10 Things on Thursday

Remember when I had a little series called 10 Things on Thursday? I started it back in 2016 as a way to brain dump my way into the weekend. It’s been quite a while since I did one, so my brain must be awfully full! Let’s find out, shall we?

• I hope you’re starting to think about fabric selection for the Lava Lampalong! I’ll show you some of my new fabrics I recently picked up from Quilting Queen Penrith in this week’s Sunday Stash with Molli Sparkles. 
• I’m still having a love affair with Mettler silk-finish cotton threads. I’ve been foundation paper piecing up a storm with this black spool. I’ve even done some casual free motion quilting with my red and yellow cones! Basically, I’ve got enough on a cone to allow me lots of practice—and I need it! Have you tried Mettler yet?

• Ariana Grande has released a new remix of latest hit “yes, and?” with Mariah Carey jumping on the track. As a long time Mariah stan, it’s giving me life! “Boy, c’mon put your lipstick on!”
• My colleague Sam Hunter (of Hunter’s Design Studio) is running tours to Europe again this year: Spring in Paris, and Fall in the Basque region of southern France. These are bespoke, intimate tours (luxury on a budget – only 8 peeps in Paris, 12 in the south of France – everyone gets their own room) and they’re focused on exploring the cities from the textile lens. She takes people off the tourist path and into exclusive fiber and thread experiences. Her guides are steeped in the textile history of the cities! There’s also plenty of opportunity to fill your second suitcase with treasures from centuries-old shops and vintage market adventures. Mention the “Friend of Sam – MOLLI” discount for $100 off! Read more about it at www.EmbroideredJourney.com.

• A young transgender student, Nex Benedict, was bullied and beaten to death in Owasso, Oklahoma for trying to use a school bathroom. As a native Oklahoman, I’m ashamed and at the same time not surprised. It’s a hateful place for people who are different, and I’m forever grateful I left when I did. 
• My father-in-law celebrated his 82nd birthday this week, so a giant sparklelations to Kevin!

• Grandma Sparkles made it home safe and sound. It’s about a 24 hour journey door-to-door, and somehow she didn’t sleep a wink. I think she might be sleeping the rest of the week now though!
• I’m finally binding my Neon Folk quilt, and using Kona Tangerine to do so. If you’re looking for a way to modernise your quilt, throw a non-coordinating pop of colour on there. Lime Green! Fuchsia! Or say hello to yellow!

• Argh! I’m currently watching Gossip Girl for the first time on Netflix, and I have made it all the way to season five without any spoilers. Then last night as I was Googling “what happened to Jenny” the identity of Gossip Girl was accidentally revealed. My fault, but wow! Any other GG fans out there?
• The QuiltNSW committee is looking for a few good people to join the board. I spent last year serving as a committee member and it was very engaging. Everyone is supportive of diversity and inclusion! My time commitments precluded me this year, but I hope to rejoin in the future. 

Oh wow, I feel so much lighter already! Happy Thursday to you all, and I hope you slide into the weekend with fantastical fabric fantasies as well! Mwah!