The Drapers of Mt Macedon

What the ???

2012-01-26T13:04:00.003+11:00

It all started like this after Jim the Postie dropped the parcel in, obviously someone with a sense of humour using St KIlda FC stamps ba ba ba

Now l do not have a wig shop, and you are not allowed to send live stock through the mail. What The????

Does Baxter play a role in this.....the only softie that l know that has fur, and of course who else would have a giggle at sending this ,

Jodie Carleton of Ric Rac fame.....nothing else needs to be said except Jodie will be at Drapers soon for a class Saturday 21 April come and join in the fun..........

and while this was all happening l started working on Domestic Bliss, no that doesnt mean sitting with a" chardy" and some Premiums, but purely using a new lot of Charm Squares that have arrived its a Retro collection (geee l hate that word, retro that is ) using really bright and strong colours.

Thats all for today so Happy Australia Day and long live this Public Holiday.

Cheers Mary

Where does the time go...

2012-01-22T14:02:00.000+11:00

I am so glad that l did not make any silly New Year resolutions ie like keeping the blog up to date as the 2 weeks have been so busy it was pushed into the background.
But lots has happened new stuff arrived: Calypso

The new William Morris Art and Craft Block of the Month started.

Irene Blanck Focus on Quilts called in with her new creation " Clam Shells , the easy way" and Irene will be a regular at the shop with classes so look in the class section of the website to see when

Noahs Ark Block of the Month Started

Dots arrived,

Cheers Mary

Only positives energies available...

2012-01-08T15:16:00.000+11:00

2012 arrived very quickly (l think thats an age thing) and the old sign was sent to the rubbish bin and a new one was produced.

l had time to relax and do some sewing, l think its called me time, but more realistically the kids left and the significant other went to work. yey yey yey

Peace at last,

It was damn hot for a couple of days, and definately not to my liking.

But l struggled on in my peaceful, child/husband free, computer free, house work free, cooking free SEWING ROOM gee it was hard to do but someone had to...............
The shop reopens on Tuesday.
See you then.
Cheers as always Mary

If it doesnt feel like Christmas now...

2011-12-24T08:45:00.000+11:00

Well if it has'nt started to feel like Christmas yet, look out you are in trouble hate to state the obvious but its tomorrow.........
A change of pace is what holidays are about, you know not doing the usual, l may need to exclude today, tomorrow and the next day , but then add in an after Christmas family birthday and then New Year, so a change of pace wont start until 2012.
But l wouldnt change it for the world, its great to be busy, the chosen family all at home for endless meals, good food (l hope), Santa sacks to open (yes they still have them) and some good weather.
Have a terrific Christmas, and for those of you that do not celebrate that day have a good break from what you normally do and enjoy maybe a sleep in..................
Thankyou to all of my well wishes, thankyou for the steady supply of cards and gifts it was just fan-tab-ulous.........
Have a goodie.......

Cheers Mary

Reds and Stripes

2011-12-20T16:46:00.001+11:00

Thank goodness Santa red is just about over, as l was just about to scream when more red arrived but this is a really nice red to entice you into the new year of projects at this stage l am still staring at it as that is all l am capable of doing at the moment but l am still managing to eat lollies and chocolates thanks to all of the contributors to my waist line and "bum"

Nearly forgot the stripes are in.........l am not going to say anything about that....except my brain hurts....

Cheers Mary

New block programs

2011-12-13T10:37:00.000+11:00

Just before Christmas, Janine has been very busy whipping up the new Block of the Month for the shop The Arts and Craft Sampler by Michelle Hill, it is currently being quilted by Kerrie and will be back ready for purchase in January 2012. So stayed tuned for the arrival......

And l have dragged my way through getting this Block of the month up and running as l was having time issues , colour issues, fabric issues, food issues, shopping issues,cleaning issues and whatever other issues l could make up.........so now Noahs Ark is finished and keeping a date with Kerrie to be quilted it will also be ready in January 2012.......
So all that is to be done to start the new year is to get Christmas out of the way...............how many sleeps to go....??????????

Cheers Mary

Love Birds..what the......

