Craft & Quilt Show in Melbourne.

Sharon and I went to the Craft & Quilt show at Jeff's Shed on Friday. I took dozens of photos of the quilts on display which were as usual, absolutely sensational. I've posted the pics on my Quilt Show blog here. We both had a strict budget to stick to, but I also had a short list of items I would be looking for. I found them - ruler/template to make Dresden plate blades, and Sashiko threads. We did a couple of workshops too which were of great benefit. Sharon sat in an a quilter/author's workshop, and did the Tumbling Blocks workshop that I did at an earlier Craft fair.
I did one on using up scraps in patchwork, and the other on binding. Binding is one of my poor points when it comes to finishing off projects, and I tend to take the easy way out. Judy showed us various ways of finishing off things, and suggested a few other projects, one of which I actually applauded her on! A few people looked around at me as if to say "What??" Judy said she hated throwing out perfectly good cork placemats where the glossy front picture had faded or got marked with use. She showed us patchwork 'pockets' which she made to cover the cork mats. I love it!!!! I also hate throwing them out, so watch this space for my efforts in making a couple of patchwork pockets for my old placemats. But don't hold your breath...there are still a lot of UFOs I want to tackle before 2010 ends. Dresden Plate ruler templates. Three skeins of Sashiko thread, Sashiko needles, Indigo fabric printed with traditional pattern, and a Clover tracing pen. I was using a biro or sharp pencil, but they weren't very good, so I was pleased to find this.
Naturally, as we did the rounds of the stalls, we found just a few goodies that we couldn't live without. I didn't buy ANY cross stitch kits or charts, but I found some gorgeous fabrics and knick knacks. I looked at this several times during the day, and finally gave in to temptation about 20 minutes before the Show closed! I selected these Japanese fabrics to complete a wall panel I have yet to start. Last year, Sharon gave me a lovely piece of Japanese fabric with an owl on it, but I needed more fabrics to do the borders, and these will be perfect.
These tiny dolls were $2 each, or five for $6. Just couldn't resist them! Don't know what I'll do with them, but I'll think of something. Or someone reading this will suggest something; my cyberspace friends are so helpful!
This beautiful dragon fly is for a friend who loves dragon flies.
Kitty buttons for $4 could not be left behind!
All in all I spent just over $100 (not including parking, entry fee and coffee) which is about what I had anticipated. I could have bought heaps more, but I was very strict with myself and stuck to what I thought I could use in the near future, instead of just topping up the Stash!