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.