TheSilverThimble

Boro workshop with Anne Stewart...

Sunday - Mother's Day - hope you all had a lovely day.  It started off a bit cold here.

 

But it did warm up and we all enjoyed some slow stitching with Anne.

A great crew of people who travelled a long way, some from Winton, a 6 hour round trip!  A fabulous effort girls.

We also learned that there is "nothing" that you cannot use for Boro.  Old and new fabrics, woven or print, almost any type of thread and any design that suits your fancy. It started off in Japan as a form of mending just adding patch after patch, there are almost no rules - if you have a space, just cover it with another patch.

 

Some ladies worked on small pieces to make a needle case or a bag, several made a start on a vest or jacket.  Anne's jacket is what really took my eye. Using a collared shirt as a base that's at least 3 sizes too big for you.  Obviously it has to go over other clothes, but it also shrinks with all the heavy stitching.

 

I can safely say, that my vest is going to take me quite a while!

Sorry about the lack of editing on photos in this post, I'm still trying to work out the instructions on the IPad, not as easy as the desk top.

Sandy.

 

Boro workshop with Anne Stewart

Well this is a bit different. Haven't used the blog for so long but think it's the best way to give you all the details about the Boro workshop with Anne on Sunday 13th May. It WILL be going ahead and I thank you all for the wonderful response. 

Initially, we were looking at making a jacket/vest but there a few newbies interested as well so this may be a bit intimidating. For those that would rather make something smaller, Anne has offered a smaller project as well - a needle case. 

Now to requirements.   I will be making up starter kits (there will be ample supplies for the needle case) and will make a good start for the vest.  Needle and thread included.  I have plenty of other choices in the shop to add to your project, which I will have available on the day.  These kits will be made up of suitable fabrics that come from Terry's stash which the family would like me to use - spreading the love! I would ask that you make a donation to Cancer Research for these kits (Cookie jar will be there!)

For those that wish to make the jacket or vest, you need a man's shirt that is at least THREE sizes too big for you.  Obviously it will go over other clothes, but there is a bit of shrinkage due to the heavy stitching.  Anne says any collared shirt will do, I'm going to use a flannel one.  Pockets and buttons will be removed (you could do this beforehand) and the pointy part of the collar  The stand will remain.  Anne uses multiple thread types - cotton, perle and stranded, so bring what you have for variety.

The workshop will be held at the Barcaldine Cultural Centre in Beech Street from 9am to approx 4pm and will cost $35.00 for the day.  8.30am arrival to be ready to go at 9.

Can you please bring something for smoko and a shared lunch.  If you have any questions, give me a call at the shop on 46511999 from Wed to Sat.

 

This is just a sample of boro stitching, not the project of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

I'm getting there.....

Woohoo, I've finally managed to download the photos from my iPad to the laptop - what a process!!!  Because I've been at home and have absolutely NO data to spare there, I've had to wait until I'm in town to do it and as most of you know, the shop is not yet open for 2017  (Won't be too much longer) so it's been a while between visits. 

So much to show you seeing as it's been soooo long, I'll just go with a few before and after photos in the garden which these days, seems to take up most of my time.  And loving it!

Remember this lovely little plot of buffel grass?  Well it's been somewhat tamed and although there's still more to go, this is what it looks like now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The one that was ready for planting?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And you may have already seen this one - my favourite room in the whole house!

 

Son William and one of his offsiders had a few "wet" days and I got this.  How lucky am I? 

Last one for today, daughter Kelly became engaged to John Power, the day before Christmas, so wedding planning happening!

Promise there'll be a bit more "shop stuff" next time, just so glad to finally be able to finally have a chat with you all again.

Talk soon, Sandy

It's me again.....

Long, long time, no talk.  I know, it's been over a year!  I've had lots of requests so I'm going to TRY and get this blog thing happening again.  Wish me luck.

The old PC at home has given up the ghost altogether so I'm working between laptop and iPad - almost too much for this non technical brain.  Hopefully I'll be able to soon transfer all photos from the iPad which is the camera I use most these days.  So this is a little test run to see if you're still out there!

Christmas and New Year have come and gone, hope yours was as pleasant as mine.  Spent with family, the best way to do it.  We've had some wonderful rain at home, just on 4" in the old scale, this year!  Grass is green and growing, cattle are good and the garden is looking great.  Must have mowed a thousand times in the past month - at least 6 anyway! - just as well I love mowing!  The river is running but not deep enough to worry about at present.

