TheSilverThimble

Anyone for backings?...

 

There should be one to suit everyone at the moment...and still a few more to come!

Moda have put out a few modern style ones - bright, funky, polka dots, they are ordered but are a few weeks away yet.  In the meantime, the backings shelf is pretty full.

How did you enjoy the couple of cold bleak days we had during the week?  Not my style at all!!  At least the rain we had was substantial, so I guess there had to be a pay back!  The Rocklea house is pretty cold, so having several spare quilts is mighty handy.  I've always thought that I would like a Pot Belly stove, or maybe it's the 'thought' of a pot belly - all warm and cosy, soup bubbling on the side etc... Having lived in the Kimberley before moving to Barcaldine (30 yrs ago next month) warming the house was not necessary, in fact the opposite was required.  However, let's get back to my cosy little picture with the pot belly and the comfy chair...you need some hand sewing!  That's where I was heading!

Just arrived in store, some Quilt cards by Janet Rowe of Wildcraft Farm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included with the pattern that needs to be traced, instructions etc.,  there is a large envelope if you wish to send it as a gift.  I'm working on the sewing one at the moment, pictured on the left, and plan to stretch it over a canvas.  The finished projects are all different sizes and I think there are about 12 different designs in stock.  Just $12.00 each.

By the way, the Australian animal fabrics that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago - Koalas, Platypus, Kangaroos and Emus, are going fast.   Be quick if you want some!

I'm still stitching more "Swoon" blocks for the retreat project.  Everyone that has seen them, think they are even nicer "in the flesh".  Plenty of spaces if you were thinking of attending, second weekend in June.

Also mentioned earlier, the shelves are bursting with fabrics at present.  The latest collection, "Peak Hour" by Kellie Wulfsohn has had to be displayed ON THE FLOOR!

One up for the Qld. Maroons - two to go!

Talk soon,

Sandy.

 

One of the girls and one for the boys......

....fabric that is, coming right up!!

 

First off, WE had a lovely letter of thanks from Angel Flight during the week.  And I say "WE" because it was definitely a team effort, to raise $1890.00!  It accompanied a couple of these cute little fellows.

 

 

 

Thank you again, to everyone that contributed.

 

 

 

 

 

The workshop with Denise Vanderlught (fabric bowls) has been cancelled.  I was hoping for next Thursday, however it had to be scheduled for tomorrow and this just didn't work out for several of the interested people.  Unfortunately, Denise has no more days available on this visit.  Maybe next time.

 

How cute is this range?  It's called "Dress Up" and is in the sweetest colourway of a pinky/purple (chartreuse??) and lime green with a touch of lemon.

Girly prints of dresses, shoes and bags, with great co-ordinates including those gorgeous alphabet letters and a great stripe.  I love stripes for bindings, but they can make great inner borders also.

I have been waiting for this one for quite a while.  The range is "Peak Hour" by Kellie Wulfsohn (Melbourne)  of Don't Look Now - link is on my sidebar, but Kellie has been really busy and hasn't had a lot of activity on her blog lately.  She's in Kansas City right now, with Spring Market just finished.  Can't wait to see what she has made with her own fabric!  Kellie does the most amazing raw edge applique and several of these designs make it so easy to use the whole shape without sacrificing any of the other pictures.  The cars and traffic signs are just right for this.   My favourite print is the Classifieds page!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orange, turquoise, avocado, buttery yellow and grey.  Great spots and once again, some fabulous stripes.

I just have to find some shelf space to display it!  The shop is bursting at the seams with some absolutely fabulous collections at the moment.

I do have to get into some cutting tomorrow though, a few of the girls have chosen their fabric for the SWOON quilt that we are doing at the Retreat, which is just over 2 weeks away.  I'm really happy with the way mine are turning out, using the Flea Market Fancy range.  If you're thinking of coming to the Retreat and haven't contacted me yet, could you please let me know?

That's about it for me tonight, just have to add "Go Queensland" on Wednesday night!!  Apologies (not) to any Blues supporters out there!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to routine.....

...I hope you all had a lovely Mothers Day, yesterday.  I had early morning phone calls, pottered in the kitchen for a little while, watered a few plants, gave the floors a lick and a promise and retreated to the sewing room.  Perfect day.

