TheSilverThimble

Testing once again...

On the home computer this time, so just testing to see if I can load a photo for you.  If so, then I think we should be on the right track at last!

A bit slow, but nevertheless, it's there!!

More tomorrow night.  Sandy.

Photos at last!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At last I have been able to download some photos for you!

These first ones are the new Amy Butler fabrics, collection is called Lark and they are all the ones that are to be used in the Homespun Project of the Month.  First issue has just come out and the project is a garment bag.  Looks terrific!

 

Now we'll move on to the new Kaffe Fasset fabrics that have arrived....still a few more to come. This will be picture OVERLOAD!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a little message for Terryann - no they haven't all gone yet - you will get your share!!

This next group is the latest collection from Kate Spain called Good Fortune.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the left, 3 main prints and on the right, the co-ordinates.  There are also charm squares in stock, with layer cakes to come.  It has a Japanese influence I think, with a modern twist.

Still some more to show you, but I think that will be enough for tonight.

Thanks to everyone for your patience, I know that mine has been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d!

And thank you too, to those that have purchased all your goodies prior to Pauline's workshops.  Your support is very much appreciated.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

Experimenting with photos....

 

I know you've seen this picture before, but I just had to try it out since I changed browsers from Internet Explorer to Firefox....and it worked!!!!  Woohoo!!  Now I'll have to load the latest fabric photos on to this one. (using the laptop in town)

 

Don't you just love those blue pigs?

 

Talk soon (with more photos)

Sandy.

Words, words, words....

It seems that I still cannot post photos to the blog....have been trying for over an hour with no luck, so once again, have given it the flick for tonight.  My computer man tells me it's the slowness and age of the satellite system that we are on and keeps telling me to find another server.  Has anyone had that experience?   Where you've completely changed everything, new equipment, new methods and new addresses?  If so, how did it go?  Would love to hear from someone who has gone through it and what server you used.

We had a lovely weekend at Wanpa-rda, with only 8 people, it was very relaxed and stress free.  Red and white was the combination that almost everyone was working on - all different and all gorgeous!  A bit of serious quilting to follow in the next couple of weeks so as to be ready for despatch to Mt Isa by the 30th March.  Remember each quilt must have a label, a hanging sleeve and be packed in it's own calico bag which also includes the same info as on the label.  All of these requirements are to ensure the safety and security of your quilt of course, as it will be travelling for maybe 12 months or more before you get it back.

Our next retreat weekend is the 1/2/3 June - if all goes to plan.

The next event though, once the red and white quilts are on their way, is the exhibition of quilts on the Village Green on the 22nd April. This, as I've mentioned before, is for the commencement of the Outback Trailblazer raising funds for Angel Flight, and in conjuntion with the 52nd Street Jazz Festival.  I'll give you plenty of reminders along the way.  The quilts need not be brand new and I don't think it will matter if they have been shown at one of our previous "Airing of the Quilts", as there will be a very different audience to view the quilts.  There will also be a couple of very innovative "works of art" to accompany the display, to adhere to the theme chosen for our region, which is the cattle industry.  You may well ask, how do you combine quilts and cattle?  Easy peasy - "Sew-a-bull", "Patch-a-bull" - all from The Silver Thimbull!   Do you think they'll be "notice-a-bull"?  I bet you can all think of plenty more!!

I have a few more boxes to unpack - I know, not very interesting when I can't show you a photo!  However, I'm very excited to say that I have the complete range of "Flea Market Fancy" in stock.  This range is actually a repeat of a collection from a number of years ago.  I believe it was not a very large production of metreage at the time, didn't move all that quickly and then bingo, just took off.  In a short space of time, it became a bit of a collector's item and there have been calls for some time now, to reprint it.  Well, it has been done, with just a little tweaking of colours and it's all at the shop now!  It's very definitely a "retro style" - a bit old fashioned, with a modern look.  A few people have already asked for a cut of every piece and I know that I'll be tucking some away too! 

Another range that I unpacked last week, with help from a few extras I might add, is called "Prairie Paisley".  It's a lovely red, white and blue range and as the name suggests, features lots of paisleys, florals and co-ordinates.  It's very similar to the fabric that I have used to start my "Farmer's Wife" quilt blocks which, I have to say has been sadly neglected of late.  So much to do and so little time!!

Time for me to say goodnight now, so sorry about the photoless blog post, and not really sure when I'll get it rectified....

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

Retreat weekend coming up.....

Once again, we're going to have a pictureless blog.  Computer has had a bit of minor surgery today, but I think there were some post operative complications!!  It has seriously slowed up and will not download photos for me.....I'll be back on the phone tomorrow! 

I did manage to get most of the new fabric on the shelves this week and also took lots of photos - you're just going to have to come into the shop to see them!!  And still more arrived - as fast as I got one box opened, another took its place.

