TheSilverThimble

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Still cutting....

......I've been busy this week, cutting Fat Quarters from the Kona cotton solids.  All 90 of them!  FQ box is bursting and there's a lovely big stack of 1/2m pieces for a customer as well.  I also need to place another order, especially for the lights, as many metres have been used as backgrounds for projects in Pauline's workshops.

I spent the afternoon, and also joined the girls for dinner at the Cultural Centre on Saturday.  There were 3 main projects happening that day - The Gadget Bag, the Jacket and the Rectangle Rock and Roll quilt.

Note the table on the right (forefront) ..it was a picture of pulsating purple!!!!  No guesses as to whom it belonged!  Workshops continued in Barcaldine on Sunday and today would have been the first of two days at Isisford, so hello to everyone down there.

 

I've been at my own personal workshop today.  Here's a peek......just some borders to go on and it will be ready for quilting.

Just sneaking it in on the last day of March, which of course is now known as Breast Cancer month.  I have plenty of the fabric and will be able to prepare kits for you soon, if you wish.

 

 

Just one more week until school holidays, and we're looking forward to having the children come to stay. 

Then it's going to be a busy time with Easter, Anzac Day, Tree of Knowledge Festival, the Harry Redford Cattle Drive, local shows and then.......our first retreat!  Scrappy is the order of the day, and I will have several samples to show you in coming weeks.

Pete, the sewing machine man, will be in the shop TOMORROW - TUESDAY 1st April.

That's enough for me tonight - I'll see if I can remember to put in the correct link in the email this week.  Sheila was kind enough to let me know that I didn't complete the address....

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

Back on the job......

....touched down last Tuesday, in about 45degree heat at the Barcy airport!  Just a bit of a shock after the very cool 'plane and the cool to perfect days I'd had for the past 2 weeks!

Had a great trip - 6 days in Perth catching up with family then to Melbourne for the Quilt Market.  Lovely to see familiar faces in what are now, comfortable surroundings.  I have to tell you that my first visit to Quilt Market, some years back,  was a terrifying experience!  So much to see and take in - and a very small budget.  None of that has changed, in fact there's probably more to see these days and the budget is still limited.  However, I do feel more confident now when purchasing or even saying no!  (as gorgeous as the collection might be!!)  The first of the new goodies could be in as soon as next week.

A big thankyou to Terryanne for looking after The Silver Thimble and most importantly the customers, while I was away.  And who do you think my first visitor was on the day that I was officially back at work - why Terryanne of course! (Do you think she was checking up on me to see that I was doing everything right?)

I only took a few photos of quilts at the Market and they are on my I-pad.  For some reason, the signal tonight is very slow and I can't send them to my computer, so they can wait a while.

I promised you more photos of our last retreat which was early November.  How cute is Margaret's hobby horse? (from a pattern by Melly and Me)

This shot was taken before the finishing touches were added.  Eyes, one ear had to be levelled up and a fancy bridle and reins to be attached.

 

Amanda had a bold and bright collection of strips to turn into huge hexies....

 

and Kaye was enjoying the Jelly Roll Race (over and over again!)  She completed three over the weekend, plus a bag for her Mum which had been cut out and ready to sew for ages.  This is the beauty of our retreats, the time to get things done!

Time, also, for me to make a move.  I have been quilting most of the afternoon, all done apart from binding now.  A gift for a friend.

Before I leave you, a little shout out to Jean who has just had a second knee replacement - hope it's all going well Jean and we'll see you soon!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

Red must be a favourite.....

 

.......I know they are pretty common at this time of the year, but I do love a fire like poinciana tree in full bloom..

 and red was a popular colour at the final Retreat for the year, albeit, different shades!

Take a look at Marg's multi red oversized star quilt...

and on the other end of the scale, Marita's tiny yo-yos which she is making into a scarf.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not to be outdone by Marg, Sue was also making the star quilt, but of course in her favourite blues...

Sue also had her completed Blogger Girls BOM for us to drool over.  Hasn't it turned out a treat - can't wait to finish mine now.

