TheSilverThimble

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.

New fabrics trickling in........

 ......yes, they have started, although I think next week might be busier!

Thank you all, for supporting my Pre Cut Sale.  I think everyone was pleased with their purchases (some came back on several occasions!!) however, I was pleased too, to lower the FQ supply particularly.  This week will be a general tidy up and making space for the newbies. 

Before I left for Melbourne, this range of Legendary Basics arrived from my favourite suppliers, Lloyd Curzon of Adelaide.  This Co. is one of the nicest to deal with, nothing is too much trouble.  You may remember that I had some FQ bundles at our last retreat that were part of the multi draw conducted throughout the weekend - well now we have the metreage.

                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

There you are....42 of them!  There's something for everyone in that lot and they certainly fill some gaps that I had in my colour ranges.  And the best part, just $20 a metre!!

Vignette, Issue 5 has been posted out to almost everyone.  The next steps are half of the centre blocks and these have to be magnified by 200%.  This is not as easy as it sounds, and for those that are out of town, could prove quite a hassle.  I have "cut and stuck" lots of partial pieces together, so that I now have the complete section.  If anybody wishes to copy it, you are most welcome.  I'm hoping to get this piece prepared shortly, ready for stitching over the Christmas break.  (Not quite finished the other stitchery yet, but getting close!) 

Gypsy Bandana was a bright pink and green range, purchased last year.  Lots of people loved it but some people were not quite sure what to do with it.  Wendy found a simple but effective pattern which showcased the large prints as well as making the best of the smaller ones.  And Tanya's quilting, really topped it off!

                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

Not a lot of sewing by me this weekend (read zero actually) but lots of fun with this crew instead!

 

We did manage to do a bit of Christmas cooking but by the look of the containers right now, not sure if they will make Christmas!!

Talk soon, Sandy.

A short week for me...

The Silver Thimble will be open for just two days this week - Tuesday and Wednesday and will then re-open on the following Wednesday, 30th November. 

I'm off to Quilt Market in Melbourne to check out all the new ranges and hopefully place orders for some.  (Terrible job, but someone's gotta do it!)  I already have a bit of a list, but I'm sure there will be heaps more that will throw my good intentions right out the window!

Had a busy time with the Winton girls last week.  They made the most of their time here and completed tops to go away for quilting as well as making good starts on other projects.

This was Nea's, started on her last visit, now completed.  Inspired by a quilt that Bev was making on a visit out from Emerald last year.  Lots of novelty prints, collected over a long period of time and purchased from various places.

 

Click on these to enlarge.

 

 

 

Dell had a lovely collection of pastel, Aboriginal prints, added a few batiks which always seem to work well, to make her Stack and Slash.  Bordered by an inky midnight blue.

I'm lucky enough to have a similar collection of these prints, tucked away for a rainy day.  Is the Wet Season really coming, like they say it is?  I sure hope so.

 

 

 

Fiona chose one of the Asian prints to make her Four Patch Posie.  Just amazing, how many different blocks can come out of one piece of fabric!

I think Bargellos might be on the list for next year.

 

Not a lot of sewing on my part for this weekend.  Visitors on Sunday and a trip to Alpha today, meant that I only added a bit to the stitchery once again.  Miss Lily completed her cushion through the week - for a 6 year old, she's done a fantastic job I think.

 

 

She tells me, she wants to make some pyjamas next, and has already chosen her fabric!  I'll have to get busy with the cutting out - just as soon as I find the pattern.

OK, see you when I return from the big smoke!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

Let's try this again......

After several attempts last week, and not enough time during the week, let's hope we're back on track again. 

Today, 31st July, The Silver Thimble has been open for 14 years.  I can hardly believe it!  The sale has been going very well - lots of $10 bargains have gone to new stashes.  There is also 20% OFF everything else in store - fabric, haberdashery, books, patterns etc.  The sale will run until next Saturday 6th August.  Read to the end of this post for a special giveaway!