The request for red and white quilts has met with great response.  There are quite a few being prepared for inclusion in the event being convened by the Mt. Isa group.  There are a few special requirements as in hanging sleeve, label with certain details and a calico bag for transport - you can check with me as you get closer to completion of your quilt, for this information.  Barcaldine has been "pencilled in" for this display in September.  Quilters from Winton, Blackall and Tambo are also participating and will no doubt have a display in their area also.

I have been making some blocks that have been featured on a site called "Just Take 2".  I've just tried to get the exact link for you, but it's taking FOREVER...  I'm sure if you Google it, it will come up.  It's a collabaration between two blog sites - Sentimental Stitches and Dear Jane.  I understand that the blocks have been taken from the quilts that were featured in the original display, Infinite Horizons.  They are mixed sizes and include applique, pieced and foundation pieced so far.  I'm planning on using these for my entry into the exhibition.  Wish I could show you some photos!!

Back to retreat details...this Friday, Sat. & Sunday - 2/3/4, "Anything Goes".  Still room for more at this stage, we haven't reached the magical 20 yet!  Dates have now been confirmed for the first weekends in June, September and November so mark them in your diary.

By the way, I did manage to mix up the dates on some of Pauline Rogers' workshops.  Isisford is the 19/20 of March and Ilfracombe is the 21/22.  Pauline is also visiting Blackall on the 14th and Winton on the 24/25.  If anyone would like more information or contact details, please ring me at the shop on 46511999.

Enough of me with this computer tonight..(can you tell, I'm just slightly annoyed!)

Talk soon, Sandy.

We need to get busy.....

Made it home, over the river!  It had dropped considerably and apart from a bit of a "sand dune" to climb, on our side, all was well.  Our friendly next door neighbour Steve, has now swept most of that away with the grader.  Thanks, Steve!  Travel should be back to normal this week.

It's been a pretty hectic week shopwise, with several people choosing their fabrics and supplies for workshops coming up in March with Pauline Rogers.  Pauline has been travelling through this area for many, many years and her schedule this year will be Barcaldine on Thursday 15th March (Cultural Centre), Aramac 16/17, Ilfracombe 19/20 and Isisford 21/22.  I think she will be in Blackall as well, possibly on the 14th, but not absolutely sure, so check with your local patchwork group there.

SOME of the new fabrics made it on to the shelves, but NONE of the fabrics made it to my camera yet!!  When I got the word that I could come home over the river, I think I bolted and didn't think about photos until I was half way home!  As fast as I could get them out, more were delivered, so there are still about four boxes out the back and I haven't even had a sneak peek yet.  I'm going to have to get an early start in the morning and see if I can make some headway.  "Under the Australian Sun II" that I showed you last week, has been very popular already, and I've had orders from far afield for some of the Amy Butler range.  Just amazing, what a photo on the blog can do!!

Further to the Red and White quilt exhibition that I spoke of last week and a discussion on Saturday afternoon with a few of the girls, a few of us have decided to participate.  They won't be large quilts, probably about a metre square or thereabouts, and we thought that the Friday night of our first retreat could be devoted to this project.  They could be a combination of several blocks or even the same block repeated, maybe something of your own design, but of course they must be red and white. (cream or ivory is allowed) Of course, they can be larger, but time probably limits most of us - they need to be finished by early April.  If you're interested to know more, give me a call or pop into the shop for details.  By participating in this excercise, we will be able to access all of the red and white quilts to mount our own exhibition at a later date.  All monies raised at that time will go to Aged Care in the local area.

We've also been asked to put up a quilt display at the Village Green/Railway/Tree of Knowledge Memorial site on the 22nd April.  This will be the starting point for the Angel Flight Trailblazer event and will also be part of a Jazz Festival being held at that time.  A train load of jazz musicians are coming to town!  More details on that as they come to hand.

The railway platform fence, although not very high, will be an ideal place to hang quilts.  Easily managed, visible and a delightful area with the lawns and shady trees. What do you think about a few cushions to sell as well, with money going towards Angel Flight.  Not our usual "Airing of the Quilts" numbers, I'm thinking somewhere between 30/40/50??  Please give me your thoughts and feedback on this as soon as possible, as there's not a lot of time.  There's also another "secret project" in mind, as a part of this exhibition - more details on that later when we have bulldozed encouraged a certain person to our way of thinking!!

Speaking of retreats - the first one is only a couple of weeks away now, 2/3/4 March.  If you wish to participate, please contact me from tomorrow onwards.  Remember, only taking 20!

That's enough chat from me I think, but what's a blog post without a photo?  These are some cute PJ's made for Bronte for her birthday back in January.  The fabric is Pin Feathers - a tiny little pink bird on a wire, on a pale pink background.

Talk soon, Sandy.

 

 

 

 

 

Home for the weekend....

Wow, this feels so easy to post on the "big" computer - everything in the right place, the font size as I like it and photos loading without problems.

