Sunday, July 7, 2013

A Day with Kathy Doughty and Friends in Portland

This weekend I got to spend a VERY fun day in Portland, Oregon, with Kathy Doughty and her crew from Material Obsession in Sydney, Australia!

Aren't they gorgeous?  Well, so are their quilts!  Their works are truly stand-outs in the international quilt-making scene.

Cath, Wendy, Kathy and Carolyn
They were on their way to Sisters, OR, to teach at Quilter's Affair.  
I hope many of you will be there taking Kathy's classes!



We started the day in their hotel room.  The minute I walked in and saw them working on their amazing creations, I felt like I was home.  I was so bowled over by all their works, that I took only a few photos.  

This quilt is called "Fractured."  The pattern is in Kathy's latest book, Making Quilts, the Promise of Joy.  She's teaching it at Sisters and in Syracuse, NY, at Quilting by the Lake in a few weeks.

NEWS FLASH--THE U.S. VERSION OF THE BOOK IS BEING RELEASED THIS WEEK!  



Their strong, deep friendship is so evident.  They clown around and laugh all the time.   

I gave them these little pin cushions to tie onto their sewing machines.  Immediately, they all began trying out ways to wear them.  Necklace?  Bracelet?  Headband? 



Then we went to the Pendleton Woolen Mills Store.  This company is very Oregon.  They began in 1909, weaving blankets to trade with the Native American people.  The store sells top quality wool yardage and blankets in original designs.  They have BINS of remnants and strips for sale by the pound, plus sale tables.




I found some woven plaid cottons on sale for $2.50 A YARD!  
I bought three quilt backs, plus some remnants.  



Next stop was the very cool Alberta Street for lunch and visits to 
Bolt Fabric Boutique and Modern Domestic, plus other cute shops and refreshments at a patio cafe.

Then off to Pittock Mansion for a view of the city and a walk through the gardens.  

It was a real joy to see Portland through their eyes.  They found inspiration everywhere--a green painted house, a patch of red flowers, the shape of a thistle...  

The day renewed my gratitude for this amazing quilting community that we all share, with friends in every corner of the globe, inspiring and shaping us as we express our lives through our quilts.









18 comments:

Helen said...

Am getting SO excited about going to QBL and Fracturing with creative Kathy and Crew. Expect I will be dazzled and inspired, too!

Kim said...

How fun! Love your plaid finds and can't wait to see how you've been inspired by these amazing ladies.

Happy Sewing

fiberchick said...

You are definitely one of and hanging with the Cool Kids these days! Love your fabrics. What will you make with them? Am working on a "Fractured" myself. I think it is my favorite MO design...

smazoochie said...

So much FUN!
The headband pincushions look like a quilter's version of liars poker. :-D
I am ready to book passage to go to the Pendelton store -- I'm drooling for your $2.5 cotton plaids!

audrey said...

Oh how fun to hang around such creative women and one's who obviously really appreciate each other! Thanks for the fabric store tips in Portland too. I'll probably be headed there in a couple months.:)

Mego said...

LOVE these ladies and adore Portland! In fact, I am on my way there tomorrow! I've made two Fractured Quilts but always scrappy...I might have to make another all in one color! Yum!

Sharon said...

What a great time! Lucky you to visit with these ladies

Sharon said...

how exciting and fun for you!

Julie Fukuda said...

What fun to share! Quilting friends are the greatest!

Rachaeldaisy said...

I know you would have had the most wonderful time with the Material Obssesion gals!! Fabulous woolly purchases!!

Chris said...

Wonderful post - it beautifully reinforced what I already knew: quilting is great, and quilters are the best!

Carla said...

I"ve been a follower of Material Obsession for a long time...how fun for you to get to hang out with Kathy and her mates! Thanks for the tip on the book..yeah!

Victoria said...

Man-o-Man! You have the BEST creative social life!! Thanks for sharing!

Mary Keasler said...

Lucky girl! What a treat you hang out with such a great group of ladies. I don't doubt that they were amazed at your quilts. You did show and tell, right? Great plaids your found. Can't wait to see what you create next. And just look at that inspiration at the Pendleton shop. oh my

janequiltsslowly said...

What a day. Wish I could have been along.

Nat Palaskas said...

What fun for you to get a chance to play with those lovely ladies from Sydney! Now I want a copy of their book - Hugs Nat

Kate said...

Aren't they great fun!!!! I miss them now I live n Singapore. Maybe I should skip going down to the Sydney quilt show next year, and join them in Sisters ...

Marit said...

Sounds like a lovely day, sharing what you love with like minded ladies...