though everyne is suffering from the scourge of terrorism and there have been alleged airline hijack threats so security is really ramped up. We are travelling on our first train tomorrow night, to Bangalore, an overnighter, sharing with ?? whom. Will keep you posted
The food is fabulous, we are mowing our way through all the local stuff, much to the amazement of some of the locals who keep trying to sell us omelettes!!!
Talk to you whenever

Incredible India

2008-12-05T00:26:00.000-08:00

Incredible India is the promotional idea of the Indian government adn it just about says it all--arrived in Delhi to amazing traffic (usual apparently), incredible turmoil post Mumbai. Have had a great few days, out to Agra and the Taj Mahal, lots of hype about it has proved true.

We are currently in Gurajat state, Ahmedebad, have been to Ghandi's Ashram and a great museum...more at a later stage.

Flying is a challenge with threats of hijacking. We are currently in an internet cafe and the space I have is for a 10 year old, not a voluptuous woman like me, so will write when I have more comfort. But, yes, so far I would come back in a heartbeat!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Ho, Hey Ho, it's off to the airport we go.......

2008-11-29T13:48:00.000-08:00

The last big sleep has been and gone, we are off to the airport for yet another flying marathon.
8 hours to Singapore, 2.5 hour stopover before we depart at 2.30 in the morning to arrive in Delhi at 5.55 am on a 5.5 hour flight...no, my maths is not that bad, allow for the multiple time zones and changes.
We have culled (or is it killed??) the amount of clothing we are taking in our back packs:while we are not really ageing hippies, carrying or pulling suitcases is hard work and a real pain-packs give us free hands. Seems ludicrous, but more of the weight of the bags consists of some books, Lonely Planet India and Sri lanka guides, power adaptors, mobile phones, camera, anti-bacterial gel and wipes, sunscreen, tropical strength insect repellant, anti-biotics, anti-diarrhoea and anti-vomiting medication...we reckon our bags weigh less than 10 kgs each, and we both still think we are carrying too much!
As we usually do, we will probably end up 'donating' any excess to fellow travellers on the road. For now, au revoir, auf wiedersehn, ciaio, hasta la vista, 再见，hoo roo

Here today, gone tomorrow

2008-11-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

I have not been hiding from the blog backlog, just been catching up with 'stuff'...you know what that is like! Time consuming is only part of it. Couple that with the number of phone calls we have been fielding regarding our upcoming trip to India and Sri Lanka and I am so far behind I'm in front! And my intentions about the packing updates have gone by the wayside also: am actually off to cull some of the gear right now.
If we had been on our original schedule, we would have been transiting via Mumbai on the first day of the terrorist action. As it is, we transit in about 8 days from now with hopefully everything more sorted than it is now. I am sure it will be much more security with each leg: I know that's a good thing, just means even more time at airports. I am taking bamboo circular needles and some wool to knit I-cord while I kill time
We fly to Delhi, visit the Taj Mahal (not the hotel), maybe Jaipur, but other than that, a few days in both Old and New Delhi before we head south to the cardamom (spice) hills and Cochin. All up about 2.5 weeks in India, then off to Sri Lanka. And, no, we will not be going up north where the Tamil Tiger action is.
I may just post occasionally while on the road so you can check up on our well being if you are so inclined.
For everyone (just in case my intentions are better than the reality), enjoy whatever end of year celebrations are appropriate to you. We will be back on home soil on December 30, just in time to sleep through all the New Year's Eve fireworks. Have a glass or 10 of bubbly for us

