TheSilverThimble

If you're thinking of visiting.....

......then come this week!  Make sure you read through to the end of this post.

Melbourne AQM was great and I spent waaaaay too much money!!!!  New fabrics will start arriving very shortly and continue through until May next year!  By then, they will probably be a surprise package for everyone, me included!  There will be some new Kaffe Fassett, Lark from Amy Butler, Under the Australian Sun MK II from Leesa Chandler and many more.

The weather here, before departure, was WET!  Normally, I would say wonderful, but it made things a little tricky!

Melbourne weather wasn't much different on the Saturday, only I didn't have to drive in it. Could have caught one of these....(but I didn't)
This photo was taken on the Sunday, when it was clear and sunny.....but it might have taken me to the wrong Trade Show!!

 

This was also at the Exhibition Centre, in fact side by side with AQM!  I did wonder what was in the green bags that everybody so proudly displayed on their way out of the Show.  Really, what sort of freebies do you pick up at SEXPO!  Certainly added to the humour of the weekend.

 

I met up with Kellie from Don't Look Now (link in my sidebar) and Lorraine & Leeanne from Hettie's Patch in Adelaide, for dinner on the Sat. night.  We went to a very nice, but rowdy restaurant on Southbank, right under the Crown Casino.  The Danish Royal couple were there that night, along with lots of other "well knowns" but we didn't have any brushes with fame!!

 

A lot of the quilt patterns that were on display, included lots of stitchery.  L.o.t.s. of stitchery!

I bought a bundle of patterns from Clare.  I thought she had simple and fresh designs.  A couple of nice bag patterns too.

 

 

Talking of bags, I had a long talk with Nicole Mallellieu from You SEW Girl (I have carried some of her hat and bag patterns for some time) about interfacings.  She was very helpful and explained and demonstrated the different finishes she attains with different interfacings and waddings, mostly combinations of both.

 

I have ordered Nikki's book and will be ordering more of her patterns shortly.  She has a great skirt pattern as well.

 

The next issue of Vignette magazine will most likely be in the mail tomorrow.  There was a bit of a glitch in the despatch arrangements apparently.  Those that have the book on order, I will be posting them out/contacting you as soon as they arrive.  I have seen the centre piece!!  And it's not all stitchery!!!   Woo hoo!  As much as I have been enjoying the stitchery on this ongoing project, and it does look nice, I was looking for a change of pace for the centre.  I wont spoil the surprise - it will be dealt with in the new Issue.  I am on my last piece of stitchery before the next instalment, so I'm quite pleased that there was a short delay...it enabled me to catch up a bit!

Now...why should you visit the shop this week.  I'm having a Pre Cut SALE!  That means Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Charm Squares and Fat Quarters.  I do like the Fat Quarter drawers to decrease significantly by the end of the year, that enables me to refresh things early in the New Year.  Due to Westech back in Sept. when I topped everything up, there are still quite a few FQ's in the stand.  I did manage to reduce them to 3 drawers instead of 4, however, there's still too many there and they need to move.  All pre cuts, half price, one week only.  That's Tuesday thru to Saturday.  My normal special of 10 for $50 will mean 10 for $25 or $2.75 individually.  This means only those FQ's that are already cut, I wont be cutting any more at the moment.

This Friday night is late night shopping in Barcaldine as well.  Street vendors, ham wheels, food stalls and shops open.  The Barcy Bucks winners will also be drawn.

That's enough from me tonight, next week I'll show you the first of the new fabrics!

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.

Nick nack week.......

 

That's a pretty lame title for something as popular as these little Angel scissors!!

I've had them in a few times before and they last no time at all - I think everyone likes the fact that you can actually fit your fingers in the handles!....and the price of just $4.75ea!!

 

 

Whilst we're on the subject of 'good buys', these tape measures in a tin are also great value.  These are the 150cm and the 3m lengths - $2.50 and $3 something - not a lot anyway, the normal soft fibreglass tape measure and a cute little tin to boot!!

 

It was a rather "steady" week.  Vickie the Virus took a backward step, only to be replaced by Nellie.  That's Nellie New Monia by the way.  Buckets of anti biotics and we're almost as good as new!  I did manage to finish a little quilt made out of the Sherbet Pips charm squares.  Although I've done similar 'stacked coin' quilts before, this time I used the pattern from the Moda Bake Shop.

