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,

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