TheSilverThimble

Back to Blackall.....

Yes, haven't done it for a while, but.....I had a very enjoyable day in Blackall on Sunday.  Lots of keen ladies ready and willing to take on "the tool"!  That's Half Square Triangles and Quarter Square Triangles for the uninitiated.  They take so much of the fiddly math out of patchwork and make your pieces so much more accurate, consequently less reverse sewing!  Even Julie D. likes triangles now!!

It was a pretty full day and I didn't take ONE photo, sorry about that.  Anyone else get any that they can share?

Saturday afternoon was "fitting" day for Percy Patchabull.  His outfit now, is down to just a few large pieces, instead of a stack of blocks and scraps.  Many, many thanks to the crew that turned out on Sat. to help with this crazy project!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little more stitching through the week and by this coming Sat. he should be ready to go public!  He may even make an appearance on TV, as the Channel Seven film crew are coming into town on the Jazz Train!!

 And the first vision they will see, will be the quilts adorning the railway platform railings, so let's make it a wonderful display.  Gather up what you have at home and bring it into the shop during the week or let me know that you can just bring it down on Sunday morning.  I think we will need to assemble at approx 7.00am to put up the display, in readiness for a 10 o'clock opening.

If you could drop off your cushions through the week, that would be great so that I can get them labelled and wrapped.

The "Sewabulls" are on display in the shop.  Just wonderful textile art by Allison...

You really must click on the picture to enlarge it.  Each one of those bulls has so much character!  They look like they should be in some cool rock band!  This work is stitched on linen and is stretched over an art canvas about 1m wide by 50cm high.  Sewabull will be auctioned on Sunday afternoon at the Radio Theatre with all funds going towards Angelflight.  The Outback Trailblazer participating teams & cars will be departing from Beech St. outside the Theatre at approx. 3.30pm.

I promised you some more new fabric "eye candy" last week.  Lemon Tree is a Benartex range and is in the very popular black, white and zingy lime/yellow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A striking large print and heaps of co-ordinates.  New plain fabrics arrived during the week also, some Kona cottons, repeats and new shades, plus some Northcott plains as well.  Kona were becoming difficult to obtain and these new Northcotts are even more beautiful.  The feel of the fabric is divine!  So...the solids shelves are full once more, just how I like it!

A busy time coming up..this weekend - quilt display, cushions etc. then it will only be a short time until Tree of Knowledge celebrations, then the Show.  Not long after that, will be the June Retreat, so more on that later.

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.

Boo Hoo.....

 

...In my almost 15 years of trading, I have never had any goods damaged, which I think, is a pretty good wrap for the carriers.  However, it was a sad looking box last week, when this was delivered.

What a sorry sight!  The box had gotten wet and was rubbing up against the mesh cage.  Unfortunately, some dirty, rusty pipes had been stacked on top of the cages and loads of oily dust had rubbed off and filtered through the rest of the freight during the trip.  It wasn't ALL wrecked, but I think I have to wait until there's some response from higher up. before I can chop into it.

There's a mix of 2 collections in this consignment and one of them looks like this.

Jadore!   All things French..The Eiffel Tower, pushbikes, road maps, and a great text print with street names all over it.  Lots of spots and tiny pinstripes.  It's a fairly pastel collection but just a little brighter than this photo shows.

The second collection is called Yard Sale and has a couple of lovely florals with some blenders that will fit in anywhere.  The damaged ones were mostly from this range.

 

The girls doing Pauline's workshops all seem to have had a wonderful time.  More fabric was required during the week so a courier run was organised in the WET.  To some, it may have looked like a drug handover on the side of the road, but to others it was a bit more like the tuckshop lady handing over bags of goodies!!  I think these girls pray for wet weather when Pauline is around, they always seem to end up with an extra day of sewing somewhere!  Looking forward to seeing all the projects before too long.

There are 5 red and white quilts all totally completed and ready to go.  I know that there are others almost ready as well, so we may be able to get some away just a little earlier than planned.  This will make it easier for the girls in Mt. Isa.  If you're not quite there yet, just keep at it and you'll be done very soon.

I have mentioned previously about a couple of "special projects" being constructed in readiness for our showing of quilts on the 22nd April, for the commencement of the Outback Trailblazer/Jazz Festival.  One of those special projects, is a lifesize bull, otherwise known as Percy Patchabull. Now Percy is a bit naked at present, in fact he's just a mix of box steel, netting and styrofoam - not the most attractive beast at all!  But he's gonna be!!!  And this is where you all come in if you'd like to part of the fun.  We're going to make a patchwork "skin" for Percy and we would like as many of you as possible to contribute some 12" blocks (12 1/2" unfinished) to go towards his outer covering.  Doesn't matter what design but we would like them in "country" colours if possible...dusty reds, blues, greens, rust, mustard. Drop these in to the shop or pop them in the post to Box 71, Barcaldine and we will transform Percy in to a beast of beauty in no time.  He will be one of the star attractions on the day.  And a great big thank you to Lance for the construction of Percy Patchabull.

