Another secret sewing – this time a pattern in the works
Secret sewing and changes afoot here at Clever Chameleon. Little plans, big dreams and small signs of what is coming and what is hopefully to come. More wonderful quilts on the Island Batik Summer 2019 fabrics blog hop. And our Tuesday Colour & Inspiration party, of course.
Happy Tuesday!
Change is a-comin’
Since I don’t have a lot I can show you this week, now seems as good as anytime to drop some news. The Chameleon is going bush for a year! And not just to the countryside. Remote bush!
Next year, our family is taking a respite year of sorts to live in Arkaroola village, Outback South Australia. This will be our backyard, or at least, our playground!
Hubby has some remote work to do and some long service leave to take that allows us to do this. I have decided not to re-apply for an Island Batik Ambassadorship in 2020, and turn my attentions more to pattern writing and a better family-life-work balance. The kids are going to do School of the Air for the year, which is a home-schooling-like system but with lessons delivered by teachers in virtual classrooms via the internet. In all, we are excited to be having a last extended adventure before our eldest hits high school.
Last time we stayed short-term at Arkaroola, this was my sewing view. We are living in this exact same cottage again, and I am going to soak this in for a year! Except when it’s dark. It probably sounds strange, but I am very much looking forward to the dark, where the only light wash is the moon. And hopefully geeking out with the observatory telescopes….
No big changes coming your way….
In terms of what this adventure means for Clever Chameleon, I hope not a lot will change from your perspective. Except the scenery, which will be a darn-sight better than my suburban street on a train line. 😀 And maybe some blog silence over the New Year while we get sorted. I will still be quilting regularly in 2020, but on projects of my own choosing. And still in mostly batiks, just of more of mixed origin than now. Batiks are what I love most, and that is what my stash is mostly made up of. There are still some Island Batik fabrics in my stash, so there will be some carry-over with their products too, although I sincerely hope that is not your primary interest in my blog.
The Chameleon says “it had better not be, punk!” haha, vain lizard.
I still plan to blog about as frequently as I do now. And I still plan to run another quilt-along like the previous two years. Maybe it might have to start a month or so later while we get settled, but it’s one of my favourite parts of Clever Chameleon. I can’t imagine not having something shared on the go! I also have a couple of patterns I have acquired from other designers that I want to try. And a stack of UFOs…. more squirrels…. I have enough to fill a year and then some!
The one thing that I hope you will see change is that I get “pen to paper” and turn out a few of the patterns readers have been asking for. That was always my goal, but I have struggled to find time to add it to the Ambassador schedule. So, while I am sad at walking away from the community and opportunities that come with being an Island Batik Ambassador for now, I am totally excited about being more independent and adding some Clever Chameleon chaos to the quilt pattern world. I think I am ready now, I have learned so much in the last two years, it is astonishing to me.
Wish us luck! And please come along with us to experience the Australian Outback through the lens of the Clever Chameleon. And to keep sharing your journeys here.
But enough about the future. This is what’s fun now!
How do you like this week’s colours? Very “tropical rainbow”, the Chameleon’s favourite! A bit bright for me, but then, life would be boring if all my personalities had the same taste! Confused yet? Surely I am not the only mad quilter out there whose colour tastes change on a whim….. and back again! 😀
Anyway, today’s colour board is from a selection of the fabrics in the Tropical Escape collection being released in December by Island Batik. I am in the final stages of developing a new pattern with these – more about that in the coming weeks. These fabrics will also be featured in the “A Piece Of….” blog hop with Island Batik next week, and I can’t wait to see what Jackie O’Brien of If these threads could talk and Sally Manke have made with them. How fun!
Speaking of the “A Piece Of…” blog hop…
Week 2 of the “A Piece Of…” blog hop with the Island Batik Ambassadors has started, and there are more great projects to see and another great prize to enter for.
