TheSilverThimble

A Fiery weekend...

.....not a lot of sewing or preparation for retreat this weekend, and I had a lot planned! 

It was our turn for the lightning strikes it seems - I know lots of other people have been battling fires on and off for a while, but Saturday and Sunday here, was a "bit ordinary" to say the least!  On Saturday, the fires were to the East, South and South West of us which was pretty scary, but by Sunday the one from the East made it's presence felt here at Rocklea.  Many hands on deck and a long hard day of backburning and a grader working overtime, made sure that it was securely contained by late last night.  We were really very lucky, as a few places further to the East, have lost pretty much all of their grass.  As far as I know, no buildings were destroyed around this area, but further North, that was not the case as more fires raged up there.  Unfortunately, there's still a glow in that direction now.

I didn't go near it!!  I can handle most things that one faces in the bush, but fire terrifies me - I just retreat to the kitchen!  Anyway, someone needs to be at home to man the phone, look after the littlies and prepare the tucker, don't they?? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naturally, I didn't take either of these photos! 

We were inundated with helpers and offers of assistance which is the country way I know, however it always makes you feel a little humble and very, very grateful!

So, how was your weekend?  Thank you for the couple of comments that have come in re last week's question and giveaway - it will be open for another week or so.

I had hoped to have all the requirement lists for the workshops typed up by now.  I do have them written out and can give them to you if you wish to phone or check at the shop.  Surely, next weekend will be a little less hectic!

There's a cute little freebie Christmas wallhanging available on Bronwyn Hayes blog.  Click on the highlighted name, and when her blog opens, scroll down a couple of entries to view and download.  There are lots of other ideas there as well and I have several of Bronwyn's Christmas patterns in stock.

Short and sweet tonight girls -

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.