 

 

 

 

 

Jean was our "catering co-ordinator" for the weekend, which was very much appreciated, but managed to work on some yo-yos to make her almost 'signature' cushion.  There's quite a story with Jean and yo-yos!  Just ask her! ...... And there's always workers needed in the kitchen to clean up after "bursting with healthiness" lunches and decadent in betweens!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have to show you one more RED item.  This is Tanya's table runner, started a couple of retreats back, using the bow tie block.  Being a lover of machine embroidery, and an excellent quilter, she has completely made this her own.

I do have lots more photos of wonderful items worked on during the weekend, but they will have to wait for another day.  The pincusions made for the Christmas gift swap were amazing!

Try to post again before I leave on Saturday for Melbourne (via Perth)

Talk soon, Sandy.

We're a Darby & Joan household again....

 

........  back to Bruce and myself since the children have returned home ready for school tomorrow.  Very, very quiet!!

Some important information for you.  The Silver Thimble will be closed the week after next.  From Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th October.  I'm going to visit the Quilt and Craft  Show in Brisbane - haven't been for ages, so think it's about time I had a look at what everyone else is doing.  Hopefully, I'll come back with loads of new ideas to keep us busy.  Also going to check out a couple of domestic quilting machines, the Tin Lizzie and the Sweet Sixteen. 

Our Retreat for November 8/9/10 will be an "anything goes" type of workshop.  Whatever you're working on - wish to start - wish to finish - the choice is yours.

Because the booking date will fall whilst I'm away, the date for securing your place will be 22nd October.  We'll be having our Christmas gift exchange of a pin cushion, as suggested a few weeks back.  I'll need to get busy....I'm yet to make a start - there's soooo many patterns out there!!

I also mentioned about a scrappy block swap.  I've made a couple of 12" finished blocks today but I feel that they are too big, I think an 8" would be better and most could then be made (using the tool) from 2 1/2" strips, of which we all have plenty.  Being scrappy, the smaller blocks would work better I think.  I'm open for suggestions.  I'll have the blocks at the shop and will be looking for your input.  The swap could be ongoing for all of next year, make a few each month and add them to the pool.

 

 

We know that fashions come and go in the garment industry - our patchwork world is just as fickle!  The current trend for backgrounds is to have "low volume"  - very light base with splashes of colour or print.  I've been building quite a collection.

 

 

 

I always intended to add some extra borders to the Vignette stitchery quilt, well they are finally done.  It now means that the quilt is approx 86" square - now for the quilting to finally get it finished!!

 

 

 

Next stitching project on which to concentrate, is the BFF Hexie block of the month.  I got busy the other day and cut out a heap of hexies - both backs and fronts and thought you may like to see how I did it.  You can get 3 backs (9 1/2") and 2 fronts (7 1/2") out of a Fat Quarter.

First step was to trim the selvedge (and place in a bag for later use!!), place the large hexie on that edge and slice off using the long ruler.  Two large hexies can be cut from this strip.  Out of the remainder, you can cut 1 large and 2 small.  I am going to machine my bindings down and to prepare them I have used the Clover Wonder Clips.  They're not a cheap notion (I have boxes of 50 that retail for $50.85 but am willing to break up the boxes and sell 10 at a time) but find that they work far better than pins, which seem to distort the block.  I'm also waiting on some spray adhesive which I think will also help to keep everything in place.

       Four down and ninety to go!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dates to remember -

 

• Shop closed 15th - 19th October
• Book for retreat 22nd October
• Retreat 8/9/10 November - anything goes!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

The Jelly Roll race has been run........

......everyone was a winner - and the coach is still recovering!!

It's really hard to believe that a simple Jelly Roll could turn into such a great looking quilt.  Kathy had hers finished on Friday night, but unfortunately we're still waiting for metreage which is DUE in September.  Jean B. had an extra large packet of strips....so now, she's looking for the end!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenny, who came out from Toowoomba to join us, Sheila, Marg and Eva finished their tops also..Shannon did as well, plus it was pinned ready for quilting but somehow I missed a photo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The OVER ACHIEVER for the weekend, had to be June, who not only used 2 Jelly Rolls, but had it pinned and quilted with binding attached (!!) by Sunday afternoon.