2011-11-29T09:45:00.001+11:00

One appeared in my wire basket.....

A moment later another appeared, so now there are two lovebirds..... they now live in the window...
Patterns are available.......

Just arrived a terrific boys fabric, complete with the fire engine......now available have a look at all of the colours that l have that will work with this fabric.....but of course you need to come in for that...

And another set of different patterns for you, hand puppets a novel idea and easy to make ..

One day to go before December hits and you know what that means......footy is nearly back?????just joking......more projects to finish for the Christmas table......its going well for me at the moment l am on a roll.....but no Christmas shopping done yet.....mmmmmmmm.......this could get to be a problem.

Cheers Mary

Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...

2011-11-22T07:04:00.001+11:00

Santas Stocking Panels still available

Sanata Apron Panels still available

To coin a popular phrase its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas,
There is the count down of weeks, 5 to go apparently,
But its still November aaaarrrhhhh,
Christmas fabric is going out the door for projects to be completed including gifts,
Organising the Christmas gatherings,
Holidays (what are they? no cruises for me),
New projects, classes, deliveries to organise for 2012,
The Kelly family life to organise with the couple of birthdays to celebrate,
A lot of nervous energy around, what is that....
Anticipation l think......

But a little more interesting today is the" Donut".
This fabulous new pattern will be available by the end of the week.

The Donut is an activity ring to sit the baby in, it is very well padded and you can attached toys to the ring for entertainment. A "rippa" of an idea.

And" Dawn" snuck in......a quiet little thing will she fit into the shop ?........

Have a great one today, stress is bad for your health, but Donuts are good.............

Cheers Mary

The lollies win....

2011-11-15T08:15:00.001+11:00

Etchings have arrived (not the graffiti type) but the 3 sisters type.

Just in case you cannot count or you need to learn the alphabet, here is a great kids panel and as is always the case l have lots of brights that will go with the panel.

Fairy Tale friends are in the story corner...

and the lollies are here ,The Sweet Shoppe. sweeeeeeet pinks

Short and sweet (oops today) much sewing to be done........

Cheers Mary

Janice's Play Mat and A Work in Progress

2011-11-09T12:14:00.001+11:00

It all started with a brief conversation with Janice, after a purchase "what are you going to do with that?"

" I am going to back it with laminated fabric for a playmat for my new grandchild"
Brilliant idea l thought so off l went with Janices' idea.
A piece of cute kids panel, add some dots to make it a bit bigger, use some batting, quilt naively with 2 colours of cotton perle.

Asphixiate yourself with quilt basting spray, to attach your laminated fabric and then bind with pre-made binding. All up the job was quick and easy and again a great present for the little ones in our lives, as it folds up quite nicely as the laminate is just beautiful quality, it makes a great floor mat or change mat.......thanks Janice.......what a ripper.......sample in the shop tomorrow........

Some new treats from A Day in the Country arrived more brights in spots and stripes and the matching binding ( heaps of different colours) available

And l managed also to get Jodie's Work in Progress bag finished, l am very impressed with the size as it is quite useful not just" a pretty bag". The Linen worked out really well as did the Bag Batting, fairly quick to make and of course Jodie always manages to get the instructions correct.

The kids panel, dotty fabric,laminated fabric, Jodies pattern A Work in Progress, Bag Batting, Linen, Binding are all available at the shop..........

Cheers Mary

2011-11-08T15:35:00.002+11:00

Robyn Pandolph is back to her best and this collection is just beautiful , the big cabbage roses have made a come back as does the soft shades.

This quilt (just lean your head to the right) is called Fairy Garden, its a great Bronwyn Hayes pattern .
A good cot size pattern that you can use up your scraps. The quilt is on display in the shop.

Cheers Mary...............................................................................................................

The numbers are red....

2011-11-04T20:18:00.000+11:00

The reds seem to have made there way into the shop, must be that Christmas thingo but this was not my intention, l just loved these collections.
Both types classed as red........

but this collection a lot more like rust...

and then the numbers wooooooooooo what do they mean in 1934..............Moda.....
What else is in........wait for the next post...heaps of Layer Cakes, Charm Squares and Jelly Rolls.

