CATCHING UP...

Winter in Melbourne, AUSTRALIA,  has been damp, and bitingly cold. While snug indoors, it seems like a good time, to finally respond to my beloved’s persistent pleading - ‘When are you going to update your Blog?”. Talk about nagging.

It’s been a hectic few months of the ups and downs. On the downside, we had to plod through the trauma of a severe Hailstorm Damage to our house. But, on the positive side, it’s been a delightful year of Teaching, Friendship, and noticing an outpouring of my creative juices. On that last point, I can say I have worked diligently on some new creations, and hope to exhibit some time in the future.

Through May, as a Committee Member I was engaged in the production of ‘FUSION’ at the Augustine Centre in Hawthorn, in our State of Victoria for the Victorian Feltmakers Incorporated. And, took the opportunity of exhibiting my Red-grey-black Japanese inspired asymmetrical outfit, ‘MOONGLOW'

Sarah Ricketts (President of Vic. Feltmakers Inc) with myself

The next appearance for one of my creations was in June when my burnt orange Felted Jacket – ‘HABANERA’ - was hung at the Malvern Artists Society ‘GUESS WHO’S COME TO DINNER’ in the suburb of Malvern, Victoria.

                         

Following that, between the 16th &18th of July my ‘OH SENORA!’, an olive vest creation, my ‘HABANERA’ – (once again) and, ‘MOONGLOW, to my eternal surprise, were all modeled at the Australian Woolcraft Fashion Show at the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show in country Victoria.

                                                 

(Press Play)

Recently my music-themed Quilt, ‘HARDWIRED SYNCOPATION’ , which I gifted to my husband, has being hanging in ‘SHOWCASE’ at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, in Melbourne, Victoria.

                                            

I am just about to take some time-off to go on a magical, mystical Tour – I/We are thoroughly excited! – and will expand on what I have garnered the next time around.

'That Last Stitch' in MyStudio

Now, like Mammy in ‘Li’l Abner’ I can say to my Tony, ‘ I have spokin’

X'MAS PARTY OF 2009

CLASS OF 2009

PRESS HERE to view Further IMAGES

HOW THE TIME FLIES...

Seems like I’ve been stuck on a tread-mill since my last Post. Happily, in-between, Tony and I discovered New ZEALAND, flying  AIR NEW ZEALAND

The catalyst had its origin in a journey we made through Canada and Alaska, in 2007. While travelling, we met a wonderful couple of Kiwis, Sandra and Eddie McKersey - ‘…and we got on like a house on fire.’

An Invitation to Eddie’s 70th had us leaping ‘the ditch’ – slang for travelling the Tasman Sea – to surprise him.

July 31 found us at the sumptuous COPTHORNE RESORT in PAIHIA taking in the beautiful Bay of Islands, then partying at a fabulous 'Birthday Bash' for Eddie, organised by Sandra and Family.

After an unforgetable week-end we drove back to AUCKLAND and caught up with the child-hood friends of the Dear One.

Next stop TAUPO, and to the spacious LAKESIDE VILLAS - a Full-Moon over Lake Taupo ...ahhh!. Back-tracked to ROTORUA, saw the Thermal Springs and enjoyed the Baths at the 'Polynesian Spa'

On the way to WELLINGTON we detoured to capture the magic of the ‘LORD OF THE RINGS’ locales in the Tongariro National Park, and the splendour of snow-capped Mount Ruapehu.

Having enjoyed WELLINGTON we crossed the water for PICTON - reminded us of the the Inside Passage en-route to Alaska.

Took our longest drive along the East Coast, of the South Island …wonderful scenery, colonies of fur seals, considerate (with a capital ‘C’) Kiwi drivers.

Visited JOSIE MARTINS’ incredible mosaic garden inhabited by delightful giant figures in a beautifully landscaped setting.Day Two, saw us cross the South Island, by train, to GREYMOUTH snow capped mountains, wide pebbled riverbeds, tunnels -16.

             
          PRESS HERE for IMAGES of The TRIP  

For our next trip we’ll start in CHRISTCHURCH and take in Queenstown, Dunedin, Invercargill, etc – couldn’t help notice the Scottish influence.

Back Home, Studio Classes and Workshops awaited me. Caught up with my dear Family, and worked to resuscitate my strained relationship with our delightful (talking!) Bantams – Sushi, Piper, Emily and Chloe

 Currently, I am preparing a workshop on Cara Gulati’s 3-D Explosion Art Quilt Illusions planned for September. Lovely Lynne Withers has waited over 12 months. I need to, quickly, familiarize myself with the technique, and complete a sample. “Remember Rita… Take photos of the Session for all to see”

 Finally, to re-dress my tardiness…I have started by smoking the peace-pipe with my Blog co-ordinator…”I promise to provide more offerings, Dear One…”

SIGNING-OFF ON A SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION

The banks of dark Autumn clouds hardly had an effect on the patronage. Some had travelled from afar these past two weeks. Witnessing a steady stream of visitors was ‘heady’, and, then, seeing my precious Works being acquired was overwhelming. I hope everyone who bought enjoys the experience of wearing an ‘Original’

I was choked with emotion when the last remaining Zingers, Wraps, Jackets, and Book-Covers were packed away. It had gone beyond my wildest dreams.

Over a coffee in Sorrento, Victoria, with the buzz of the Exhibition behind us, Tony, my husband, decided for me(!!!) that we had to work towards another. From this, one can conclude it was an Artistic, and Monetary success.

I would like you to come back and visit this Blog-site whenever you have a free moment. Click on as many Links –some of which will be highlighted – as I hope there are/will be surprises. We want it to be a fun-experience. We are open to suggestions, so use the COMMENTS (even as an anonymous visitor) to pass on your thoughts.

Press here for my 'MEET THE ARTIST' Photos

ART TO WEAR -Opening

Party at Gallery  - Friends, Family and Fashionistas

Presenting my Wearable Art has been a long-held desire. And, everything I’d worked for came together on the Thursday 16 April 2009

The Chapel on Station Gallery, in Box Hill, Victoria, which I chose, had all the ambience that a Solo Exhibitor could hope for – adequate space for Display, a Chapel –light streaming through stained glass-windows- and a Grand Piano!

My Creations on display were categorized as ‘Wraps’ -9 items, Jackets, Dresses & Tops- 15, under the title’ Zingers ’-'fab' thin long scarfs- 15, and, Book-covers aptly titled ‘Little Gems, allowed me the freedom to experiment with another side of my Artistic leaning.

I was over-the-moon to see those little ‘red spots’ placed against items on Opening Night . It also pleased me no-end to see all those who attended the ‘Meet the Artist’ Devonshire Tea on Sunday the 19th

Rather than me ‘hold forth’ – which my dear friends credit me with- grab yourself a ‘cuppa’ (tea or coffee), take a ‘pew’ (seat) and click on the item in LINK LIST which my soldier-in-arms, Tony has manufactured.

I trust all who have supported me through this journey are able to share my Moments of Joy.

My husband and I were fortunate to have the support of Anne & Richard Mallaby, Karen Hayes, our daughter, who provided a stunning bevy of ‘finger-foods’, son, Craig, the official photographer and ‘tickling the ivories’ on the ‘Grand’ was young Liam

Press here too for Images of Opening

SITES TO VISIT

Vikki Stewart of SEW USEFUL DESIGNS