What a fascinating discussion that turned out to be! Thanks everyone who commented. There is one thing I would like to clarify. My comments were not about all traditional quilts, but rather about a particular type of quilt that, to my mind, seem to be made for the purpose of competition. Also, I would like to stress that these quilts are amazing, I admire the effort that they require and I am glad that they are made. We need excellence in all things. My point was that they fail to move me. One of the things that I most love about quilting is that there is room for everyone and every style. As for my lack of participation in the discussion – I didn’t just lay low, honestly! I’ve actually been away for a little holiday.
This is where I’ve been:
This is Cape Tribulation, a World Heritage listed rainforest in Far North Queensland ( a couple of hours north of Cairns).
It is the last remnant of Gondwanaland and one of the most magical places I have ever been. It felt like a privilege to be there (let’s face it, it IS a privilege to be there!). I kept expecting to see a dinosaur! But, no, we only met these guys…
Oh, and him…
On a crafty note, more knitting and crocheting coming soon to this blog… 
You’ve been on a journey of both distance and back to the beginning of time! Wonderful, inspiring photos. Thank you for sharing them.
By: Tanya Brown on April 23, 2008
at 1:03 pm
Looks like a great relaxing place – except for the crocs!
A very interesting discussion on quilts. I will never make technically amazing quilts that took 17,000 hours to quilt, because it’s not in my personality. I divide people into “detail people” and “big picture people” as I find this applies tin their work as well as the way they run their lives. I am a “big picture ” person, and I work intuitively whether I’m quilting or selling insurance (my day job).
I imagine that if you knew the people who made the kind of quilts you’re referring to, they would be “detail people”. And I would say you’re a “big picture” person, Kirsty.
For anyone who is now going to jump down my throat and disagree and see this comment as a criticism, may I say that it isn’t, it’s an observation I’ve made through working with and dealing with many people over the years. The world needs both types of people and neither is “better” than the other. Just like male and female, ok?
By: Shirley Goodwin on April 23, 2008
at 2:03 pm
Amazing photos. Was that a wild crocodile? Hope that pic was taken through a zoom lens if so!
By: Stomper Girl on April 23, 2008
at 2:18 pm
holy moly, that is a beautiful place…How lucky
By: denise on April 23, 2008
at 2:50 pm
Interesting discussion indeed Kirsty and I understand what you’re saying. I love to be challenged by almost impossible patterns one day and the next I love the big picture as Shirley is talking about. I love modern and I love traditional, so maybe I’m a split personality after all! No kidding, I sometimes wonder why I’m attracted to two completely different styles.
You’ve been to Paradise itself! Wonderful pictures!
By: nicolette on April 23, 2008
at 8:00 pm
Oh boy great photos and the clarity of the water in that first photo is magical. I love me a bit of crochet – looking forward to that!
By: Mary on April 23, 2008
at 8:26 pm
So glad you loved it as much as me!! You can see why it’s one of my favourite escape destinations.
Glad too that you’re back. Coven on Monday? I’ll be all moved house by then (got the keys, removalists will be here at 6:00 am tomorrow) – can’t wait!!
By: Tanya on April 23, 2008
at 9:37 pm
That looks like a great place to be however I’m not sure about the crocodile.
By: Leanne on April 23, 2008
at 9:43 pm
Wow, what a vacation! The spiral tree is incredible, and that bug looks like he came from the time of the dinosaurs.
It was a very interesting discussion. I’m working on following my visceral responses these days and it makes for very satisfying quilting. But it’s odd that I have to learn to do that — guess I unlearned it at some point, because it seems the natural way.
By: Cheri on April 23, 2008
at 10:05 pm
dude, stop freaking me out with the crocs! we’ve been watching the ‘planet earth’ series – those things are brutal!
By: kirsten on April 23, 2008
at 11:41 pm
What an unbelievable place-it’s such a joy that places like his are still there, and perhaps we know enough now to care for them.
Glad you had a wonderful break. Bring on the crochet!
By: threadspider on April 24, 2008
at 12:20 am
I just read the whole discussion. So interesting to read everyone’s thoughts. I agree…What a beautiful place. Looks like you had a nice getaway!
By: Jacquie on April 24, 2008
at 12:43 am
Wow! How did you manage to come home after being there? Bea-utiful.
By: laeroport on April 24, 2008
at 12:51 am
wow, that’s a heck of a bug right there. Are you sure THAT’S not a dinosaur? Kinda looks like one!
By: pricklypearbloom on April 24, 2008
at 5:56 am
wow, i wanna go there.
but only without that ferocious beast in the water. yikes!
By: capello on April 24, 2008
at 6:47 am
Ooh, I’d like to go there! I love that little armoured beetle (is it a beetle?), he looks prehistoric!
By: Dragonfly on April 24, 2008
at 7:01 am
WOW… that is a fantastic spot!! The curly trees are my favorite. I hear horror stories about snakes in your country. Do you see them around your house??? How about on this trip???
Joni
By: YUMMERS! on April 24, 2008
at 8:27 am
What a wonderful holiday you had, and look at that crock … Crikey!
By: Maddy on April 24, 2008
at 8:42 am
That bug looks like a dinosaur. And I agree with Stomper (the comment stealer) that I hope you had the zoom on for that one. If not, I have to say I admire your bravery. I like my wildlife in the wild and separated from me by lots and lots of space.
By: Melinda on April 24, 2008
at 10:02 am
Oh what fantastic pictures Kirsten! Looks like a great holiday!
By: Kellie on April 26, 2008
at 9:15 pm
Ahh! Cape Trib is still on my list. Daintree and environs, yes, but no further north.
(The croc trap is still set in a local MAckay park, but no sign of Croccy.I doubt he’d be as big as your picture!)
By: dinahmow on April 27, 2008
at 1:59 pm
Did you se the giant cassowary?
By: alice on April 28, 2008
at 9:53 pm