TheSilverThimble

Four sleeps and a winner...

...It's been a few weeks now since I asked for your suggestions for workshops/new techniques etc.   A few  people responded and our winner is........Kylie!!  Kylie would like some tuition in embroidery - I think we can accommodate that, however I have taken note of the other suggestions as well.  Kylie, you may choose 4 FQ's or any pattern in the shop.  Congratulations!

After making the first Hidden Wells quilt in autumn colours, I decided to do a second one with just 5 fabrics and a different setting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quite a difference isn't there?  Same initial construction but set on the diagonal with some dresden plate extras added.  A few girls have already decided on this version but instead of the light colour in the centre and corners, they have chosen to have a busy print with tone on tone fabrics for the blocks.  Can't wait to see how they turn out! 

We still have about 30 people attending the last retreat for the year, which will make for a great weekend!  Due to the generosity of one of my suppliers - Lloyd Curzon Textiles of Adelaide, there will be a few pleasant surprises for you!

It's Quilt Market time in Houston - heaps of new fabric ranges being released, and emails have been coming through to check this one and this one and this one!  These will be on show at our Quilt Market in Melbourne late November, which I am attending.  Oh, to have an unlimited budget!!!  Any special requests?  Hope the airlines have themselves in order by then.  What a fiasco!

Check on Di Mills' blog (click on her name in the blog list) and scroll down to a photo she took at the recent Quilt and Craft Show in Brisbane.  A dress completely covered in Yo Yos!!  Are you up for it Jean?

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

Blog No. 200!!....and a giveaway..

...that's 200 times that I've "had a chat" with you all!  Hopefully, it's been informative and even sometimes, entertaining.  It certainly is a great way to keep in touch!  Read on to find out about the giveaway to celebrate this milestone!

A few notes about the Retreat in November - especially for the newbies.  You need to bring your own linen as in sheets, blankets make that QUILTS, pillow etc.  There are heaps of double bunks with foam mattresses and the facility is air conditioned.  The bathroom is not en suite style - you actually have to walk to the bathroom, but there's plenty of hot water.  Please let me know over the next few weeks, what you would prefer to bring re food. 

At the last Retreat, we celebrated The Silver Thimble's 14th Birthday and had to wear party hats all weekend.  There was a challenge issued to decorate these for next time.  However, I have made an "executive" decision and postponed that until the first Retreat weekend next year, 2012.  For those participating in the Xmas gift secret swap, these hand made gifts need to be ready for this Retreat weekend. 

 

Finally, the Hidden Wells quilt top is finished.  Not the best light for taking photos either!  This is a single bed size, approx 78" x 64" and is 3 blocks across by 4 down.  Could easily be made 4 x 4 for a double.  It is not a pattern for the faint hearted - there are lots of seams to match and bias edges.  But if you're up for a challenge, then give it a go!

 

 

Prior to the Retreat, it will be Melbourne Cup time again.  We normally have a sweep - one ticket equals one Fat Quarter.  Everyone is guaranteed a horse and I complete the draw the night before.  If your horse is scratched on the day, 'tis bad luck I'm afraid.  24 horses, first in, first served.  Winning horse gives you 15 FQs, second is 5 FQs, third is 3 and last is 1FQ.  Let me know if you wish to participate.

 

 

Lots of new backings in over the last couple of weeks.  All of these are 280cm wide, so plenty of coverage for most quilts.

 

 

 

The last of the new ranges before Westech was Buckaroo.  A cute little western style collection in fawn, black, cream and rust, with a panel showing top boots.  I love the piece with all the words on it.  You should be able to read them if you click on the picture to enlarge it.

 

 

 

 

Now, for the giveaway - and you have to work for this!  Send me a comment or an email and let me know what types of workshops you would like to have next year.  What new techniques do you wish to learn?  Any suggestions for tutors, maybe.  Help me out with some ideas! 

 

 

THE PRIZE??  What about a pattern of your choice, or maybe 4 Fat Quarters (or equivalent metreage)  I will be looking forward to your suggestions.

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two more SALE days & the all important date ...

Just two more days (Tues & Wed) to make it TWELVE trading days for the Twelfth Birthday, once a year SALE.  Boy oh, boy - has there been some fabric shifted!!  I have some empty shelves!!

