TheSilverThimble

A taste of what's to come......

.....bit nippy here yesterday, beautiful autumn day today, predicted rain for Wednesday - who knows what the next week might bring?

Thanks to everyone for responding so quickly re the Retreat weekend at Wanpa-rda.  We are fully booked!  If you plan on working on any of the Table Runners, you can ring me for requirements, although most of them do not need a whole lot of fabric - just variety.  Just bring a good size box of bits and pieces.  The only two that require a sizeable piece for background are Spring and Summer, and I have the hanky linen in stock.  The Spring runner - raw edge applique - needs threads to match your fabric flowers, birds etc. 

If you wish to change the shape of the runners eg. make them for a circular table, then that's fine.  We'll be able to work out something on the day.

For those attending the Retreat venue for the first time, as well as all of your sewing requirements, you need to bring your own pillow and bed linen plus clothes/toiletries of course.  It will be cool/cold?

Also, food to share.  Breakfast (cereals, toast etc.) tea and coffee and Friday night pizza will be supplied.  We need a few hot meals for Saturday night, smokos for two days and lunches as well - cold meat and salad, quiches/slices etc.  If you're not sure about something, ring me - 46 511999.

I've hardly been near the sewing machine all weekend.  Sunday morning when it was so cool, the best place was the kitchen.  Big pot of pumpkin soup, a fritatta consisting of sweet potato, bacon, spinach and feta, along with the eggs etc. and a roast for dinner.  Today after a thorough vaccuming (we had the insect spray fellows during the week) I finished painting the cupboard that will be heading for the shop very soon.

There were a few new fabric arrivals during the week but I have been very slack and haven't photographed them yet - really cute dinosaurs!  Also, some really interesting books.

The Spring market has just been held in Portland, Oregon USA, so within a couple of weeks our Aussie wholesalers will have all the new samples.

Anyone looking for anything in particular?  If there is something you're chasing, let me know so that I can be on the lookout.  There are usually SO MANY new ranges released, it's all a bit mind boggling!!  My biggest problem at the moment is space - or lack of!

Sorry, no piccies tonight - will do better next week, promise!

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

Drizzling here tonight....

....I call it garden rain.  Not enough to do much out on the run, so may as well rain on the garden.  Sounds good though, dripping off the roof.

 

Trust all the Mothers out there had an enjoyable day yesterday.  I certainly did - early morning phone calls from family, a bit of experimenting in the kitchen and stitching in the afternoon. 

I'm always looking for recipes that I think I can change - that is, to go without sugar.  The one I made yesterday was almond meal (I just blitzed whole almonds that I had blanched), 2 oranges, eggs and instead of sugar, I used half the amount of Equal powder.  Turned out very nice, although I don't have any fancy  photos for you.  Also made a sugarless fruit cake and a big pot of vege soup made hearty with the addition of a meaty lamb shank and heaps of pearl barley.  Love that stuff!  My Dad always use to boil up raw barley to add to his horses' feed, he said it made their coat healthy and shiny.

 

Earlier this year, I found a pattern on the net which is running as a free Block of the Month.  It's called Blogger Girls BOM, designed and hosted by Open Gate Quilts.  There are 6 blocks, each of them made twice with different placement of fabrics, and an interesting pieced sashing.  They have been designed using a special ruler that I don't have (which seems to waste a fair bit of fabric) so I have re-written instructions to utilise the TOOL that I use ALL the time.  So far, 5 blocks and the pieced sashing have been uploaded, I have made 4 blocks (twice) and have been writing the notes.  A few of the girls started on this project at the last retreat when I was busy with our newbies.  It's a really interesting excercise, choosing alternative fabrics for the same block and making it look totally different.  Hopefully, I'll have it all together by the time of the June retreat for those who wish to continue.

This Friday 17th May is the day that you can book for the Wanpa-rda Weekend.  And Dallas, I will put your name on top of the list!!  On Friday!

 

I have been busy with a few other projects as well, in fact it's only about 3 weeks since Pete was here servicing sewing machines, mine included.  This afternoon, the "oil can" icon popped up on the machine which indicates 180,000 stitches since the last oiling, and it needs another one - 3 weeks ago!!  These are projects for future workshops so no pictures sorry....

That's about it from me tonight...

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

Time for a few new fabrics......

"Feathered Friends" - a sweet panel and six co-ordinates in the very popular, aqua, grey and butter. Chevrons, hexies, spots and stripes all make for a cute combination.  Quick baby snuggly, or cut the panel and use as random blocks in a full size quilt.

Below, is "Summersville Spring" - bright and colourful, just as Spring suggests.  Incorporates the graphics look, so popular with today's modern quilter.  I also have charm squares in this range.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now for something in the more classic colours with a design that's on the edge.  Beautiful taupes, beiges and soft tans that almost take on a light green look.  All with a hint of silver to top it off.