Has it really been THAT long....? Long

2008-11-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

Where have I been hiding since the last blog?
Well, I got home and despite trying to keep sounding well in my blogs while on the road, I really was feeling v.v.v. sick, losing weight rapidly. I keep remembering Spike Milligan's headstone..." I told you I was sick!"....I really felt that I should be ordering some marble or sending the 'last post' to the blog: my poor daughter thought I was dying I looked so bad: not what any mother really wants to hear.
Numerous visits to doctors, tons of tests finally sent me packing off to hospital for emergency surgery.
I can't believe how much better I feel with some food and fluid back in my system and the problem repaired. Keyhole surgery has seen me get back to feeling well enough to travel. My hubby took a redundancy package after 26 years with the one company, and we had planned our trip as a "de-congest the brain" before he comes back and looks for another job...maybe a part-time one of about 40 hours per week this time!
The trip to India/Sri Lanka has been abbreviated and we are now leaving on November 30.
Since it has been such a tumultuous time, I have decided to take it easy all of December, and start posting regularly again in January 2009 with lots of new and exciting stuff happening.
I will be keeping you up to date with packing (and what I am discarding from the original packing effort) as I cannot carry too much weight or lift anything too heavy at the moment.
And I have to say, it is so sad that I cannot hang the washing out or do too much housework at the moment either.....oh, dear.
BTW, those of you who tried to download the free Ebooks can now do so...it is all up and running.

Missing in Action--longish

2008-10-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

I arrived home after a visit to Birmingham (England, not Alabama), staying at the Barton's Arms, a great pub near Aston Villa. The Aussie couple who have been managing (my former next door neighbour's son/my children's occasional babysitter and his wife and 5 month old baby) are heading back home a week after me, so I was glad to get some time with the baby-Riley- before the Grannies were on the scene
On my way home I stopped in Singapore for 2 nights at a brand new hotel, Hotel Re, at the back of Chinatown. Fantastic hotel if a little away from lots of stuff, but taxis are really cheap and efficient.
I had a Javanese massage at the hotel to try and get some of the travelling kinks out of the way...I hurt as I was being massaged but felt great, went out to have a laksa and then slept like a top until 3 am...must have watched the BBC news talking about the economic meltdown until I fell asleep again until 11am which is when Singapore seems to wake up. Caught a glimpse of myself to realize I was wielding serious Javanese bruises!!!!!!!!!!!
Try explaining that to your hubby before you arrive home...forewarning +++.
Got back to the Blue Mountains and hit the decks, trying to hide from everyone and everything for a while as I tried to get over whatever it was I have had on the road: at this stage, I still do not know what made me so sick. I have lost over 10kg (22lb) at least and everyone has commented since my return: so many so that I started to worry that I must have lost more than I thought and had to advise that I do not have any sinister disease!
My husband is leaving work after 26 years and we are going to India and Sri Lanka for 6 weeks from mid November until the end of December (avoiding Christmas)...of course, he had not really done anything while I was away, so we have been frantically getting visas and some accommodation sorted...another reason I have been recalcitrant. And cranky with the S.O.
For those of you after the free pattern...give me a little time while I work out what is happening with the web gurus now that we are all on the same continent and accept my apologies in the meantime

Another day, another airport

2008-10-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

So sorry not to be able to post between the US and Frankfurt airport where I am in transit to Singapore.
England was wonderful again, staying with friends in Birmingham at the "Bartons Arms", a turn of the century pub that has spectacular gas lights and amazing tiles as well as great Thai food and fabulous beer...too good to pass up.
Have been busy playing with my former neighbours new baby and investigating the jewellr yquarter as well as a great jewellry gallery with lots of artisans work ...brought a few "samples with me.
If my battery was not going to die soon, I would keep on talking, will chat again in sultry Singapore

Old Town

2008-09-27T02:30:00.000-07:00

Last day of programmes in the US beore I fly out to England tomorrow on my way home. So wet (and cold) in Virginia I bought a coat...a great look with strappy sandals, but who cares about the look after a certain age. I just know I am too old for the dripping wet and attractive look.
It has been a full and fantastic programme, and looks like I will be winging my way over here again a few times next year.
Off to throw out any accumulations of stuff in my suitcase: tell you what, that gets really tired, hauling 2 suitcase and a computer. Never again...ONE suitcase only from now on.
Had a damp but terrific look around Virginia's Old Town...another bookmarked place to spend some time rather than glimpses. Suppose the theme would be "Take me back to old Virginia..."