Well, I think most of the festivities (in the short term) are over for Barcaldine.  I know there's more to come in all the other towns with the Harry Redford Cattle Drive on in the Aramac area at the moment, Isisford and Muttaburra Sheep Shows, Shearer's Reunion (M'burra) and the Longreach, Winton & Alpha Shows yet to come.

By all accounts, the Barcaldine Show was very well patronised, despite all the events we've had in the past few weeks.   The Monster Trucks were one of the main attractions, but I hear from the grandchildren that there were a couple of rides that were the flavour of the day!!

This was about as close as I got to the action (they were parked on the road outside of the shop!) Noisy, smelly cars don't really do it for me!

The shop was busy throughout the week - lots of tourists in town and quite a few quilters among them!  I'm struggling for room at the moment  (need some more shelves) but managed to squeeze these latest few prints in.  If you're looking for Australiana, then these are some of the best I've seen.  So many times, the kangaroos, platypus etc. are out of proportion and look almost deformed, but these look like the real deal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you click on them to enlarge, you will see how well they are done.  Guess where they were made?  New Zealand!!  If you need to send gifts overseas and you want to do the Aussie thing, then these are definitely the way to go.

Just one more collection "out the back" to find room for this week - one for the boys this one - little boys!

I've been working on the second scrappy mystery quilt today.  All finished as far as the directions go, but I think I will add some more to it - it's 72" square at the moment.  Plus, a couple more SWOON blocks...they're looking good.

A few of you will have heard of Denise Vanderluyt.  Denise and her husband Adrian are in Blackall at the moment, with Adrian doing an Artist in Residence term.  Denise teaches needle turn applique and fabric coil baskets.  I am trying to organise a day with Denise, making the baskets....Thursday, May 24th is my preferred date, but I still have to confirm this with Denise.  I've left quite a few messages so I'm really hoping she will ring me tomorrow.  As soon as I know, I will let you all know.  In the meantime, save your plastic bags, not the biodegradable ones, bread bags are great.  And gather your scraps of fabric to tear into strips.  No need to prepare them early, it can all be done on the day.

That's enough from me tonight, hope you all have a great week and enjoy this Spring type weather in Autumn that we're having!

Talk soon,

Sandy.

 

 

 

May Day Festivities......

....Celebrated in Queensland this weekend, but at different times around the country.  I didn't get to participate in too many activities, and what should have been a productive weekend at home, didn't quite go to plan.  The cold that I thought I had beaten early last week, returned with a vengeance. No energy - blah, blah, blah....you know the story.  I think it's on the way out now - hoping, hoping!!

My thoughts today, were with family members in Western Australia.  Love and hugs to my special Aunty Edna and her family, whose son Robert (my cousin) passed away last week.  Thinking of you all.  xx

Saturday morning kicked off with markets in the main street.  It was very busy in the shop as well - it's always good when people from out of town "discover" The Silver Thimble!  The reactions are quite humourous at times..."Didn't think I'd find a shop like this, waaaaaayy out here!!"  or  "You must have a lot of quilters in the area, I suppose they're looking for something to do!!"  That's the one that gets my hackles up as I try to answer with a smile (without gritting my teeth!) that the hardest thing for most people, is to find the time!

 

The camels seemed to do a very good trade.  Bronte tells me that they were a bit smelly and it was scarey when they sat down, despite that, she enjoyed the rides.

 

 

 

 

Horse races, drag car races, goat races and football filled the weekend, so there was certainly something for everyone.  Of course the parade is always popular too, and I had promised to take Bronte and Lachlan.  Pity I didn't check the time on the poster that had been in my window ALL week and find out that it was NOT an 11 o'clock start!!!!  There's always next year! 

It's just over 4 weeks until our June retreat, which I mentioned last week is now on the second weekend which is the Queen's Birthday long weekend, however,  we will finish on the Sunday as per usual.  The project I have chosen is the SWOON quilt, a pattern designed by Camille Roskelly, which has been very popular around the world, especially on the net as a Quiltalong.  If you go to Google, choose Images and type in Swoon quilt blocks, you will see hundreds of variations.  The size and style of the block are different from anything else around - each block is 24" square!!  For a single bed, you would only need 6 blocks (2 x 3) plus some borders, a queen would require 12 (3 x 4) plus borders.  Each block takes 2 FQs plus some background.  It's a great pattern to work with a range of fabric, or would look fabulous in a controlled colourway as well.