Cheers Mary

Flags,Comfort, Laminated fabric

2011-11-02T14:22:00.004+11:00

Well the bunting (flags) ended up looking like this, using a bit of vliesofix , pinking shears and bias binding.
But they started out looking like this, as fabric on a bolt, which l have in store. Nice and easy for you as the selection of fabric has been made for you. A great simple and cheap Christmas present.
Some really nice laminated fabrics have arrived at 1.4 wide , great fabric for Amy Butlers Raincoat Patterns and lets face it you will still need a rain coat in Gisborne during Summer..
Do you need a new tablecloth for Christmas?........
Comfort is a new 'repro' range that has hit the shelf.
Who can work the weather out?????????

Cheers Mary

surrounded by reds and greens

2011-10-30T14:06:00.003+11:00

The reds and greens emerged from storage this could only mean one thing, Christmas is near.
l did manage to complete the shop window with my Christmas goodies, the patterns are in stock and there is a nice array of Christmas fabric to tempt you.
Sophia couldnt help but make an appearance, not to be out done by the reds and greens.

Thankyou very much to the vast array of people who attended my 6th Birthday Shop Sale, it was very successful and it has made room for the new collections that l have been hanging onto, so l will introduce them to you over the next week or so..
Congrats to Mel who won the door prize (the pink door) , thankyou to my" shop girls" who put in huge efforts for me over the week of the sale...
The annual Macedon Quilt-In is coming up soon Saturday 26 November, the quilts are on display in the shop window at the moment so if you are interested in attending you will need to book soon . This is a great event run by Kerrie Thomas(our machine quilter) and proceeds go to the The 1st Macedon Scouts. So its an event worth supporting......
Did you know? that Michele Hill popped into the shop a couple of Tuesdays ago a very impressive woman and she signed some books.....................

Cheers Mary

A big week in the Kelly household

2011-10-08T16:26:00.001+11:00

Yep its another AFL Premiership medal.........
Tired and sore feet
Celebrations a plenty in the rooms
This is what it was like before the game.
and this is what it was like well and truly after the game.

I have eaten too much, drank too much and basically l am still pinching myself checking its real.
The Carj Greeves night was great too, with James polling well and getting equal fourth, so he has had a great year so bring on 2012.......(it will be hard to top)

l also managed to celebrate an o birthday too and thanks to all of the girls that made it so special for me and thanks to my kids and Breno who over indulged me ( and l lapped it up of course) l had a ball .

So now its all over with the celebrations and time to fit in some exercise and more sewing and get this Christmas stuff finished.........
So l will no longer bore you with family matters but get back to the shop and what happens there.

Cheers Mary

Cats eat birds

2011-10-03T08:39:00.002+11:00

Headline: Cats eat Birds, Geelong wins it third AFL premiership in 5 years, To Old , To Slow, What Junk gee the media had it wrong did'nt they...................

What a weekend yippee yippee wasnt it great...still cannot wipe the smile from my face l have taken lots of photos from inside the rooms after the game and during the celebrations and yes the premiership cup makes an appearance.........so hopefully after l edit (yep there are some weird ones what was i thinking) l will get them on by the end of the week.
James pulled up well apart from a crook shoulder that he injured in the 4th quarter, bet you didnt notice that at all, not sure about his liquid intake over the next couple of days.....Anyway as always l am just thrilled for him and what a great reward for all of his hard hard work. Woo Hoo

Cheers Mary

the paparazzi mother !!!!

2011-09-27T11:29:00.002+10:00

yes James it is a suit...with pockets, maybe it was more like where have l put the tickets??
get those shoes cleaned........no James not on the couch!!!!!!!!
and a very nice touch from the tailor of James' Brownlow Suit "Germanicos".
There were a lot more photos taken but "mum stop taking my photo" "oh James you look so handsome in your suit" " Breno said well you can take my photo" " Dream on Baby"said Mary.
My boys had a great night at the Brownlow, James said it was not as much fun as last year.....well James that was because l was there last year.....No mum it was because l could have a drink and go to the after party, but this year it was water and going straight home.
Well James better to be in the Grand Final with a small sacrifice......."Of course Mum that goes without saying......"
By the way daughter No 1, and l managed the room service menu nicely, l got 2 Christmas blocks embroidered and watched the whole tv event and then had the post-op when my boys got back..
So it was all good, now just waiting for Saturday.............

