TheSilverThimble

Anyone for backings?...

 

There should be one to suit everyone at the moment...and still a few more to come!

Moda have put out a few modern style ones - bright, funky, polka dots, they are ordered but are a few weeks away yet.  In the meantime, the backings shelf is pretty full.

How did you enjoy the couple of cold bleak days we had during the week?  Not my style at all!!  At least the rain we had was substantial, so I guess there had to be a pay back!  The Rocklea house is pretty cold, so having several spare quilts is mighty handy.  I've always thought that I would like a Pot Belly stove, or maybe it's the 'thought' of a pot belly - all warm and cosy, soup bubbling on the side etc... Having lived in the Kimberley before moving to Barcaldine (30 yrs ago next month) warming the house was not necessary, in fact the opposite was required.  However, let's get back to my cosy little picture with the pot belly and the comfy chair...you need some hand sewing!  That's where I was heading!

Just arrived in store, some Quilt cards by Janet Rowe of Wildcraft Farm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included with the pattern that needs to be traced, instructions etc.,  there is a large envelope if you wish to send it as a gift.  I'm working on the sewing one at the moment, pictured on the left, and plan to stretch it over a canvas.  The finished projects are all different sizes and I think there are about 12 different designs in stock.  Just $12.00 each.

By the way, the Australian animal fabrics that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago - Koalas, Platypus, Kangaroos and Emus, are going fast.   Be quick if you want some!

I'm still stitching more "Swoon" blocks for the retreat project.  Everyone that has seen them, think they are even nicer "in the flesh".  Plenty of spaces if you were thinking of attending, second weekend in June.

Also mentioned earlier, the shelves are bursting with fabrics at present.  The latest collection, "Peak Hour" by Kellie Wulfsohn has had to be displayed ON THE FLOOR!

One up for the Qld. Maroons - two to go!

Talk soon,

Sandy.

 

One of the girls and one for the boys......

....fabric that is, coming right up!!

 

First off, WE had a lovely letter of thanks from Angel Flight during the week.  And I say "WE" because it was definitely a team effort, to raise $1890.00!  It accompanied a couple of these cute little fellows.

 

 

 

Thank you again, to everyone that contributed.

 

 

 

 

 

The workshop with Denise Vanderlught (fabric bowls) has been cancelled.  I was hoping for next Thursday, however it had to be scheduled for tomorrow and this just didn't work out for several of the interested people.  Unfortunately, Denise has no more days available on this visit.  Maybe next time.

 

How cute is this range?  It's called "Dress Up" and is in the sweetest colourway of a pinky/purple (chartreuse??) and lime green with a touch of lemon.

Girly prints of dresses, shoes and bags, with great co-ordinates including those gorgeous alphabet letters and a great stripe.  I love stripes for bindings, but they can make great inner borders also.

I have been waiting for this one for quite a while.  The range is "Peak Hour" by Kellie Wulfsohn (Melbourne)  of Don't Look Now - link is on my sidebar, but Kellie has been really busy and hasn't had a lot of activity on her blog lately.  She's in Kansas City right now, with Spring Market just finished.  Can't wait to see what she has made with her own fabric!  Kellie does the most amazing raw edge applique and several of these designs make it so easy to use the whole shape without sacrificing any of the other pictures.  The cars and traffic signs are just right for this.   My favourite print is the Classifieds page!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orange, turquoise, avocado, buttery yellow and grey.  Great spots and once again, some fabulous stripes.

I just have to find some shelf space to display it!  The shop is bursting at the seams with some absolutely fabulous collections at the moment.

I do have to get into some cutting tomorrow though, a few of the girls have chosen their fabric for the SWOON quilt that we are doing at the Retreat, which is just over 2 weeks away.  I'm really happy with the way mine are turning out, using the Flea Market Fancy range.  If you're thinking of coming to the Retreat and haven't contacted me yet, could you please let me know?

That's about it for me tonight, just have to add "Go Queensland" on Wednesday night!!  Apologies (not) to any Blues supporters out there!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A taste of days to come....

How did you like the little taste of winter this past week?  Overcast, drizzly and a brisk breeze last Friday was a bit of a wake up call wasn't it?  Actually, I don't mind those days, if I'm in my sewing room!  Wouldn't want to be out on a motorbike, mustering!!  We had best enjoy the rest of the Autumn days while we can.

Virtually, no sewing for me this week.  Big clean up on Tuesday of quilts to be returned to their various owners after the weekend and generally get the shop back in order.  Wednesday, Anzac Day, at home with a visit from family.  Thursday, my brother arrived from Perth for a week.  So....a bit of catching up to do.