I have finished just 3 blocks, with another cut and ready to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having fun with the Flea Market Fancy range!  And, as you would have probably guessed, I'm using the "tool" to cut all my Flying Geese and Half Square Triangles.  Love that tool!

Of course, if you wish to work on your own projects at the Retreat, then that is OK too.

Thanks to those who have made "comments" these past weeks, it's always nice to have some feedback.  At least I know that I'm not just talking to myself here!!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A taste of days to come....

How did you like the little taste of winter this past week?  Overcast, drizzly and a brisk breeze last Friday was a bit of a wake up call wasn't it?  Actually, I don't mind those days, if I'm in my sewing room!  Wouldn't want to be out on a motorbike, mustering!!  We had best enjoy the rest of the Autumn days while we can.

Virtually, no sewing for me this week.  Big clean up on Tuesday of quilts to be returned to their various owners after the weekend and generally get the shop back in order.  Wednesday, Anzac Day, at home with a visit from family.  Thursday, my brother arrived from Perth for a week.  So....a bit of catching up to do.

New fabric in store as well, which has taken me a week to process!  Still have to find some shelf space for it.  This is Taza by Dena Designs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just love the grey and blue colourways, but then they look so much better mixed with the pink or red. 

Two more boxes were delivered on Friday as well - they are not even opened yet!!

A slight change of dates for the June retreat.  Instead of the first weekend in June, it will be the second weekend which will be the 8/9/10th June.  This is the Queen's Birthday long weekend, but we will only be going through to the Sunday afternoon, as per usual.  This ole chook still needs a day off!!

I do have a project in mind, and hope to have something to show you very soon.  You can ring me to make your bookings about the middle of May if you wish to join us.

No sewing this Sat. afternoon or the next one, due to the Tree of Knowledge Festival and the Show respectively. (Maybe I'll get caught up with all that I should be doing!)

 

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

Outback Trailblazer / Jazz Festival

A very successful weekend folks!!  The weather was perfect, the quilts looked fabulous along the fence,

The cushions didn't last too long...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Percy Patchabull and the Sewabull Trio, were the stars of the Show!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percy was the most photographed object animal all day!  Not the most handsome (and terrible conformation!) but the most lovabull, well educated and quietest celebrity you could wish for.  Just stood there, didn't move... ALL day!!

The best news was that we raised $1000 with the sale of cushions and Sewabull was auctioned and sold for $850.00!!  $1850 to Angel Flight!!!

Sincere and grateful thanks to everyone that contributed in any way.  And thank you also to the Council and staff for providing the wonderful venue, and joining in on the "bull" theme for the day.

The Trailblazers left in the afternoon, on the first leg of their journey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow....a big tidy up in the shop, quilts to be packed and returned to their owners and we prepare for Anzac Day, The Tree of Knowledge Festival and the Barcaldine Show!  Who said life in the bush was quiet?

See you next week.

Sandy.

Back to Blackall.....

Yes, haven't done it for a while, but.....I had a very enjoyable day in Blackall on Sunday.  Lots of keen ladies ready and willing to take on "the tool"!  That's Half Square Triangles and Quarter Square Triangles for the uninitiated.  They take so much of the fiddly math out of patchwork and make your pieces so much more accurate, consequently less reverse sewing!  Even Julie D. likes triangles now!!

It was a pretty full day and I didn't take ONE photo, sorry about that.  Anyone else get any that they can share?

Saturday afternoon was "fitting" day for Percy Patchabull.  His outfit now, is down to just a few large pieces, instead of a stack of blocks and scraps.  Many, many thanks to the crew that turned out on Sat. to help with this crazy project!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little more stitching through the week and by this coming Sat. he should be ready to go public!  He may even make an appearance on TV, as the Channel Seven film crew are coming into town on the Jazz Train!!

