This little feller is a Spotted Quoll, but don't be deceived by the cuteness; quolls are related to Tassie Devils who can be rather nasty. We saw this quoll and some of its friends at an animal park on our holiday late last year, and while we were watching them the keeper entered their enclosure with food, raw meat - they are carnivorous - which she placed in tree branches, on the ground, behind twigs, etc. to make the quolls work for their dinner. Then it was every quoll for itself, and their table manners were appallingly bad; no "after you, sir" or "oh no, after you madam". Their growls and screeches were to warn the others " this is mine, keep away from my dinner"!
Summer has hit with a vengeance and the past couple of days have been fairly warm, but relief is in sight later in the week thank goodness. I know some of you are battling winter storms and shovelling snow while we are sweltering and dodging thunderstorms. Fortunately my sewing room is a pleasant temperature, because that's where I have been playing; yesterday some of the fabric for this year's challenge quilt was cut out, how's that for being organised? The Big Reveal isn't until late November and this year I am determined not to be finishing it at the last minute, unlike last year. This year's challenge is to make a quilt, any size but at least 120cm square, from fabric already in the stash although one other fabric is allowed to be purchased, as is batting and backing fabric. Before we left Sydney I bought fabric for background, borders and backing to use the little pinwheels sewn when my arm was in plaster late in 2009, and they were leftovers from another quilt anyway. All the background fabric has now been cut out, so the blocks can be made.
The lovely green skirt has been worn (it still doesn't have its ruffle trim, but it is wearable) with the green print top which fortunately fits well, and my new outfit gained several compliments. It's nice to have new clothes, and there is one more skirt and top to go in the current clothes-making session. The arty quilt I started in a workshop last year really should be finished too; even though I am not sure if I like it, I am determined to finish it.....perhaps I will feel differently when it's done.
Karen is writing a very interesting series of articles on her blog about copyright. Quilters have a reputation for being 'caring and sharing' with patterns and designs, but while it's all right to help friends it shouldn't be done at the expense of a copyright holder. Just imagine how you would feel if your original design were to be copied and sold as the work of someone else - it wouldn't be a good feeling, would it?
"Greediness.
To put large pieces of food into your mouth appears greedy, and if you are addressed when your mouth is so filled, you are obliged to pause, before answering, until the vast mouthful is masticated, or run the risk of choking, by swallowing it too hastily. To eat very fast is also a mark of greediness, and should be avoided. The same may be said of soaking up gravy with bread, scraping up sauce with a spoon, scraping your plate, and gormandizing upon one or two articles of food only."
No one told the quolls about greediness, although none of them were scraping their plates....probably because plates weren't used.
Enjoy your days!
