TheSilverThimble

May Day Festivities......

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good to go....

Hopefully, all systems are functioning tonight and we should be able to proceed as per normal!!

The red and white quilts are progressing well.  I had a visit from Debbie, who is the lady from Mt. Isa that is co-ordinating things, and she was totally blown away by the number that we "hope" to have!  Thought maybe 1 or 2, perhaps 3, but 10 or 12 - not in her wildest dreams!  So keep working away girls, and let's show the bigger groups what we few, can produce!  I was also thrilled to hear from Bev in Emerald, to say that they were going to contribute also.

The red and white exhibition has definitely snowballed!  Several towns are booking their exhibition dates including Brisbane!!  Queensland Quilters would like the collection down there in October, so they're off to the big smoke!

I managed to do something yesterday that I've not done before.  In all my years of sewing, I've never sewn through a finger.....guess there's a first time for everything!  Would have to be when I was quilting on white wouldn't it, but I think I managed to get rid of the blood stains.  No gory photos to show you, I thought you could do without those!

I do have some photos though...more new fabrics.  This time, from my favourite suppliers, Lloyd Curzon of Adelaide.  The first collection is called "Emperor's Garden, once again a modern style, slightly Japanese look to it.  I really love these colours, coral, a rich buttery gold, taupe and black 'n' white.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three main prints and some co-ordinates.  "Perfect 10" would be a great choice of pattern for this one.

 

Now for a bit of "Calypso".  Are you ready to hula??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The spots and the stripe on the right, mix and match with heaps of other fabrics as well.  I've been collecting rose prints for a long time, to make a quilt with every different size, style and colour of roses.  These will have to go into the stash!

Next week, we'll have "Flea Market Fancy" for you.  Of course a lot of you will all be busy with Pauline's workshops in the coming days too, I know you will enjoy it.  I'm looking forward to seeing how some of the packages that I have helped put together, turn out!

That's it girls, I'm going to quit while I'm in front!  So nice to be able to put pictures where I want them and that they actually load.

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.

 

Pauline Rogers visit.....

Sorry about last week's blog being a bit "scrambled"!  The text and photos got separated and I wasn't sure how to correct it, short of deleting everything and starting again.  At 10.45pm, that was NOT going to happen!  Hope you managed to make sense out of it.

Here it is, that time again - how does it get so late on a Monday night and I've not been near the blog?!!  Actually, I've hardly been near the computer this weekend, or the sewing machine - I've had some little visitors instead.  School holiday time again, this time last holidays we were on the road to the West!

Need to remind you that Pauline Rogers will be at The Silver Thimble on Saturday 1st October.  Not exactly sure what time yet, should hear from her through the week.  Definitely from lunch time onwards, if not a little while before.  It's always lovely to catch up with Pauline and Rob and I'm sure they will have all the latest gadgets etc. and new and innovative ideas.

I had hoped to have all samples up for the November retreat, however at this stage, there's only one ready! 

On the right, is the Pop Sampler (click on it to enlarge) which covers several of the quick piecing techniques, and is a great one for beginners.  This is single bed size but can be made smaller or larger, just by repeating the blocks.  Here's a second version, made in a different colourway.

 

 

 

10 Fat Quarters plus sashing and borders is ample for this size, and I will have notes available.

 

The other two choices will definitely be up next week, a co-ordinated Disappearing Nine Patch and Hidden Wells.  Of course, you can always do "your own thing" as well.  As I've said before, it looks like being a very busy retreat, and more than our usual numbers.  More the merrier! 

A couple more new fabric ranges that arrived for Westech. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you're a blue fan, then this should fit the bill!  Just 13 pieces, but I have quite a few more that could be added.

And one more for the "pretty" rose fans.  I have Jelly Rolls for these roses as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talk soon, Sandy.

Off with the boot and on with the Bushells.....

 

....my Mother In Law would say this (in a broad Scottish accent) as soon as she got home from shopping.  That's how I felt on Thursday after Westech. (and Friday and Saturday as well) It was a busy time, both leading up to and during the two days at the Showgrounds.  Nice to catch up with a few that I haven't seen for some time.  It's always great to be busy, but one of these times, I'm going to attend Westech as a visitor and actually get around the exhibits!  There was a lot that I didn't see.

 

 This is Pin Feathers, available in both a blue/green combo and an ever popular, pink and green colourway.

 How do you like my little birds?  'Tis a bit hard to see them, but believe me, they were very cute!!