Will try and return here next week when I have the photo thingy worked out because there's some new fabric on it's way and a post without pictures is not much fun!

Talk soon, Sandy.

(Oops, looks like I've lost the décor to the post, something else I'll have to rectify, bare with me a little longer!)

 

As promised.....

 

I'm so lucky to see lots of amazing quilts - not just those made by my customers, but those that are bought in by visitors.  I actually have quite a few "return visitors", those that have always called in on their travels.  This lady's first visit was 15 years ago, guess you could say, she's a regular.  This Double Wedding Ring is completely hand pieced - not with papers, just sewn together the old fashioned way with a needle and thread!

Sorry, I can't turn this photo, I took it on my phone, but if you click on it, it should come up larger so you can see it better.  It was really gorgeous.  The customer stocked up on a whole host of fabrics, patterns and templates, so I'm looking forward to her next visit, whenever that may be.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, was a visit from Robyn Coots, although I didn't know her name at first of course.  She and her husband were travelling to Townsville and she was teaching a class up there.  Lucky, lucky ladies!  Robyn has a website www.robianappliquedesigns.com.au  and although she has retired the site, the pictures are still available.  The work was exquisite and the story surrounding the Anzac quilt, very moving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This picture was taken from Robyn's website, but I did get to see it close up and it was amazing!  The quilting detail, some done in a delicate peach shade was "to strive for"!

 

Last week, another repeat visitor showed me her project that she's working on whilst on the road.  A Sue Spargo wall hanging that involves not just needle turn applique with wool, velvet and ribbon, but heaps of extra stitching to give that extra touch of elegance.  First picture is of the pattern, second is the work in progress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All the background fabric is wool, the trim on the vase is woven ribbon and velvet on the rim.  Enlarge the picture and note in the bottom left hand corner around the blue/gold circle. All those little loops are old fashioned loops with blanket stitch - makes it look like a picot edge.  Just beautiful!  The lady is doing it as a block of month and when it's finished, she estimates it will cost her about $800 as she's getting all the fabrics, trims and special threads as well.  Amazing...

 

Not a lot of new fabric in the shop lately, however, some of the most recent are below.

 

 

 

This is Reel Time.  Funky prints, and great colours!

 

 

 

 

 

 Next one is Evening Mist, a dreamy collection of creams, beiges, browns through to black.  The twisted bargello quilt on the right, made from these fabrics is with Tanya at the moment, so that she can create her magic with the quilting.   And that's your lot for tonight.  Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

Surprise, surprise......

Catch up time again...

In my last post (I know, a long time ago)  I mentioned about going to Winton for their quilt show.  For those not in the local area and who may not have heard, that magnificent centre The Waltzing Matilda Centre, burnt down a few weeks ago.  What a tragedy. However, in the true spirit of the bush, it will be rebuilt, bigger and better of course!

Rewind now, back to Easter and school holidays.  Had a wonderful time with family and friends at home, we averaged between 10 and 17 for about 10 days  Thanks to Terry who looked after the shop, I had a few extra days at home as well.  Lots of stock work completed, but always time for a game of cricket in between.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were always at least 2 sittings for smoko and the weather was pleasant enough to eat outdoors at night as well.

The handle of the old bat, broke on the first day, but that didn't stop them for the entire fortnight!

Fast forward to footy season and two of the grandsons have had big trips away to play in different competitions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First photo, Harrison front and centre, played at the Gold Coast 12 and under State titles and Lachlan on the right, front and centre, played in the Laurie Spina carnival in Townsville.

In June, eldest granddaughter Tyler, turned the big 18!!

 

We had a lovely family dinner on the night and her Mum surprised her with her new wheels!

 

 

The garden is still getting lots of attention and is looking a whole lot better for it.  However, the sewing room is feeling pretty lonely so will have to atone for that soon!

 

 

 

 

Will try and post again soon with some updates from the shop, new fabrics and quilts to die for!  In the meantime, if you're travelling, I thought this sign was a beauty!

 

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

A trip to Winton....

....Congratulations to the members of the Art and Craft Group of Winton, who have a wonderful display of quilts, sewing, art, photography and silver at the Waltzing Matilda Centre.  I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the opening night on Saturday.  The venue is superb and the exhibition, which will be open for about 6 weeks, is a credit to a small band of hard working people.  I was so busy chatting and catching up with friends....not one photo was taken!!!  Maybe someone can send me a few?

