Grow Your Blog 2015

Good Morning and welcome to my blog. My name is Tracy and I live in Perth, Western Australia (WA). I am a happily married Mum of 3 (2 teens and a toddler) with a passion for most things crafty.

My wonderful family - Mother's Day 2014

My current favourite crafts are embroidery (my first love), quilting and making soft toys. I have also done scrapbooking, card making and beading. One day, when time permits, I would love to get back into scrapbooking and finish off my multitude of albums. Until then, there's lots of quilts waiting to be made!

Jacobean embroidery

Wilhemina Wombat made for my toddler

After many years of wanting to try quilting I finally took the plunge about 4 years ago and signed up for my first workshop. I have been hooked ever since. Like many people I have more UFOs than finished pieces and can't resist adding to my stash. I joined the local guild, the Western Australian Quilters Association (WAQA), in 2012, did a very informative 12 month stint as their Workshop Convenor, and have enjoyed participating in their Community Quilts program ever since.

Quilted wall hanging made for my sister

 

Helping out at a WAQA Community Quilting Bee - there's a job for everyone

 

I thrive on learning from others and love to share what I know. Most of all though, I love the ability of craft to bring people together. My friend Tracee (Quilt Kitty Loves Life) had been blogging for a while so I thought I would give it a go. I named my blog Outback Craftaholic because I grew up in outback WA and am addicted to craft. My first post went up on 23rd March, 2012 so I have been blogging now for nearly 3 years. Yikes! I still feel like a novice but I've met some lovely people in blog-land and enjoyed meeting some of the WA bloggers face to face.

 

My other love is the Pilbara, a region in the Northwest of WA. We lived there for many years but moved to Perth in 2008 for our older kids to attend high school. The occasional, treasured visit always soothes my soul and reconnects me to nature. If you haven't been I recommend you visit one day (winter is the best time of year).



Chinaman's Pool - Marble Bar

I am very keen to learn how to make landscape quilts and turn some of my Pilbara and Kimberley photos into wall quilts. Time is my main limiting factor, especially in relation to attending workshops. I'm hoping to do some online workshops this year, perhaps with someone like Caroline Sharkey.

Foundation piecing workshop with Carol Doak in 2012

Well, that's my story. I hope you've enjoyed reading it and to say thanks for dropping by I'm giving away a prize. You don't have to be a follower of my blog to enter. If you would like a chance to win just leave me a comment below. The winner will be drawn randomly on 15th February so check back here then to see if you've won.

Prize - 'Ranger Greg' pattern by Blue Willow Designs

Have a great weekend and enjoy visiting all the other blogs that are participating in the 2015 Grow Your Blog event. And a big thank you to Vicki for hosting the event.

Cheers,
Tracy