 
It's amazing though, with the addition of just a few extra fabrics, just how different quilts can look.  Take a look here and here to see what Rebecca and Kate have done.  I really like both of these quilts and Rebecca has kindly given me permission to replicate her design.  (I'm working on one right now!)  Kate's will be produced as a commercial pattern.

We seem to be lurching from one disaster to another across the world.  Our own floods, cyclones and bushfires in Australia to the devastation in Christchurch just a few weeks ago and now Japan.  While our hearts go out to those affected and there are thousands, we must be greatful that we live in a relatively "peaceful" area.  With no disrespect to those that suffered years of drought, the return of a decent "wet" season this year makes our lives seem almost untroubled in comparison.

Some more stockwork here at Rocklea this past weekend and the best way to view proceedings is from the top rail, according to Bronte.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

A 'slightly' quieter week...

There was a final flurry for bargains on Tuesday and Wednesday, but by Thursday with thanks to my offsider Jean, we were almost back to normal again.  Fabrics tidied up and moved back to their rightful places and the Fat Quarter boxes looking much healthier.  Thank you all very much for your great support during the sale.  It's good to be able to turn things over within a reasonable space of time, that way I can update and refresh the fabrics regularly - something we ALL like!!

 

Talking of new fabrics - yes, some of these have been coming since last November (!!) but finally, finally we have a selection of Citron, Grey, Ebony and Teal - just check out those cheeky owls!!

They look like they're overseeing the proceedings!  Actually, it's a good indication of how far apart they are on the fabric - about 10".

 

The next one is Wellesley, about as different as you could get from the first range.  All pretty pastel pinks, light olive and biscuit colours.  These also work well with Olde Cedar Chest which I have featured previously.

 

 

There's a few more to come yet, to complete this collection, but they shouldn't be too far away.

Both ranges are just $21m.

More people are becoming interested in clothing patterns - again!  I feel like I've come full circle almost, as when I opened the shop, I carried the full range of Burda and McCalls dressmaking patterns.  However, the "new" designers have made things much simpler and easier to understand.  These patterns arrived during the week - Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner and a few from Serendipity Studio. 

Bit hard to see the detail but just click on the picture to make them full size. If I was a 'dress wearing' person, I could just about be tempted!  They look gorgeous in the bold, bright prints that are around today.

Last week I mentioned that it was drizzling rain as a wrote - that turned into 230pts or about 57ml!! Amazing at this time of year and should ensure that Spring will be blooming!  The wildflowers beside the road, definitely are!

These were all taken within about 10m of each other.

Talk soon, Sandy.  

Patterns of the week...

For some time, I have been a fan of the "Make It Perfect" patterns by Toni Coward, and carry most of them in the shop.  The Lazy Day children's hat, the Versatile Wrap skirt and the Summer Fling top have all been super popular.  Toni has recently added a cap to her range, called 'About a Boy' and also another top called 'Shearwater Kaftan'.

 

If you click on the highlighted link above, it will take you to Toni's blog where she has many photos of her patterns, shares family news and also some great recipes!  There is also a direct link to her website.

 

This is the 'Uptown Girl" jacket I made last year.  A very simple pattern with well written instructions.

 

 

 I'm planning on making some of the Slumber Party Jammies (sometime soon!!)  As a SPECIAL for the next two weeks, if you purchase one of the Make It Perfect patterns, you will also receive a FQ of your choice.  If you would like to comment on the blog, about a pattern you would like to try, we'll have a lucky draw and maybe that pattern will be yours!  Two weeks - thinking caps on!!

Next month, I'll feature another pattern range.

The Kona cotton solids that I spoke about recently, have been moving quickly.  It's amazing just how many fabrics they compliment.  Hopefully, the remainder of the order will be in soon, then I can think about some more.  Nothing new on the fabric front this week, although I have been notified that more have been dispatched!

A few changes to trading hours this week.  On Thursday and Friday I will be closing at about 2.30pm.  We have grandchildren staying over for a few days, so I will be collecting them from school on those days.  I have been busy on the Mystery Quilt today, (probably won't get any done next week-end) - I've prepared lots of Pies and Tart pieces, just in case I get a chance to handsew.

We've just had a shower of rain, as we did last night, at about this time.  We've certainly been very lucky this year.