On the road again

2008-09-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

Hard to do 2 things at once at the moment, travel, work (? 3 things) and keep up with the blog.
Had 2 presentations in beautiful Asheville, NC, and then travelled right across the state to Clinton, a rural area about an hour and a half from Raleigh. How different these two stores are, but it just reinforces how much I have been enjoying NC...my last day before Virginia.
I have really been enjoying presenting my interpretation of 'sergery'. I suppose I take for granted the artistic interpretations of stitches I use and it still surprises me when people are really amazed by my work: I am waiting for lots of you to take up the baton and out stitch me so I can just devote my time to playing rather than working!

Paying rent in Charlotte NC

2008-09-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Wow, back off to Charlotte again tomorrow for the last leg of the trip. Florida has been busy with lots of different events all over the place.
Actually had a great time in Keep Me In Stitches with an all day programme and the chance to sit down and do a little sewing, even if it was only to showcase various techniques, as well as to re stitch a skirt that--da-dah- has become a litle too big in my travels!

Just Plain Busy

2008-09-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

Have been flat out for the last few days, working. Rose who I am travelling with had to change over cars to a rental after her ABS brake system went to BREAK system. Have been to stores in Central Florida and am at Keep Me In Stitches on Friday/Saturday...hope to see some of you there.
Have tomorrow off, out to get my hair trimmed and do all the domestic on the road stuff...wash the knickers, discard any excess clothing, re-pack the samples bag, perhaps rest....ah, the glamour of being on the road.Wouldn't swap it for quids!

Planes, airports and travelling &&^(&^*&^&

2008-09-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

Have been to Charlotte NC and back to Cleveland, then back through Charlotte into Fort Walton Beach FL. Petrol/gas stations are being besieged by people making sure they have enough fuel to get out of Ike's way if necessary...many are out of all fuel and it has gone up a dollar a gallon today.
I am in the lap of the Gods and I know all the folk at Ruth Barnhill's where I am for the next few days will be praying for me, the weather and the success of the event, though I am not sure in which order!
Have read a lot in airports with flying delays: I need to get out and get some needles and yarn for a bit of variety.
If you have a chance, get to Ruth's for a couple of big days and lots of special offers...hope to meet some of you 'blogees'

Charlotte, North Carolina

2008-09-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a beautiful part of the world even if a little hot today (I suppose it is still summer here in the US).
I am having some time here with YLI, the thread company, and we are looking at hatching some new ideas. Don't hold your breath, but keep it in the back of your mind for next year sometime.
Had fantastic N.C. barbeque...still licking my lips (and fingers and the dribble on my clothes!!)
The accent is 'southern', whereas I keep on telling them mine is from the "Deep South". Funnily enough, we seem to be able to understand each other fairly well though.

Blogger behind

2008-09-07T06:57:00.001-07:00

Had a great (v.v. busy) time in Cleveland with Jan from Pins and Needles...what an energizer bunny she is, with more programs ready to roll out in the next 2 weeks.
Flew the (?????) friendly skies from Cleveland via Washington DC to Charlotte N. Carolina. Small plane and we had to wade through 5 inches of water and pounding rain to get off the plane, and repeat the joy after a few hours delay. Wet, miserable and tired, of course, no luggage arrived with me. For the baggage charge United are now charging, the service is really diminishing. Airports are far from happy places to be at most of the time.
Will amend that a little--the couple I sat next to were great and the hubby went off to have a drink: he asked if we would like one and me being cheeky, said , yes, a margherita to go. Be careful what you wish for! Made the wait a little more fun though.
Catch up with y'all later

Back in the US

2008-09-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

Flew back into the US today (Cleveland), minus my Australian adaptor for a few days...no phone charger and no computer charger means that I had to have a break whether I wanted to or not! So sad, eh?

And Canada is fabulous...thanks to Joanne in Westport for a memorable event, pulled together in a whisper of time in such a beautiful location. And thanks to her husband Ron for being such a great chauffeur and laundry assistant. You've got to take your hat off to someone you barely know who folds your semi-industrial underwear after laundering!!

I am sure textile husbands are their own special breed!

