A day off!

What does a quilt shop owner do on their day off? Play with fabric of course! 

Mid last week we had a delivery of the latest beautiful range from Paula Barnes, 'Old Savannah'... mmmm, it just called out to me (and Sue too!). I took home a selection and mixed it with some others that have been lurking on the shelves for a little while, cut them all up and pieced them back together to make this lovely quilt that we will be calling 'Savannah'.

A little fussy cutting for the larger stars and the border!

Most of the collection is featured below. (We do have the complete range in stock now... look here!)

Until next time,

More Robin's Nest

AQC is over for another year! It was lovely catching up with so many of you over the weekend, thank you to everyone who popped by to say hello. 

It's back to stitching on Robin's Nest for me now... 

Those hexagon stars from earlier this year have been joined by lots more stars as well as square blocks and small hexagon rosettes.

These little hexagons were lots of fun to make. Inspiration came from my recently acquired book 'Elegant Geometry', aren't they sweet. I can't pass up an opportunity to 'fussy' cut fabric!

Elyte from 'Tea, fabric and other things' came by for a visit and brought a little something especially for me! I think she might know my soft spot :)

AQC set-up from this to this!

Yesterday was set-up day at the Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) and I thought you might like to see how Paul and I go from this to what you see when you come for a visit!

The boxes arrived on pallets having been sent on from our last show in Brisbane along with a top up load we brought in from the shop. 

Boxes and trunks are opened and lights need to go up on the wall first.

Then the quilts!

Tables set in place and boxes opened and sorted.

And after several hours of shuffling fabric, patterns and books.... its done and this is what you see when you come to visit!

Mrs Billings at AQC

This week we will be exhibiting at the Australasian Quilt Convention (stand #58) at the Royal Exhibition Buildings, Carlton Gardens here in Melbourne. It has now been a full year since we launched Mrs Billings Coverlet at AQC in 2011. 

During the past 12 months she... (we fondly think of her as a real person!) has travelled far and wide. I know there are many of you working on this quilt from all over Australia and all over the world too! We have been asked many times will she ever be available as a complete pattern...well YES she will and to celebrate her 1st birthday here she is! 

I have been hibernating this Easter, working hard on our next Block of the Month 'Robin's Nest'. Whilst there are eight borders in total - only the first two are attached to the centre block! Months 1-3 are shown below.

See you at the show,

New Trading Hours...

Today the 7th of April marks our 9th anniversary as owners of Somerset Patchwork (formerly the Craft Cottage). The old saying that time moves faster the older we get is very true. Where have the past 9 years gone to? We have been through many changes during that time; starting with our fabric choices... in the early days we were well known for our Robyn Pandolph and Moda fabrics; now as many of you know, we specialise in a large and comprehensive range of Reproduction fabrics. Our projects have changed over the years as well - from simple large-patch quilts to antique-inspired intricate designs.

The latest change is to our trading hours - we will no longer be open on Mondays. This will give us more time to sew, design and create new projects as well as hatch a few more hair-brained schemes!

New Trading Hours

Tuesday - Saturday   9.30am - 5.00pm

Sunday - Monday   CLOSED

The Easter long weekend will also give me a chance to pore over these beautiful books that arrived in the post this last week from the International Quilt Study Centre, Nebraska. I'm not allowed to get too inspired just yet, not until I have finished the two (or more...shhhhhh!!!) quilts currently nearing completion!

Enjoy your Easter break, I hope the Easter Bunny comes for a visit!

Essendon Quilters Quilt Show

This past weekend Somerset Patchwork was invited to trade at the Essendon Patchworkers Quilt Show held at the Incinerator Arts Complex, Moonee Ponds. The committee had created a wonderful atmosphere for all who attended. We were greeted by this delightful collection of handmade birds floating from the ceiling. 

The theme for this years challenge quilts was 'Birds and Baskets'.

The quilts were displayed over three separate levels, it was a wonderful hanging space; light and airy and very welcoming! 

How is this for an amazing collection! Good old fashioned gingham aprons, many owned by the quilt show committee. Do you have one of these classics in a draw at home? (I think I still do!) They were very sweet and reminded me of my teenage years and sewing classes at high school!

Until next time,