Talk soon, Sandy.

Cheers on Australia Day!

We are often told that we live in the "lucky country".  When you stop and consider the terrible disasters that are happening around the world, earthquakes, wars and the like, then yes, we DO live in the lucky country, especially in our little corner!  We may battle the elements from time to time, but generally there's a roof over our heads and a meal on the table.  Plus much, much more!!

Cheers, Australia!

First week for 2010 has been a very busy one.  It was nice to go in on Tuesday morning with everything looking spick and span.  (The counter still needs a bit of a tidy up though - I'll get there eventually!)

I thought the transport company would be beating my door down with lots and lots of boxes.  NOT!!  Only a couple of new fabrics trickled in, so every spare moment was spent on the phone chasing up orders.  This week should see at least one new range, but it seems most of them will be late Feb or early March.  That's almost 6 months from time of ordering!  (Can you tell that I'm not very patient when it comes to new fabric?)

But some lovely new patterns DID arrive.  These are from Kate Conklin as mentioned last week.  Fresh and bright with a modern twist.

   L to R

Charm Bracelet

Square in There

Dandelion Windows

 

 

Charm Bracelet, as it's name suggests, uses a pack of 5" Charm Squares, plus metreage for sashing and borders - can you see how some of the squares are a bit smaller?  I like that little "twist".  The Square in There is done with a  stack and slash method, which should make it very simple to construct and the Windows is a wonderful way to show off some of the gorgeous large prints available.  All simple designs that would appeal to the younger generation!

I can tell that there's going to be a lot of sewing done this year - there are 25 machines/overlockers in my back room waiting for Pete tomorrow, and more to come.  Thank you all for being organised to get them in, so that he had plenty to start on.  Pete will be at the shop until Thursday so he will certainly be busy.

Our Secret Santa exchange has really taken off.  I now have 18 names on the list but of course there's still time to add yours if you have not already done so.  It will be open until the end of Feb.  Lots of suggestions floating around on Saturday afternoon when we almost had to put up the "no vacancies" sign.  Everyone was keen to catch up - not sure how much stitching was done!

This week is the beginning of the new school year.  It also means that there is a new co-ordinator at the Wanpa-rda Centre so I will be talking to him about dates for our retreats.  Bev, from Peggy and Bev's came up with a great suggestion during the week, that they, plus some of the Emerald ladies join us one weekend.  I think that would be great - new people, new ideas = lots of fun.  No further details as yet but you will be the first to know!  When we get it worked out!

I had grand ideas of putting all my completed Pies and Tarts together this weekend.....didn't happen!  I had cut my background squares a half inch smaller than required, so when they were joined up, the little tart would not fit in properly!!  So....they have all been unpicked and pinned on the larger squares, 5 sewn down and 11 to go, plus the small ones.  I need the practice!!  That can be my reward, after I finish the office work.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

More wonderful rain!...

I think I'm going to stay home more often, if this is what happens!  After our 2" on Christmas night, we've since made that up to a tad over 5" (125m) and it's come in again tonight - it's raining as I speak, (or type)  Beautiful soaking rain! And I think that most of my blog readers in the local area, would have had similar or more if you're up Aramac/Muttaburra way!  I've been wondering too, how the Winton people have fared, haven't heard much from that direction. What a great way to start 2010!!

For those people, not in our area, forgive me for going on and on about rain - we get so little of it most times, that when it arrives, it's a celebration!

This was taken just TWO days after the first rain!!  It's much more lush and green now.

 

Enough about the weather, how about Christmas?  Yes, I know it's just gone but I'm talking about the next one!!  It always takes me a while to get geared up for Christmas, I love the family thing and getting together and making that extra effort to ring someone you haven't spoken to for a while, but it's a few weeks afterwards when I have totally relaxed (like now!) that I think about the things that I could have done!  I have often thought that it would be nice to have a Christmas gift exchange amongst ourselves - that means you, the readers of this blog, local or otherwise.  Something along the lines of a Secret Santa, and it would be something made by you. 

There are heaps of small projects out there, patterns in magazines and on the net, and if we plan it now, you will all have plenty of time to get organised.  Any takers?  Let's have all names in by the end of February - email me, comment on the blog, phone or drop into the shop to add your name to the list.  Soon after, we will do the draw and start preparations.

