Adventures in Adelaide
I've done it again- written a long saga of a post. It could be a good idea to grab a cup of tea and settle in to catch up with my latest news. I quite like the idea of us chatting over a friendly cuppa.
Last Friday Mr Daisy and I took off to Adelaide. It's always a wonderful feeling to be flying amongst the clouds, knowing you have exciting adventures ahead.
We landed in Adelaide, South Australia, and headed straight for the Art Gallery. Galleries are usually my first stop and are in fact quite often the reason I'll visit a city. I grew up in art galleries, so I love the echoing sounds of big rooms, that certain smell, and of course the art. There is always something to admire and inspire.
In this case I knew that there were a couple of pieces made by the Tent Makers of Cairo. I'd only ever seen these works in photos so to see the work in real life was a treat. I didn't take many photos. I think I was just immersed in the beauty and forgot to take close ups.
Mr Daisy suggested I jump in a photo to show how big this tent panel is. It was a coincidence that what I was wearing just happened to match.
I'm drawn to all sorts of art, more often contemporary works but I am fascinated by portraits and thought I'd share this striking painting from the 1500's by Robert Peake.
If you look closely you'll see the dress is decorated with embroidered clamshell shapes and zillions of pearls. The thread looks silver but I'm not sure that was possible. Where's a fashion historian when you need one...
Beautiful sumptuous folds of fabric. Oh how I wish I could see this dress in real life. We're lucky we can travel back in time through paintings to see such wondrous things.
From one art gallery to another...
The main reason we had travelled to Adelaide was for the Dare to Differ show, a group exhibition of Contemporary Quilts in which I had two works hanging.
What does one wear to a quilt exhibition opening?
Why a patchwork dress of course!!!
This beautiful creation is the work of Valerie Fritz of With Flare on Etsy.
I came across a photo one day and it was like seeing my dream dress. The thing that impressed me the most was the line from her description
" I am Really proud of this piece as it represents my spirit as an artist".
Its such a great feeling knowing my purchase has enabled an artist to create her beautiful art work.
I also love that it is made of handcrafted Dutch Wax and Ankara print fabrics which I love.
Happiness is a pretty dress that comes to life when you twirl.
Not quite cinderella slippers but cute pink stockings added a bubblegum peek-a-boo as I walked.
On to the exhibition at Gallery M
I could see Zap Zing Zowie from the entrance...
It is such a well hung show with considered thought given to colour and the different shapes and themes of the quilts.
In this line up from left to right:
Improvisation:Purple by Ruth Galpin
Zap Zing Zowie - Rachaeldaisy
Fruit in Still Life - Melanie Hill
Blue Delphiniums - Brenda Gael Smith
Sky Tartan - Joy Harvey
Toffee Apple - Robyn Cuthbertson
Suzanne Gummow and I had chatted a little about delivering quilts etc and she was lovely, but when we met in real life I think it's obvious we are kindred spirits with our love of colour and passion for textiles.
On another wall...
Left to right we have :
If these walls could speak - Linden Lancaster
Fair and Square - Rachaeldaisy
OMBRE - Carolynne Gordon
Sentinal - Entwined Forest - Linda Balding
My Fair and Square quilt was once again hanging next to a favourite NSW quilter Carolynne Gordon and her beautiful OMBRE quilt. I didn't get a proper photo of Carolynne's quilt but here is one I took at the Sydney Quilt Show. I love how the texture she has created gives the quilt a painted look.
The official opening included included speeches from renowned art quilter Sue Dennis.
The president of the South Australia Quilters Guild, Christine Baker
The Dare to Differ Committee
Susanne Gummow stepped up to announce the winner of the Dare to Differ - Most Innovative Award.
The next thing I know I was up the front with a microphone in my hand.
I truly didn't expect the win. After I found my voice and gathered my thoughts my speech went along the lines of how elated I was to have not just one but two works included in such a prestigious exhibition. The honour was magnified when I found out Fair and Square was used for publicity, to me that was a huge prize in itself. To hear my name announced as the recipient for the major award blew me away.
I think you can tell from this photo I was a bit teary. I'm really over the moon and it is an award I'll carry in my heart forever. To have my creativity rewarded in such a way means the world to me.
Karen Bigg of Brother Sewing Australia was there to present me with a sewing machine - a Brother F420 valued at $1200. Thank you Brother for such a generous prize and for generously sponsoring the exhibition.
And a big thank you to all the friendly South Australian quilters who welcomed me with open arms. We met so many lovely people, once again proving that quilters are the best!
The sky was particularly moody but as luck would have it we managed to miss the rain.
In true holiday mode we ate lots of delicious food...
and sampled a few cocktails.
It was just a flying visit so on Sunday morning it was back across the clouds to our mountain home. Thank you Adelaide for a wonderful and memorable time.
Meanwhile in the sewing room...