 

 

Some of the displays that I had at Westech.  Top of the left photo is the first four blocks of the "Vignette In Stitches" quilt. I have almost completed the stitcheries for Blocks 5 and 9 as well.  For those that have the magazine booked with me, book No. 4 is now in stock and ready for collection or postage if you would like me to do that.  Just give me a ring on 46511999 if you would like it posted.  The dress is a "Make It Perfect" party dress pattern and the two blocks are samples using specialty rulers.  The quilts in the right hand photo also use the Half Square Triangle ruler (left) and the Quarter Square Triangle ruler (right)  The quilt on the table is my Pop Sampler and is the one I use for beginners.

It took a few days to get everything back in place at the shop after Westech.  Now I can concentrate on samples for the November retreat which looks like being very busy.  I have spent most of today working on one of them.  It's a terrible job I have isn't it, when I just have to make another quilt!!

Last week, I spoke about The Farmer's Wife quilt.  Lots of people were interested in the book and samples that I had at the show. I said that I was going to try and put on the blog some of the quick piecing techniques that could be used instead of the templates.  I have tried this today without much success, but I have typed up all the relevant details up to Block 10.  I'll have these available in the shop shortly and could also email them if required.  Hopefully, my extra copies of the books will arrive this week.

 I'm using layer cakes of "Clermont Farms" to do mine.  As you can see, Block 3 still needs the handle of the basket appliqued and Block 5 is incomplete as I will need to use the template to finish it off.   I have to say, they're a bit addictive!

 

'Til next week, Sandy.

(I've just previewed the layout of this post and it's all over the place.  Not sure what's going on, just hope you can follow it!!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another new range which was also popular, was CARNIVAL.  Lovely reds, greys, black and white.  More new collections to show you next week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Westech Ready...

 

All the cutting and preparation has been completed - no, not quite right!  My good neighbour is stitching on a binding as we speak - thank you Sandra!

Have spent the afternoon setting up the exhibit - Ken Wilson Pavillion, W7, next door to the Mother's Room.  Hope to see you there.

 Talk to you next week,

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.

WESTECH is only 2 weeks away...

   As from tomorrow that is.. yes, Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th September is Westech 2011.  The only Field Days geared for the grazing industry, and lots of exhibitors for our rural lifestyle - that's where I fit in!  The Ken Wilson Pavillion, Site W7 - last on the left when you come in the front door - next to the Mother's Room.  See you there!  The shop will be closed for those 2 days.

I have been busy preparing new fabrics.  Packs and kits and samples where I can....consequently, no fabric  photos for the blog as yet.  All will be revealed in good time!

A few weeks back, I spoke to my Saturday afternoon ladies about making the "Farmer's Wife" quilt.  The current book was published (I think) back in '09, but there has been a resurgence in it's popularity due to a "quiltathon" being conducted over the net.  It's all about a competition that was conducted (in the U.S.)back in the early 1920's when farmer's wives were asked to write in and say if they would like their daughter to marry a farmer.  There were over 7000 entries and the majority were favourable.  Several of these letters were published and 111 blocks were allocated to match the letters.  Hence "The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt" was born.

 

This one is done in fairly traditional type fabrics.  Many of the new ones being done, are bright and modern.

The blocks are 6" square and are ALL different!  There are no rotary cutting instructions - all the blocks are constructed from templates.  There is a CD in the back of the book, from which you can print out your templates.  Some of the blocks would suit machine piecing but some might be better hand pieced.

If you wish to make the quilt, you need the book.  There is one in the shop but I am waiting on further copies.  If you would like me to order one for you, please let me know.

 

 

These are some of the links where you can look at some modern versions.  Amanda, Angela, Thelma,
and Camille. 

Just a few more notes about the Christmas Secret Swap, which I mentioned last week.  If you are coming to the retreat in November but do not wish to participate, that's fine.  It's your choice.  The gift that needs to be hand made, need NOT be sewing related - it could be a cake, a batch of bikkies, maybe a Christmas pud!  Make it special and make it from the heart, that's all I ask.

For those of you that follow my niece Lisa on her blog Little Hoot (in my sidebar)  the latest post is introducing their new baby daughter Arlie.

Just a little early note that Pauline Rogers will be in the shop on Saturday October 1st for a Schoolhouse Day.  We had been hoping to see Pauline earlier in the year, however, the weather prevented her visit at that time.  Pauline always has the latest gadgets and information on what is happening in the quilting world.  More info later on, but mark the date on your calendar now.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.