The only downside of a trip out that way, is the desperate situation with the drought.  It's just heartbreaking to see it, let alone live it!

Star Quilt Competition ...  nominations are due now, but I'm sure they would still be accepted within the next few days if you're running a bit late.

Some time back, a lady came to me with some fabric that had been given to her by her sister, after a trip to the States.  My lady is a huge Elvis fan, so we had to incorporate the panels and because she had never done any patchwork before, she wanted to learn as many techniques as possible

I think she did a fabulous job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A close up of some of the quilting by Rosalie of Rose Quilting  There were guitars and music symbols everywhere.  Superb!

 

 

 

Have to have a little brag about Bronte's swimming last weekend.  Last carnival for the season and had a fabulous meet in Rockhampton.  Central Queensland Champion 9 yr old for Butterfly and Backstroke!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 swims and 9 PB's for the weekend,  Lachlan also a PB.

Ready now for netball and football - oh to have the energy!

 

For those that don't get to see the Facebook posts, a few new ranges have begun to arrive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the left is "Feed" and on the right is "Block Party".  Totally different and equally gorgeous!

By the way, patterns and templates have arrived for the Rainbow Row by Row.  If anyone would like to take up the offer of 4.5m of Kona background plus patt. and temp. for $85 the lot, let me know.  Sending a few packages of to Eulo early in the week for a couple of ladies that wish to join in.

Not much done in the garden this week, however it did have a good watering!  Very lucky to have 37ml on Sat. night and a further 14ml Sunday night.

Talk soon,

Sandy.

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I've been trying to get here......

.......for about 3 weeks now.  Can hardly believe there's only been one post since I reopened for 2015!  Slack, I know.

It's been really nice to catch up with lots of my loyal customers/friends during the past few weeks.  Town is still pretty quiet on the whole, which is totally understandable given the dire circumstances of the season.  Why couldn't some of that recent coastal rain come our way?  Not fair!!

Have you been thinking about, planning, or working on your entry for the Star Quilt Competition?  Entry forms are due very very soon and quilts need to be completed and in the hands of the organizers by the end of March.

The criteria is simple.  Your quilt must meet the size requirements and include a star...lots of stars if you choose.  They can be pieced, appliqued....any method you like as long as there is a star!  If you have any queries whatsoever, just give me a ring at the shop...46511999 or Wendy or Sue (numbers on the form, click to enlarge)  Entry forms are still available at the shop.

I haven't spent much time at my new machine, the Sweet Sixteen.  The garden is still taking precedence but I have managed to complete (in a very short time actually) a small quilt that I made about 12/13 years ago for a workshop that we had in Barcaldine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I tried different types of quilting - templates marked with a chalk quilt pounce, freehand straight lines, faux feathers and some stipple.  It's far from perfect but I'm happy enough with it and really can't wait to try out a lot more.  The pattern was from a book by Debbie Caffrey, called Open a Can of Worms and used 2 1/2" strips, long before pre-cut jelly rolls were released.  It was the first time that I used "the tool" that most of you know, I absolutely LOVE!

Would you like to have a bit of fun and join a few of us in a quilt along?  I have chosen a pattern by Emma Jansen called Rainbow Row by Row.  It's colourful, easy but interesting piecing and uses scraps!

The instructions are very clear and easy to follow - this is the inside of the pattern, so gives you a very clear layout.  Easily made smaller or larger, this one measures almost 2m square.  All the pieces, apart from the background which is a constant, are made of mixtures of "like" colours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've made a few samples and cut lots more.  We're going to swap some fabrics as well, so that there's lots of variety.  It could be made using just about any colour way you choose, just delve into those scraps!!  Still waiting for the rest of the patterns to arrive plus the drunkards path templates, should be this week.  When they do, I will be offering a starter kit of the background (4.5m of your choice Kona solid) plus the pattern plus the template for $85.00, a saving of at least $15.00 if you were to buy them separately.  Anyone can join in at any time.  No-one is going to make it from go to whoa in one hit, it's just going to be one of those projects to take along to a sewing day, or maybe steal an hour or two at home if you can.  I'll be hoping to have pictures of everyone's work to keep us all motivated and ticking along.

This is getting a bit picture heavy, but must show you my "tamed" buffel grass corner which has now been heavily watered, re-shot and hit with the Roundup!  Also have started on the preparation of the plots for the fruit trees.  Plus a visitor today heading to the trough - she's (?) been living in our house paddock for quite a while now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a dental appointment early tomorrow morning, so if I'm a little late opening you'll know why.  I will be there eventually!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

The holidays are over......

