About Us

Frankston's claim to fame is "Gateway to the Mornington Peninsula', only an hours drive from Melbourne. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, two bays and the open sea to the south, is a mecca for all aquatic sports. Numerous wineries, orchards and antique shops are dotted all over the peninsula.

On one of our test drives we called in to an antique centre in Tyabb, a small town close to Hastings on Westernport Bay. This centre is housed in an historic fruit packing complex. 'Out the back' of this complex is a craft village.

It was here that I met Sue. She runs the pottery shed 'Glaze Mud'. When we got talking, it was apparent that Sue was an avid quilter and fond of the country style. The idea arose that perhaps we could form a club?. A place to trade ideas and have some time out from the routine of home?

Jean, originally from South Africa, used to have an African shop in the craft village and still liked to visit her old friends. Both Sue and Jean thought that the idea of a club could become a reality and rang me a few weeks later to see if I was interested. I jumped at the chance.

The three of us began 'G'day Crafty Patch' a quilters workroom, in the then empty shop across the courtyard from the pottery shed. The courtyard, with it's table, chairs and umbrella, epitomises the relaxed atmosphere of the craft village. It's often remarked
upon by the public ; 'this is the good life' as we're observed sharing a break with friends.

To help subsidise our rent, members can sell their work, if they wish. Cushions are popular as well as a few quilts. Sue's forte is the traditional style. Jean loves crazy patchwork, and I like a mixture of traditional, dyed and printed blocks.

Because of our location in such a tourist destination, I've gone back to my roots as a graphic artist, to try and bring an Australian theme to my quilts. Last year Geoff and I did a fabulous tour of the Flinders Ranges and the Eyre Peninsula in the state of South Australia.

I'm still inspired by the Australian Bush and wish to share my design ideals with you.

In March 2006, after nearly 30 years, I retired from my full time job as a Graphic Artist. I had worked for a glass and ceramic decorating company in my local area of Frankston in the state of Victoria. Australia.
With my husband Geoff, a landscape painter, we were to travel Australia in our converted Coaster bus. Painting was to be our new way of life, our inspiration, 'the Australian Bush'

On Tour in the Flinders Ranges SA

For our overseas visitors, I feel the need to explain the definition of the word 'bush' as used by Australians. Generally it's a large natural area covered with eucalypts (gum trees) with under growth, commonly that of wattle, grevillea's, bottle brush, banksias, or tree ferns and bracken, a habitat for our unique animals and birds. 'Bush' can also mean country as apposed to town. So the vast rural plains can be classed as 'bush' as well as the desserts further inland, which can also be called 'outback'

Anyway back to the story. Geoff, a jack of all trades, wasn't convinced that we were quite ready for the around Australia trip that most retirees do. So we opted for a much, much shorter trip around Tasmania to test the equipment. Tasmania is picturesque and also very hilly which was taxing on our old bus. It was obvious that much work needed to be done, especially if we wanted to be self sufficient enough to camp anywhere in our National Parks.

So what was a girl to do!. I had already sewn the curtains and made the quilt.