Toronto, H&H

2008-08-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

Still in Toronto, had a fabulous day on a local city tour bus (one of those on/off numbers) slowly feeling less sick each day.
Went out to the islands, feted with a close up of the Toronto air show.
Off to Westport tomorrow, hoping to be well enough to finally eat something with real maple syrup on it!!
Have been well looked after by my Uncle in-law (husband's uncle) Herbert, and am staying right next to the St.Lawrence market with anoth really kind distant relative of Herb's and therefore me, Henry.
Don't know whether H&H is like M&Ms, but both are leaving me with a really good feeling.
I will certainly be back to Toronto again.

Whirlwind

2008-08-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Toronto where I arrived last Wednesday, towing a bug with me from Chicago.Sick, sick, sick!!!
Still recovering after throwing up for the last 4 days...one way, but not the ideal way to lose weight!
I have a few schedule changes and am working at someone else's computer, so will put them here as well as the side bar

Buffalo NY is cancelled--such a short lead time proved too short, but it will happen next year.

North Carolina
22 September
Asheville Cotton Co 828 299 0888

23 September
Ann Olivers Sew & Vac
Clinton 910 592 8071

Virginia
25 September
All Brands 804 270 1882

26 September
Berger Sewing 703 368 7169

Maryland
27 September
Maryland Sew & Vac 301 856 7200

I will advise you if there are any other changes.
Off for an I'm not a Nana nap, just like to snooze

Another P word

2008-08-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

Well, the party's over and time to call it a day from St.Louis. Off to Chicago next for some serious R&R before hitting the highlights in Canada.
Can't wait for some sleep and hoping my feet recover from days of concrete floors and walking miles.
Had one of my projects showcased for the Novi MI show (Huggy Shruggy), will keep you posted as to when to have a sneak preview. Today's class could have kept on going all week, so fantastic to get store owners and teachers to play with some of my arty techniques. If you see me on my travels I will be showing some of this.
Once more, off to rest the feet and restore the eyeballs to normal

Are we there yet?

2008-08-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe just how fast the week has flown...my last day ( and a full day class at that) tomorrow, ff to Chicago for a few days to sleep!!!! Oh, and to wash my clothes and undies.
I am not sleepimg especially well, with my brain being overfull with stimulation each day: much better than being too empty though I suppose.
I am really not even making sense to myself, off to fade into the bed again

Bungy Jumping brain

2008-08-18T20:39:00.001-07:00

Well, day 2 of teaching is over: my brain is jumping with too many ideas, my legs are complaining about concrete floors and walking miles to get to my room.
Computer hassles plaguing me: cannot get out on my email at times, maybe it's just me being too tired to concentrate, or maybe I am just computer challenged.
Some really great new products coming down the system: great long arm quilting machine, new sewing machine (TOL),threads galore.
Networking and socializing are also fantastic--great to catch up with lots of old friends and make more new ones.
I am fading off to bed, will get some photos off to y'all soon

Meet me in St.Louis....

2008-08-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Have been in St.Louis for Babylock Tech now since Wednesday (Aus and US time...weird, eh?).
Had my first class, went down well with everyone wearing their "Huggy Shruggy" out of the class and lots of variations. Mmmm...even more ideas for me.
Tired +++...the guy in he next room was noisy from 4am and while I am good at burning the candle at both ends, I am getting cranky if I am woken up when my body is telling me to sleep. Working tomorrow p.m. so can sleep in a litlle, still have more kits to prepare
Off to slee, catch you all soon with more than tired rambling

St.Louis, Missouri

2008-08-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

In my absolutely befuddled brain, working in 2 timezones currently, I am in beautiful St.Louis, Missouri. It is a bit humid but otherwise perfect, small but welcoming city, easy to walk around.
After all that effort (notched up 10,0000 steps by 2pm) am off to have a nana nap.
BTW, my e-books are up and running and I have my first order (even if it is a test run by Kay and Paul, my techno web designer friends!!).
www.annevanderkley.com
When I can focus better, I will check it out properly myself!

