What's new, Amy?

Grab a chair and have a cuppa* with me. I feel like we haven't had a good chat for a while.

We bought a table this week. It's only taken seven years to get around to buying one. I have become a ninja-master of lap dining. Living without a table sounds odd to many, but we kept putting it off because one day in the foreseeable future we want to live in a caravan. Furniture isn't a priority for us. I've wanted a NORDEN gateleg table for ages because it packs up small, has drawers for storage and expands to sit up to four people. We tried getting a table a few months ago, I bought an Aldi flop which was quickly returned. A friend knew that I loved the NORDENs and dropped me a line when they were going on sale.  I hauled it home and set it up. It's heavy - far heavier than most IKEA furniture.  There was one small oversight with the plan. I should have bought chairs as well. We've nicked one from the bedroom; the other gets brought up and down stairs from the sewing room each time we dine. So come on over for a cuppa, but its BYO chair if you need a seat.

The table isn't the only thing new in my life; I started a new job last month. Facebook-connected Australian quilters will undoubtedly recognize the role from the job ad that made its rounds in March. I'm working as a technical editor for Express Media Group which publishes an assortment of craft and automotive magazines. At the moment, most of my work is for Patchwork & Stitching; but I have helped out with other EMgroup publications. For those unfamiliar with the role, technical editors are the people who check the mathematics and completeness of submitted patterns. They make sure the measurements are right, the cutting is optimized and ensure the pattern is presented in a standard format for the readers. Most of the projects I've looked at so far are quilts, bags and toys; but I've also dipped my toe well into the embroidery pool.  I feel like a nerd saying it, but I love craft math. It's an ideal job for me.  Just to be clear, Badskirt and my new job are unrelated entities. Anything you see here are my own thoughts, work and writing. It is not connected with or endorsed by Express Publications in any way. Badskirt is still independent as it always has been, and my views do no represent those of Express Media Group.

Also new this week are a few linen fabrics. I'm still trying to source some neutrals and grey tones for projects that I have up my sleeve, but I'm feeling excited about playing with a lot of solid soon. Working three days a week and road trips have cut into my sewing time. It's already May, and I can't believe that I don't have a single quilt finish for the year. I do have lots of new bags though. I think that counts.

Of course, the other big news was the Berry Modern Quilt Show. I'm still stewing over the show and my first time exhibiting. I'm still finding the words and taking it all in.

That's what's new in my corner of the world. What's new in yours?

(* cuppa: Australian slang for a tea or coffee)