My internet connection has still been playing up so I'm not going to keep this going much longer tonight.  In fact I'm a bit surprised we're still on the air!

Just before Christmas, June had completed all the applique panels etc. for this quilt.  Pattern by Kellie Wulfsohn of Don't Look Now, and was featured in a Homespun magazine.  I offered to quilt it for her and I'm sure you'll agree, it's come up a treat.

 

Talk soon, Sandy.

A glorious day for quilting.....

Been drizzling/light rain here on and off since early this morning, so definitely no outside jobs today.  What a shame! (not)  I'm endeavouring to finish the quilting on my red and white quilt and this is what greeted me when I walked into the sewing room.

I got a bit of a start last night, and just left it beside the machine.  "Mousetrap", otherwise known as "cat" loves to curl up in a quilt!  This is the VERY lucky feral kitten who was allowed to stay!  She's been to the vet to make sure there'll be no more little feral kittens, and has taken over the house, as cats are prone to do.  I still have to shake my head sometimes, as Bruce hates cats  -  somehow, this one managed to win him over.  And, I have not seen a live mouse since!! (I just wish she's start on the little brown frogs - am I allowed to say that?)

I'm enjoying the quilting, and only have a few blocks left to do, and I'm pleased to say that I still have all fingers intact!  I'm quite overwhelmed by everyone's enthusiasm to participate in the Red and White quilt exhibition - the first two have been handed in, all finished and complete with bag etc. and I know there'll be more this week.  Sincere thanks to everyone, you all make me very proud to be part of this group of willing and caring quilters.  Thanks also, to those that have already sent or dropped in cushions, to go towards fund raising for Angelflight.  The date for this quilt exhibition is the 22nd April and the red and white quilts should be back here in September.

It was lovely to see Pauline and Rob Rogers last week on their tour of the West.  After visiting Tambo and Blackall, Pauline held a workshop in Barcy on Thursday and by all accounts, everyone enjoyed themselves.  Aramac was Friday and Saturday and then most of them packed up to head to Isisford to keep working.  Wonder if it's raining down there and how the roads are faring, remembering last year when they had to spend an extra day in Yaraka.  Ilfracombe will be next and then Winton.  The Mystery quilt that Pauline was offering as a project, is just lovely, and I can't wait to see how "ours" turn out.

I'm nearly up to date with the new fabrics.  Prairie Paisley is on the shelves...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    A gorgeous mix of reds, navy, light blue, cream and light tan.   Layer cakes as well as individual FQ's and bundles.  All FQ's are $5.50 each but my usual special applies when you buy more than 10, and they become just $5.00 each.

 

 

 

And now, do you fancy a bit of Flea Market?  This is pure Retro...60's?? 70's??  They say that everything old is new again and I think that saying applies to this collection. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It won't appeal to everyone I'm sure, but I know lots of people that absolutely love it and I'm nearly finished cutting bundles for those that are making sure they don't miss out!

 

 

 

For those that have the Vignette magazine ordered with me, Volume 6 is now in stock.  I have posted some out and emailed a few notifications....those that normally come into the shop, yours are ready and waiting.  I haven't made a lot of progress on mine of late, still appliqueing flowers and leaves to the second part of the centre panel.

That's enough from me tonight...back to the red and white!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

Retreat weekend coming up.....

Once again, we're going to have a pictureless blog.  Computer has had a bit of minor surgery today, but I think there were some post operative complications!!  It has seriously slowed up and will not download photos for me.....I'll be back on the phone tomorrow! 

I did manage to get most of the new fabric on the shelves this week and also took lots of photos - you're just going to have to come into the shop to see them!!  And still more arrived - as fast as I got one box opened, another took its place.

The request for red and white quilts has met with great response.  There are quite a few being prepared for inclusion in the event being convened by the Mt. Isa group.  There are a few special requirements as in hanging sleeve, label with certain details and a calico bag for transport - you can check with me as you get closer to completion of your quilt, for this information.  Barcaldine has been "pencilled in" for this display in September.  Quilters from Winton, Blackall and Tambo are also participating and will no doubt have a display in their area also.