Cheers Mary

one more week to go.......

2011-09-26T11:14:00.002+10:00

No pictures today........l did'nt take my camera to the football on Saturday.........l should have.
but l will tonight for photos of my boys going to the Brownlow........(i am taking my spangles just in case there needs to be a substitute due to injury, Breno may get nobbled)

To more AFL issues, the shop will shut on Saturday 1 October at 2.00 pm so that the girls can watch the final on TV.....while l am watching from the stands its all very exciting again so lets hope it all goes well.

A special mention and thankyou to the girls that work in my shop Janine ,Carmel and Marion as without their help l would not be able to do what l do.

So hopefully all will get back to normal after the next 2 weeks, just in time for the 6th Birthday Sale which will be held from Monday 17 October to Sunday 23 October 2011.
As is usually the case great bargains will be held a tempting 30% off all fabric (minimums do apply), have a look on the website for more details.

Also we have a new class evening class with Janine that will start on Thursday 13 October ,6pm-8pm this is to learn the techniques of machine applique and then machine quilting, more details are listed on the website. Bookings are being taken now.

I will keep you posted with an update from the Brownlow tomorrow ...........and what sewing l got done while my boys were on the blue carpet........

Cheers Mary

Being side tracked.....

2011-09-20T11:54:00.003+10:00

Its easy to get side tracked, ...lots of nice things arrive like Vol 4 of Vignette
all of Kellie Wulfsohn ( Dont Look Now) new patterns arrived and sent me into a spin (the pile of to do is getting bigger)
a quilt that l started and lost track of got finished and is now with Kerrie being quilted. The samples of my Christmas window display are taking shape...........
Organising for my 6th Birthday Sale in October is under way......(more details will follow)

But the best form of being side tracked is when your son gets into the All- Australian Team for 2011 (AFL). I just cannot tell you how wonderful this is not only for us as a family but huge for James as it rewards him for all of his hard work , but there is still another team accolade that we all would like, hopefully in a couple of weeks. (is this being greedy)
So l am now going to float off and have some lunch and continue smiling( gee l am a lucky girl)

Cheers Mary

PS Thanks to all of my well wishers, l am lapping it up and why shouldnt l...............

Have a giggle

2011-09-13T13:56:00.002+10:00

Its amazing, how the flannel that l ordered for May has just turned up, no point getting angry due to the late delivery but only to celebrate the arrival........Alpine Flannel.......
it still looks good
and its well priced........
Only $13.00 per metre, so now is the time to stock up before it all goes....
Glad the weather turned cold again.

Cheer Mary

Backlog

2011-09-11T13:48:00.003+10:00

As promised, (not sure if l should do that) Irene Blancks quilt display, the first is Confetti using tiny hexagons(omg), she uses a repro look with a modern twist by using different types of fabric and as you can see the results are great.

This one is Chocolate and Mint, the green in this quilt doesnt show up that well it is lime green, and certainly makes the chocolate brown look edible (sorry l am hungry no lunch yet)
and then just to mix it up (and because the photos didnt come out in the right order) here is the sample of the Vintage quilt Blocks that l have in stock now, that l have put into a wall quilt.
They will have many uses , l also have a range of fairies in the quilt blocks, for childrens quilts as well.......
and this is Floral Hopscotch which will be our new Block of the Month, l am doing my homework on it at the moment so it will be another month or so before its available.....(i think l said that in another post.)
The patterns are available at the shop........and we have a waiting list for the Block of the Month........and the beautiful quilts are in my shop window.

Cheers Mary

Simple Words

2011-09-10T14:23:00.002+10:00

My simple words for today "Go Cats".........
Woo Hoo...................