 

Fairmount Park is the name of collection.  A customer has chosen this range to mix with a few more creams and a piece of fabric that has been in her stash for some time -soft green with a touch of light pink, to make a Stack and Slash style quilt.  Should be beautiful!

 

 

 

Thanks for all the positive comments about the table runners featured last week.  I thought it might make a nice change from a full on quilt while perhaps learning or perfecting a new technique.  Also, could be very handy to build up a supply for gift giving.

Of course, if you have something else in mind for the Retreat weekend, then that is fine too. 

The weekend past, has seen the traditional May Day celebrations for Barcaldine, concentrated into just two days, due to the change of public holiday dates.  So, a very busy schedule.  Sat. morning saw the Float Parade down the main street, and some of the grandchildren took part.

Lily and friend Shelby as the "track girls" leading Harrison and Declan on their go-carts.  The boys were just itching to rev them up! 

And a couple of older style cars that may or may not have made the track at the Revfest.

 

 

 

 

My Dad had a Holden ute like the one on the right, many years ago.  It towed the float to a lot of country harness race meetings in Western Australia when I was a kid.  In keeping with our busy schedule for this time of the year, next weekend is the Barcaldine Show.  Blackall have just had theirs, Longreach follows Barcy and then Isisford is the 25th May.

That's about it for me tonight.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power at last.....

....my computer has a NEW power system!  I've been having issues since Christmas - as you are all no doubt aware - but it appears to be functioning well since it's return, so here's hoping!

I should have lots of news for you tonight, but I have had a very busy weekend of "secret sewing" and haven't really prepared anything for the blog.  All should be ready to reveal next weekend.  This will be the suggested project for our next Retreat to be held on the second weekend in June - 7th, 8th and 9th.  This is the Queen's Birthday long weekend, but we will be finishing on the Sunday as per usual. (I need my Monday off to recover!!)  I have had lots of enquiries about the retreat, but I will not be taking bookings until three weeks beforehand - that's about the 17th May.  By that time, everyone should know if they can make it or not.

Pauline has completed her workshops in the district.  Everyone that I've spoken to, has enjoyed them immensely and have worked on some wonderful projects.  I would love it if you sent me some photos of Works in Progress - or even completed ones from the super achievers!  Really looking forward to the girls from Winton who were doing the Mystery quilt, as I had quite a bit of input into their fabric choices.

Pete has been and gone for another year, so machines should all be purring away once more.  Mine has definitely had a work-out today.

We can hardly have a blog post without a photo, so here's a couple of shots of the great black and white selections in the shop at the moment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And one of my constant companion when tidying up.

She chases the rake, scatters the leaves and generally makes a nuisance of herself, but I haven't seen a mouse in the house since she moved in!  She can stay....

Thursday, of course is ANZAC Day and the shop will be closed.

Talk soon, Sandy.

Last week of holidays....

 

 

....The mustering has finished for the moment, but the children are still here for the last few days of their holidays.  I'm taking a few days off as well to be with them, so tomorrow, Sandra will be in the shop to look after you.

 

If you're still after requirements for Pauline's workshops that actually begin in Yaraka tomorrow, Sandra will be able to assist.

 

Remember, that Pete will be here the following week for sewing machine repairs and services.  Drop your machine in this week if possible so that he can make a flying start.

 

 

I found a space for the new fabric "Follow your Heart" by Lynette Anderson.  I didn't have any more shelf space, so I had to go upwards!

They have a cosy, winter look about them - lovely dark greys, a few different shades of red, taupe and beige.  Twenty five pieces in all, at $21m.

 

Here are a few close ups.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tourists are starting to arrive in our region, maybe due to the mostly dry conditions we're experiencing.  Last week I had a lot of visits from people "on the road".  One lady from Dunedin, New Zealand, has visited the shop 3 times in 12 years!  Purchased a few FQ's and went off, a happy camper!

 

The next retreat will be on the second weekend in June.  This is the Queen's Birthday long weekend, however, we will finish on the Sunday as usual.  I will be taking bookings as from the 17th May.  I'm hoping to have some project choices to offer you very soon - have a bit more work to do yet!  Details as soon as I am able.

There are also some more blocks available, for the Blogger girls BOM.  I hope to also have these completed and notes written up.

The crossed fingers and touch wood that I needed last week, were not enough to keep the big computer in action - we're back to the laptop this week.  Aren't they the most frustrating pieces of equipment??

Talk soon, Sandy.

Cross your fingers and touch wood......

.....Once again there have been a few issues with my computer, hence no blog last week.  My IT man now tells me it must be our power supply as everything is OK when it is in his shop.  So......we have a new UPS system set up (and it's only dropped out 3 times since Saturday!)  Today has been good, so I'm hoping we're finally on the right track.