There were other projects tackled over the weekend as well.  Margot had a very bright JR and almost completed a baby quilt (to have a spare on hand)  Judy, who's out here helping her daughter Kylie with the twins, completed a flannel shaggy quilt which was ready to take to the laundromat today.  Mary got stuck into the Blogger girls BOM quilt and Kathy also finished another project that she bought along.

I missed projects from Jean L. Di, Shona, Cheryl, Tanya and Shannon who all completed a whole heap of work.  The coach here, stitched two leaves and two stems on my BFF project - and talked a lot!!

The food, of course, was wonderful.  Splendiferous slices, colossal cakes and smashing salads were the order of the day - all healthy, bursting with energy and NO calories (well maybe a few!) 

Thanks everyone, for making it a great weekend.  We can do it all again in November!!

The new sets of patterns for the Hexie BFF Block of the Month have arrived.  Those of you that have booked a set, might like to call me this week to talk about how you would like to manage your project.  Jodi, I will be putting your fabrics together this week, Virginia, yours are ready for your OK.

September means its Spring here in Australia (although it feels a bit like summer!) and September also means it's National Sewing Month.....I kid you not!

Ronald Reagan declared it some years ago, so it must be true! 

We should have some lovely new fabrics this month as well.

I'm off.... for a reasonably early night.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

Bad, bad blogger.....

......didn't take one photo at the Retreat last weekend, so relying on others to fill the gaps. I could say that I was too busy.....but that would be stretching it a bit too far!!  It was a very busy weekend with some people trying out some techniques that they had not done before, which is always pleasing to see.  Others stuck to the tried and true but had a wonderful couple of days "just sewing"

Amanda very kindly sent me these pictures.

 

Esther made great progress during the weekend.  An "almost" beginner, she had her lap sized top all completed and pinned ready for quilting by Sunday lunch time. 

 

 

 

On the right is Marie, carefully placing her flowers ready for some free motion, raw edge applique.

 

Below is Wendy's choice of fabrics for the same project.  Looks so different doesn't it?  Just lovely.

 

Dallas, who celebrated a signigicant "0" birthday, added some Trapunto to her table runner.  Will be looking forward to seeing this when it is finished

Of course, Retreats are not all about sewing - there's FOOD!  Our June weekend is generally freezing, so soup seemed like a good idea.  The weather was totally NOT winter, but the soup and homemade pumpkin bread, was delicious!!

 

Anyone discovered an extra Tupperware dish in their take home goodies?  Rectangular shape with a blue lid, I believe.  If you've found it amongst your things, you could drop it in to the shop next time you're around.  I did have some spare mats and rulers as well, but have found out where they belong.

Saturday afternoon sewing is a bit risky as there is a possibility of no power from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, so we might give it a miss.

Thanks again Amanda for supplying the piccies today.

Talk soon, Sandy.

I've done a runner.......

....I've been wanting to use that heading for a couple of months and now I can!!!

Yes, I have done a runner, a table runner - actually FIVE of them!  One each for the four seasons and a fifth, because I liked it!  I'm not a "decorater" at home, but thought this was a great way to try out several different techniques - and you never know, I just may become a decorater after all!  These are the projects on offer for the retreat in June.  Of course, you are more than welcome to work on a project of your own choice.

 

 

        This is Autumn - a combination of autumn coloured leaves  with a tiny stem.  A nice easy size to practise some free motion and straight line quilting.

 

 

 

 

 

And Winter just calls for a Log Cabin don't you think?  Fire burning, hot chocolate, good book......mmmm.

Simple construction and simple in-the-ditch quilting.

 

 

 

 

Spring brings the flowers, birds and beetles!  Raw edge applique and some room to fancy up the quilting a bit.

Rounded corners and a bias striped binding to finish off.

 

 

 

Colours of Summer.