It was another very busy week made even more enjoyable by the "party like" atmosphere in the back room.  A few Winton gals packed their machines, ran away from home for a few days, and had their own exclusive retreat, at The Silver Thimble.  Made very good headway on several projects and stocked up on lots more fabric to take home.  And I cannot believe that I did not take ONE photo.....!!  Better come back for a re-run girls!

I still have 3 or 4 orders to complete for customers, then it will be time for a big tidy up in the shop, regroup the fabrics, and cut a gazillion fat quarters.  By then, some of the new stock may have arrived so we can start all over again!

I guess you would like to know who has won the prize for guessing the opening date 12 years ago, of The Silver Thimble.  Can you believe - NOBODY guessed the right date (not even me)  I know that people went back through the archives of the blog and last year, I said in "less than 10 days time" but in '08 I actually did say the 30th July.  Well guess what...

This pen was given to me by a very special friend to celebrate the opening of the shop - I have carried it in my wallet for 12 years!!  Used it lots of times, but obviously not looked at it very closely for a long time!! 

Quite a few people said the 30th July, so just to keep the faith, I have popped those names into the proverbial hat and given Bruce the task of drawing a winner and that name is........Booka!!  If Booka would contact me with postal details, I can forward on your prize!!  Last year it was Sweden, who knows where this one will be!  A big thank you to everyone that joined in the fun and thanks for all the good wishes and kind words.  Not sure if there's another 12 years in me, but there's a few left yet!!

Spent some time today finishing off my red stars.  It was getting difficult in the end to fill spaces and still spread the fabric around.  Now for the two borders.

 

The first border is a light one of 6" which includes another 12 small stars and then the final one is about 4' wide.  I have a piece of beautiful over-dyed red and black wavy stripe, which I plan to use.  And probably, still enough reds to make another one of this size!!

 

 

 

It's been drizzling here on and off for a couple of hours but it's starting to get a bit heavier now so I had better finish this post before I lose the lot!!  Sometimes this sattelite broadband has a problem when it's raining. During the week, I posted a couple of recipes, so just scroll on past this entry to see them.  Thanks to June, Mary and Natalie.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

The Sale continues...

The busy week just past, looks set to continue.  Many people have taken advantage of the bargains to be had at the Once a Year Sale.  Some have traveled quite a distance!!  And there are more expected tomorrow.  These keen quilters are going to stay for a couple of days and work on some projects "out the back", but where everything is at their fingertips!!  Good plan I think!

Last Saturday we had a small project day, and there were about 9 participants making Fabric Baskets (courtesy Pink Penguin)  It didn't help that I gave them the incorrect number of squares to cut, or the wrong width of strap!!  They all managed beautifully without me (I was serving at the counter most of the time!) and some even made two. 

This was a rather hasty gathering of a few of them.  They're great for small sewing baskets, (think paper piecing Pies and Tarts)  keeping hair clips and ribbons tidy or maybe to fill with Christmas treats.

We will have some more of these Project days at the shop, generally, the last Saturday in the month.

How's everyone going with their stars from the Ann Ferguson 50 Stars workshop?  I have finished 24 - that's small and large included, with about 8 more small ones cut out.  Been quilting today however, not much left now on the purple quilt that I showed you previously.

It's Wattle blossom time here at the moment, and although this is not the grazier's best friend, the roadside sure looks a picture.  (The dried timber is notorious for staking tyres!)

In about 6 weeks, this same area will be filled with Heather and Hops, so it will be all purple and maroon/pink.

Thank you to all who have taken the time to  play our little guessing game about the opening date of the shop, and thanks too for all the nice thoughts.  All will be revealed next week and it will be a surprise to many, as it was to me when I photographed the evidence today!!!  It is not too late to enter - you may just win the prize.

Thanks June, for the Date Slice recipe.  I will put it in as a separate post.

Talk soon, Sandy

ONCE A YEAR SALE...

After yesterday and today, I know why I only have one sale a year!  Whew - what a day! 

I thought I should at least let you see some of the great specials that are to be found for the next 12 (no, that now reads 10 working days)

Almost more timber than fabric, but I can see some Amy Butler lurking there!  $12m!! Plus that beautiful blue hydrangea print.

