… no, I’m not referring to an opal, but to Kate Chiconi – http://talltalesfromchiconia.wordpress.com/

This morning, the postman delivered a package from her containing such wonderful goodies:

What a collection!

Kate had promised me a square for the masterpiece, made from hand-dyed Australian merino wool, but also sent the remainder of the yarn for me to use myself. In addition, she had asked if I would like some seeds from the Diggers Club – who sell Australian heirloom seeds – and I had chosen a few of those:

Australian heirloom seeds

But, there was a special bonus… The Snail of Scrappiness:

The Snail of Scrappiness (front)

The Snail of Scrappiness (reverse)

Made from scrap fabric and remnants from the roots of her tree of life quilt (see this post for some pictures).

When, about six weeks ago, I had the idea of the masterpiece blanket, I had no idea what a positive response I would get and how keen my friends (yes, that’s all of you out there) would be to contribute. But the thing that has surprised me most is the generosity – of which Kate’s seeds, yarn and quilting are just one example.

I know the blanket is going to be a real work of art, but the greatest output has been all the love and friendship, now being documented in my masterpiece scrapbook, which also includes written contributions from those who aren’t able to knit, crochet or felt.

Thank you everyone! I can’t wait to see what other squares arrive in the next couple of months.

Red Centre (the downunder square) inspired by the poem My Country by Dorothea Mackellan