Cheers Mary

Computer Gremlins again

2011-09-08T08:33:00.002+10:00

Sorry no pictures to print at the moment the computer is at the witch doctors and l am using a remote one.........
But that will not stop the info flowing...
Irene Blanck has once again,(lucky me) lent me some quilts, l managed to get them in the shop window yesterday,and wow they are fantastic. One of the comments of the day outside the shop was" that looks so easy and l dont need a pattern" That is such a pity as Irene has gone to a massive effort to design and make the quilt and draft and print proper patterns. Some people dont get it...........this is our industry support it............ By the way l have the patterns in the shop . One of the quilts is a block of the month called Floral Hopscotch l have to finish the homework for this first so l will let you know when its available.
Another product that has arrived are Vintage Quilt Blocks that can be used in quilts or in wall hangings they are quite interesting the size is 6" x 4" and have whipped one up to display, but alas the photo is on the camera.....

I dont want to "mos" things but hopefully the pictures will be on next week, and also it would be remiss of me not to mention " Go Cats" woo hoo

Cheers Mary

William by Michelle by Janine

2011-08-30T13:30:00.004+10:00

Janine is a William and Michelle fan, so she said that she would make some samples from one of Michelle Hill books William Morris in Applique, and here are the results.
The first quilt using fabrics from the shop is just great,a lovely cot quilt and relatively quick to do(so Janine says) .
The second wall hanging is a more classical William look.
Casual classes will be run by Janine, working on these samples.(bookings being taken)
More of the William Morris books are in stock and a couple of kits for the childs quilt are available.
A huge thanks to Janine for her work, did l mention the apple core papers....maybe that will be for next time.......

Cheers Mary

Its all about the sun

2011-08-23T11:48:00.004+10:00

It started like this.....on Monday beautiful bright colours for a backing....
and then some portable artifical light run by batteries.....(in stock now, the light that is)
and the shock of actually having the fabric that a new Melly and Me pattern is made of, it all went with the sunny day feeling
and then ended up with the new creation of another Lovable Bears quilt with another design licence from Jan Kerton given to me woo hoo......its fun.......

Ain't the sun grand........it lightens the load and gives you more motivation.......and yes the washing dries in a day not the usual week......

Cheers Mary

PS. the backing is for Lovable Bears quilt.

Little Rocking Horses

2011-08-17T14:39:00.003+10:00

Little Rocking Horses is a great little baby quilt designed and made by the lovely and very talented Janine.
Janine has been a regular teacher at the shop specialising in machine applique,and machine quilting on your domestic machine and for those of you that have visited on Wednesdays you will find her helping me behind the counter.......
I am not sure what name Janine has given her quilt, so l had to make one up so that l could sneak this picture onto my blog, so wont she get a surprise when she gets home.
The quilt is made using 1930s fabric with the background a tiny green spot. The rocking horses are machine appliqued and Janine has machine quilted the quilt in a simple fashion.
Interested in a quick class for this quilt , we will be having one in October so leave your name at the shop.
We will also have the pattern and fabric available soon.

Cheers from sneaky Mary

PS. the quilt is on display in the window at the moment.

Pocket and Floss made by Emma

2011-08-16T16:30:00.003+10:00

Pocket and Floss arrived via Mitchell from the very lovely Emma, she couldnt resist making this pattern and how l admired them when l had a viewing, and to my very pleasant surprise they were for me...and l was absolutely thrilled...how very generous of her when she has just had little Jack and Mitchell is a 4 year old........Gee l am a very lucky girl so thankyou very much Emma........

Cheers Mary

The parade of champions a little early

2011-08-16T16:09:00.006+10:00

Gulliver the green croc arrived,sneaking in the door and slithering around on the brights.....what was he looking for???????or who???????
The next visitor was'nt so quiet, the small bell warned me he was here....good ol Smithy or should l say young Smithy........ quite at peace with himself..........smooth.......

and was'nt Sal beside herself.....no actually she was beside Smith........this could be a problem
Pickle wanted to be posted..........damn seal putting water everywhere......and totally out of his depth
and then lady Croc appeared snuggled up to the hot pinks so l now have the Gulliver family, hope no eggs have been laid.