Lots of greens, a few purples and rust.  50cm minimum cut.

 

Love that turquoise green - love it so much that I have a shirt just like it!  The greens and orange/browns are Olivia Rose by Valori Wells.  Most of the pinks are by Lakehouse.

More pinks, a few Mocha Meringue and some Oriental prints. $12.00m

This is the very last of Al Fresco which was a very popular range, but there's just a little on each bolt (about 5 or 6) then some black and white.  All for $12m!

My way of determining what goes on sale is by when they arrived in the shop.  Some of these fabrics are only about 18 months old - but if they were prior to 2008, they're out!  Just goes to show that we can keep up with the best of them.  I must tell you that I took these photos on Tuesday and some of these fabrics have gone, finished, kaput!!

Everything else in the shop, new ranges included, is 12% OFF.  That also means backings, wadding and haberdashery.

I have also selected the gifts for the prize, (see previous blog posting for details) if you can guess the date I opened the shop, 12 years ago.  There's over $60 worth in this little collection.

 
A Martinique Charm pak, 5 FQ's, glass headed pins, embroidery needles, machine needles and a 1000m Rasant neutral thread.  Just send through a comment, with your guess and all correct names will go into a draw and be announced Monday week (9th August) 

Thanks to all those that have already commented and special thanks for the kind thoughts about The Silver Thimble.  Yes we do have some good times!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 
 

 

Future Champion & the number TWELVE...

I love to watch the grandchildren playing or competing at sports - just as I did my own three.  I get excited, I barrack too loudly, embarrass them to bits and rarely get a decent photo!!  Modern cameras make it much easier to point and shoot, and I could hardly believe that I managed to get Lily, just before she crossed the finish line at the school sports.  Lily loves to run and did a great job in both her races with blue ribbons for her 50m and the 800m.

  

 

 Harrison's race was way to close and I missed him altogether!!

The Alpha grandies were also competing and took home a swag of blues as well.  I'd like to say it's in the breeding, and it probably is...but not from me!!

 

 

After the excitement of Friday morning, the weekend was most relaxing.  The workshop with Ann was great, and it was nice to be a "student" just cutting and piecing, cutting and piecing.  Mind you there's still a fair way to go so I have decided that it can be my BLOG quilt - the one that I piece while the photos are loading, which is sometimes very s_l_o_w.

Mary had some wonderful picture fabrics from her trip to Alaska and Canada and Jean, a collection gathered during her quilting life!  You can just see a couple of my stars peeking out - I'm using all my birthday reds.

Fabulous food too, so more recipes next week.

Now, I have a little guessing game for blog readers.  Something very special is happening during the next 12 days.  Leave a comment to tell me the date of the Silver Thimble's 12th Anniversary.  A random winner from the correct entries will be drawn and announced in two weeks time. There will be a prize (just haven't worked it out yet, but it will be 12 something!)  

And from tomorrow, for the next 12 working days, there will be a TWELVE SALE!  Maybe 12% off or $12 a metre or even 5 FQ's for $12. 

Some more goodies arrived during the past week too.  A range of rich autumn like colours by Moda.  These were on a close out special, so I am passing that on to you also.  Just $15 a metre or $4 FQ.

It almost goes without saying that they're a bit darker than shown - I like them a lot and good for a blokey quilt too.

There are other newbies as well - the looooooong awaited ones, but I'll keep them until next week.

I have put a few new links in the "Blogs I like to visit" section.  The Freebies for Crafters is a terrific scource of free patterns from all over the net, not too early to start on those Christmas gifts!  Ann Ferguson - Quiltopia needs no explanation and Little Hoot is my clever niece in Perth, who does all manner of crafty things. 

Four photos and almost three star blocks - at this rate it will be finished in no time! 17 down and 33 to go!!!

Talk soon, Sandy.

I've done more than my 8 hours today...

There's been a buzz around town this weekend.  Labour Day celebrates the introduction of the "official" 8 hour working day, (who does that anymore???) and with Barcaldine being the so-called birthplace of the ALP, the May Day holiday is significant. 

