I had a very crafty type weekend. It started with a trip to the annual Australasian Quilt Convention & Expo. I was hoping to go again with greenolive, as we had a lovely time last year, but due to her recent car issues, she couldn't make it. Instead I went with a friend who is a fellow crafter, but as I soon learned, not quite as passionate or excited about wool and fabric as greenolive and myself! She was very patient though, accommodating me when I stopped frequently to look at things and feigning interest (well, at times it may have been sincere) when I showed her what I had bought at a particular stall.
Some of my fabric purchases - groovy fat quarters!
More fabric from the expo
Now before you think I am some quilting freak, let me explain that whilst I do appreciate a nice quilt (and there were some lovely ones on display - my favourites for those of you who went were "Onion", "Inviting" and "Leap"), I go to these events more for inspiration and to buy some nice fabric or wool to use in my handbags or other products. I have done a few semi-quilting type things, but have yet to embark on a full blown quilt. I have a few ideas and would really like to start one soon - Mr S is keen to have a go at one with me too which is kinda nice - but I think I am a bit concerned that it will take me forever and it may be really crap. Also, I am more into functional quilts that you actually put on your bed, than ones you hang up.
Having said that though, last year I bought an amazing quilt made by an Egyptian man, who had been invited to display his work at the expo. I saw it hanging up and was immediately mesmerized. When I found out it was for sale, still available and incredibly cheap, I couldn't believe my luck. After being beautifully framed by a friend of mine, it is now proudly hanging in our lounge room. When I went off to the expo this year, I wondered if he would be back or whether I would find anything else I liked for sale. Mr S's prophetic parting words were "Don't buy anything for over $500." (At this point I should say that as we are trying to save money, we have made a pact that we will consult each other for large purchases or anything over $500. He also knows I am a shocker when I go shopping, especially for cosmetics, skincare or anything craft-related!)
My South African quilt, made by a lady called Ellen
I say prophetic, because of course I found another quilt I liked, but this time it was from South Africa and wasn't cheap! (I just made it under the monetary limit!) This year the expo was showcasing quilts from The Kopanang Project. Basically it is a special group set up to bring help and hope to village women whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS, and one of the things these ladies do is embroider quilts to raise money. Needless to say the quilts were incredible - beautiful colours, shapes and textures, depicting typical village scenes and African wildlife. Some of them were a bit naive and rough but this only added to the beauty. The one I fell in love with and bought was made by a lady called Ellen and features nine embroidered African animals. I asked my friend if she thought it was too scary to put in a nursery (no, nothing to announce, just thinking ahead) because I think that is where I can see it going. I love the sheen and colours of the animals, particularly the contouring on the elephant, which I think is my favourite animal.
The beautiful elephant
I am pleased to report that Mr S was equally thrilled with the quilt! I can't wait to hang it up (better get started on that baby now I guess!) but I think the thing that made me feel happiest about my purchase was the fact that my money was going to a very worthy cause, not just to support the great work in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but to empower fellow women, by providing income and furthering their skills and sense of community and self-worth.
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