Seeing as this post is mostly about my yoyo quilt here's some peeks of another version in the works
Yes, that's denim. I guess it was only a matter of time before I combined two textile loves and made a denim yoyo quilt. I didn't plan to share this photo so the socks aren't staged, they're just my lucky leopard print socks.
I was thrilled to see this amazing version of Ric Rac Razzamazz made by Janice Bartlett of the Illawarra quilters. It's so wonderful in every way, the colours and fabrics...
and the custom quilting by Jenny Hancock of Angel Cake Quilting is sublime.
I've also been busy folding and sewing but more about that another time.
Well done if you made it to the end. You deserve another cup of tea! Thank you for listening to my adventures. I'll be back next week with more colourful tales of fabrics and fun times, until then have a wonderful week.
25 Comments
Congratulations! The quilts are gorgeous and truly winners and you look so beautiful and vibrant in your new dress.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you. It is well deserved. I do love your twirly wirly dress. Weren't you lucky it was your size. Adelaide seems like a lovely place to visit.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! You must have been thrilled to win - you totally deserve it because your quilts are different and unique. I've been to Adelaide once and remember going to Glenelg. We went for Formula 1 before it moved to Melbourne.
ReplyDeleteThe fairy tale continues Rachael but it's well deserved ! Your quilts are awesome and sooo much originals....
ReplyDeleteThe pics of you are very touching and well...I was very touching too reading this wonderful post !
Congratulations for the bottom of my heart !
❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Rachael! Oh Rachael what a fabulous post! Love the quilts...the colour and especially your twirly dress and pink socks! So suits you! You Go Girl!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! You had a few Cinderella moments there . . . Congratulations, I am very happy for you :)
ReplyDeleteConnie :)
Squeal! How exciting! No one deserves it more. Your enthusiasm and creativity is infectious and I hope lots of viewers caught the bug! And, I adore your outfit! Now that is what I call "dress for success"! Enjoy your well deserved glory. Thanks so much for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteDear Rachael,
ReplyDeleteNever stop writing your long posts. I truly enjoy reading about your adventures around the country. Congratulations on another well deserved win! You are amazing! Love that dress and the twirling video on IG. xo
That post wasn't too long! I enjoyed every minute of it and I'm sitting here with a smile on my face. :-) Hmmm.... maybe they were giving you a clue that you might win the prize when they put your quilt one the advertising flyer, and then staged the speakers in front of your quilt!!! :-D I love your new patchwork dress: it looks so good on you! And I'm so happy for you: what a wonderful honor, and a wonderful adventure you had! I'll bet Mr Daisy is so proud of you!! And those Cairo tent quilts ARE big, and beautiful! Thanks for sharing all your fun pictures and adventures: I'm so happy for you!!! Hugs, H
ReplyDeleteHi Helen, thank you for such a lovely comment. Apparently they didn't do the judging until the day of the opening so the promotional material had already been out and about for a few weeks by then. I just thought they were doing speeches in front of my quilt because it was the one on the cover of the catalogue. That's why that didn't give me a clue either. And even when I was chatting to the ladies before the award was announced they didn't give anything away. It was all a wonderful surprise.
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting surprise during your fun trip! Congratulations! I cannot wait to see the next yo yo quilt. It already looks fabulous.
ReplyDeletecongratulations... spectacular work and I love your dress too...
ReplyDeleteHugz
Congratulations Rachael - a very well deserved prizewinner! Thank you for sharing the quilts and photos of your trip around Adelaide - the food looks yummy, and lovely scenery. I love your pink stockings with your black shoes - a very 'Alice in Wonderland ' look!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing trip. Looks like you had a fabulous time - love the shoes ;)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your prize!
I did not know that I was to celebrate with tea...so I had a few beers ready..hope that is ok. I want to say something original that I have never said before...like you are my favorite quilt artist..or you are beautiful as are your quilts...u know..original..alas, my brain has drained So I will leave this comment as..your dress is super duper stunning!! xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteWow! This is so exciting!! Congratulations on yet another well deserved award. I am thrilled for you.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased you were able to combine all this with a wonderful trip away and time in Adelaide. There is so much in this post to talk about but I must say how I adore your dress. i can see why you chose to buy and wear that one. It is just perfect for you.
Congratulations, again!!
Sempre belli i tuoi racconti e anche le immagini...complimenti per i tuoi successi!
ReplyDeleteCiao
Congratulations Rachael ! I always have a lot of fun following your adventures !
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! This sounds like a fantastic trip and a great experience all round. Your dress is beyond fabulous.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Rachael..I loved reading your post and just adore your new dress!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Rachael, what a wonderful blog and great pics too....loved leaving it till now to read... just great R
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your award! Thank you for sharing your gorgeous dress and all the gorgeous quilts with us! I hope you enjoy your Brother machine as much as I love mine.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing exhibition.... You blend in with that quilt......love the dress......the exhibition you exhibited in looks great to...... A wonderful trip......
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for leaving me a comment. Your kind words encourage me to keep sharing my work and stories.