Marg Low's Classes

We had a lovely two days with Marg Low as our guest. Friday and Saturday classes were enjoyed by all, Im sure. Marg showed us her samples with her Trunk Show in the morning followed by a pattern buying frenzy. All of us promising to make at least one Xmas project before Xmas!! (we are lucky because somehow there is always another Xmas next year! lol) Here are Rhonda, Shontelle, Vicki, Marg, Kris, Prue and Joanna all hard @ work... All the girls on both days had delicious lunches @ the Lobethal Bakery (next door) which they deserved because their decorated journals were all finished by the end of the day.
Sorry to Yvonne, Nell, Jean, Christine, Jessica, Tracey and tired Cindy (who just did a night shift..) I didn't take a picture on Saturday but you did a wonderful job too.
Here is block 2 for our 'Club Rouge' in gorgeous repro. fabrics.

Have so much on this week including getting my pallet delivered for AQC in Melbourne.
Jane***

Marg Low Class

Just a reminder. Marg Low from NSW is coming this week - Friday and Saturday for a one day 'class'. I still have 1-2 spots available..at a push for both days. Marg will show you her trunk show in the morning and in the afternoon, you will make one of these delightful journals.
Marg has a brilliant trunk show... which is a 'show and tell' with samples of her patterns... we will of course have the patterns for sale too. She is also a knowledgable and generous teacher. Marg has been here a few times now and has always been well received and enjoyed.
(her journal samples are here - in store for your viewing)

We are Open Easter Saturday

We have had some fabrics arrive recently I haven't told you about. The gorgeous 'Rural Jardin' being just one. This is my only pic (from French General), sorry this is all the plaids, we have the prints. We also have more Moda being 'Garden Party' by Blackbird designs, 'Verna', 'Bar Harbor' and 'Looking Back' as well as 'Nicey Jane' by Heather Bailey. Lots of pre-cuts. My favourite, 'Lumiere de Noel'. Red and taupe by French General. Being a red lover I do favour this over 'Rural Jardin' which has alot of French blue. Still lovely though. More pre-cuts of 'Fresh Cottons' and 'Whimsy' by Fig Tree and 'A Breath of Avignon' by American Jane as well as the ranges above.

Our Marg Low class is almost full. We have a couple spaces left for the Friday (16 April). Saturday is full. We are making Decorated Journals after Marg's Trunk Show. It proves to be a full day of inspiration with a lovely lady. I have the samples in store for you to see.

I wish you all a Happy Easter. I hope you get alot of sewing done over the long weekend.

Maybe a new cushion (as above using 'Flora and Fauna' by Patty Young) or what about spoiling yourself with a new range of fabric by the bundle!...by the Whimsy Bundle.


I will be open on Easter Saturday 10am - 5pm. Closed Good Friday and the usual days, Sunday and Monday.

I hope to be doing lots of cuddling with our new Jemima although I have a couple quilts to finish..Jane **

Welcome Jemima Sophie

This is my new granddaughter, Jemima Sophie. She was 3 weeks early and came very quickly. 8 months of waiting and when the time comes still doesn't prepare us! We are all in shock, surprise and elation. We can't get enough of her.

Dad has a grin on his face the whole time while Mum is so cool and casual..... so far.... Aunties Olivia and Sarah are over the moon too. We all went shopping yesterday, for pink! Teddy and pink clothes!!! Grandpa just rolls his eyes. With 3 daughters, he's seen it (pink addition) before! Secretly his is rapt and is on the phone to all...even more than usual.

Thank you for reading my brag page! Nanny Jane ;)

PS (that is not dribble..from Jemima's mouth..yet) she has a tube still in her arm.

Red Quilts Time

Our first 'Club Rouge' was held today. The girls had a good day and learnt lots and of course, made a cute little red and white quilt. Everyone was in on the theme and either dressed in some red or had some other item eg. bag(s) and shoes. Our day went a little longer than anticipated... like 3 1/2 hrs. longer!!!! Such slow sewers.. no there was a lot to do.. even though it was small.

