Handing over the reins

I started the Just Patchwork blog back in March of this year, and I'm sad to be handing the reins over to Gai as of tomorrow. But the UK and my itchy feet are telling me to jump on a plane, and I know that I leave you in safe hands.

Tomorrow I fly to Beijing to start a journey that will take me along the silk road through China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and then up to see more of the former USSR in Russia and the Baltic States. Throw in a bit of western europe to catch up with friends scattered all over the place and then I'll finally make it to the UK to settle down for a year or two.

I'll be making guest appearances on this blog to talk about the fabulous textiles I (hope I) will see in my travels, and enjoy Gai's other updates on what's new here at Just Patchwork...

--Alison

P.S. Gai and Elwin will be in Canberra for the Quilt Show from this Thursday-Sunday. If you're in the area make sure you don't miss it. I hope that it doesn't snow like it did on setup day last year. From the relative warmth of Forster/Tuncurry that was a shock to the system!

Creative Zone for 10-18's

Expertise Events who run the fantastic Craft and Quilt Fairs around Australia and New Zealand have started a new program to encourage 10-18 year olds to start sewing and crafting. We thought that it was a great idea and joined the program.

I did a test run at the Sydney show in June with our Wonky Squares project, and thanks to that successful outing Gai will now be running Wonky Squares classes at other shows. In some locations the lucky class participants will be constructing their cushion by machine, using PFAFF and Husqvana machines. At other locations, students will be introduced to the joys and portability of hand piecing. Over in the download section on the sidebar I've included an info sheet from Expertise with more details about the Creative Zone classes.

If you'll be attending one of the shows with a young friend or relative let them experience your hobby first hand by joining one of the great Creative Zone classes.