Next most important news to tell you is that our August Retreat has had a date change.  Instead of the first weekend in Aug, it will be now the second weekend.  That is Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14th August.  Let me know ASAP if you wish to join us.  Cost of the weekend will be $65.  I had suggested that we work with precuts or scraps - that is still your choice, but of course if you have other things you wish to do, then that is OK as well.   I think this is a stunning quilt, made by Leslie, using a batik jelly roll plus some black and a border fabric.  So simple, yet so effective. 

 

 

There are plenty of patterns out there for using pre cuts - just check out www.modabakeshop.com for all types of "recipes".

 

 

 

 

Our trip to the Kimberley was wonderful, couldn't have been better!  Before I go on though, I wish to thank Terriann and Norrelle who kept the shop open for me. Terriann made it clear to everyone that she was going to suffer serious withdrawals when she went home!!  Thanks again girls.

We struck the most gorgeous weather, a few cool nights but the days were glorious.  We saw all the people we hoped to see plus more, and all the places that were on our flexible itinerary.  A bit over 10,000k's in total.  Took the obligatory photo when crossing the border to the Territory - I think the kids were expecting a big fence and a locked gate!

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was grass all the way, dry, but grass none the less.  As you can see, a lot of the roadside had been burnt at different stages - whether that was intentional or from campers' fires, I'm not sure.  About 9 out of every 10 vehicles that we saw, was towing a van or a camper trailer!!

Fitzroy Crossing was our destination for the first weekend as it coincided with the annual Rodeo and Campdraft.  That meant we would see a lot of people that we wouldn't have otherwise had time to visit on the stations.  Rather ironic that Bruce had financed the construction of the first rodeo arena in the early 60's and our nephew had just finished a whole new set of yards for 2011.  Besides catching up with lots of people, the Cttee. had Bruce busy with presentations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm not going to bore you with a thousand holiday snaps (I didn't take that many anyway!) but I just have to add this one of all the grandchildren - this one's for you A. Edna!  Taken on the floodplain of the Fitzroy River.

 

Now, for that special birthday giveaway.  Make a comment on the blog, mention where you would like to go for a holiday, and next week I will announce the winner.  Seeing as I was talking about precuts, the prize will be a Jelly Roll or Layer Cake.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter Woollies Weather....

...the last week has definitely been feeling like winter!!  For the first time in a long time, I actually dragged out a little fan heater for the back room of the shop - made it quite cozy on Thursday night.  Cold, overcast and drizzly days are not my idea of fun!  Due to the weather last week, unfortunately, we missed out on the visit from Pauline Rogers - she got caught in Yaraka.  Of course the girls there thought it was great, they got an extra day to sew!  The rain seems to have moved on now, so we'll probably just have snappy cold mornings and lovely sunny days.  Hope so.

A couple more variations on the Four Patch Stacked Posie for you:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Stacked Posie pattern works really well using a novelty fabric too.  A few different colours and different shapes are all you need.

 

 

 

 

This fabric "Rhapsody in Bloom" has been in for some time, just hadn't managed to photograph it for you.  The spots have been popular and the large rose print (bottom left) is gorgeous!

 

 

 

 

Part of this weekend has been spent preparing for the trip that we are making to the Kimberley.  I used to have a pretty substantial "tucker box" once, that contained all the necessary bits and pieces.  It has kind of disappeared over the years so I've had to start again.  Billy cans and camp ovens  -  it's been a while!!

I found this article very interesting.  The next Winter Olympics are to be held in Russia in 2014.  Just take a look at their banners for advertising.

 

Patchwork rules!!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

I wish I had a dollar....

....for every time I've heard the words "I don't know why you want to cut up perfectly good fabric, just to sew it up again!"  At least 2 or 3 times a week since I've been in the shop and that's nearly 14 years.  The worst part is, that every one that says it, thinks they've been the first!  Give me a break!!

