Check out this baby!   While wandering the merchant mall at the Manuatu symposium, I spied with my little eye something that made light.  The Quilt Shop at Papamoa had LED light pads for A4 (normal paper size) and A3 (double paper size).  

The best thing ever was that the whole thing was just over 1/4 inch thick. This light pad looked like an oversized IPad with a blank screen.  Wowwee.   The construction is lightweight, with acrylic panels, not glass.  Produced in Australia, this Triumph brand light pad is the next generation of tracing tools.

After having a look at these super slim babies I'd decided on the A3.  No more taping paper to a window or standing in awkward positions to trace! Bonus * with LED system there is no heat generated and the brightness levels can be adjusted.

Having made up my mind to purchase the A3 version...I found that there was an option for an A2 size light. Oh my.  This beauty has a lighted area of 17x24 inches.  WHEW.  How could that be resisted???  

What a terrific addition to my arsenal of tools.   Already used in one class, this little number has already proven itself a good investment.  

                  Encompassing Stars                                       Shaper Stars

The 17 ladies in Encompassing Stars Class were amazing.  This two day class had a sweltering first day, but everyone got stuck in and worked steadily ahead accomplishing many beautiful stars. Thankfully the second day was a bit cooler.
A couple of over-achievers in the class created more elaborate stars - one girl even discovered a new method of piecing one variation!

Shaper Stars Class was attended by 18 talented quilters.  These lovely ladies were quick to pick up the basics of this simplified pattern. They then jumped from understanding to creating their own patterns in every imaginable variation.  Many beautiful stars were created.  All my students (both classes) were highly motivated, and a pleasure to teach.  

Thank you to all those who chose to spend some of your special symposium days in my classes!    More photos in the gallery soon.

A few quilters have gathered at Palmerston North...Led by five regional clubs who organised this event, headed by Diane Southey. What a terrific committee and lovely bunch of ladies!  

Today was the formal kick-off with registrations early in the day and a sneak preview (for tutors) of the exhibition.  

Mid afternoon Luana Rubin shared her experiences of quilt shows she has attended...Then that night the group at the Distinction Hotel were treated to a yummy buffet for tea, then off to the Regent for the opening night festivities.

The Regent is a lovely historical theatre of grand design.  What a perfect venue for opening night. 

The town crier Caroline Robinson (www.towncrier.co.nz) boomed us a welcome, Convenor Diane Southey introduced the committee and asked the tutors to come on stage.

Helen Peterson then perfumed the mental feat of introducing each tutor and telling where they hailed from, which was truly impressive.  We heard from Professor Hazel Gamec and laughed ourselves sore at her antics.  

Judges explained their views and prizes awarded.  Congratulations to all the winners!!!  More photos to follow in a couple of days, hopefully showing some of the fabulous quilts on display here!