Threadworx show and tell

I love to see work in progress. Bring in whatever you are working on.... it doesn't need to be finished!!!

Vicki started a cross-stitch sampler in this Threadworx thread.

The colour changes about every inch, but you use only one thread!! I love it!! This particular thread colour is called "Cherry Cola".

Thanks for sharing with us Vicki!! Hope you had a great retreat last week!!

More show and tell

Chris made this gorgeous little wallhanging of 3-dimensional flowers using 1800s fabric she purchased in a pack in our shop. We are so stoked we asked Chris to write it up as a pattern! She is currently working on it.

Chris then bought this quilthanger. It's leaves and hearts reflected the shapes in the applique.

Thanks for the show and tell Chris!!

Batik show and tell

We looove show and tell! Thank you for bringing in what you are making!

This is Wendy with her quilt made from 2 Bali Pop packs (these are packs of batik prints pre-cut into 2.5 inch strips). Isn't it fantastic? I think this is Wendy's first quilt!! She bought a pattern book especially for jelly rolls and went for it!! I am so proud of you Wendy!!

We are always getting in new packs of the Bali Pops - it's a great way to have a LOT of different batiks without filling our whole shop with batik bolts!! (You know, I thought the shop was a good size when we started... now, it might be a bit small!!! LOL!!)

We have a book with 15 patterns especially for use with the Bali Pops.

Come in and have a look!! See you in the store!!

Term 2 has started!

Term 2 has started and we have hosted classes 5 out of 6 days this week!!

Last Monday 8 eager participants started their beginner classes with Carol Lewis.

Monday night Lorraine hosted a free class for Joy Of Life block of the month participants. The Monday night group all want to learn the "invisible" hand applique with silk threads and freezer paper. A day group starts this coming Tuesday. Spaces are available in both day and evening groups.

Wednesday night we hosted a fibre forum for making cards. Sue and Sylvia led us through hand-colouring, watercolour techniques, mounting, matting and distressed edging of cards. Here are a few photos of participants cards.

I thought I took more photos, but I must have become side-tracked!!

Thursday Carol Lewis started off another enthusiastic beginner's group. Beginners always look a bit scared on the first day - they ALL feel like they must know less than anyone else, but each person is so concerned with their own work, they are not noticing what anyone else is up to yet!!

I hope to post some photos of their first blocks next week.

Friday we had our first UFO class. Make an appointment with yourself. Bring along a project you want to finish and obtain help from Lorraine when you need it. This a great way to meet deadlines such as birthdays.

Today Lorraine taught shortcuts to make Magoo the funky monkey. Aren't the colour choices fantastic?

Okay, they all look like they've had the stuffing knocked out of them, but it hasn't been into them yet! They really do look like they have been partying hard!!

This class was so popular we will run it again next term.

The UFO session for next Friday night (7-9pm) is nearly full. Bookings will be needed, especially at first where everyone will need help to get started. Phone us to secure your place.

Thanks for bringing in your show and tell!! See you in the shop!!

Paris? Yes please!

Lorraine has been really busy creating new quilt designs with the oh-so-inspiring fabric we've had in!

This is "Paris Holiday" - a new kit made and designed by Lorraine.

The blocks are all taken from a panel by Lorelei Designs.

The completed quilt has 3-dimensional flowers on it and costs $69.50 including all fabric for the top and binding, pre-made iron-on bias and beads for the flower centres.

Come into the shop to see it in person, or drop into the Ballan Quilt Exhibition this coming Saturday and Sunday where it will be on display as part of the French themed exhibit. The team are really well-known for their beautiful displays. You can email Megan for more information ( ballanquiltshow@hotmail.com ).

Visitors

The first Sunday of each month is Market Day in Gisborne. We had such a busy, busy day. Not only were the indoor and outdoor markets on, but the Gisborne Festival was also on....rides, sideshows, procession, fun run, motorcycle and car show.... you get the drift.

It attracted lots of visitors looking for a warm drink and shelter from a light drizzle.

Around 14 "bikeys" came in for coffee and cake. While I was making the coffees, I noticed camera flashes going off. I said "Are you guys taking photos of yourself in the fabric shop?" and they were!! They said: "These photos are going into our newsletter".

Later that day we received an email with photos they took. How cool are these? The guys all thought it was hilarious they found themselves in a very "girly" shop!! LOL!!

Members of Brunswick Harley Owners Club, it was nice to meet you. Thanks for the pics.

Oh what fun!!

We had such fun on our shop opening day!

200 people joined our half hourly door prize draws. Each half hour Mum (Wilma) rang a bell and asked for a kind volunteer to draw out a name (you didn't have to be there to win, the winners were phoned and they will collect their prize at a convenient time).

Mum (Wilma) holds the door prize entries while Jim pulls out the name of a lucky winner!!

Is Mum eating lollies??? Claire draws out the name of another winner!

Even Chrissie pulls out a winning name!

We gave away 7 games of Stitchopoly (this will not be available from our suppliers from March 2009 - I guess Monopoly found out - I predict these will become collector's items), lots of big fabric bundles, and a Moda baked goods package. We also gave away 100 value finders (I will post a photo of our unique styles), and lots of Rosalie Quinlan patterns.

We had the most wonderful surprise when Chrissie, Rhonda and Joanne from Blue Willow Cottage visited us on the opening day!! That's Joanne in the front buying fabric!! Would you believe they brought us flowers?? You would be hard pressed to find a nicer group of girls.

From left: Joanne, Jim, Lorraine, Chrissie and Rhonda.

Sandra cut so much fabric I expect she needed a massage!!

Jenni and Karen sat and sewed in air-conditioned comfort.

This is Michael and his first quilt top. He bought a fat 1/8 pack, went home and sewed them together. Michael has already bought fabric for his next quilt.

Then he came back and bought batting, basting spray and backing fabric.

Laura pieced her first quilt top and Claire has pieced two quilt tops (one is for a gift).

What an exciting atmosphere!

Andrea, Jocelyn and Mum take a break.

We sell coffee!!!

I was hardly able to take any photos we were so busy!

The atmosphere was just electric! Thank you so much to everyone who travelled such a long way to join us in our celebrations - especially in the 31 degrees heat. Thank goodness we experienced cooler weather on the Opening Day. I could understand people would not travel much if it was still 43 degrees.

Thank you to Leutenegger, Victorian Textiles, PK fabrics and Creative Abundance for our prizes.

We look forward to meeting you in person!!