Our recent retreat weekend, proved that when you cut up "perfectly good fabric", you can come up with all manner of designs, quite often more interesting than the original!

  A piece of Kate Spain "Central Park"

 

 

   Some "Soul Blossom" by Amy Butler

 

 

   Where have all the birdies gone?

 

 

 

    Note the difference between the border and the blocks.  Click on the pictures to enlarge them, it will be worth it!

 

The weekend project was the Four Patch Stacked Posie, a pattern similar to the Stack and Whack, but using only four layers. Much more forgiving!  Lots of ooohs and aaahs when the pieces were put together, every block a surprise packet.  More to show you in the coming weeks.

Next retreat weekend is the first weekend in August and will be anything to do with precuts.  I have been gathering patterns to give you some ideas, but if you find one that you like, and wish to do, then that would be great.  Fat quarters, jelly rolls, layer cakes or charm squares  -  got any stashed away that you're not sure about?  This will be the time to bring them along.  Naturally, if you wish to work on another project, that's OK too.

This coming Friday 10th June, we will have Pauline Rogers in the shop, to show us all the latest gadgets and gizmos.  It's been a while since the locals have caught up with Pauline, so hope to see you there from about 11am, with a plate to share for lunch.  Cost will be $5.00 per person.

Speaking of food, once again we had some great meals, smokos and nibblies at the retreat.  Just waiting on a capsicum sauce/relish/jam recipe from Terriann to share with you.

I am going to be away from the shop for a little while.  Our whole family, including 7 grandchildren, are heading to the Kimberley during the last week in June, for about 3 weeks.  It has been almost 10 years since any of us were there and we want to show the younger ones where their parents spent most of their childhood, plus where Bruce worked throughout the region.  The children are all pretty excited about the prospect. One wants to know if there will be any BIG bullocks there, another wants to see a crocodile and they all want to go hunting and tracking with Sam, our old time friend that I have spoken about on previous occasions.  The shop will be open most of the time  -  there may be an odd day that it isn't.  If you are thinking of visiting from out of town, please ring beforehand to make sure that Terriann will be there.

Hope to see some of you on Friday.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

Waiting, waiting, waiting......

It's a rare occurence, but I'm actually waiting for the next issue of Vignette, No 3 that is.  Mind you, I only finished my Blocks 2/3 on Saturday afternoon, then noticed that I had missed a couple of leaves.  They were completed on Sat. night.  The next Issue is due out 1st June, so will probably arrive tomorrow and it will be time for more tracing.  But please note,  I am WAITING!!

That's it, across the top.  One more block to go on that right hand corner, and that will be No 4 out of 16.  Hope there's no more than 2 blocks in this Issue,  I'll never make it in time!

The block on the bottom right was an exercise in cutting all shapes from the one sized strip. Just missing a couple of pieces - will ultimately make a cushion from it.  Bottom left is the beginning of a co-ordinated scrappy quilt.

 

Lots of people have been choosing their fabric for the Four Patch Stacked Posie quilt, that we are doing on the weekend at our Retreat.  If you are coming and haven't advised me, please do so soon, so that we can be prepared.

Lovely to have a visit through the week, from the Isisford girls. Ten of them in total, enjoyed a day browsing, shopping and lunching in the rose garden.  Doesn't get much better than that!

With the arrival of the much cooler weather, it's a great time for hand quilting - if you're that way inclined!!  Personally, I'd rather machine quilt, however there are those that like the soothing, rocking motion of the needle when hand quilting, and I guess, that's how it was done all the time in years gone by.  Sandra is one of those people who loves to hand quilt.  This quilt is also hand pieced, with needle turn applique on the borders.  Maybe this winter will see it finished.  It will certainly be stunning and a tribute to perserverance when it is completed!!