Travelled home on Sat. afternoon - the long way.  River crossing will be at least a couple of weeks I think.  I made pretty good progress in the shop during the week, making space for the new fabrics.  They didn't quite make the shelves yet, but they WILL this week.  A couple of sneek peeks for you - a bit of Kaffe Fasset and Amy Butler.  (These are just the top layer in the box!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Amy Butler fabrics are those that are going to be used in the Homespun magazine's Project of the Month, starting in March.  They have previously run a Block of the Month featuring various ranges of fabrics - this time they're switching to a complete project, all travel related, so that should be a bit of fun.  You will be able to make the projects exactly as they appear in the magazine!

Under the Australian Sun II by Leesa Chandler (Chandler's Cottage) has also arrived.  The first version was one of the fastest moving collections I've ever had in the shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the left, the main prints and the co-ordinates and border print on the right.  The colours are extremely rich - the photos look a tad washed out (that operator again!)

Last week I mentioned the red and white quilt challenge being conducted by the Mt. Isa Patchwork Group.  This link will take you directly to all the information.  I also have details in the shop. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are just some of the quilts that were hung in New York.  Over 600 quilts, all red and white!

Something else that's RED and humming!!  My umbrella tree has been a mass of flowers since just before Christmas and the birds and the bees are loving it.  The flower fronds must be really heavy as a few limbs have actually broken off with the weight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talk soon, Sandy.

When is rain, too much rain?....

 

 

It's certainly been too much for lots of people this last week and several more are going to feel the effects very soon.  And yet, some areas around Aramac and in the Channel Country are still so light on!  Go figure!  Our river crossing is still way too deep - guide posts are not visible at all - so it will be a couple of weeks yet, before I can get home.

 In the meantime, I have been continuing to cut FQ's, re-arrange fabrics to make them fit in and a little bit of quilting on the side.

 

This little whimsical collection is called Get Together - pink and blue pigs, squirrels, acorns and birds.  Novelty prints feature in almost every major collection these days.  Here is another one called Outfoxed, by Lizzie House.

Foxes, hedgehogs and co-ordinates.

Note the orange fabric - that's the " nominated colour" for 2012 - tangerine tango. I still haven't opened the new boxes, but it should be this week.

Last year, there was a red and white quilt exhibition called Infinite Horizons held in New York.  I'm sorry that I don't have all the details on hand (theyr'e at home on my desk)  Basically, there were over 600 quilts, all red and white and all belonged to the one person. The quilts were stunning and the exhibition was outstanding. There has been quite a rebirth of red and white quilts since then and the Mt. Isa quilters have decided to run a red and white challenge and have invited our participation.  The quilt would need to be completed early April, as the first exhibition is to be held in McKinlay later that month.  Any money raised during an exhibition, will go to Aged Care in that local area.  Please phone or call if you would like any more details. 

See you next week-

Sandy.

Another try for a photo....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yaaaay......we've solved the "no photos" problem!  Well maybe..they're appearing in the wrong order but at least they're there! 

These are a few that I mentioned yesterday - Aboriginal, Australiana and Gone Fishin'.

Will have some more for you soon (now that I know what to do!)

Talk soon, Sandy

 

 

Try again......

I did try to post last night but was having trouble with photos.....then I hit a wrong button and lost the lot! I'm sure these computers are wonderful things, just wish I knew how to drive them sometimes!!

Wonderful rain in the district, hope you've all had your share. I'm in town at present, the river at home too deep to cross, so I have been making slow progress in the shop cutting fq's and reorganising fabrics. I need to make room on the shelves for the FOUR BOXES out the back!! (I've only had a sneek peak in two of them)

Still no luck with photos tonight so will just have to tell you about those that I have unpacked - lots of new novelties, fishing, motocross, cats and cows. A few Australiana prints - great flags - several Aboriginal prints and a swag of batiks. Also some great new Bali Pops, the 2 1/2" precut strips.

I have pencilled in some dates for our retreat weekends but these have NOT been confirmed as yet, but just so you have a rough idea, the first one is for the first weekend in March (2/3/4) and will be an Anything Goes workshop. I will not be taking names until 2 weeks beforehand, 20th February, and the limit will be 20 people. The remaining weekends will be June, Sept and November but I will confirm the dates just as soon as I can.

How are you going with your scrappy Mystery Medallion quilt? I know that lot's of them have been finished and they all look great. Therese from Patchwork Pumpkin has designed another one and has very kindly allowed us all to participate again. I have finished the first block and am awaiting instructions for the second round. Same rules as before, all from your stash etc. but this time the sizing suits Jelly Rolls, Charm Paks and Layer Cakes (just in case you have a few lying around!) The quilt itself is slightly smaller than the last one.

Hopefully, by next post, I'll be able to solve the "no photo issue", so until then,

Talk soon, Sandy.