Collections... what do you collect?

Have you ever really looked inside your sewing bags? What kind of collection do you have lurking in the corners of those beautiful bags you carry to and from class or social stitching evenings?

The other Tuesday night we decided to check inside Anna's sewing bag and look what we found, the 'thimble research' collection. If you ever want to know how a thimble functions... just call Anna!

After 'thimble research' we moved on to mobile phones, and found an interesting collection of RED and some gorgeous Kath Kidson covers, they look very nice too! 

And then we peeped under the table... oops, I think my love of RED shoes might be rubbing off on the girls!!!! 

I also had a look inside my RED sewing bag and found an interesting assortment of scissors... BUT I will share that collection with you all another day!

Until next time,

A visit from An Moonen

This past weekend we had a very special visitor to Somerset Patchwork. An Moonen, the author of 'A History of Dutch Quilts' was in town and treated us to an afternoon tea and book signing on Saturday, followed by a very informative lecture on Sunday. 

Sue brought along her new quilt that was inspired by one of our favourite photos from the book and had An sign one of the blocks... although it took a bit of convincing to get An to place her mark on the fabric!

We all had a wonderful time, a special thank you to Janet O'Dell for hosting An here in Melbourne.


Until next time, 

'Midnight Madness' and more...

The Friday girls have been very productive this week with many of them coming to class on both Friday morning and again on Saturday for this months 'Midday to Midnight' MADNESS! This absolute stunner belongs to Robyn and is nearing completion. Robyn is English paper piecing the hexagons with lots and lots of fussy cutting along the way.

Shirley is making lots of 'star a day' blocks and is still up to date!

For anyone who has been chasing the templates - they are now in stock.

This one caught my eye... I love how the dark fabric has been cut.

Leigh has completed Mrs Billings! At 9.17 pm Wednesday evening to be precise!

 Here is a close up, well done Leigh!

Eighteen dedicated patchworkers turned up for this months Midday to Midnight madness. They all arrived with gusto, loaded with lots of projects and enthusiasm. When midnight chimed there were still sixteen weary souls in attendance - all happy, tired and ready for bed.

There were several Mrs Billings on the go as well as the 'star a day' blocks and many other lovely works.

Shirley brought Mrs Billings along to be quilted... YES she really is hand quilting Mrs B!

Glenys is appliqueing her final Mrs Billings border in place, almost ready to attach.

Lou was motoring along machine piecing the double diamond border for Mrs Billings...

And I had a lovely evening of stitching and catching up on all the chatter of whats whats in the quilting world... stuff I miss out on sometimes with the bustle of running the shop. A great time was had by all and I am sure there will be lots more of these nights to come!


Until next time,

Family Celebrations!

It has been a very busy family time in the Styles household over the past 3 weeks. 

Firstly we were treated to a surprise visit by our youngest son Brenton, who has been living in London for the past 11 months. I understand a few folk knew about his return but it was an enormous and overwhelming surprise to me!

We then attended the wedding of Paul's younger brother Graham and his new wife Sue. It was a lovely celebration held at the Huntingdale Golf course. We dressed for the occasion, and, as it is a rare occurrence in our family to be together in our 'Sunday best' at the same time, we posed for a photo or two.

Mark, myself, Brenton and Kimberley

Brenton returned to London to continue with his career and we sadly waved him goodbye again!


For our last celebration of the week Paul became an Australian Citizen after many years of living here as a 'ten pound pom' and loving every minute of it!

Now back to stitching and there is plenty of that to be done!

Until next time,

OK... so what was in those fabric boxes!

The boxes have been opened, and the fabric is on the shelves... but - they have been pulled off and put back so many times in the past few days by visitors to the shop! Before they all go, here they are pictured below.

Cocheco Mills IV

Crimson Bouquet

Prairie Crossing - part 1

Prairie Crossing - part 2

Little Pink Stars

Civil War Ladies

I hope you find something within these ranges to inspire you in your next project!


Until next time,

March Special Event with An Moonen

On Saturday 17th March - An Moonen, author of 'A History of Dutch Quilts' will be at Somerset Patchwork for an informal afternoon visit (2.00-4.00pm); join us to meet and chat with An and purchase your own signed copy of her book. Already have a copy? - You’re very welcome to bring it in for An to sign. 

