year of the rat Archives - Clever Chameleon Quilting

2020 – Year of the Rat

In the beginning there was the Rat. And the Rat jumped the queue.

According to Chinese legend, it was the Rat who (somewhat dodgily) won the Emperor’s race that decided the identity and order of the Zodiac animals. And so it is the Rat who is the first animal of the 12-year Lunar Calendar cycle. As one version of the story goes, the Rat caught a ride in the amiable Ox’s ear to cross a river during the race, but then abused the favour by dashing across the finish line first, claiming the honours.

And it seems that the ancient precedent for the Rat jumping the queue still holds. I started designing the Lunarcy quilt in 2018 with the Dog appliqué, and then followed in 2019 with the Pig appliqué, but it is the Rat appliqué that is released first. It seems only fitting though – 2020 is the Year of the Rat, the Year of the Lunarcy quilt, and coincidentally, also somewhat dodgy.

Year of the Rat Appliqué at Clever Chameleon

And so, today is the day to grab your copy of the Lunarcy Rat appliqué pattern. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂

READ ON TO KEEP COLLECTING YOUR LUNARCY PATTERNS

Lunar New Year quilt at Clever Chameleon

Happy Lunar New Year 2020!

As I write this, it is Chinese New Year today and Australia Day tomorrow. So I’m wishing everyone who celebrates either or both occasions a very splendid day.

I am celebrating today, albeit in the absence of the Chinese branch of my extended family, with the next step towards launching our next free BOM here at Clever Chameleon. I got word this morning that the Lunar New Year quilt BOM will be supported by Island Batik, who will very kindly supply the fabrics shown in the picture above so I can make the demo quilt. Auspicious timing! So stay tuned for the beginnings of that adventure very soon in February.

I will also be celebrating tomorrow with my first Australia Day in the Australian wilderness. Nothing more Australian than admiring macropods in the desert! We have made it safely to Arkaroola and moved into our new home. At least, the things we brought in our first load are moved in. Most of my sewing gear is awaiting a second trip, along with our bikes and the other fun things not crucial enough to be included in our initial move. I’ll be glad to have them in about a week’s time.

So far we have experienced our first dust storm, received our first shipment of School of the Air supplies, and made friends with the local wildlife. When I get some time I will show you around the place more. But here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to…..

Welcome to the Clever Chameleon Blog

Hi and Welcome! I am Dione Gardner-Stephen, writing to you from outback Australia.

You have found Clever Chameleon…. an inspirational and colourful space to help you quilt with more joy and confidence. I understand that you want to make quilts that reflect yourself and that your recipients will love. This is my passion too!

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