TheSilverThimble

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.

 

 

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.

We need to get busy.....

Made it home, over the river!  It had dropped considerably and apart from a bit of a "sand dune" to climb, on our side, all was well.  Our friendly next door neighbour Steve, has now swept most of that away with the grader.  Thanks, Steve!  Travel should be back to normal this week.

It's been a pretty hectic week shopwise, with several people choosing their fabrics and supplies for workshops coming up in March with Pauline Rogers.  Pauline has been travelling through this area for many, many years and her schedule this year will be Barcaldine on Thursday 15th March (Cultural Centre), Aramac 16/17, Ilfracombe 19/20 and Isisford 21/22.  I think she will be in Blackall as well, possibly on the 14th, but not absolutely sure, so check with your local patchwork group there.

SOME of the new fabrics made it on to the shelves, but NONE of the fabrics made it to my camera yet!!  When I got the word that I could come home over the river, I think I bolted and didn't think about photos until I was half way home!  As fast as I could get them out, more were delivered, so there are still about four boxes out the back and I haven't even had a sneak peek yet.  I'm going to have to get an early start in the morning and see if I can make some headway.  "Under the Australian Sun II" that I showed you last week, has been very popular already, and I've had orders from far afield for some of the Amy Butler range.  Just amazing, what a photo on the blog can do!!

Further to the Red and White quilt exhibition that I spoke of last week and a discussion on Saturday afternoon with a few of the girls, a few of us have decided to participate.  They won't be large quilts, probably about a metre square or thereabouts, and we thought that the Friday night of our first retreat could be devoted to this project.  They could be a combination of several blocks or even the same block repeated, maybe something of your own design, but of course they must be red and white. (cream or ivory is allowed) Of course, they can be larger, but time probably limits most of us - they need to be finished by early April.  If you're interested to know more, give me a call or pop into the shop for details.  By participating in this excercise, we will be able to access all of the red and white quilts to mount our own exhibition at a later date.  All monies raised at that time will go to Aged Care in the local area.

We've also been asked to put up a quilt display at the Village Green/Railway/Tree of Knowledge Memorial site on the 22nd April.  This will be the starting point for the Angel Flight Trailblazer event and will also be part of a Jazz Festival being held at that time.  A train load of jazz musicians are coming to town!  More details on that as they come to hand.

The railway platform fence, although not very high, will be an ideal place to hang quilts.  Easily managed, visible and a delightful area with the lawns and shady trees. What do you think about a few cushions to sell as well, with money going towards Angel Flight.  Not our usual "Airing of the Quilts" numbers, I'm thinking somewhere between 30/40/50??  Please give me your thoughts and feedback on this as soon as possible, as there's not a lot of time.  There's also another "secret project" in mind, as a part of this exhibition - more details on that later when we have bulldozed encouraged a certain person to our way of thinking!!

Speaking of retreats - the first one is only a couple of weeks away now, 2/3/4 March.  If you wish to participate, please contact me from tomorrow onwards.  Remember, only taking 20!

That's enough chat from me I think, but what's a blog post without a photo?  These are some cute PJ's made for Bronte for her birthday back in January.  The fabric is Pin Feathers - a tiny little pink bird on a wire, on a pale pink background.

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.

 

 

Life gets back to normal....

...Lots of phone calls and emails this week, from concerned people regarding the bushfires.  Thank you one and all for your kind thoughts - we were much luckier than others with only half of one paddock gone (that we were not currently using anyway!)

 

 

This is what it looked like from the house yard fence but it was still 8 to 10 k's away!

 

 

 

Let's move on....Kona cotton solids.  I love to be able to use a plain fabric that is of equal quality as the prints.  A couple of weeks ago, some new boxes of these arrived to help fill the spaces.

Don't they look great - a shade for almost every occasion!  And there are many more available.  It seems to be a current trend to use lots of plains, especially with mono prints.

 

 

 There have been some interesting suggestions coming in regarding techniques and workshops.  Keep them coming and I will announce a winner next week.  Some of the suggestions have been free motion quilting, "finishing off", (binding etc) hand embroidery and use of the "tool".  Might be able to cover that at the Retreat weekend, which is less than two weeks away.  For those participating in the Secret Santa swap, you had better get busy if you haven't made a start!!

If you wish to participate in the Melbourne Cup Sweep and haven't let me know as yet, please do so this week.

I love it when younger people show an interest in sewing.  The Home Ec. class at our local High School is about to tackle a garment from a commercial pattern.  Some are very enthusiastic and some are a bit nervous.  I can still remember the apron, shortie pyjamas and the dress I made during Home Ec. many long years ago!  The dress had a fully gathered skirt, must have been about 3m around.  I was always a bit on the dumpy side, so that dress did me no favours at all!

