One should always be appropriately dressed when teaching! It's New Years Eve, how did that happen?  It is a great time to look back over the past year and think of friends you have met, places you have been and the wonderful things you have seen. 2015 was a busy year with 2 trip to the Antipodes, 3 trips to Ireland - 2016 will be even more bonkers . . . A sign on the wall of the World of Wearable Art exhibition in Auckland. I have met a lot of you at the various shows that I do throughout the year, both for myself and for Vilene. We have wonderful chats and discussions about all manner of things as well as textiles, and of course, chocolate!  One of the main topics seems to be how lucky I am. Until the middle of this year, I had never really though about it - I always say Yes! I am. A good friend of mine who also works on the stand with me, pointed out with great emphasis, that I am not 'lucky'. I have made the decisions and choices that have brough

Painted Bondaweb decorated with snips of polyester organza and hand stitch. Hot Textiles workshop. I am now back in the swing of things, I hadn't quite appreciated that the knee op would also affect my brain!!! It has taken a long time to get back to 'normal'. I have been planning several trips, both here and New Zealand, and am looking at what is coming up. There are a couple of spaces left on my workshop for the North Kent Guild in Meopham, Kent this weekend. (June 27th) The workshop is Hot Textiles. If you are interested do email suzannecooper55@gmail.com  *   There are also a couple of spaces left on my workshop 'Colourworks' at The Bridge, Brighton the following weekend July 4th & 5th. We will take a look at colour theory (we all need it!) and then go on to tear, cut, curl, pleat and manipulate paper to create beautiful, colourful vessels, book covers or a wall piece. phone 01273 687053  http://bit.ly/1RvYY6P   *  Lo

A detail of 'Off the Floor' by Gael O'Donnell. So - here I am in Palmerston North teaching at the Quilt Sympossium. It is easily the largest event I have ever been involved in and it is running like clockwork. The organisation required in an event such as this is mind boggling. There are 32 tutors and around 1200 students - amazing. Yesterday we were setting up our classrooms and also had a chance to get a good look at the fabulous exhibition - Growing the Passion. As most of you will know I am not passionately interested in quilting, I admire the craft but  . . .  However, the quilts on show were just fantastic. A fabulous array of different styles and such skill - it was very interesting to see the variety. Here are my favourites . . .   'Off the Floor' by Gael O'Donnell. 'Is it Art?' by Melanie Martin - my favourite. 'Nightwatch' by Anna Prussing. 'My Kind of Garden' by Sheryl Anicich. You are g