Australia Day 2013 with the Island Quilters

Island Quilters Exhibition (26th January 2013)

We made use of Meg's perfectly positioned house to display our works (again!) this year.  And Wally who is more than handy with a hammer (and could now organise an exhibit in the Met).  Wyn & Margaret took very good care of the sales table/raffle, Sandra played clarinet to add an up-market touch and Margaret K's balloons were very popular. 

Although the group is now down to a handful of stitchers, somehow we managed to fill the verandah and lounge area with a very nice display, mostly in the “modern” style (thanks to Vanessa who is positively driven).   It really is exciting to see the quilts hanging.  Somehow it adds another dimension.  This year though, we didn’t hang any in the garden in case it rained.  Thankfully, a tropical deluge waited until the following day. 

This is my NYC quilt (fabrics purchased in City Quilter & Purl Soho)

So, another extravaganza!   But even now, we are talking about next year….     

Ramble or Scramble: Sculpture Competition 2013

Australia Day (26^th Jan) has been and gone.  It’s a big event for such a small island but we welcome the diversion for many, many reasons.  Here’s my favourite this year: a round island Sculpture Trail

Residents were asked to make a sculpture and place it outside of their house.  It was to be judged for Australia Day and visitors to the Island would be asked to nominate their favourite for an additional award.  I’m not sure there was a theme but a few took up the challenge and boldly displayed their works.  Others, who shall remain nameless, left their run to the last minute – only hours before judging!  Let me tell you, it is surprising how many things you can make with a few branches and some bark….

Even as judging began, the sculptures took on a life of their own.  Some were further embellished, some vanished (island intrigue here) and others appeared to mushroom, almost overnight, to fill vacant spaces.  It was clear we were having too much fun and anything goes!  My favourites were the cheeky bamboo wheelbarrow, a mermaid lush down on the beach and escaped hessian & palm frond chickens pecking in the park.  The winner was Sandra's  amazing CD fish (a mullet of course).  

Meet Peno the Fisherman
(so that's where my garden gloves went!)

He's a little rain sodden in this picture & his rod
has snapped.  And hes wearing less-than white shoes.

If you are wondering about the many pairs of white shoes, they were used as markers for judging numbers and actually became mini-sculptures in their own right...