I have been having a wonderful time playing in my sewing room, working on some UFO's and also a few new items.  Some of these would be ideal for the Christmas Secret Santa.

This is a cute little sewing kit, made from a pattern that I have in the shop,  by Material Possessions.  As well as the sewing kit, there is a bag and a pincushion as well.

This is a pattern off the net (by Pink Penguin) - a sweet little fabric basket.  By the way, that is a pretty small iron beside it!!

From time to time, I will give you other websites to check.  This is a great one to get you started.

http://freebiesforcrafters.blogspot.com

I'm planning a few days in the shop this week, having a major clean up and re-arrange.  There are two new ranges due to arrive in January so I need to make some room to display them.

Bronte, who was here for a few days, (all by myself!!)  was thrilled to have a visit from our neighbour's very "people friendly' bird.

She got the giggles, when the bird walked up and on to her head!  

The bird even sits on her bosses' shoulder when he rides the motor bike! 

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

Climate Change...!!

No, I'm not joining the politicians who can't seem to talk about anything else these days - just thinking of the differences between where we used to live and where we are today.  In 1982 we made the move to Barcaldine from the Kimberley, the southern part of the Kimberley, bordering on the Pilbara.  Anna Plains is a million acre property on the west coast, SW of Broome, and we lived there for 13 years. We had neighbours to the north and south of us, the Desert to the east and the "salmon paddock" (Indian Ocean) to the west.  It is cyclone area.  Severe Tropical Cyclone Laurence is sitting just south west of Anna Plains, as I speak. (type anyway..)  Before the wet season, there were always cleaning up jobs to do.  Secure any loose objects that may turn into missiles, as in sheets of iron etc. check the condition of buildings for those extra nails or screws that might be needed. 

The worst job of all, for me, was to tape up the windows of the house, and we had plenty.  This was to hopefully, prevent them from shattering into a million shards in the intense winds.  No the worst part was taking the tape OFF, after the cyclone season was over!  The sun had usually baked it on, the paper was brittle and flakey but the glue was there to STAY!  Needless to say, I never had clean windows!!

Fortunately, during those 13 years, we didn't experience a really bad cyclone - the worst one occurred when we were holidaying in Perth one year, and our windmill man told me he "wrestled"  my back door for two hours to keep it on it's hinges! And not one window was broken!  Not so for our friends at Mandora to the south of us, they had a few cyclones cross the coast right at the homestead and suffered a great deal of damage.  This one, Laurence, is right at their door..again!  It's going to be some Christmas!  Other friends, NW of Derby have had record rainfall - almost 23 inches or 563ml in the last few days.

We scored 20pts (5ml) on Sat. night.  That's the difference...but I can't stop thinking about our friends in the West.

Have you been busy Christmas sewing, or Christmas cooking?  Or just plain busy!  It's taken me a while to get geared up, but last week I managed to finish a sewn item for each of the grandchildren.  And today, has been a day in the kitchen.  We have the family all coming home for Christmas lunch so thought I had better get cracking!!  I only do a cold lunch - too many years in the tropics to even think about the hot roast.

I know that several of my customers have been busy with sewing.  Check out the beautiful quilting on these Christmas stockings!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to practise some of these designs and others, or just look at them,  you could check out this blog.  Leah Day finds a quilting design in everything.  The one on the right is called Spaghetti and Meatballs!  Click on them to expand to full screen.

 

And how about these terrific placemats using a "sweet roll" - 40 x 1 1/2" strips.

80cm of fabric for the binding, cut on the bias to suit the curved corners.  Six placemats and coasters plus a very little bit for the stash!

Great job!

A few more new patterns - the first has been around for a while apparently, but I just discovered it and I think it's fabulous.  So simple but so effective, as is the second one.

 Ginger Spice and Born Dotty - using the modern funky fabrics, both would suit a teenager.  Change the fabrics to a little less floral - one for the guys also.

 

 

 

Remember Pete will be in the shop on Tues and Wed. 26th/27th January to service and repair machines.  The Silver Thimble will re-open on Tues. 19th January.  I'm actually going to close a little early on Thursday, about lunch time - give me time to prepare that Christmas lunch.

I do hope you all have a great Christmas, maybe a little R & R with the family, and let's hope for a wet New Year (not sure about 23inches though!!)

