In a previous life, Helen Hill was a paper artist turning fibres found from nature into works of art. Now her creativity is directed to developing a new organic fruit crop Achacha in tropical north Queensland.

It was great to have the opportunity to spend time with Helen and Bruce at their plantation and hear the story of their transition into food growing from professional careers, and their desire to farm using organic techniques.

The plantation is just south of Townsville and my friend Fiona Lake spent a few hours today chatting, checking out the property, cattle and wetlands. The fruit matures in December but there were plenty of flowers, baby fruit and bees active in the trees – so a good crop is forecast. 

Before heading out this morning, I created Sew 263 which is a $2 op-shop found cotton tablecloth that was torn at one corner. I upcycled it by shaping a top on the cross, so it hangs better. See the how-to photos below. I folded the square into quarters on the diagonal, cut out an oblong neck shape to make a boat neckline and neatened the edge with zigzag stitch. I cut off the damaged edge into a three-quarter sleeve length, then cut out the sides to form the sleeve and body. It was comfortable for a farm visit by day, and admired by Fiona’s book club friends tonight.