two important things about Australia.

I've prattled on about Japan, but I want to tell you two important things about Australia. Listen closely, because this is something you want to pay attention to...

1. Australia is home to many of the nicest people you'll ever meet. People from all over the world settle here to strike out a life. Natives and transplants alike are kind and treat you like family. This is particularly true in the craft community. I am fortunate to live in this big, kind country.

2. Not only do we have nice people, we have some of the world's best textile designers and screen printers. And we don't just have one or two of them... we have several dozen and they are all extremely talented. And the great thing about Australia is that the talented list keeps growing!

Today, Katia of Plushka Craft (have you seen her penguins?) asked to meet me in the post office. While this sounds unusual, a large portion of my afternoon is usually spent mingling with the local posties. She said she had a something for me. I assumed some wrong fabric had got caught up in her order or perhaps something even less exciting. I like to keep my expectations low to avoid disappointment.

She handed me a brown paper parcel and apologized about the wrapping. I love brown paper parcels, so I was happy already. Another birthday present! Not just any birthday present either. She brought an amazing screen printed linen tea towel.


She doesn't know this, but it actually brought tears to my eyes when I got home.

Katia found this tea towel which is designed and made by Nicole James of Yardage Design in Melbourne. She thought of me and bought it. The colours are unbelievably rich and wonderful. Within seconds of opening it, I was beaming with excitement. I didn't even know what the print was, but the colours wowed me. I have no idea how Nicole's prints flew under my radar, but now I'm seeing them loud and clear and they are wonderful. I'm debating now if I want to buy yardage packs or full fat quarters of her prints.

I had been tinkering on my computer with a canister design for gocco prints for a while now, but I think I might abandon ship because Nicole's take on the vintage spice canisters is perfect.


Surely one great screen printed tea towel would be enough for me? But this week I was twice-blessed with Australian screen printed goodness. This deep tomato ink in the filigree design comes from Susie of Flowerpress. The red is the perfect match for my new craft room cupboards. The intricate design is both elegant and dynamic at the same time. Simply wonderful.

Rest assured, neither of these tea towels will ever see a dish. They won't be soaked in water and used to scrub grease. I'm hoping to stretch both on canvas and put them up in the craft room where they can be enjoyed each day.

I am unbelievably lucky to live in Australia, moreso to count so many of you among my friends. thank you.