Jodie you have done it again...........

Cheers Mary

Is it a full moon............

2011-08-09T15:40:00.003+10:00

Whats happening Sally...... on a shelf smelling the roses, or
Looking for Scott.......but he is not here yet....nor is he hiding in blue fabric.......
Maybe the butterflies attracted
Bernie with a tree.......
But instead the Lil Rascals quilt turned up ready to be hung........the fabric is already in and there are only a few kits left.

Maybe the full moon came early this month......

Cheers Mary

Paper shuffling.....

2011-08-03T16:07:00.002+10:00

A day away from the shop, means that l can have a bit of a sleep in, wear my daggy trackies, not make my lunch, not pack up my shop bag, go to the post office and collect a weeks worth of mail, play with the dogs, shuffle paper work for the business and then have the most immense amount of fun playing with fabric and threads, so l managed to finish the taupe quilt and started putting together the Fairy Garden quilt..........
So then for very very very old time sake l turned on the tv to watch while having lunch.. omg Days of our Lives is still on and yes Beau and Hope are still on it looking like they have shares in a hair colouring studio and Botox factory, what a laugh even Victor was still there.....
Gee l can remember watching that years ago when l put the babies to bed for the arvo sleep ....
and feeling relief to have some peace........now it was for pure entertainment of hysterical laughter.....look got go now nearly time for The Bold and the Beautiful arent days off grand......

Cheers Mary

New Bits.....

2011-07-26T08:59:00.002+10:00

Many new things........Taupes
Riley Blake animals
Repro reds,bone and blues

and some balancing Hippos, Jan Kertons newest in her baby animal line........

Short and sweet today.....grocery shopping is the order of the day blah...and more blah

Cheers Mary

Rocky, Dark Chocolate and Lilac

2011-07-21T20:45:00.003+10:00

This is Dark Chocolate and Lilac.....
and for some unknown reason a" damn" lobster turned up, dripping everywhere," its Gisborne mate! miles away from the ocean and hardly the weather for your boardies" And here we go again the animals talking to me............"as you know Maaarzie the weather is quite fine in the northern states and l am dressed suitably, l thought l would come down and visit you in sunny Gisborne, heard it was a happening place (clearly he was looking at the wrong weather map and what patchworkers was he talking to)..... so l hitched a lift and here l am"............. Crazy crazy crazy...... but he fits in....... Rocky is now showing in the shop window...........uncooked..........or with that red shell maybe he is cooked.........Time will tell.

Cheers Mary

Keeping up ....... do you?

2011-07-20T12:14:00.003+10:00

Its really hard to keep up with whats arriving at the shop .....especially when the computer is not being very cooperative, rest assured a new one has been purchased and after another 2 weeks l should be able to load my photos on at a faster pace......l managed to cook tea for tonight, iron and hang the washing out while these photos loaded......mmmmmm.....multi tasking l think its called......
Bronwyn Hayes new patterns have arrived Fairy Garden, Ginger Snaps and the Gift Quilt. You could use these new fabrics in the quilts..
Red dots ..........
and then fantastic bright dots and stripes

and its amazing what you find when you tidy up, a caterpillar from Sewn Toy Tales, no need for insect spray here......should call him Fat 1/8th because that where he is sitting, he thinks the flowers are edible we may have a skinny caterpillar by the end of the week.....(thanks Chris for the loan)

Cheers Mary

Lil Rascals and Mini Movers

2011-06-28T11:31:00.003+10:00

Lil Rascals a collection for the kids, very muted tones,
and this picture of the Mini Mover Overalls by Sew Little, ended up in the wrong sequence anyway better to have a picture than none, we have the pattern and kits for these overalls.
and some of the other bits from the Lil Rascals collection.

Cheers Mary

Cheese Chocolate and Judy

2011-06-28T11:18:00.003+10:00

Its a wonder any work was done at all, in Judy Newmans class Savile Row on Saturday, with the cheese and dry biscuits , chocolate biscuits and lollies. A good Saturday morning tea, l think....
But the super human Judy got the whip out and got the girls working, and here is some of what was produced.

and Judy got stuck in the cutting room, (it was where the chocolates were)
Its always great to have a class by the designer of the quilt, they have secrets that are not included in the pattern. So thanks Judy for coming to the Drapers again.......see you later in the year with another design.