We've been given lots of oranges recently, and I fancied making an orange cake.  A quick check of various recipes and I decided to "blend" a couple of versions together.  We have some visitors due this week so I felt I needed something that was different to the diabetic friendly cakes that I usually make.  One method was to roughly chop the whole orange, then vitamise it, peel and all.  At least it would use ONE!  It included polenta, called for sour cream - didn't have that, so added natural yoghurt instead.  Have to say, it turned out really well.  I'll test it out on the Tuesday night girls first, then maybe post the recipe for you.

That's about it from me tonight.  Talk soon, Sandy.

 

You're so lucky.....

Some years back, a regular visitor to my place, used to tell me that every day, as well as telling me what she had to do each day. 

At the time...husband 2000k's away, my mother with advanced dementia to care for, a long time friend dying with lung cancer to care for, a foster son to hopefully steer in the right direction, my own children working out in the big wide world and not always getting it right...plus a property and cattle to keep an eye on!!  I'm not sure if I was 'lucky' but I sure was busy!! 

That was a long winded way of telling you that I consider myself these days, to be very lucky!  Family and friends close by, grandchildren that I adore and who delight me every day, and a shop where every day is a good day! 

A little while back, a lady bought in a quilt that her mother had made but was now unwell, and not able to attach the binding.  Would I do it?  Yes, I would, but it won't be for a little while.  I finally got around to it the other day and opened it for the first time.  I knew it was a big quilt, just by the size of the bag it was in...what I didn't know, was how beautiful it was and how much I would enjoy finishing it off! 

These are just some of the blocks - all machine appliqued with invisible thread (I loathe that stuff, and can never get it to sit just right!)  This lady had it down to perfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last picture is a close up of the block beside it, just look at those tiny, tiny pieces!  There were 16 blocks altogether, each one different, plus an appliqued bottom and side borders.  What an effort and I'm pleased to say that the binding is all finished too.

Lots of visitors during the week, the tourists have arrived!  Quite a lot of return people too, they must do the same trip every year!  I spend a lot of my time cutting FQ's while they're "browsing", but somehow the drawers never seem to stay full, which is a good thing I suppose.

I've been quilting today - no photos yet, it has to be posted to W.A.  Yes, Lisa, it's nearly ready...just the binding now!

Just two weeks until the June Retreat weekend.  Quite a few people have chosen their fabrics which are all going to look great.  People have been really interested in checking out the sample in the shop.

For some reason, I haven't been able to send a group email - so hope you're checking in from time to time.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

That bag....

 

THAT bag has been completed!

 

It gave plenty of trouble, but with a little pattern tweaking, the end result is a beauty.  The French inspired fabric, Penelope by Lakehouse, has now all been sold - amazing what happens when you have a successful outcome  - but I'm pleased to say that more will be on the way shortly.

Once again, the Winton girls Nea, Fiona and Del have had their own private quilty retreat, taking over the back room for a few days this past week.  They came with plans and lists and plenty of enthusiasm!  (I won't tell you about all the bikkies and cakes)  Can you imagine how frustrating it would be, to not even be able to buy a reel of thread at your local shops, let alone a piece of fabric?   And we were all SO busy, I didn't even get to take a photo!!!  I can assure you though, that a lot of work was completed - a mixture of hexagons, zigzags, stack and slash, pillow slips with trims and dresden plates.  I think the new chairs got the thumbs up too, no more falling through the back of them!

And I got a lovely squishy parcel!!  Thank you girls, I really do love those fabrics.  Most of you know how I feel about Aboriginal fabrics - they must have an authentic link.  Not drawn up in a generic studio and printed in some generic country.  These are not like that - now I have to find the perfect project for them.

Finally, some of the new fabrics have been processed as well.  Not quite made the shelves yet, but all ready to go into some of the new fixtures soon.

This is Mayfair - it will look a lot better if you click on it to enlarge.  Scarlet pink, cream, a hint of green, grey and black.  Love the striped pieces in this one and the floral prints will go very well in the project for the June Retreat.

