Stitch-in in the Dandenongs!

I'm staying in Melbourne, Australia, for 7 months - September 2008-April 2009, and last friday October 10 I took the time off from work to join a Stitch-in with Leanne Beasley and Rosalie Quinlan in the Dandenongs. It was really fantastic! The venue was the Glen Harrow Gardens, and we were in the "Smugglers rest" - picturesque! Leanne and Rosalie had colored the inside with quilts, sticheries and flowers. We were served lovely gourmet cooking - I still remember the chicken dish with lemon and coriander - and the great variety of cakes. So this was the setting for the stitch-in. When we arrived we all got a goodiebag - with one stichery pattern from Leanne and one from Rosalie, all of us chose to work with one of the two patterns - while Leanne and Rosalie helped us all with useful advice. We also got gifts! A small bag from yazzii with room for needles, tread and sissors - and the current stitchery project. There was also a raffle - with beautiful prizes - and I won a set of stichery cards designed by Rosalie! Leanne and Rosalie sold models from their previous books and patterns- and I am now the owner of a beautiful quilted tote bag made by Rosalie. Leanne and Rosalie also sold patterns and books, and of cause I had to buy Rosalies last book "Gift" and a pattern from each of the designers. All the money from the sales went to an AIDS project in Cambodia. I had a great time - and got to know many very nice quilters. The women at my table (Debbie, Lisa, Mary, Jan and Meri) took great care of me - helping me to dechifre the Australian language and everyday life! Thanks, girls :-) - and thanks to Leanne, Rosalie and Nel for arranging such a perfect stitch-in! You can find more pictures by going to my PBase page.