New fabric in store as well, which has taken me a week to process!  Still have to find some shelf space for it.  This is Taza by Dena Designs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just love the grey and blue colourways, but then they look so much better mixed with the pink or red. 

Two more boxes were delivered on Friday as well - they are not even opened yet!!

A slight change of dates for the June retreat.  Instead of the first weekend in June, it will be the second weekend which will be the 8/9/10th June.  This is the Queen's Birthday long weekend, but we will only be going through to the Sunday afternoon, as per usual.  This ole chook still needs a day off!!

I do have a project in mind, and hope to have something to show you very soon.  You can ring me to make your bookings about the middle of May if you wish to join us.

No sewing this Sat. afternoon or the next one, due to the Tree of Knowledge Festival and the Show respectively. (Maybe I'll get caught up with all that I should be doing!)

 

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

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.

We need to get busy.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

If you're a lover of blues........

 

...then you're in luck. 

 

For some years now, it's been difficult to buy, what I call, traditional blues.  Most of the blues that I was able to access were aqua blue.  The tides seemed to have changed.  Just prior to Westech, Blue Storm arrived and now we have Blueberry Crumb Cake.  Gotta love it, just the name's enough!!

 

 

This time, mixed with a milky chocolate!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All these, plus a few more bolts to come PLUS Layer Cakes, Jelly Rolls (just a couple left!) and Charm Squares.  And early next year, there should be a red, white and blue range as well.

A nice quiet week in the shop after our busy weekend.  If you haven't already had a look, Peggy has a great write up on her blog about the retreat.  Just click on http://peggycreates.blogspot.com and check out her great photos.  Thanks Peggy, and we look forward to seeing you next year.

I hope everyone has been able to spend a bit of time on the projects that were started, although I know how busy it gets when you arrive home after a few days away.  I'm looking forward to seeing the Winton girls tomorrow, I wonder what they'll have on their agenda!

We've had a trip to Longreach today, my oh my, was it HOT up there!  Needed a few little maintenance jobs done on the computer plus I picked up a new Laptop as well.  Had some little overnight visitors on Saturday night, so not much sewing at this end, just a little more embroidery on the Leeane Beasley Vignette quilt.  Book 5 will be out on the 1st December and I'm striving to be up to date!

That's it for tonight folks.

Talk soon, Sandy.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spoilt...yet again!

Thank you girls, for the beautiful flowers given to me on Sunday.....

 

they have a prime position in our lounge room.

We had another great weekend with a terrific bunch of ladies coming together to enjoy good company, a wonderful array of food (enough to last us another few days if we could have all stayed!) and to do what we all enjoy - sewing, especially patchwork.

Many people travelled long distances and of course my ever loyal, supportive and enthusiastic locals made it a fun time.

My thanks to you all with a couple of special mentions.  Firstly to Sandra who looked after the Magic Nine Patch group and is always helping me out with lots of little extras and to Jean, who was with us in spirit but had to spend the weekend in Hospital instead.  When I saw her this morning, she was packed and ready to go home, feeling much better.  It was more than fitting that Jean won the Lucky Number prize, was totally shocked when I told her as well as delighted.

It's always exciting to have new people join us, and as well as the girls from Emerald, Ilfracombe, Isisford, Alpha and Muttaburra, we had four Patchwork Retreat "Virgins" from down Stonehenge/Jundah way.

 

They're all new to the "game" and I'm sure we're going to see more of them.  They did a great job with their Pop Samplers.

 

Is this a new version of the "Dance of the Seven Veils"?

 

 

The Secret Santa gift swap was held on Sunday with some amazing items that had been made by the participants.  Silly me didn't get a photo of all the gifts lined up, but believe me, they were impressive!

The Show and Tell on Saturday night was inspiring and we all have new projects that we must do !  I'm hoping that a few photos will come in from others, as I was too busy looking and not snapping!

I must say, that apart from a long standing dental appointment this morning, I have been very unproductive today!  This week will be spent getting things back in place, and attending to a few orders.  The following week I will have a visit from the Winton girls.

I'm thinking there will be some new fabric arrivals about then too.  Late Nov. I will be off to Melbourne for our Australian Quilt Market to check out all the new ranges and products recently released in Houston.  Before we know it, it will be Christmas!

Don't forget to send in those recipes of salads etc. that were so popular.

That's it for tonight girls and thanks again for joining in and making it a great weekend!  To those that read the blog but have not been able to join us at our Retreats, maybe next time.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

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.