This will be a fairly short post just the same.  Easter has come and gone and I do hope you have had a happy time with family and friends or just taken the time to do something for yourself.  Our place was chock full of family....at times 8 adults and 9 children - from 15 yrs down to 4 months.  The Easter egg hunt on Sunday morning was one ofthe highlights.  Funny thing, most of them are not even fussed about chocolate - it's just finding them!!

 

Then they had to show Sam how it's done....

The bigger ones then donned their boots and hats and headed out, either on a bike or a horse, to help out with the mustering.  They've had another big day today and have all been down and out since about 8.30.  Damion and family left this morning and have arrived back safely in Mt Isa.  It was great to have them here.  Sam thought it was wonderful to have so many kids to play with! 

 

By the way, the two quilts did get finished in time.  When I gave the one to Sam, he promply lay down on the kitchen floor, pulled it up over himself and pretended to go to sleep!!  Later on, he had lots of fun finding the animals.  I can't believe I didn't take a photo of Dean, the little one!  The quietest, smiliest baby you'd ever meet.  I'll have to wait now, for Bronny to send me one.

 

 

 

I really haven't had much time to sew this weekend - not even a bit of paper piecing!  The kitchen is my domain when everyone is home.  Hopefully, I'll manage a few things during the week.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

Back to the PC......

......My big computer has been out of action since Christmas (all better now and set up and running) and I have been using the lap top.  As good as that is, being portable and all, I do like the big screen on this one and the ease with which I can find and post photos!!

Having said that, I have hardly taken a photo this week to post! ...

 

Love this little quilt, made by Marg using some of the Peak Hour range.  Binding being stitched as we speak.  Marg and Kylie also finished this week, the TWO special baby quilts for TWO special babies coming later in the year.  Will definitely take a photo when they are returned from Tanya.

 

Tanya will be out this weekend and will be bringing with her some of the quilts that went back with her at last Retreat.  Out of the eight that went, I think that at least five are being returned.  I will contact those people that have a quilt to collect.

 

 

 

 

 

This Saturday afternoon, we will be working on a little project at the shop.  Cubby Cubes, is a pattern by Sue Daley and uses Peltex, a firm, double sided fusible interfacing.  The boxes in the picture are about 6" square, but you can make any size you like.  Bring along 2 co-ordinating Fat Quarters and something for binding.  (Approx 2 x 2 1/2" strips WOF)

 

Reminding everyone again, that Pete the sewing machine man will be in the shop between 15th & 20th April.  He will not be going to Longreach or Blackall Schools, as they are bringing their machines to Barcaldine.

 

Last week I had a list of jobs that I DIDN'T do, well I can tick a couple of boxes this weekend.  Plants flourishing (but still in their pots), cupboard sanded and ready for paint and quilt almost finished quilting!!  A few more straight lines, a bit of stipple and a binding and we're good to go.  Quite a bit of "secret" sewing as well!!

My "borrowed" son, Damion, his wife Bronny and 2 little boys are coming home for Easter.  Just a tad excited as we haven't seen them since we passed through Mt. Isa on our trip to the Kimberley in 2011.  Sam has just turned 2 and Dean was born in November, so we're yet to meet him.  The "almost" finished quilt is for Sam and I have another top to pin and quilt for Dean.  I've got about 10 days, right? 

Damion, came from the Kimberley to live with me and attend school when he was 12 and has been very much a part of our family ever since.

I've been a bit quiet on the Facebook front lately, see if I can do better this week.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

Autumn is in the air....

.....How has your week been?  In the shop, it was all about trying to find shelf space for more new fabric.  Managed to organise a few, but will have to make a few changes to accommodate the remainder I think. 

I had plans of painting a cupboard for the shop, at home this weekend (and planting some plants....and quilting a quilt....and...and...) None of that happened, but the thought was there!  The gardens got watered and that was about it.  Our drizzly day last week gave us 90pts or about 23ml which was lovely.....but nothing like the 400ml or 8" that some people received around Aramac way!  There was just a little bit of fabric stashing going on, once they made it in to town...just in case the clouds open up again.  Doesn't really feel like summer any more does it?  There has been a definite change in the air, I think.

One pretty collection that arrived is called Blue Morning. Still waiting on a few pieces to round out the order, but I'm sure they'll be here before long.

 

This should keep some of the "purple" ladies happy.

The light background pieces (top and bottom) have handwriting text on them,,,,really nice.

 

 

 

 

I'm just loving the gingham and "shuffle", and have been making a bit of progress on a quilt using these.  It's called Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows and involves English paper piecing, applique and machine work.  The best of both worlds in my book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pete, the sewing machine man, will be at the shop around the 16th April for a few days.  If your machine is due for a service, please bring it in nearer to the date, so that we can keep him busy right from the start.

Not a whole lot of news this week, and once again I've left it until late to start this post.

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.