Sunday 18th March - Quilt Study Group Victoria & Somerset Patchwork are delighted to present An Moonen who will deliver a special lecture : The History of Dutch Antique Quilts. 
Time/Venue: 2.00pm, Box Hill RSL (Upton Room) 26-28 Nelson Street, Box Hill 

Cost: $25.00 incl. afternoon tea. Bookings are essential, please contact Janet O'Dell (janet@techinfo.com.au)

Look how far Lynne has progressed with her 'star a day' quilt... I think she may be a little ahead of schedule!

Ooops, there have been lots and lots of boxes delivered today! 

Let me unpack and sort them onto the shelves and I will show you what they look like very soon...

I'm not allowed to stop and peek any further just now... I must get back to work.


Until next time

Social Sewing at Somerset...

The 'Social Sewing' groups here at Somerset Patchwork have been very busy this term. I think the Christmas holiday break has recharged the girls and there are some really exciting quilts nearing completion. This stunning hexagon quilt belongs to Jan from the Friday morning girls. 

Look at all of those amazing fussy cut shapes!

Ann from the Thursday night girls has had a quick lesson in 'Clamshells' the Patchwork with Busyfingers way and is well and truly hooked!!! One tin is full of cut shapes and the other is quickly filling with glued shells ready to stitch.

Leigh from Tuesday night is working on her final border of Mrs Billings...you're almost there Leigh - keep going!

Jenny and Helen are the 'foundation' members of the new Tuesday morning Social Sewing group and they are looking for some new friends to join them. If you are free any Tuesdays from 10 am till 1 pm come along and join in the fun, we would love to see you there too!

Until next time,

Back to Reality

Travelling and sewing go hand in hand these days, for a long time I would find waiting at airports and flying a very peaceful time mostly spent on reading or sleeping....but now I spend most of my travelling time stitching projects that 'must be finished soon'. Luckily for me I had enough stars prepared before heading home from Eumundi earlier last week because my flight was delayed 2 hours and there is only so much shopping a girl can do at Maroochydore airport!

These are the little stars that I was piecing. They will be used in my next Block of the Month 'Robins Nest'

Waiting for me back at the shop when I landed were lots and lots of boxes of new fabrics. Sue had a wonderful time playing with them and sorting them onto the shelves ready for my return! This first range 'Bridgeport' is from Jo Morton. Lots of lovely reds, lighter browns and darker browns.

These interesting fabrics are from the IQSC (International Quilt Study Centre - Nebraska), and are named 'Delectable Mountains'.

And these gorgeous reds and greys are from the latest French General range of 'Rouenneries Deux'.

I must finish something before I start looking at these new beauties!!!


Until next time,


Karen
When in doubt, wear RED shoes!

Beautiful Eumundi!

Beautiful one day, perfect the next... isn't that the expression they use about our glorious northern state of Queensland. Early last week Paul and I spent a very relaxing few days at Sue Daley's B&B 'Kindred Spirits' in Eumundi. We had a wonderful time enjoying the tropical surrounds and hatching many new plans for 2012. Unfortunately Paul had to return home but I stayed on and was joined by some old friends (Leonie and Deidre from The Quilted Crow in Tasmania and Sarah from Quilt Fabrics Delight in South Australia) and some new ones too! (Marilyn from MK Sew-Able in Toowomba and Sharon from Avonleigh Country Quilting) Sue shared many of her finer points to perfect English Paper piecing and lots more with us all; our imaginations were running wild with ideas and many future projects. We did get up to some serious sewing (really we did!!!) while we were away, but there was also a good amount of time devoted to chatting, laughing and of course enjoying lots of good food and company! 

You may have to look close to see, but there really is some sewing amongst the 'other stuff'! 

What a perfect picture this was... we went swimming each day. It was just like a tropical resort.

Oh dear back to reality, keep watching as I bring some of those plans and ideas to life.................


Until next time,


Karen
When in doubt, wear RED shoes.

New Fabric at last!

We have just had our first delivery of new fabric for 2012. It feels like such a long time since our last range of fabric came through the doors at Somerset! But here it is... 'Josephine' by Petra Prins, isn't it lovely, I can't wait to start stitching with this one.

The Friday girls are marching along with their 'Star a day' blocks. Today's stars belong to our over achiever Shirley. She has bought herself a diary and is entering each fabric chosen for that day. Shirley has even added a small comment about whats happening in her world on that day! 

Today is 20/20 cricket Australia vs India and some time at home alone!

And now for another Mrs Billings update... Sue has added the 4-patch border and is motoring towards the finish line. Keep going Sue, it looks fantastic!

Keep stitching girls. 
Until next time,


Karen
When in doubt, wear RED shoes!