Thanks for your support and friendship throughout the year, and thanks too for all the great comments that I get about the blog.  Lots of people tell me, how much they enjoy their little read on a Tuesday morning!

Talk soon, Sandy.

Does it feel like Summer?...

The last week or so has definitely confirmed that summer is with us!!  Many places recording well over 40c and at this stage, no sign of rain in our area.  Hope it's not too far away.

The first of the new fabrics arrived during the week, plus lots and lots of patterns and books. 

"Grand Central" is on the left - just 2 stunning fabrics and the black background. "Perfect Ten" takes 10 FQ's, an accent and border.  "Megabits" and "Lucky 21" can be scrappy or co-ordinated. (Click on them to enlarge)  There's another called "French Garden" that I've started, using a jelly roll and a bit of metreage, but I cannot find a photo for you at this stage.  They are all by Swirly Girls Design from the USA.  Most of the others are Aussie designers, and range from quilts to table runners, even pin cushions - that are ever so cute!

Most of the new fabrics will not come in until next year, but this beautiful bright range called Flora and Fauna by Patti Young, arrived during the week.

       

 

Pink and green, aqua and red,  black, raspberry and grey, there's that grey again!  The flower prints are border type fabrics - great for tops, skirts and little girls's dresses as well as quilts.  I want to make some NOW!

My paper piecing (see last week's blog post) is still progressing slowly, and more patterns and papers are on their way.  I still tend to feel a bit guilty when sitting and hand sewing, it's such a relaxing pastime.  Feel like I should be cutting more FQ's or a kit (or cleaning windows eeek!)  but justify myself by saying that I'm preparing a sample!  Works for me!  Plus the main road was being worked on yet again!!! last week, so there were times when it was closed to all traffic and customers were non existent.

Did you have a peek at the Gum Tree Designs last week?  Find anything helpful?  I have another excellent site for you this week, it can be found at www.modabakeshop.com .  Don't go there if you're short on download space - there are heaps of projects using all the Moda pre cuts - Fat Quarters, Jelly Rolls, Sweet Rolls and Charm Squares but of course you can cut the equivalent in any fabric.  Pattern designers from all around the world so a terrific variety of ideas.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

A "Bats & Hags" Weekend...

What a terrific weekend retreat we have had.  Cool (airconditioned - over 40C outside!) comfortable facilities, plenty of room,  lots of healthy food (I'm sure all the salads made up for the choccy slices etc. at smoko time), much laughter and plenty of sewing!  The "bats and hags" absolutely outdid themselves  with a prolific array of hats and bags on display by Sunday lunchtime.

Several reversible hats, many styles of bags including some Christmas goodies bags, table runner to be quilted and the beginnings of a lovely scrap quilt.  As well as the completed items, there was great progress made on a variety of other projects.  As our last retreat for the year, it was just what everyone needed to be geared up for the hectic round of festivities which always arrive FAR quicker than we anticipate.  Just have to add a note (and picture for some people) who had a security problem!

This gate is NOT locked.  You don't have to climb over it - just push it!  I will say no more!!!

A few pieces of gorgeous fabric arrived during the week, actually ordered before I went to the Quilt Market.  These were "on special" so I can pass them on to you at very special prices too.  Just $15m and $33 for the sweet rolls - 40 strips at 1 1/2".

 

It seems that grey is going to be one of the "hottest" colours in several of the new ranges, it's everywhere!  Along with orange, teal and lots of red coming too.  Below are pictures of patterns that I have ordered.  Monica Poole, well known for her bag designs and Quilt as you Go quilt patterns, has branched out into clothing.  Simple construction, geared for the beginner garment sewer.  All of these patterns are ordered and should be here soon.

 

Both of the skirts are in the one pattern, both of the tops in another, then there is the vest.

 

The bag has three options, a frame style, draw string style or a zippered finish  -  all in the same pattern!

 

Similar fabrics to these will also be coming next year.  Love it!!

 

 

 

 

If you're needing some cute ideas for Christmas sewing, there's a group of Aussie designers that have collaborated and have been putting out lots of freebies.  Their website is http://gumtreedesigners.blogspot.com/   You just may find something that suits you.  Be warned however - they all have great blogs and you may just use up an hour or three!

Talk soon, Sandy.