Monday, March 18, 2013

Hobart and Port Arthur, Tasmania



Hobart, Mt Wellington and Salamanca Square
DH and I always wanted to go to Tasmania. This year we got our chance. It is beautiful!
 We only stay there for 4 days and saw the area around Hobart which is the south side of the island; therefore it is very dry. The west is wet and green; but not Hobart. But is gorgeous and the people are so friendly. We loved it and plan to go back some day to visit the rest of the state.
This has the potential to be a very long entry; but I will keep it short.
If you go do the research. It is worth it.

We also visited Port Arthur, a penal colony near Hobart. Devil's kitchen is a must stop if you are going there. Port Arthur has the potential to be a very depressing place; but it is not. A tragedy happened there a few years back. Read about it and don't bring it up while you are there. They will ask you not to do so. It is still very painful for them.
The area is so pretty and the tour is so well done.

Devils Kitchen near Port Arthur

Port Arthur
Charles Wellings was the convict that I was supposed to be when I got there. I will not spoil for you in case you get the same card (8 of spades). You get to find out what happens to "you" there.
So this gives a real sense of understanding of the place and time.
Port Arthur 

Another must see in this area is MONA. A very unusual museum that is a ferry ride away. Please keep in mind that you need to have a very open mind here. Some things are offensive; and frankly, I wish I had not seen a few of the "art". But everything is a learning experience.
My very favorite here is the water fall below that gives you the headline news. As the water falls, different faucets open and close, so it makes the letters appear. You can read the word "toddler" below; but since it is the headlines, it is mostly bad news.
MONA Museum
Waterfall inside the MONA


Richmond on the Coal River
Last, the town of Richmond. It is a beautiful town with great food, shops, and wineries to visit.
 A great place to eat is the bakery in town. If you are there on a weekend; prepare to wait a long time.
Of course, I found a quilt.
This one is in the physician's home in Port Arthur. The staff, physicians, military, etc all lived in the same area, so this is in the village around the prison.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Somerset Quilt Shop Melbourne area

Editor note:
Somerset Patchwork and Quilting has moved.
The new address is:
Shop 4
580-584 Canterbury Road
Vermont, Vic 3133
+61 (0) 3 9873 5992


I am a follower of Karen's blog (see sidebar for the link to her blog). I was there with a mission: to buy the pattern for the "Mrs. Billings" quilt.
 I did get my pattern which comes with all the templates and paper hexagons (1000, 5/8" in size). 
In addition, I bought the pattern for the"Auntie Green " quilt. Which is really beautiful also.
Below you find some pictures of the store and the quilt that I will be making.
Photo of the previous shop, see note above




Me and "Mrs. Billings quilt"

Happy Quilting day everyone! :)

Texas panel quilt

This quilt top is part of a Bee challenge. We are challenging ouselves to use a panel to make a donation quilt. Now, I will quilt it usin...