 And the first vision they will see, will be the quilts adorning the railway platform railings, so let's make it a wonderful display.  Gather up what you have at home and bring it into the shop during the week or let me know that you can just bring it down on Sunday morning.  I think we will need to assemble at approx 7.00am to put up the display, in readiness for a 10 o'clock opening.

If you could drop off your cushions through the week, that would be great so that I can get them labelled and wrapped.

The "Sewabulls" are on display in the shop.  Just wonderful textile art by Allison...

You really must click on the picture to enlarge it.  Each one of those bulls has so much character!  They look like they should be in some cool rock band!  This work is stitched on linen and is stretched over an art canvas about 1m wide by 50cm high.  Sewabull will be auctioned on Sunday afternoon at the Radio Theatre with all funds going towards Angelflight.  The Outback Trailblazer participating teams & cars will be departing from Beech St. outside the Theatre at approx. 3.30pm.

I promised you some more new fabric "eye candy" last week.  Lemon Tree is a Benartex range and is in the very popular black, white and zingy lime/yellow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A striking large print and heaps of co-ordinates.  New plain fabrics arrived during the week also, some Kona cottons, repeats and new shades, plus some Northcott plains as well.  Kona were becoming difficult to obtain and these new Northcotts are even more beautiful.  The feel of the fabric is divine!  So...the solids shelves are full once more, just how I like it!

A busy time coming up..this weekend - quilt display, cushions etc. then it will only be a short time until Tree of Knowledge celebrations, then the Show.  Not long after that, will be the June Retreat, so more on that later.

Talk soon, Sandy.

A quick Hello.....

Sorry about last week .... no computer = no blog, but this weekend it's no time!

I think, finally, we have the glitches out of the computer, but I think I've said that before too.  I now have another internet installation on the lap top as well, so I should be "cooking with gas". 

However, being Easter and school holidays, I've had some visitors of the younger variety.  We went from this..

to this....                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

  to this....                                              

 

 

and just about everything in between!!!

 

 

All the red and white quilts left for Mt Isa last Saturday week ago....thirteen in all, a wonderful response from everyone involved.

  ...and this week the focus has turned to the mini Display of Quilts to be held on Sunday 22nd April in aid of Angelflight.  Many thanks to those that have already sent cushions in too, plus blocks to make Percy Patchabull's outfit.  In my "spare" moments this weekend, I have added to the pile but he's pretty big and might take a bit of covering!!

Next time, new fabric...some luscious lemon, black and white.

Talk soon, Sandy.

Boo Hoo.....

 

...In my almost 15 years of trading, I have never had any goods damaged, which I think, is a pretty good wrap for the carriers.  However, it was a sad looking box last week, when this was delivered.

What a sorry sight!  The box had gotten wet and was rubbing up against the mesh cage.  Unfortunately, some dirty, rusty pipes had been stacked on top of the cages and loads of oily dust had rubbed off and filtered through the rest of the freight during the trip.  It wasn't ALL wrecked, but I think I have to wait until there's some response from higher up. before I can chop into it.

There's a mix of 2 collections in this consignment and one of them looks like this.

Jadore!   All things French..The Eiffel Tower, pushbikes, road maps, and a great text print with street names all over it.  Lots of spots and tiny pinstripes.  It's a fairly pastel collection but just a little brighter than this photo shows.

The second collection is called Yard Sale and has a couple of lovely florals with some blenders that will fit in anywhere.  The damaged ones were mostly from this range.

 

The girls doing Pauline's workshops all seem to have had a wonderful time.  More fabric was required during the week so a courier run was organised in the WET.  To some, it may have looked like a drug handover on the side of the road, but to others it was a bit more like the tuckshop lady handing over bags of goodies!!  I think these girls pray for wet weather when Pauline is around, they always seem to end up with an extra day of sewing somewhere!  Looking forward to seeing all the projects before too long.

There are 5 red and white quilts all totally completed and ready to go.  I know that there are others almost ready as well, so we may be able to get some away just a little earlier than planned.  This will make it easier for the girls in Mt. Isa.  If you're not quite there yet, just keep at it and you'll be done very soon.