Friday night kicked things off with a Sportsman's Dinner, Saturday -  markets, horse races, old timers' football and the parade of motor cars for Revfest, which I think is quarter mile races (I'm afraid I'm not into racing cars!)  Sunday - Church sevices, Revfest and football and today (Mon) more markets, the  Parade of floats, more Revfest and the goat races. (And I stayed home)

I did open the shop on Saturday morning and enjoyed a visit from a couple of sweet little old ladies, dressed in all their finery, heading off to the races.

What a pair of mischief makers!!

Lots and lots of sewing today - made really good progress on the Mystery Quilt.  Should be able to give you more details very soon.  I'd love to show you a photo but that would somehow defeat the purpose wouldn't it?

 

There's something I can show you though, and that's a new range of fabrics called Martinique.

I think the name is supposed to conjure up thoughts of being on the beach on the Island! 

I just  like the soft aqua blues, pinks, coral and misty grey.  $21m

As well, there are jelly rolls, layer cakes (both $50) and charm squares, just $18.

I know that this is retailing for up to $26m in city stores!!!

 

Re the Make It Perfect pattern giveaway - not one person "commented"!!  Are you all too shy!  However, there were a few emails and the winner is Kay from Longreach.  Kay, you can pick up your copy of the About a Boy cap pattern when next in town.  Thanks to those who entered.  There were a few people who purchased patterns and chose a complimentary FQ.  I'll feature another pattern designer in a few weeks time.

Talk soon, Sandy.

Good things come to those who wait...

Sorry about the Nancy No Blog last week - several people mentioned to me that they missed it, but thought that I must have been too tired after having the grandchildren for a few days - tired I was (!!), but that wasn't the reason for not posting.  My computer had too many "drivers" - like two gheckos in the power box!  Pesky things, they really have a lot to answer for!  Quick trip to Longreach on Monday for repairs, and we're back in business.  HINT -  have been told that a wipe with a tissue smeared with Vicks will keep them away.  (My room now has that lovely menthol aroma as almost everything has been treated!!)

Had a great few days with the children.  Managed to keep up with School times, lunches, parade on Friday, after school activities on Monday and a trip to Alpha on Sunday to catch up with the rest of the crew.

They always have a wonderful time when they get together, but they told me that the sun was too glarey to be taking photos!

Re the last blog post and Toni's "Make It Perfect" patterns, due to the hiccup with the computer, I'll leave the special on for one more week.  Purchase one of Toni's patterns and choose a FQ for free.  Comment on the blog (or email me) about one of her patterns, and you will go into a draw for that pattern.  Don't be shy - let me know you're out there!

Driving home on Saturday I was confronted with this - know what it is?

Yes, a dingo - as bold as you like!  And she had a large pup with her as well.  I had time to pull up, reverse and fish for the camera. 

The pup ran to the other side of the road before I could get the two together.  For our overseas readers, dingoes are a feral dog, the scourge of the grazing industry.  They prey on lambs and calves as well as native animals.  They are generally a sly creature, seldom seen in the open, however, are becoming much more prevalent in recent years.

 

Have been having a busy sewing day today - more mystery quilt.  Of course, NO photos.  It's coming together well, but I still have a way to go.

New fabric arrived during the week but only managed to open the box and check it out.  All gorgeous!!!  Some more re-arranging to do in the next few days.

Saturday afternoon sewing was quite unique.  Not as many as usual, as some regulars, were away.  However, the remainder were all working on English paper piecing - Pies and Tarts.  It's not only me that has the bug!  And Virginia bought in her Charm Bracelet top which I thought was wonderful.  Such a contrast to the pretty, girly one that I have in the shop.

 

Now - what was worth waiting for?  Look what I received on Saturday.

 

Flowers from my husband!!

Maybe not unusual for most of you, but I can tell you it's very unusual - in fact totally out of character, for Bruce.  Not ONCE, in forty years, have I received flowers!!   Don't get me wrong, he is a generous and thoughtful person.  I can have almost anything I want, and I have a couple of lovely emerald and diamond rings to prove it!  And some beautiful Broome pearls! (grin)  

Last year he bought me a cattle grid, so that I didn't have to open the gate on the way to town.  That's his kind of present!    

But flowers??  Never!!  There were some roses and irises on the other side as well - just couldn't fit them all in.

FLOWERS!!!

 

Talk soon, Sandy.