Want to try just a small project with English paper piecing?  Go on, you know you want to!  I've done some fussy cutting of an Amy Butler print, needleturned leaves, ric-rac and a tiny bit of hand quilting.

 

 

 

 

This one is Hugs and Kisses.  I had forgotten just how cute the bowtie block is, so played around with a miriad of reds just for fun.  I've scalloped the border by drawing a gentle curve on a template, and squared the corners because it was easier than making the scallops join up evenly!!

Once again, a bias binding to easily glide around the curves.

You can view all of these in full screen by clicking on the individual pictures.

I hope to have a Christmas runner completed in the next couple of weeks as well.

Now, you've seen what I've been up to - what about you?  I'm still waiting for some pictures from Pauline's workshops.  Some of you must have something to show!!

I have mentioned to the Saturday afternoon girls, about my friend Collette and her husband David, cycling around Europe for approx. 5 months.  They are writing a great blog with fabulous photos, so if you're interested, here is the addy.  www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/watsonsonbikes

I can't seem to get that to work as a direct link, so you will just have to type it into your browser - it's well worth it.  They're up to Day 61.  Check the bottom left hand side of the page and you can start from Page 1 if you choose.

That's about it for me girls, I just might get an early - ish night.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A most productive weekend.....

.... Our first retreat for the year was great.  Lots of learning, chatting, eating and of course sewing.  We had six new girls join us for the first time and I hope they continue to participate when possible.  Everyone leads such busy lives these days, I know only too well, that it's difficult to fit everything in.

You have to be able to multi-task these days!  Lee on the phone but the sewing machine didn't miss a beat.

Wish I had taken a photo of Suzanne sewing away, whilst talking to her daughter on web-cam, organising what she was to wear to the school disco that night!  Top drawer on the right hand side..... and remember to wash your hair!!  Love it.

 

 

 

This pile on the left does look like a bit of a mess....not so!  It was seriously organised chain piecing that turned into this in just TWO days!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great job Sheila!  Those colours are just gorgeous and a terrific way to use 2 paks of Bali Pops. 

Anne-Maree also completed a quilt top... selected, washed and ironed the backing and sent it off with Tanya for quilting.  Now, that's called working to a plan.

Shannon, Jo, Lee, Suzanne and Sonya made terrific progress with their Pop Samplers.  Half square triangles, quarter square triangles, blocks, sashing, setting squares and flying geese now make perfect sense, don't they girls?  It's not a foreign language after all!!

  And we even know that needles have to be changed from time to time and that the bobbin thread needs tension too!

 

We ate lots of decadent fudgy, creamy, rich, nutty morsels during the weekend but plenty of salad of course, to counteract the calories.  That's how it works doesn't it?  Sometimes, certain items just don't even make the table and need to be taken home by someone else.  I have enjoyed a lovely meal of roast mutton tonight. Yum!

 

On the right is Leslie's French Garden made in the Casablanca range.  Just l.o.v.e. those fabrics but still waiting for Bogey to make an appearance! 

Once again, a terrific choice of pattern and fabric, working very well together. (The photo is a bit on the light side actually)

 

 

I managed to unpack just 2 out of the 10 new boxes of fabric this week -  this is Indigo Crossing, a lovely collection of blues, caramels and creams.

I don't have a lot of different pieces of this one,  as it works very well with a previous range of blues and browns.  However, there are jelly rolls and layer cakes as well.

 

I have been attempting to progress my paper piecing, but it's all a bit slow at the moment as the shop becomes busier.  I've even seen a few caravans on the road, so looks like the tourists are starting early.  We had about 10mls rain here during the week and it's been drizzling most of the day today.  Perfect soaking rain for grass growing (and garden watering) and I hope it continues for a while yet.

Now to the Facebook page for tonight.

Talk soon, Sandy.

A cool damp day......

What a gorgeous day for sewing and I didn't even get close!  Today was all about book work for me, and I'm happy to say that it's all done and dusted for the moment.  Seems to be never ending doesn't it?