My eldest grand daughter Tyler, always wanted to sew when she spent time with me at the shop, and cook when we were at home.  She's now in her second year at High School and has done well in those subjects as well as being very confident in the kitchen at home.  Looks like I have another one coming through the ranks!

 

   Lily has been itching to get on my machine ever since she did some sewing at Girl Guides, so here she is, wrist plaster and all!

 

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

We have been working.......

It really has been action stations this past week.  More new fabric arrived which needed to be processed - fat quarters cut, bundles prepared etc.  There is someone behind the scenes doing a wonderful job, prettying up little packages with ribbons and bows.   Quilts have been finished and bindings completed by a couple of willing assistants, so a big thank you to all involved.  When Westech rolls around, I think we may be ready!!!

 From the programme, it looks like The Silver Thimble is the only patchwork shop represented.  I genuinely think that's a bit of a shame - we all like to look around (including me if I get the chance) to see what else is out there!

If there is anything that you want need from the shop that you wish to collect from Westech, please let me know this week.

 

 

We had a visit during the week from an old Kimberley friend,  Pat McPherson or " Sister Pat", as she was known throughout the region.  The photo below was taken at "Brooking Springs" in 1966.  Pat was employed by the Australian Inland Mission, and was one of the first to travel to the communities to administer immunisations and medical support.

 

Pat and Bruce, catching up on old times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been receiveing lots of calls about the November retreat.  There will be some projects on offer and I will inform you of these, after Westech!  Looks like being a popular weekend.

Some more stock work here at Rocklea on the weekend.  Bronte has finally mastered the art of getting on her pony "all by myself"!

That stirrup is a long way off the ground for a 5 year old!!

"See Mama, I told you I could do it."

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's all for this week folks.  Next Monday is set up day for Westech so we'll see how we go.  Looking forward to seeing many of you there!.

Talk soon, Sandy.

People are on the move....

I had high hopes of chatting with you through the week.  I should have known better! 

Lots of tourists through the shop this week - some on their way home (south) and a few just heading out, which mostly means going north.  While we were away through the N.T. and the Kimberley, I couldn't believe the number of caravans, camper trailers etc. on the road.  Any roadside stops, especially those with any sort of facility, were filled by about 3.30/4.00 o'clock, and that would be at least 20 vans or so.

I guess most of these people come from the city and suburbs.  No doubt they live with security screens, locked doors and windows - maybe even alarm systems.  Travelling seems to be a great leveller.  They all park together, as close as possible it seems.  "Happy hour" sees everyone having a chat, maybe even sharing a hot grill plate.  Laundry is hung out or draped across the back of chairs for all the world to see!  Caravan parks are another example - people leave the laundry on the communal line overnight, leave chairs, tables and bikes outside - and still steal the toilet paper!

New fabric deliveries early in the week - plenty of offers to get into this!

 

Sorry girls,  I promised myself this little treat when I finished the bookwork, and that wasn't till about 3pm that afternoon.  These ones are all now processed - cut, tied and/or packaged, (and back in the boxes!) All ready for Westech!

I have put some new ones out on the shelves however.

 

This is Lilac Hill, a gorgeous combo of purple and red.

 

 

 

 

 

Some new patterns also in the mail, some of which work well with jelly rolls.

 

Not that easy to see here but if you click on the picture, it will enlarge for you.  The pattern on the top right called Pinwheels, needs a special ruler, which is also in stock.  I think the Lilac Hill range could work well in Spice Garden.

I have been busy today and have made the aprons from Let's Cook, as well as a few other bits and pieces.

All these patterns are from Majella, at Kookaburra Cottage who was once a part of The Chook Shed girls.

Lots of people have told me that they have been enjoying the holiday pictures.  While we were in Broome, we tracked down my friend Martina.  We spent a lot of time together in my early days at Anna Plains.  Martina helped me with the children and in the kitchen when I was cooking for the men.  Her first child, Michael (known as Micolo) was about 10 weeks older than Kelly, and they spent many hours together as babies.  This is a rather blurry photo but you can see that she was very happy to see us.

 

Next stop was Derby, and once we got set up at the caravan park, owned by a niece and her husband, their was a constant stream of visitors.  The bush telegraph lines were running hot!!

We spent a very special day with friends Sam and his wife Rosita, visiting Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek.  Sam entertained us all with stories from his ancestors or when he was a young man in the district.
Honestly, there isn't a blade of grass in that area that Sam doesn't know about!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Checking out a fresh water crocodile - they were everywhere!

 

 

That's about it for tonight folks.  Hope you all have a good week.

Talk soon, Sandy.

Let's have a party.....

 

Yep, the Silver Thimble is well and truly a teenager now and we need candles and cake!!

