BUS TRIP:
Last Saturday (13th September) the more adventuresome Bay Quilters joined in for a day of fun on the "Mystery Bus Tour". This is the third year we have done this and it did not fail to impress. Our driver John, took us up to 'Craftpaks' in Heathmont, 'Patchwork with Gail B' in Bayswater, 'StitchnPatch' in Lilydale and 'Mrs Martin's Quilt Shop' in Monbulk. We also managed to fit in a few extras which added to a wonderful day of browsing and purchasing through aisles and aisles of fabric, novelties, books and all inspiring ideas. Too many ideas! Stop! Having purchased a magic book on strips 'n circles and also a new bag pattern I have already had the sewing machine out. Yep, I know....UFO's awaintin'. Hmmm perhaps some of them can wait a little longer.

BABE - Europe:
'Babe' has taken of for Europe with the school.


Travelling with Emirates to Rome and then exploring Italy, France and London. I have placed large maps on the wall and used ribbon, as any patchworker would use, to map out her route. The world is a big place when you see how few places they travel to and yet are able to see so much in only a few weeks. The exciting thing is that she has a lifetime to see the rest. So exciting!


Rome, Orvieto, Florence, Venice, Milan, 5 days in Paris including Eurodisney then onto London. Of course all the main features of these great cities will be visited. Judging by the phone call wer received it is going well but she could barely get the words out with excitement. Betty and Lorena will be meeting Chloe in London for a few days. What a trip!

DAY OF DYING:
Bay Quilters organised a Dying Workshop and as I have never done any dying at all, thought it may be something to try. I was not expecting to enjoy myself at all but was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the day and its results immensely. I am now looking forward to trying another workshop but with good quality white cotton fabric giving me fabrics more to my liking.

'MISS ITALY':
Two days after Miss Germany arrived we were back at the airport meeting Miss Italy who will be with us for three months while studying. Sarah fitted straight into our house and the three girls kept the house buzzing. 'Sandy' has been a different experience for Sarah but she took it in her stride and accepted everything that was strange, weird or unknown. We are so proud of the way she has accepted and learnt, made friends and explored Melbourne. She has made the most of her short time here by always seeking new experiences and challenges. We have enjoyed her company and will miss her very much when she leaves us in a few days but she will always be part of our family and welcomed back any time.



'MISS GERMANY':
Great excitement in the household as we prepared for the arrival of our 'Miss Germany'. Betty stayed with us for 10 days before travelling up to Sydney to meet her parents. Sydney was awash with sunshine and thousand upon thousand catholic devotees hoping for a glimpse of the Pope on his first visit to Australia. What a sensational time to be in Sydney. Then off to Perth which was understandably quieter and unfortunately very wet. Perth is a beautiful city but the rain dampened their spirits for a few days. On arrival into Melbourne the mood lifted again and a good time was had by all. We were lucky enough to share more time with Betty while her parents explored our wonderful state.

The time went far too quickly but a family dinner and breakfast in the city helped to make the most of our time together. It is so much quieter now that she has flown home and we will miss her again, perhaps a little more this time.



As Betty has become Daughter No. 3 I decided to make a quilt for her to take home. Hopefully she will wrap herself in it when she feels the need and know that her Australian family love her.

BAY QUILTERS IN JULY:
Well, we had yet another truly enjoyable day at Bay Quilters this month with the focus being on FUN. Myrane and I were on the setup team, throwing tables and chairs around at 8am in readiness for a 9 am start. The early start was arranged to take advantage of our guest trader selling his beautiful cotton fabrics and then travelling through to the Geelong Quilters Retreat.

Part of this months fun was our gift giving where we all made an apron and took it along in readiness for our pass the parcel. Fabulous fun passing our parcels to either the "Right" or the "Left" depending on which way the story went. My apron had been finally put together the night before with the help of Myrane and her Bernina. Great machine!

As this was our 'Christmas in July' meeting we all took a plate along for the feast and it surely was just that. Far too many calories consumed but so many delicious tastes to try, ending up with most gaining a few extra kilos.