Here is the schedule for the coming week:
Monday, November 11
Jennifer Fulton: Inquiring Quilter
Barbara Gaddy: Bejeweled Quilts
Tuesday, November 12
Sarah Goer: Sarah Goer Quilts
Stephanie Jacobson: Steph Jacobson Designs
Wednesday, November 13
Anita Skjellanger: Quilt in a Not Shell
Kim Lapacek: Persimon Dreams
Thursday, November 14
Becca Fenstermaker: Pretty Piney
Carolina Asmussen: Carolina Asmussen
This week, Island Batik’s prize draw is for a pre-cut bundle of Sand Bar fabrics. Just glorious beachy colours! To enter to win, just follow the prompts in the Rafflecopter below.
This draw and prize is run by Island Batik and is the sole responsibility of Island Batik. The entry form is hosted here purely for your convenience.
a Rafflecopter giveawayAnd don’t forget the competition for Blue Sea fabric samples on my stop on the hop. If you haven’t entered, you can find that post here.
And then settle in for the Party
This week we had lots of critters and flowers in our link ups. You know how much I like critters and flowers! And bright, shiny things….
Nancy of Grace and Peace Quilting linked up this shiny thing…. a glorious Triple Barnstar in Tula Pink! Did I mention I am looking forward to being able to see the stars much better next year…..?
Back to the critters….
A cute wee piggy found its way onto Maggie’s blog at Making A Lather.
Owls were key at Turid’s blog this week…. go check out here blog post at Den syende himmel to see these cute creations.
And there was monkey business on Tracie’s blog at Riceford Streams. The Chameleon is always on the lookout for monkey business!
Last, but not least, there was a fun critter visitor at Donnaleeq. This is by no means the only great thing in this post, but it is the thing that gave me the biggest smile. Go find out what Fred the fowl is up to in this photo.
Then Join in and Link up!
Tell us – what are you working on, or have recently finished in your sewing room? We want to know so we can visit and be inspired. Link up a blog post, an IG post or simply a photo from your computer. See if you can get the Chameleon to turn quilted with happiness. We’d love to see your quilting colours!
- Link up your latest or recent quilt/sewing excitement. All quilt construction stages welcome – finished quilts, quilt blocks – even fabric pulls! Or inspiration sources!
- You have 50 characters in the link description…. tell us who you are and what your fantastic project is.
- URL links are not necessary to link up…. non-bloggers 100% welcome! If you don’t have a URL, you can link up with just a photo.
- Do it now……. before
you forgetthe punk chameleon befriends your daughter….!
The Chameleon turns rainbow with pleasure when he hears from you. I am more reserved, so I will respond in gratitude by email instead. Now that it’s your turn…. Scroll right to the end, leave me a comment and tell me, what do you think? Thanks for connecting!
Would you like to keep in touch with Clever Chameleon and the fun quilty ideas I design as well as find all over the internet? You can follow directly for email updates, or through Bloglovin’, Pinterest, IG or FB. All your follow options can be found here. Don’t forget to link up all your current quilting projects on Tuesdays at our Colour & Inspiration Linky parties!
Your coming year sounds amazing! Best of luck in your transition.
How absolutely wonderful that your whole family can do this for a full year. My prayers are with you all, that you can all settle in smoothly and the year goes well with the children’s schooling. That you are able to enjoy and get more out of your family time. That the Lord puts peace in your hearts for this adventure. I look forward to posts/pictures of this fabulous adventure. No you are not the only one whose colors in fabrics change on a whim. LOL I love bright fabrics, but there are times I will totally change here. Oh and I look forward to who the Chameleon befriends there. LOL Critters are so awesome. Blessings Dione
Oh wow! You are going to have an awesome year, Dione! I hope you and your family have a great time and get a little rest! Looking forward, as always, to seeing what you come up with for next year’s sew along!
My favorite fabric was this one: 111902903!
Can’t wait to hear from you in your new location — what a grand year it will be! You will love those dark skies and moonglow 🙂
I’m looking forward to you sharing the new adventure and am envious of that view. I could sure use some of those tropical colors in my neighborhood instead of the cold monochrome view which is my world right now. Good luck and share a lot pf photos.
