to market to market (and other things Christmassy)

*breathe*
aaah, finally the world is slowing somewhat. My quilts are all made, my hours in front of the sewing machine becoming (much) fewer, and the market done. It was a great experience and quite thrilling to be on the other side of the table. A few quilts are going out into the world and I have a commission, and it was great to get the name out there, speak to people, get some lovely feedback and meet lots of other creative people.

It's been wonderful and the start of hopefully an exciting journey but it has also been utterly exhausting.  The last few weeks have been so hectic that I haven't even been able to think about Christmas. And I've felt quite annoyed about that, because I love this time of year. Christmas in Australia is a wonderful thing. I know it's hard for those up North to get their head around it, but I just love December in Summer. Long days, balmy nights, cricket on the radio, bare feet and seafood on the barbecue. And this year, there is a new person in the world to introduce all that to (well perhaps not the cricket, but he'll get there).

So I am excited to have the stress of recent weeks over, and to be able to embrace the giddy joy of this time of year. To get out the box of decorations and perhaps put up a little tree. To focus my creative energies on making handmade presents for the family, a little tradition we have which I love. A post on this to come shortly.

In the meantime, here are a few little (phone) pictures of the stall I shared with my sister...