Thought I would just add some of the 'gorgeousness' I put up with, on my walks. I adore where I live and on every walk am reminded of our glorious country. My favourite season has now arrived, so Im in heaven. I just wish I was outside more....appreciating it....

Here is Sara's 'Le Jardin' quilt. It is beautiful and is hanging in store @ the moment. Patterns are available.

Endeavouring to post more often....Jane

Year of the Red Quilt

Here's a stack for you! The gorgeous 'Civil War Tribute Collection' range by Judie Rothermel.
We are using this range for our 'Pieces of the Past' web sampler. I was going to give you a sneek peek of our quilt but I'm thinking it's still a little early. In a previous post I showed you the blocks... that will have to be enough...let me tell you, if you like repros. this will be hard to pass.
I am actually making a quilt for my pleasure... pleasure may quite not be the word...they are 6" blocks... We have had the class a couple times and what the girls have produced are wonderful so
we had a spare seat, so I have joined the class. This is one of the blocks. I am keeping up, 8 made so far!!! only about 400 to go....no maybe 40!

It's officially the YEAR OF THE RED QUILT, here @ the apple shed anyhow! I have finished a couple of red and white pinwheel cot quilts with another to do, almost completed our '15 stars for 15 years' (shop anniversary quilt) also in 'civil war' red. And we are celebrating with Marg Low's Red Quilt Club.

5 mini quilts to make throughout 2010, varying in size, complexity etc. with different techniques, blocks and layouts. Great for the beginner as well as someone who just loves red or little quilts!

Just thought I would let you guys know, that our first group is full with another being held on Friday afternoon's.

I have decided to also make it a BOM. So you too (in blog land) can still join us! This is Marg's pic of the first quilt. The other 4 will be a mystery!
If you know Marg's work, you will know they will be cute! And she loooves Red too!!! (obviously)

Having my DD1's baby shower on Sunday! Will take some pics to show you, next week. She is due with our first grandbaby in about 8weeks! So be prepared for lots of baby pics rather than quilts!!
Have a good weekend, Jane***

We grabbed a Mini Break!

I've been lucky this week, I only worked 3 days! It started with a mini break last 'long' weekend to Mt. Gambier...south of our State. DH had to get away before he did something 'rash' he said.. after such a awful cherry season...
So we enjoyed a bit of shopping, bit of resting, bit of eating and drinking, bit of visiting with friends. What better way of spending a four day break!
We cruised down to Pt. Macdonnell and Nelson one day, after dropping by the Blue Lake. Yes, this is the real colour (during Summer)!!

On Saturday we went to 'A Day On The Green' to see Ronan Keating. With supporting acts, Damien Leith and Tina Arena, at a lovely winery.

We enjoyed a picnic supplied by Vicki and Stuart, good music and great weather. It was hot but once the sun set and the full moon rose behind the stage it was perfect.

If you have ever wondered about the 'Day on the Green'... go .. they are great!

Especially when there is a hot artist on the bill! Ronan is pretty cute!

I know I'm a week late blogging..... but I've been so busy!

Till next time.

***Jane

more blogging..

I would really like to blog more regularly. I read all these lovely ladies blogs and what they have made or have done but just don't get to blog myself... its not hard.. I don't have to have a photo.. text is fine sometimes... right?....SO the plan is....I will really, really try and blog weekly or at least fortnightly!
Just to let you know or show, things happening.. derr.. that is what a blog is...yeh
Okay, I have just received pics of blocks for our new program (like Quiltaid) 'Pieces of the Past' Web Sampler. There are nine blocks designed by Michelle Yeo and nine shops will have a kit available of one block each, as well as a Finishing Kit. Fabrics used are 'Civil War Tribute Collection'.

We have the new patterns from Red Brolly. 'Animal Crackers' BOM Full set of patterns available @ the moment. Kits will be available soon.