Cheers Mary

PS: Yep they ate all of the chocolates.....................

Pedlar Doll Class

2011-06-20T11:20:00.004+10:00

This is the Pedlar Doll, Bridget Mary designed by Brenda Ryan(Thimblestitch) As you can see there is a multitude of interesting wool felt flowers and decorated pins all sitting in a purse frame being carried by a naive doll complete with a decorated bonnet and shawl.
The doll is in the shop window at the moment if you need a closer look.
We have a class to make this doll on Saturday 9 July 2011 and there are a couple of vacancies so give the shop a call to book in and get further details.

Cheers Mary

Up to date at last lucky for you

2011-06-15T14:18:00.003+10:00

Yep the really bad photos have turned up again, just showing you the new window, that l did this morning featuring Brenda Ryans( Thimblestitch) patterns made up.
Thankyou to Marion for having a loan of her Thimblestitch Box and the pretty pincushions.
No more today girls............

Cheers Mary

On a roll......

2011-06-15T14:00:00.004+10:00

See what happens l am now on a roll to clear the back log of photos......
The above quilt is called Happier (and l couldnt be more), this quilt that l just whipped up (just for Marinas sake) is a good cot quilt size displaying the fabrics from a range that we have called Happier. Kits will be available soon.
Milly-Molly Helps Out is a new pattern by Brenda Ryan (Thimblestitch). As l am a bit hooked at the moment on reds, l decided to make the quilt which is now on display in the shop window
So here is the full size quilt, Kerrie Thomas from Black Forest Quilting did a fantastic job on the quilting, it worth looking at the quilt just for that.

Brenda Ryan is holding a class here at the shop on Saturday 9 July, she will be guiding you through making the Pedlar Doll, we still have only a couple of vacancies if you are interested.

And speaking of red, here is Judy Newman's new quilt called Deck the Halls. A simple Christmas quilt that is easy to make.......the quilt is on display in the shop and we have the pattern.
(I am keeping my eyes shut noooooooo not Christmas its only 6 months away)

Cheers Mary

Issuessssss

2011-06-15T13:37:00.004+10:00

After a few technical hitches, l can finally blog again, the computer decided it was on its Easter break.......wouldnt it be nice to be a computer just take a break when you wanted no warning, no advising anybody, people still checking on you making sure you are okay ,while still earning an income sounds good doesnt it but l still had the upper hand.....just turn the power off.......
Anyway lucky life still goes on at full pace at the shop.........
"Sewn Tales" Melly and Me's new book has been on the shelves for a little while now , a great book for those of you hooked on softies.
Rosalie Quinlans new pattern Broderie BackPack has been made up and is on display in the window, a great size .........
Have you always wondered what goes on in Jan Kertons class. This is a finished example of what can be done. This great project was taken from Jenny McWhinneys book" Lovable Bears"
I was lucky enough to get the finished thread painted blocks, to make up this quilt design (my own) for Jan. I was really happy with the finished product.

What a scholar.........yep this is done with thread. This is one of the many things that can happen in Jan Kertons classes.(bookings essential)

Cheers Mary

Vignette and Flannel

2011-05-30T11:59:00.002+10:00

Leanne Beasleys magazine Vignette No 3 has just arrived and well worth purchasing,we have some copies available now, you are still able to subscribe to this magazine through the shop,as we have some No1 and 2 copies........
and Animal Play has just arrived a lovely childrens flannel.

Cheers Mary

Jan Kerton classes

2011-05-24T16:36:00.002+10:00

An apology l published the wrong dates for Jans class.................
I have some vacancies in Jans casual classes on Saturday 4 June and Friday 10 June , just give the shop a call to book.
Thanks....