Leaving on a jet plane

2008-08-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

Whatever is not done now will be left behind as I fly out to the US.
I am trying to get my hubby to call into a shop so I can get a green and gold wig, Aussie flag and perhaps a lycra body suit so I can support the Olympians in my own special way...on second thoughts, having a look at my body, forget the wig (HAHAHA)
Will talk to you next from St. Louis Missouri.
Check out the new e-books (if they are not quite up yet, give it a day or 2) at
annevanderkley.com

The P word

2008-08-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

I was telling a friend, Lyn Kenny, the other day (www.kennykreations.com) just how much behind I was and she told me there were 2 "P" words to consider. Mine/ours--procrastination--and hers, panic!
I did not even need to adopt the word into my library, I already have it lurking and loitering with intent!
Do I sound as panicked as I feel?
I was happily poodling along, thinking I had finally some end in sight when I realized there was a whole day of work that I had not crossed off my 'to do' list...Capital PPPPPPP's started flashing before my eyes (or is that just fatigue?)
Back to work again

The Art of Procrastination

2008-08-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

I am sure I am not the only one...putting off what I should be doing, wasting/spending time at anything else other than what I need to be doing.
Is that why they created blogs?
I think I am in avoidance territory, when it really looms large as just how much more I have to do before I leave.
I'm rationalizing that by convincing myself that I am trying to keep up my bloggerspondence so that I won't forget how to do this newly acquired skill.
Off to stitch via having my eyelashes tinted and my eyebrows pruned up a bit: they have the tendency to get a bit Groucho Marx, not a good sight for those on the side that looks at me.
My mantra today is "I must stop wasting time"
HAHAHAHA

Last minute productions

2008-08-04T20:30:00.001-07:00

I know, I shouldn't complain, but I really do need another day in the week, another week in the month and fewer ideas to explore as I get down to the nitty-gritty for my upcoming US trip.

Let me know if having my "Where's Anne?" on my blog works or do I need it on the web page? Still trying to learn when my brain is already overfull and it is actually not about me, but about your convenience.

You know it's down to the wire when I have my hairdresser's appointment the day before I fly out even though I tried to get it on my day of departure: my hairdresser said he could not fit my luggage in the salon with me...oh, and he wouldn't open up at 7a.m. either! That's how I travel with textiles!!!!!!
I always say, however, that I do deserve the people I know

Back to the other work

Learning Curves

2008-08-01T00:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I had enough of my own curves, but have had a few steep learning ones in the last few weeks!
Learning to create a blog is just another one of them--why didn't I do it before? (DAH--Probably because I couldn't until today!)
Took a day off to play with my extremely talented friend Trisha today: she is weaving scarves with her new knitting loom and introducing me to a tool I think I am already secretly lusting after. And we had a party to celebrate the horses birthday, August 1 (Australia--?? same date anywhere else) with balloons, party hat, cake and candle.
I truly deserve the people I know!
I realize too that I need a clone: someone who will do all the stuff that is seriously lacking as I start packing and finalizing my trip to the US. Or I need another 48 hours in the day and another 2 days in the week.
Anyway, busy +++ at the moment.
Will see if this comes up on my show off page.
BTW, I am tickled pink with purple spots at the way my new website is developing. (www.annevanderkley.com) Let me know what you think. And thanks to Kay and Paul for their patience and expertise as they design it.
Ooroo for now

My Schedule for August & September

2008-07-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

Off to the States and getting ready for it takes time and preparation

AUGUST
Babylock Tech (not open to public)
16th to 22nd - St.Louis MO

Venues to be confirmed: these may change a little, I will advise full details as soon as everything is 'inked' in.

SEPTEMBER
Ohio
4th & 5th - Cleveland OH
Florida
12th & 13th - Ruth Barnhill, Baker FL
16th & 17th - A White Sew & Vac, Ocala FL
19th & 20th - Keeping Me In Stitches, Tampa FL
North Carolina
22nd - Asheville
23rd - Clinton
24th - Raleigh
Virginia
25th - Richmond
Maryland
26th - Occaquan
27th - Clinton

Well, it was only a matter of time ...

2008-07-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

The Thread Sergin ... creating a blog!