Hope you've all been under some rain, if that's what you're looking for.  We've been spoilt these last few years haven't we, with our bumper "wet" seasons, and we just don't want to think about the alternative.   I don't think we've had any more than 25 ml or just on the inch, but it's damp and drizzly and very welcome just the same.  Sounds like Winton and Longreach areas have done well.

A few things to tell you about:-

Pauline Rogers will be visiting the area in April and conducting workshops in Isisford on the 9th/10th, onto Ilfracombe, in Barcaldine 13th/14th then Aramac and Winton.  The projects are diverse.  A dressed up jacket for adults, a chenille childrens coat, scrappy and chenille quilts and wallhangings, Quilt as you Go technique, 3D embellishments - they're all there.  If you're interested in attending any of these workshops and not sure who to contact, just give me a call and I'll head you in the right direction.

Something different in store this year, and that is a Loyalty Card.  Quite a few people have theirs now, some are already on their second one!  For every whole $20 you spend, one box is checked.  When you have filled the card ($200) then you receive 10% of your next purchase.  Completed cards are being tossed into a basket and I will do a lucky draw later on in the year.

We have some new people hoping to attend our first Retreat for the year on 1st, 2nd & 3rd March, so I will just go through a few things.  You need to bring your own bed linen and pillow and prefereably a quilt for your bed - it is a quilting retreat after all.  Special dispensation to those that are just starting out, but no excuses second time around!!!!  lol.  Everyone brings some food to share - if you let me know early, what suits you best, or you would like a suggestion, that would be great.  So much better than me having to think!!

All personal requirements of course - toiletries, towel and clothes, plus most importantly, your sewing gear!!  I generally have extra cutting mats and rulers available but if you have your own, then pack them in.  If you're just beginning, then I like you to purchase your own rotary cutter but I'm more than happy for you to use the mats and rulers that will be there.  For the beginners, we will be working on the Pop Sampler.  This will give you a good understanding of many of the techniques that are used over and over again in patchwork.  I will be teaching you the methods and measurements that are mostly used in books and magazines in this country, so that means "inches"....If you haven't dealt with them before, don't worry, it's just a number on the ruler!!  I want you to go home confident, that you have learned the language and can understand the instructions given in most patterns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are pics of the same quilt, just different fabrics.  One all pretty and girly and the other more suited to a teenager/adult.  If you click on the image, it will go to a full screen.   You can make a lap size (50" by 70") or a single bed size (60" x 80") - it's very easy to add more or less blocks, but the bigger you go, the more difficult it is to quilt, so keep that in mind.  For the smaller version you need 10 FQ's, 1m sashing, (the denim blue in the one above and white in the other)  1m for the outer border and 50cm for binding.  The single version requires 15 FQ's, 1.5m sashing and just a little more for the binding.  Now, you will have some of the fabrics left over - a start for your stash- however you need the variety to mix it around.  If you have any questions about the weekend, you can do it right here on the blog - just click on Comments at the bottom of the posting, or give me a ring at the shop.  By the way, the cost of the weekend is $65.00 plus your requirements.

Now, for my more experienced ladies.  If you're looking to start something new, I have part of a lovely sampler quilt pattern that is being featured on the internet.  There are only 6 blocks that you repeat twice each, changing the darks and mediums and giving them a different look altogether. However, I really like the setting blocks, very different to the traditional.  By March, only 3 blocks will have been published but that means 6, plus the setting blocks I believe.  I need to go through the requirements a bit first, as they use a different tool that makes your units larger and then you trim them down!  We don't need that do we girls, you can make things their corect size and accurately!!  You will have time to work on something of your own choice as well.

Remember this?  Under the Australian Sun, Classic Style by Leesa Chandler of Victoria.

When I was in Melbourne at Quilt Market, she had a Medallion style quilt made up in these fabrics and it was stunning.  The patterns have just arrived.

 

 

 

 

 

That gold sashing, is not nearly so dark in the fabric.  Looks a bit strong here in the photo but I assure you, it's not.

 

 

 

I think that's enough from me tonight.

Talk soon, Sandy.