 

 

 

 

It has been a long time since we have seen a "traditional" blue range and this one Wild Rose II ticks all the boxes.  It has a fabulous border print as well as the stripes and spots.

Quite a few pre cuts have arrived too, jelly rolls, layer cakes and charm squares.  Hopefully, photos for you next week.

 

I'm a fan of Rebecca Johnson's patterns from Chasing Cottons.  There are a few in the shop plus you may remember the link a couple of weeks ago to a cute quilt she made from the Sherbet Pips range.  Rebecca is running a programme on her blog called Quilt Class 101.  It will cover all facets of quilting from choosing fabrics, designs and the actual construction.  She will be having lots of giveaways also, so well worth clicking on the link and taking a look.  The programme will run for several weeks so make a comment on her blog and you could be in the running to win some fabric.

Several people that are participating in the Scrappy Mystery Medallion Quilt by Therese Hylton, have either finished or are very close to the end.  I have just two side borders to attach and then because I have bullied encouraged others to make a scrappy backing, I guess I had better do the same!!  The rest of the week was taken up with blending all the embroidery threads into the new stand that has drawers!!  I'm hoping no more dust, fading or little fingers pulling skeins off the stand.

A visit to the dentist today.  Such a good feeling - when you get out of the chair!!!

Due to all the wonderful rain we've had in recent times, there's generally a bit of a downside, and ours at the moment are the roads.  I would hate to drive a suburban sedan type car into Rocklea, this "gully" is more than a foot deep and just a few hundred yards from the house.  Of course we have made a track to go around it but it will be nice to see some maintenance work done soon.

 
 The flying foxes are also making their presence felt.  I can hear them squealing outside now.  The last time we had an invasion, they almost completely decimated the house yard.  Bruce will be out just before daylight in the morning making a racquet, so they don't land for their daytime roost, when they seem to do all the damage.

Sorry that I don't have the promised recipes - will have to get on to the girls for next time.

'Till next week,

Sandy.

A busy weekend.....

I'm sure I've used that title before, but it so aptly describes the weekend just gone.

Our first retreat for the year saw everyone either commencing new projects or finishing older ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both of these projects have been on the go for quite a while, especially the applique Mother Goose.  But it's now ready for quilting and the pink and brown Mystery Quilt from last year just needs its final border and it too, will be a finished top.  Well done Jean!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kaffe was the order of the day for Lyn, above, with the Lightning Strikes design, and Marg's project above that, also uses the bright colours of Kaffe for a coral pink and sunshine yellow Log Cabin.

 

 

 

 

 

MOST people were a picture of concentration - the odd one lifted their head for just a moment!!  There were some Quilt As You Go projects in another corner and some bags being made as well.  One bag, in particular, (not sure if it was the bag making the bag, or just the bag!) was proving to be a bit of a headache and the frustration was tangible.  However, cool heads reigned by Sunday morning and the bag looks a stunner, but I don't think she's taking any orders!!  Photos next week.

Most of you would have heard that Peggy and Bev closed their doors in Emerald last week, which would have been a sad occasion.  The upside is, that they may visit us more often for retreat weekends and The Silver Thimble will have a bit of a facelift soon, with the addition of several new fittings.  I had to leave the girls at Retreat a bit early on Sunday, sorry about that too, to unload all the goodies that Peggy and Bev had so generously brought out for me.  Some are in the shop already, including a new DMC thread collection and woohoo, some comfortable chairs for the back room!!  Most of the changes will probably occur during the Easter weekend when I can take my time to rearrange.

 

One last photo of a completed quilt top by Donna.  Lovely soft neutral shades with the addition of a few lengths of wide ric rac to give it a truly feminine touch.  Just goes to show, that you don't need a complicated pattern to make a gorgeous quilt.

Early reminder, that the next retreat will be the first weekend in June and will be a specific project.  As soon as I finish the sample, I will have more to tell you.

I should have a few recipes for you next week too.  As per usual, lots of great food on the weekend.

Talk soon,

Sandy.