Sydney-side up

I'm a little behind in my blogging as I have been working hard on a quilt for a dear friend. I was thrilled to give it to her this evening, will post about it in the days to come.

In the meantime, you can catch up on my recent interstate fabric adventures!I went to Sydney for the weekend two weeks ago to visit my Step-Mom who was here from the States where she and my Dad live, as well as my dear friend Naomi. It was my first trip away since becoming a Mum seven years ago - oh God it was FAB! I missed my girls but despite running around town for three days, I found it SO restful not to be responsible for anyone!

The first night I was staying at my Step-Mom's brother's house in Killarney Heights. I got a kick out of seeing "St Ives" listed on the bus stop from the city - it's the name of the new quilting line from Sarah Fielke. (You see a cute preview of it in a little book put together by Sarah and her husband on the True Up blog here).



Saturday started with a walk around Circular Quay/The Rocks. Tourist shot of me in front of the Opera House, wearing a gorgeous skirt made by my clever friend Anna.



More stunning skirts on a stall in the markets at The Rocks. Unfortunately the seller had no website or blog. :-(



Tasmanian guitar maestro Tom Ward was busking at Circular Quay. He was on the last series of Australia's Got Talent. Check out the videos on his website, his talent is insane.



That afternoon I met up with my friend Naomi and we hit a couple of quilt shops - hard. It felt like we had planned our quilt shop hop for years! I was so excited to be in Quiltsmith in Annandale that I didn't take ANY photos except what I bought. And I have realised that I can't post ANY photos of fabric I bought that afternoon because they all contain fabrics I'm making into things for family and friends who read this blog! Sorry. :-)

I managed to take more photos at Calico & Ivy in Balmain. Naomi and her gorgeous bubba Rowan.



Me hyperventilating in front of their Liberty range. This was only about half of what they have in stock.



Naomi browsing their yarn, with their workshop space behind.



Pattern heaven - Oliver & S, Amy Butler and Anna Maria Horner.



With my haul.



Salivating over goodies at Adriano Zumbo's Patisserie up the road in Balmain.



Naomi in front of his macaroons.



We met the most lovely guy at the Gourmet Grocer in Balmain. He told us his amazing life story, from working as a nurse with pregnant women in A&E, to being the UK line dancing champion choreographing music videos including for the band Steps, to coming to Australia and opening a cheese shop. He was so funny and entertaining!



Back safe and sound in Brisbane with my fabric purchases and a perfect little tea pot from Balmain's Gourmet Grocer (my friend Anna made this pot of tea for me!), it was down to work to finish a quilt for our friend. Here is a sneak peek, more to come!