I have mentioned previously about a couple of "special projects" being constructed in readiness for our showing of quilts on the 22nd April, for the commencement of the Outback Trailblazer/Jazz Festival.  One of those special projects, is a lifesize bull, otherwise known as Percy Patchabull. Now Percy is a bit naked at present, in fact he's just a mix of box steel, netting and styrofoam - not the most attractive beast at all!  But he's gonna be!!!  And this is where you all come in if you'd like to part of the fun.  We're going to make a patchwork "skin" for Percy and we would like as many of you as possible to contribute some 12" blocks (12 1/2" unfinished) to go towards his outer covering.  Doesn't matter what design but we would like them in "country" colours if possible...dusty reds, blues, greens, rust, mustard. Drop these in to the shop or pop them in the post to Box 71, Barcaldine and we will transform Percy in to a beast of beauty in no time.  He will be one of the star attractions on the day.  And a great big thank you to Lance for the construction of Percy Patchabull.

My internet connection has still been playing up so I'm not going to keep this going much longer tonight.  In fact I'm a bit surprised we're still on the air!

Just before Christmas, June had completed all the applique panels etc. for this quilt.  Pattern by Kellie Wulfsohn of Don't Look Now, and was featured in a Homespun magazine.  I offered to quilt it for her and I'm sure you'll agree, it's come up a treat.

 

Talk soon, Sandy.

A glorious day for quilting.....

Been drizzling/light rain here on and off since early this morning, so definitely no outside jobs today.  What a shame! (not)  I'm endeavouring to finish the quilting on my red and white quilt and this is what greeted me when I walked into the sewing room.

I got a bit of a start last night, and just left it beside the machine.  "Mousetrap", otherwise known as "cat" loves to curl up in a quilt!  This is the VERY lucky feral kitten who was allowed to stay!  She's been to the vet to make sure there'll be no more little feral kittens, and has taken over the house, as cats are prone to do.  I still have to shake my head sometimes, as Bruce hates cats  -  somehow, this one managed to win him over.  And, I have not seen a live mouse since!! (I just wish she's start on the little brown frogs - am I allowed to say that?)

I'm enjoying the quilting, and only have a few blocks left to do, and I'm pleased to say that I still have all fingers intact!  I'm quite overwhelmed by everyone's enthusiasm to participate in the Red and White quilt exhibition - the first two have been handed in, all finished and complete with bag etc. and I know there'll be more this week.  Sincere thanks to everyone, you all make me very proud to be part of this group of willing and caring quilters.  Thanks also, to those that have already sent or dropped in cushions, to go towards fund raising for Angelflight.  The date for this quilt exhibition is the 22nd April and the red and white quilts should be back here in September.

It was lovely to see Pauline and Rob Rogers last week on their tour of the West.  After visiting Tambo and Blackall, Pauline held a workshop in Barcy on Thursday and by all accounts, everyone enjoyed themselves.  Aramac was Friday and Saturday and then most of them packed up to head to Isisford to keep working.  Wonder if it's raining down there and how the roads are faring, remembering last year when they had to spend an extra day in Yaraka.  Ilfracombe will be next and then Winton.  The Mystery quilt that Pauline was offering as a project, is just lovely, and I can't wait to see how "ours" turn out.

I'm nearly up to date with the new fabrics.  Prairie Paisley is on the shelves...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    A gorgeous mix of reds, navy, light blue, cream and light tan.   Layer cakes as well as individual FQ's and bundles.  All FQ's are $5.50 each but my usual special applies when you buy more than 10, and they become just $5.00 each.

 

 

 

And now, do you fancy a bit of Flea Market?  This is pure Retro...60's?? 70's??  They say that everything old is new again and I think that saying applies to this collection. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It won't appeal to everyone I'm sure, but I know lots of people that absolutely love it and I'm nearly finished cutting bundles for those that are making sure they don't miss out!

 

 

 

For those that have the Vignette magazine ordered with me, Volume 6 is now in stock.  I have posted some out and emailed a few notifications....those that normally come into the shop, yours are ready and waiting.  I haven't made a lot of progress on mine of late, still appliqueing flowers and leaves to the second part of the centre panel.

That's enough from me tonight...back to the red and white!

Talk soon, Sandy.