Threads across Continents – First Melbourne

I’ve just returned from a whirlwind journey that stitched together two sides of the world – Melbourne and Nantes. It’s taken me a few days to land back in my body, to find stillness after so much movement, and to reflect on just how rich and expansive these past few weeks have been.

First stop: Melbourne, where I was honoured to teach at the Australasian Quilt Convention. The city wrapped itself around me like a well-worn quilt—full of surprising textures, intricate architecture, and warmth in every corner. I wandered its streets, and of course, couldn’t resist adding to my fabric stash. I arrived a few days before the Convention to help with jet lag and to have some time to walk around town, visit some fabric stores, museums, galleries and absorb the energy of its streets.

I fell in love with Melbourne’s architecture, its green spaces, impressive buildings, new and old, and the intricately carved iron work.

I am so glad i decided on a visit to the Moonlit Sanctuary, where I fed kangaroos, greeted wallabies, and even got a photo with a sleepy, soft koala while he had his breakfast. Pure joy.

A real highlight was a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, where I experienced the work of Yayoi Kusama. Her exhibit was absolutely breathtaking – full of colour, repetition, and emotion. But what moved me most was her story. Reading about her life, her resilience, and how she continues to create with such clarity and commitment was deeply inspiring. To know that she’s still making art, still expressing so vividly, is a powerful reminder that creativity has no age or end – it just keeps evolving. Below are a few images but I promise to write a more comprehensive post later on as the work was varied and impressive.

And then, there was one of those rare, unexpected turns that stays with you forever. One day, while slowly making my way back to the hotel, following Google Maps, I felt the urge to turn a little earlier than the route suggested. That small choice led me straight into a hidden gem: a street art exhibition called The Outsiders, featuring works from the Sandrew Collection.

My favourite piece? An installation by Rone called The Workroom – Flinders Street Station, 2002. It hit me hard—so deeply emotional and evocative that I went through it twice. The second time, I had the unexpected gift of being alone with the work. Just me, the silence, and the layered presence of that room. It’s hard to put into words what I felt, only that it lingered long after I walked away.

Just around the corner from the exhibition, I stumbled upon a colourful laneway- Hosier Lane – alive with graffiti. To my delight, a couple of artists were adding to the vibrant display, their work blending seamlessly with the existing art. The energy was palpable, and I couldn’t help but pause and watch, feeling a deep connection to the creative pulse of the city. Since the late 1990s, Hosier Lane has become a popular tourist attraction due to its street art. Hosier Lane is a long-standing de facto ‘free-to-paint’ area that does not require permits or permission. I was lucky to see two artists in action!

And finally, the day arrived for the start of the Australasian Quilt Convention where I taught 4 sold out classes. It was held at the magnificent Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, this historic venue provided a stunning backdrop for the event. The convention was impeccably organized, with early morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch served daily, featuring a delightful array of cakes, salads, proteins, and soups. The vendors offered a diverse selection of quilting supplies, and it was wonderful to see a variety of crafts and artists represented.

But what made Melbourne truly special was the people. I finally met Carolina Oneto in person after years of online friendship—what a joy to connect beyond the screen. I also had the pleasure of spending time with Priscilla Bianchi, Gloria Loughman, and Lorena Uriarte. I had a lovely chat during lunch with Brenda Gael Smith who made got me teary eyed when she accepted her award – she won the Rajah Award that acknowledges an outstanding contribution to quilting in Australia. These moments of connection, of shared laughter and mutual inspiration, are what make this creative community so extraordinary.

Below are a few images of some of my favourite artworks from the show. I promise to write a more comprehensive post with more photos of the incredible work on display.

Now home, I find myself in that dreamy, weightless space that comes after travel. A little jet-lagged, a little slow, but full – overflowing, really – with gratitude. Travel is more than movement; it’s transformation. It reminds me why I do what I do. Why we make, why we share, why we tell stories through thread and fabric and colour.

So for now, I’m allowing myself the luxury of rest. Reading, sipping tea, staring out the window. Letting the inspiration settle like dust on fabric. And soon, I’ll be stitching again – with new colours, new stories, and a heart a little more expanded by the people and places I’ve met.

Next week I will share my time in Nantes, France – at Pour L’Amour du Fil. Until then, I’m off to try and find my mojo. Thanks for reading,

Ana