And another quilt kit using 'Hope Valley' by Denyse Schmidt. Pretty nice!
We will have this as display next week. Sara has made a sample. This would be perfect for the trendy home maker or younger relative.

The shed will be open tomorrow. The 'Tour Down Under' passes through but I will be here! Amongst all the bikes.

I have just finished another red pinwheels quilt. Like the one I made for Ruby (past blog).

We will have kits available, once I do the pattern. Not just red either, we will have all sorts of colours.

Maybe I'll leave it here, for today. Lots more to tell you later, Jane

Blog List is happening again...

Well, I'm getting some of my blog list back. What a job....if you were on the list and not now, I would love to hear from you.... most probably the reason being that I haven't got your address...or (sorry) forgotten... Beware! do not press DELETE when not really paying attention!

I received a lovely 'surprise' gift from a good friend for Xmas. A silver 'Brighton' Business Card Case. We were in the States together a few years back, when we both bought some 'Brighton' gear..me a necklace and earrings and (on a another trip) a watch. She has just been to Houston Quilt Market and on her travels, went to Brighton and bought me home this. Gorgeous! During my holidays I actually did finish something.!!! This stitchery of a Sewing Girl. There is a whole series of 'old fashioned' stitcheries like these by Lakadaisies, which I love. I stitched it with Presencia perle thread... not dividing and only one colour. So much easier!! I can see why Red Work is so popular!

Last weekend we did some planting for DD1 and fiancee to get their home ready to sell. Sadly they need to move, to be closer to work. So we planted heaps of Agapanthus around the back and some individual plants out front. And topped them all off with pea straw. Its so good to see action happen with a few hands.

Now with the heat here, they need alot of watering.

We had Chevy as the managing director. The pressure was so much for him, he had to have a nap!!!

Now I'm back to work and feel like I haven't been away...

Help, where is my Blog List??

HELP!!! Yeh, I was going to write something nice about 2010 and guess what I did instead.... Deleted all my BLOG List ..... Does anyone know IF I can find them again.....otherwise Im really sorry but I will have to slowly add them back again... one by one.... I'll be here forever cleaning up.......sniff sniff......

Christmas Cheers to you all!

Here's an angel wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
For me it is a time to recharge batteries, with a small break from the shop and enjoy my family and home. Although we are in our busiest time of year with cherries it's still good to be a part of it all. Men in for food and more food... it seems....its no going away on holidays for us.... I do hope to get some lovely sewing done while home. I have so enjoyed it again in the last 6 months.
Recently I have been on about (to my club girls mainly) about my favourite products. Lately I'm in love the Hera Marker. I'm not much of a machine quilter really but while quilting the Pinwheels quilt, (last post) I used this to mark the quilting lines. Just rule lines as you would with a pencil. It leaves a beautiful crease for you to follow. No blue pen or pencil marks ever again! Marvellous! Another product I'm using alot more is the Helmar Basting Spray. No more pins, just sandwich your quilt with the spray adhesive. Easy.

AND the other product I really love is the Roxanne Glue. Especially when I'm doing applique. I'm using it to attach my pies (Pies and Tarts BOM) to their background fabric, instead of pins. Glue around the circle, stick to fabric and stitch around. That is just one use! It's also great to attach your bias strips for applique.

Well, Im about to close the shop and head for home. I will be back here on 5th. January, although I won't be far from my computer and will do some posting.

This is what I'll be tending to while away... the garden.

We have been putting the last of the vegetables in our garden. Here is DH, working madly (he wouldn't keep still for the pic!) We are late this year, so hopefully things will still be okay before Autumn. I think there is still alot of Summer to go!

Tomorrow I'll be making the pavlova for Xmas Day as well as nibbly treats. yeh...

Christmas cheers to you all , ***Jane ***

Christmas Cheer

We have had a great couple of weeks, with all our Clubs having Kris Kringle and Christmas break-ups. I must say I am overdosed on sweets! And some lovely KK pressies. This 'Baguette bag', I made for our Apple Piecers group, (pattern from Homespun magazine.) The theme this year was 'bags'.

