a stitching weekend in Brisbane

Last weekend I went to Brisbane to teach a merezhka class at All Threads Embroidery. I went up early on the Friday to spend the day seeing the sights of Brisy. It was a miserable day, with grey skies and rain on and off (obviously no-one in Brisbane has seen the old advertising campaign of “Beautiful one day, perfect the next”).

I had an appointment at Meigunyah (see photo right) which is the home of the QLD Women’s Historical Society. It had been suggested to me that they had some Mountmellick embroidery pieces in their collection. It was a little disappointing, as there was really only one piece that had any resemblance to Mountmellick, and it was done a lot later, and was rather derivative in style. But I did see some other lovely embroidery, and they do seem to have a wonderful collection of lacework.

Meigunyah, the house itself, is a gorgeous old building and well worth a visit on the days it is open.

I did a bit of sightseeing, walking through the centre of the city, and across the river over to the art gallery. Found some really nice books in the art gallery bookshop, but had to leave them there as I was travelling very light, and couldn’t fit them in my luggage. Also passed on buying a lovely skirt at one of the shops in the Queen Street Mall. It was probably good practice for our Europe holiday later in the year, when we are travelling cabin luggage only. I have since regretted not buying the skirt and at least one of the books as I have a birthday coming up very soon, and various family members have been asking for gift suggestions. I guess I learned that it would have been better to purchase them and post them home if I really couldn’t find the room in my luggage…

That evening I also went to the opening of the QLD Embroiderers Guild 40th Anniversary exhibition. I had the honour of presenting two of the awards. It was a wonderful display with many pieces of gorgeous embroidery which were beautifully executed. It is rather special to me that my red chiffon hardanger bag is on display at the exhibition, fitting with their 40th/ruby anniversary.

Saturday and Sunday were at All Threads Embroidery. I was teaching an intermediate level merezhka class. We had a lovely two days. I will be back at All Threads Embroidery next year (2009) teaching my new style of Hardanger embroidery with sheer overlays.

Had a great weekend, and am looking forward to doing it again!

In three weekends time I will be teaching Mountmellick embroidery at Oatley Cottage in Sydney. There is still room in the class, so book now!