I have been making some blocks that have been featured on a site called "Just Take 2".  I've just tried to get the exact link for you, but it's taking FOREVER...  I'm sure if you Google it, it will come up.  It's a collabaration between two blog sites - Sentimental Stitches and Dear Jane.  I understand that the blocks have been taken from the quilts that were featured in the original display, Infinite Horizons.  They are mixed sizes and include applique, pieced and foundation pieced so far.  I'm planning on using these for my entry into the exhibition.  Wish I could show you some photos!!

Back to retreat details...this Friday, Sat. & Sunday - 2/3/4, "Anything Goes".  Still room for more at this stage, we haven't reached the magical 20 yet!  Dates have now been confirmed for the first weekends in June, September and November so mark them in your diary.

By the way, I did manage to mix up the dates on some of Pauline Rogers' workshops.  Isisford is the 19/20 of March and Ilfracombe is the 21/22.  Pauline is also visiting Blackall on the 14th and Winton on the 24/25.  If anyone would like more information or contact details, please ring me at the shop on 46511999.

Enough of me with this computer tonight..(can you tell, I'm just slightly annoyed!)

Talk soon, Sandy.

Try again......

I did try to post last night but was having trouble with photos.....then I hit a wrong button and lost the lot! I'm sure these computers are wonderful things, just wish I knew how to drive them sometimes!!

Wonderful rain in the district, hope you've all had your share. I'm in town at present, the river at home too deep to cross, so I have been making slow progress in the shop cutting fq's and reorganising fabrics. I need to make room on the shelves for the FOUR BOXES out the back!! (I've only had a sneek peak in two of them)

Still no luck with photos tonight so will just have to tell you about those that I have unpacked - lots of new novelties, fishing, motocross, cats and cows. A few Australiana prints - great flags - several Aboriginal prints and a swag of batiks. Also some great new Bali Pops, the 2 1/2" precut strips.

I have pencilled in some dates for our retreat weekends but these have NOT been confirmed as yet, but just so you have a rough idea, the first one is for the first weekend in March (2/3/4) and will be an Anything Goes workshop. I will not be taking names until 2 weeks beforehand, 20th February, and the limit will be 20 people. The remaining weekends will be June, Sept and November but I will confirm the dates just as soon as I can.

How are you going with your scrappy Mystery Medallion quilt? I know that lot's of them have been finished and they all look great. Therese from Patchwork Pumpkin has designed another one and has very kindly allowed us all to participate again. I have finished the first block and am awaiting instructions for the second round. Same rules as before, all from your stash etc. but this time the sizing suits Jelly Rolls, Charm Paks and Layer Cakes (just in case you have a few lying around!) The quilt itself is slightly smaller than the last one.

Hopefully, by next post, I'll be able to solve the "no photo issue", so until then,

Talk soon, Sandy.

199 and counting....

...this is blog No. 199!  Can you believe it?  Maybe we better have a giveaway next week to celebrate 200.  Watch this space!!

Pauline's visit on Saturday was delightful and informative.  I know all that attended, enjoyed catching up with Pauline and Rob, but also found her demonstrations and explanations very interesting.  The quilt-as-go technique that Pauline has perfected, was very helpful and I just love the border tool as well.  It was so interesting that I did not even think to take out the camera!!  Sorry to the ones that weren't there.

Now, the information I promised for the November retreat.  I'm offering 3 projects.  First one is the Pop Sampler which is really a great one for beginners as it covers many of the traditional techniques but with a modern twist.  I have shown you some pictures before and here's another one that gives you a clear look at some of the simple and more complex blocks.

 

It's the quilt on the table (which now doesn't seem so clear after all!) By the way, the two tops behind it, have been done with "tools" which are specialty rulers.

 

The second project is a structured or co-ordinated version of the Disappearing Nine Patch, or sometimes known as the Magic Nine Patch.

 

 

I've only made a fairly small version of this, using the new red, white, black and grey Carnival range.  Each block is approx. 13", so this quilt only measures approx. 50" x 64", and is a setting of 3 across by 4 down.  (It's a bit of a sideways look!!)  It would look better, I think, with an even 4 x 4 or if you wanted bigger, 6 x 6.  That would take it to double bed size, or a queen size topper.

 

 

The final choice, for the more experienced, is a revisit to the Hidden Wells pattern.  This was popular several years ago and seems to be making a bit of a comeback lately.  Easy structure for stunning results, however, a lot of the piecing is on bias edges.  I would encourage newbies to stay away from this one for a little while!!

                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

Each of these blocks will be about 17" finished (there are 3 blocks shown in each picture) and as you can tell, are unfinished at this stage.  I plan to place another block in each row to make it up to about 68" and then add borders which will make it a good size quilt.  I hope to make a smaller version to show you as well.  I have yet to write up any notes about this one, so cannot give you requirements just yet, but will have that completed this week hopefully.  (Looks like I'm going to be busy this week!)