And this is my present in return, a cute 'champagne bottle' bag. I reckon I can hold two bottles in it, with no worries! Thank you Di, I love it!

I have also just made this cot quilt for my cousin's new granddaughter, 'Ruby Grace', whom we'll see on Christmas Day. I felt it needed to be in red and at the moment, I'm pretty keen on pinwheels. I loved making it, I hope they'll like it too.

Now with the 'shop' rush over, I have a bit of time to do a little bit more shopping and baking next week and I'll be right for Friday! I am open on Tuesday then closed until 5 January. Looking forward to a few quiet days sewing, somewhere in that time.

On the home front, the boys are now full swing with the cherry harvest. The rain being unkind to us again this year. Lots of cracked cherries as well as bird damage. You do wonder, why we do it......in the hope of a good year?? one day....

**Jane**

A 'bag' of a week

I actually have been rather busy, besides preparing all the fabrics (previous post). Friday I joined our class and (finally) made a Market Bag with Sara. Pretty rapt, took it to the pub for dinner that night... looking very squish. No-one commented on it though....
Thought I might make a couple more, for Chrissie pressies. They are great to do. AND I completed another bag this week, for my Kris Kringle with one of my Apple Piecers Clubs. So I just better give you a sneek peak of that one. Had all year to do it! As usual I leave things to the last minute. Better than last year though, I think I was still stitching the day before!

Heaps of Fabric

Just unpacked, priced, cut fat quarters (not folded yet) and displayed the new ranges which have arrived this week! This one being 'Meadowsweet' by Sandi Henderson for Michael Miller. We have the Peach collection. This is a wonderful new complete range by Denyse Schmidt, 'Hope Valley'. A beautiful feel to this Free Spirit range- smooth and luxurious...vintage and different. Another fabulous range is 'Civil War Homefront' by Barbara Brackman and Moda. This is a great addition to our reproduction range.
We also have Fat Quarter Bundles of the full range available, jelly rolls and turnovers.

Adelaide Craft and Quilt Show

As the Melbourne Cup runs.... and a very quiet shop... thought I would just let you know, I will be at the Adelaide Craft and Quilt Show as usual .. same spot. ..E14
Hope to see you all there!
Good day to pack up everything!!!

PS This BOM pattern by Bunny Hill Designs 'Le Jardin', has just arrived. Anne used 'Rouenneries' but of course any delicious fabrics would do.

Rouenneries Has Arrived!

Its here!
'Rouenneries' by French General fabrics have arrived. We have so many to choose from, with accessories to match. eg. sewing bag, notebook, needle book, scissor roll and Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Charm Packs and Fat Quarter Bundles of the full range. You'll be spoilt for choice!

Civil War story quilts

As promised, here are the quilts, the 'Civil War Girls' made on our mini break. This is Sara's original design deplicting the whole Civil War. The flag, colours (north and south), Mississippi River flowing through the fields, slavery, the bloodshed and the Underground railway. I hope this is right (Sara). You all get the gist of it all anyhow. A lovely quilt.
This is Vicki's version.

And Kathleen's.

And Anne's. Border still to come, as is Rhonda's.

Perhaps this is another good class idea. Lots of quick rotary cutting techniques involved never lone the story factor.

Lots of storms and bad weather bringing lots of rain here in the Hills and S.A. over the last day or two. Flooding, storm damage and broad-acre crop losses have been reported. For a change the Hills weren't too badly off, Adelaide having more rain than us!

Yesterday on my day off, I actually had a few hours of sewing. With the weather like it was, I was only too happy to stay indoors. Can't believe it, I started the quilt for the shop's 15 years of business, '15 stars for 15 years'. I'll take some pics and show you and @ night I'm working on the 'Pies and Tarts'! Will show you some of them too soon. Don't know what's gotten into me!!

cheers til next time, Jane ***