Sunday, April 24, 2011

Love is stronger than fear. Kindness is stronger than greed.

Siev X Memorial
In October 2001, in international waters off Indonesia, a small fishing vessel sank and killed 353 of its 400 passengers. The passengers were asylum seekers trying to gain entry into Australia. Of the 353 who died, 146 were children. The boat is known as "SIEV X" by the Australian Government and the press, and this stands for "Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel".

Siev X Memorial

This afternoon we went for a drive, and found ourselves at the SIEV X Memorial on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. It was erected in 2006 by communities and churches around Australia who wanted to commemorate an awful day in Australian history. Each person who died is symbolised by a white pole decorated with artwork. The tall poles represent the adults and the short poles represent the children.

Siev X Memorial

Some have names, but others are just described as "Unknown".

Siev X Memorial

It doesn't matter what your politics are, or whether you believe that asylum seekers or even immigrants belong in Australia. In fact, I really don't care what your politics are, just as I'm sure you don't care about mine.

But the Siev X memorial is something, in my opinion, every person should pay a visit to if they get the chance. I'll be honest - I was moved to the point of sobbing. The loss of life is so enormous and pointless, but yet represented so visually and beautifully.

Siev X Memorial

It reminds us of the fragility of life, and of the strength of the human spirit. It reminds us of our weaknesses and our strengths, and most importantly it may help us resolve to be kinder to one another.

Siev X Memorial

And that's the perfect Easter message, don't you think?

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Beauty and quilts

Dahlia

This morning I was cleaning up my kitchen bench so I could cut some fabric, and it suddenly dawned on me how photogenic my flowers and fruit were.

Ripening pear


Tomatoes from the garden

These are some of our home grown tomatoes. In the background are the Tommy Toes of which we have picked 50 kg of tomatoes from ... so far ... from the one plant. Granted the plant is a whopper. We tried to keep it pruned in it's early days, but it grew to gargantuan proportions overnight and before we knew it it was too late to do anything about it except stop it from invading our neighbour's property. We failed on that count too, by the way. I suspect he is picking tomatoes on his side of the fence right now.

Autumn sacks for the Four Seasons sack/yarn club

On Friday night I finished making 21 sack bags for the seasonal sack/yarn club that Carrie and I run. These 21 seemed like a hard slog, mainly because I was really worried I wouldn't finish them before I got sick again and I didn't want to let anyone down. Plus my day job is really busy, we've had guests staying, and I am just really tired at the end of the day. Luckily I was blessed with good health and I needn't have worried so much. We pack them up with the yarn tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait to see what Carrie has dyed up.

New quilt

Finishing the bags meant I was free! Free as a rotary-cutter wielding bird! It was time to make a quilt. I can't show you too much of this quilt yet - it's a gift for someone and they might read the blog. But I can say it's a little bit retro, a little bit red, and a little bit funky. I'll show you all how it turned out in a few weeks.

New quilt

But it is so nice to be making a quilt by machine again. I think the last quilt I made was this one. And then there is the hexagon quilt which is all done by hand ... I'd forgotten how good it felt to have wonky seams and a quick result!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Good things by good people

{Photo by Kate}

Kate over at Fox's Lane made this dress. Isn't it gorgeous? But are you thinking the fabrics look a little familiar?

Dress #1 McCalls 5640 View A March 12 Cutting out

I sent Kate a heap of my dress making scraps because I knew she'd make good use of them. So glad I did! And the dress is for sale in Kate's online shop. I only wish I had a niece!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts At The Park Avenue Armory

Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts At The Park Avenue Armory


Source: NYC♥NYC



Wouldn't you love to see something like this? 650 quilts made using red and white fabrics, all in one display.

Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts At The Park Avenue Armory

Source:NYC♥NYC


Seeing this in New York would be a dream come true.

Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts At The Park Avenue Armory

Source: NYC♥NYC