Those tropical colors don’t look too bright to me as I sit here looking at 4″ of snow and temps no higher than the mid-20’s F. What a wonderful experience for your family and a chance for you to redirect your quilting focus. I did have to chuckle about the concept of moving to the remote Outback but having the children schooled over the Internet. I’m glad you will still connect with all of us regularly.
Love the tropical rainbow pallette! Can’t wait to see what it turns into!
How wonderful for your family! Best wishes for your new adventure.
Favourite fabric 111902903 – looks opalescent.
Ooh, your future sounds so exciting. And getting some patterns done, will be wonderful – you know their are a few on my list! And I definitely share your love of batiks, they make up most of my stash too. I’ll be looking forward to reading all your news. Take care Dione.
Love your shares. I especially like seeing how others place lime green into their projects…it’s my ‘happy’ color right now.
Fantastic about your move…and in a place I can only dream about visiting much less get to LIVE there for awhile. I know your family will never forget ‘the year we got to live in the bush’.
Sooooo coooool!
😎
What a wonderful adventure for the whole family! It’s awesome that what you do is so portable, and internet based, though getting supplies may be an issue. But it sounds like you have enough fabric to keep you going for a while!
Hi Dione! I do wish you and your family oodles of luck. Moving everything is a big job but I’m sure you’ve got a handle on it. You seem very organized – at least as much as one can be with a family with moving parts. I look forward to hearing from you about the move, etc. That view! I’m going to go read about Arkaroola now. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
It seems such a long time ago that you said a change was in the plans, but NOW it is so close. Beautiful outlook and landscape, and schooling on air,so much better that the old correspondence way when lessons and paper and books arrived by post in the big bag. I am sure you will find new projects and with your batiks, we might see some new designs too. Those fabrics are bright, but on a cold winter’s day would warm up anyone’s heart.
I am looking forward to your posts in your upcoming year. My husband and I visited Alice Springs when we visited Australia several years ago. We visited the school of the air and saw 2 math lessons being taught. It was very interesting.
Lovely colors!
Though I admit that I will miss your Island Batik Ambassadorship projects, the year long adventure sounds pretty exciting and look forward to the next post.
111930840 is my pick, since jades and teals are favorite colors. Still wanting to make a quilt in those colors. Now, if I can just get my sewing machine repaired, or get a new one, I’ll be good to go. Wishing you the very best in your year in the outback! Sounds amazing!
Wow, those are exciting changes ahead.
Oh what s wonderful year ahead for your whole family. AND the amazing backdrop of colours for further inspiration of a different kind to keep you energized. I have not been folliwing you very long but i always look forward to your blog and seeing your incredible creations. You totally inspire me.
Cheers
Sooze
I am so happy for you! I know this will be a great year, with the kids on a different schedule and you all in a different place. Congrats on the decisions (there were many) and good luck with the year. Wishing you a year that brings lots of fun and adventure! Look forward to seeing what you produce when left to your own devices – they will be something!!!
What a wonderful year ahead. I love the color of this fabric.
I wish you an easy transition to your new place and I’m sure that will be an exciting adventure. I will keep following your blog, because I love all your postings. They always brighten up my day.
My favorite Sand Bar fabric is #111914010. It’s a nice neutral that will go with a lot.
Also, I hope that you get a lot of joy in your new venture. It sounds like an exciting trip.
WOW! How awesome! I can’t imagine being somewhere else for a year on a vacation of sorts. No doubt it will be good for all your family. A change of pace is nice for awhile. Glad to know you aren’t dropping off the planet. i still enjoy seeing your blog.
Wishing you and your family the very best as you put the details into place. Lots of those, no doubt!
Ooh! Your year in the outback sounds awesome! While I understand feeling a bit wistful at giving up being an IBA, but your new adventure in the outback where you can concentrate on your own patterns is going to be wonderful!
Very exciting to read about your outback adventure coming up!!!! I love the flexibility that home school allows. Thanks for featuring my Triple Barnstar!!!! I’m looking forward to the patterns you write next year, too!
I am thrilled for you and the family to be making this commitment to a year away. What learning experiences for all! We took our young daughters to a Baffin Island community for four years and it remains some of most wonderful memories.