 

...nothing signifies the end of the holidays more clearly than a line full of sheets, towels and quilts! 

And that was just the start. 

It's always difficult  when they leave, we call it "The post Rocklea Stress Disorder" as the kids always have a hard time settling into school routine after the freedom of being here.  As I said, it's time for me to go back to work and school is your work, so we just have to get through that and look forward to the next break, when we can do it all again.

Every Christmas for the past several years, I have taken a photo of them all on the same old wooden seat - it's interesting going back over the old ones.  Here's one for 2015.

Left to right - Back Tyler 17, Jackson 14, Harrison 11, Lachlan 10 Front Lily 9 (almost 10) Bronte 9 and Declan 7.

As I said last week, there's been a fair bit of work happening at Rocklea, this time not in the garden, but a new set of steel yards.  Bruce and William had been planning them for some time, to replace the timber ones we built when we first arrived here in '82.  So it was all hands on deck, firstly to remove the old ones and peg out the new.  Post were cemented in, rails and gates, cut and welded.  Jackson had his first lessons in welding and Tyler's friend Mitchell, out for the weekend, was put to work immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's a whole lot more to do, but they made a great start and the remainder will happen as time permits.

We had our annual visit from our very good friend Sam Lovell from Derby.  Some of you may remember that he spoke at Bruce's service.  He's the greatest story teller and the kids are always enthralled.  William, who has been listening to him for many, many years, says that he's only ever heard the same one story twice!  He made a couple of CD's for the children to listen to a whole lot more.  Sam just turned 82 and makes the trek across the country to attend the Tamworth Country Music Festival every year.

 

The Silver Thimble has had a "summer clean".  There's been a bit of a change in layout and a whole lot of cleaning out!  Lots of great specials to start off the year.  Patterns, books and threads all need to be culled!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Books at $5.00 each, some only one copy left.  Embroidery threads at 50c each or 20c each if you take the remainder of the box.  Patterns at $2.00 and the best of all, Duet threads at 50c each.  I cannot purchase these threads any longer (and they were a great collection) so I have ordered the Gutterman range which should arrive soon.  Once again, I must thank my good friend Norrelle who has been helping me all the way with this massive job.  There are lots of new fabrics to arrive in the next month, so hope to see you all before too long.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

Catch up time......

....it's been a while!

Happy New Year to all - and here we are nearly the end of January!!  I hope that those of you that haven't had rain, that it comes very soon and even more for those that have had a bit.  It's easy to get excited over that first fall, but when there's no follow up....very disappointing.  We had those lovely falls in Dec. but very little since and the hot dry wind is not being kind.

It's been a busy time, both here at Rocklea and at The Silver Thimble.  Our Christmas was quiet but very enjoyable with all the family getting together at various stages.  The children talk about their Poppy all the time, so it was like he was, and still is, here.  Bruce was known for his "one liners" so they just have to drop their voice and issue a command or statement and everyone knows where it comes from....quite funny really.  I just hope they remember all the sound advice in their later years!!

After kitchen duties, (and man, these kids can eat!) the garden is still getting plenty of attention.  Jackson (just turned 14) built me a mulch pit which is very handy and William has installed the tank and the pump for the sprinkler system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since the mulch pit, Jackson has added another pit for burning weeds etc.  The cat follows me everywhere in the yard and has found the perfect spot to oversee any activity!  John got busy with the weed eater and cleaned up a very neglected corner plus other areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This area is all ready to plant and the second one is ready to clear!!  What a beautiful crop of buffel grass!  Want to bale it?  I intend to plant some fruit trees in this corner eventually. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just before Christmas, I received "The Linen Cupboard", a gorgeous collection of florals, spots and stripes by Emma Jansen, one of our Aussie designers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm dying to use it in SOMETHING!  Haven't hardly touched a machine in four weeks, aside from a very little play on the Sweet Sixteen....a very little play!  There has been a fair bit of action at the shop, cleaning, painting and moving things around.  At this stage, I should be open on Tuesday 27th January, after the children go back to school.

There's a whole lot more to tell you, but I think that's enough for tonight.  I'm watering plants in between photos loading and Bronte is attending to the veges for dinner, better go and see what she wants me to do!

Talk soon,

Sandy