So that's your choices for the weekend - or of course, you can do your own thing.  Have a think about it and let me know when you've made a decision so I know what to expect.  I'll also be working on a bit of a menu plan, so that we can all bring along something to "sustain" us.  If you have a preference as to what to cook, please let me know as well.  I'll be looking for cold meats, quiches, salads, hot dishes for Sat. night and of course slices and cream covered, calorie laden cakes!!  At this stage, we look like having 30+ people for the weekend which will be great!

I think that's enough chatter from me tonight.  Look forward to hearing from "retreatees".

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.

Did you miss me?...

Sorry about the no blog last week....computer gremlins again!  Quick trip to Longreach last Monday but had to wait a few days to have it returned, so have lots to tell you tonight.

RETREAT  June 3/4/5  We will be doing a project this time, called "4 Patch Stacked Posies".

The blocks are made from the same fabric as the border, and you can see how they differ.  The trick is all in the cutting.  For those that have made a "Stack and Whack" before, you will know the method.  However, this one is much easier, only four layers and it is very forgiving.  I have made a generous lap size and will have details in the shop re sizes and metreage required.

For those of you away from Barcaldine,  drop me an email or phone 46511999 to discuss fabric if you need to.  The pattern will work well with multi coloured florals, as I have used, or equally well with novelty prints.  Some of the Japanese prints would look great too!

I also played around with one of the newer florals and made enough blocks for a table runner.  I think I'll add some side setting triangles as well, but didn't think to bring anything home for that!

If you are planning on attending the Retreat, but don't wish to work on the 4 Patch Posie pattern, that's OK too, but naturally my attention will be with those that are working on the chosen project.

 

With these MUCH cooler days and nights, it will be ideal weather for soups and casseroles and crusty bread rolls!  Ooohh, I can taste them already!  Fees will be $65.00 which includes your accomm. The pattern for the project will be $10 extra.

  

I have at last moved in one of the new display units.  A few coats of paint and it looked A1.  It takes fabrics on both sides so holds a lot without being high and doesn't block your view.  Makes the shop appear brighter and roomier.  There are two more to come eventually.

 

 

I even had a kitchen remodel - the beautiful old, full of character washstand, has been replaced by a clinical, white, modern cupboard.     

Not half as much fun I know, but at least the cups wont get dusty!

I have just put the last stitches in the binding of the Scrappy Medallion Quilt, the challenge that several of us have been working on since early January.  So happy to have it done and Tanya has done a great job with the quilting.  Several others are finished as well, so all will be revealed at the June retreat.  Back now, to the stitchery from the Leeanne Beasley's Vignette magazine, just have a few little ones to finish and that's it until the next issue.  Those that planned on doing this project, how are you all going?

Just a reminder too, that Pauline Rogers will be in Ilfracombe on the 6/7 June and Yaraka on the 8/9.  Give me a call if you wish to know any more about these workshops or if you want a kit prepared.

Pauline will also be visiting The Silver Thimble for a Schoolhouse Day on Friday 10th June.  This will be a lunch time visit, so let me know if you can make it.  I will also be asking for those attending, to bring along a plate to share.

That's enough from me tonight, time for a little more stitching.

Talk soon, Sandy.

ANZAC DAY...

For those of us in Australia and New Zealand, today is ANZAC Day.  The courage and sacrifices made by many generations is remembered on this day.  We also thank the many men and women currently serving all around the world, so that we at home, have peace.  Lest we forget.

Because Easter is so late this year, the combined holidays has made the break a long one.  I had planned to have a shop revamp...sorry, not much happened!  Instead, I had visitors - lots of little visitors!

 

There's no better place to sleep, than on the lounge room floor at Mama's!!

There are two missing from here - Jackson and Lily were away.  From the Left - Declan, Bronte, Harrison, Lachlan and Tyler.

 

 

 

We did have one day in the shop and the kids had a great time pulling everything off the old haby board.  It took me a little while to put everything back together again, but it did get done.

 
It may not look a whole lot different to you but I am very happy with the end result.  Much tidier and easy to see.

 

I did mention a little while ago, that I had finished a few quilts recently.  First one is my Suduko quilt made from the olde world style fabric Wild Rose.  The pattern for this is so simple, just solve the puzzle, and away you go!  The second is the quilt designed by Rebecca but using the fabric called Max and Whiskers.  This uses a charm pack and just 4 other fabrics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you ever go back to some of the previous postings and check out the comments?  Now I don't get a lot of comments, although I do have people ring or send an email about a blog post.  But I did receive a very special one last week that I would like to share  -  just scroll down to the end of that post and click on Comments.  (I think she's pretty special too, but that's just between you and me, OK?)

Talk soon, Sandy.