The retreat this weekend will have a party theme, so bring along your best party personality and prepare to have fun!!  Also bring  approx. 10 x 2 1/2" strips WOF (or equivalent if from Fat Quarters) and a packet of lollies.  The strips do not have to match each other and the lollies can be any type, whatever you like best 'cause someone else is sure to like them too.  Oh, and don't forget to bring the project you are going to work on!!!

The Annual Sale is finished, although I still have some kits to cut.  Thanks everyone for your support throughout the year and especially at Sale time - I really like clearing out these fabrics as it enables me to re-stock the shelves and freshen the look of the shop. 

My focus now is Westech, the 2 day Field Days, to be held in Barcaldine on the 13/14th September.  I have always had a soft spot for Westech, having been part of the early organising Committee some years ago.  Each year that I have participated as an exhibitor, the level of interest (and sales) has increased.  It is a time when kits and packs do well, as I am dealing with a many different people.  So.....lots of preparation in order! 

There have been new fabric arrivals, plus patterns, but you'll have to wait for a peek!!  Lots more to come, with Westech in mind.

Are you enjoying the travel chat and photos?  I hope so, as I have a few more to come yet.  From Camballin, we travelled through to Broome.  When we lived at Anna Plains, from early '68 to late '82 and approx. 200k's South of Broome, there were 15 hundred people in the WHOLE Shire, now there are something like 15 thousand at any one time in Broome alone, plus 100,000 visitors during the dry season, or winter months!!  It has always been a Cosmopolitian town, with many Asians employed during the height of the pearling industry.  It's really geared for the tourists now, and although it's obvious that a lot of people like Broome how it is today, I kinda liked the Old Broome.  Cable Beach is well known worldwide for its' azure blue water, white sand and red sandhills in the background.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a favourit photo of course, taken by Tyler.

We did a day trip down to Anna Plains, but it was a bit disappointing.  Not a lot of TLC around the homestead complex.  Some things were almost the same, but lots of changes too.

This building had been the children's school room.  There was a gauzed in area underneath, with spinifex packed in the right side walls.  The water trickled through this to help cool things down.  The roof, under the iron, was also packed with ti-tree foliage.  One day, a snake dropped out of the ceiling, right on to Stuart's school work!!  Needless to say, there was a bit of a scatter in the camp!

 

 

 

The photo on the right, taken under an Athol Pine tree. This tree always had some very low limbs so we had some old saddles tied on to them and the children rode every "wild" horse known to man!!

Another beach visit before we returned to Broome.  The Eighty Mile Beach ran the full length of Anna Plains.  It wasn't the most attractive beach as when the tide went out, it went out about 5k's and was just an ugly mud flat.  However, the sand was covered with shells and the kids had a hard time deciding what they could carry home!

Before we finish this post, we need to choose a winner of the Jelly Roll or Layer Cake.  Seems several of you would like to visit the Kimberley - maybe we'll have to pack that camper up again and take you all!!

And the winner is........Helen Meppem!  Congratulations Helen, give me a call and we'll organise your prize.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

Fitzroy Crossing to Camballin

After the rodeo at Fitzroy, we spent 3 days at Camballin with niece and nephew Jenny and Robert.

Camballin is a small town on Liveringa Station, built in the 60's to house workers when the State Govt. were building a barrage and dam on the Fitzroy River, with plans to irrigate on the black soil (flood) plains.  Rice was the preferred crop but was unsuccessful due to the influx of Magpie Geese.  Several other crops have been trialled - many of them grow well, but they really need to harvest two a year to make it viable.  The time between flooding is sometimes too short, or when they need irrigation, there's not enough in storage.  It won't be for lack of trying if and when they find something that does well.  Bruce managed Liveringa for 13 years.

Robert does contract work around the district, including bull catching.  The girls are checking out the bull buggies - which actually DO work!!   We went fishing for Cherrabun - they are like a fresh water prawn or a yabbie.  No trouble to bring home a bucket full!  Look at the size of these!

 

 

 

 

My family think that the best feed that you can have is on "killer" night when it's rib-bones on the BBQ.  No marinades, sauces or fancy ingredients - just pure unadulterated beef!

Bronte and Declan tucking in!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This quilt, "Patches and Pinwheels" has finally made it home and on to a bed.  Blocks are all 6" finished and are joined horizontally, so the strips for the 16-patch are 2" cut and the half square triangles for the pinwheels are cut from 3 1/2" strips, with the tool.  If you don't have the tool, then the squares are 3 7/8" and cut on the diagonal.  It's the placement of the darks and lights in the triangles, that gives the pattern a twist.  Every alternate row is different.

 

Don't forget to read right to the end of the previous posting to learn about the giveaway.

Talk soon, Sandy.