Cheers Mary

Reubenssssss and Fun Flowers

2011-05-24T13:10:00.004+10:00

They were everywhere.........who you ask........it was Reuben and Reuben and Reuben. A great day was had on Saturday with the" one in a million" Jodie Carleton. A very enthusiastic group of ladies were entertained by Jodie, we managed to sing Happy Birthday to Pat and Sharnie and Pat delivered some completed Breast Cancer Cushions. Thankyou very much. So it was a very busy day .
Thankyou to Jodie, hopefully we will see Jodie back later in the year.
Also managed to get Fun Flowers together, now just the wait for the quilting and kits.........

Cheers Mary

Lions and Tigers and Bears oh my.....

2011-05-20T22:42:00.003+10:00

A Lion, a Giraffe. a Panda and a Monkey all going for a ride...
And a monkey driving the train , no leopards because they just change their spots!!!!!!!!!! The animal train wool/cashmere dressing gown using Jan Kertons animals and made by Cheryl is on display in the shop window. Thankyou to Cheryl for her beautiful work. The plan is to have kits for the dressing gown and all the animals so l will let you know when they are ready.
We do have kits for Jan new design Noahs Ark, this great blanket is also on display in the window. Thank again Jan, we also have a couple of vacancies for Jan's June classes Friday 3 June and Saturday 11 June if you are interested???????

Cheers Mary

Little Wonderland and more little people quilts

2011-05-17T14:54:00.004+10:00

Some little boy quilts,
Some little girl quilts,
Just some cute quilts
and a lovely new Make it Perfect pattern Little Wonderland, so easy.............
Patterns and kits will be available soon.

Cheers Mary

Happier for sure.......

2011-05-10T13:19:00.003+10:00

After the Easter illness (that l might add has only just departed) some boxes arrived and these lovely bright and fresh fabric arrived.
Sugar and Spice......... reds....
and very bright green
and then Happier..........(after Mothers Day of being totally spoilt by my" babies" thankyou)
little cute birds, and flowers and bugs.....in my" fav" colours orange, bright green and hot pink
Samples will float through soon........
We have a couple of vacancies for our Casual Saturday morning session with Marina if you are interested , learn to make a quilt, get help with a quilt or quilt a quilt.
Just call the shop if you fit the bill...........

Cheers Mary

Bindings, Chocolate and Tissues

2011-05-03T13:33:00.003+10:00

Sweet Nothings arrived
along with a Train with lots of trimmings,
and the very heavy couch potato type cold arrived also with the Easter break, great the only good thing about not being well is that it actually stops you which is obviously the purpose of it and isnt it amazing that it happens during a short break from the shop............blah blah.......and i didnt even get to the Cats/Hawks match which was a bit of a pity..........but........
as is always the case with me there is always an upside.............watching the footy on the tv, eating volumes of chocolate of which i couldnt taste, and finishing off the next lot of bindings for the next lot of new quilts so all was not lost..............
This great quilt Savile Row by Judy Newman is still on display in the shop and due to endless requests for a class we now have one on Saturday 25 June so bookings are being taken at the moment.......Its great to have the pattern but even better to have a class with the person that designed and made the quilt.............
Thats all for the minute, lots of new things coming up in the way of quilts so as i get them organised i will post the photos.......

Cheers Mary

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T11:23:00.003+10:00

Happy Easter.........make sure you eat lots of chocolates.........start the diet Monday week.

Cheers Mary

Brights and Cubes

2011-04-13T22:56:00.003+10:00

Just another couple of bolts have arrived .....nothing unusual about that except this fabric is a heavier weight and is ideal for cushions, bags etc the limit is your imagination......but arent the colours great.........

And Carmel used hers....imagination that is.......a great kids panel that she made into a cube complete with a bell inside...a great quick and easy project.......

Cheers Mary

Kumari Garden and All the Buzz

2011-04-06T21:45:00.005+10:00

A couple of new arrivals Kumari Garden, l dont think this will be around for long........its proving to be very popular.......

And our little crawly creatures.......All the Buzz........
But where is Reuben??????? I know one thing his class is fully booked and a waiting list is happening.......

Cheers Mary

Three Little Maids....and Reuben again

2011-03-29T15:49:00.003+11:00

Look this is where his royal highness ended up for his personal appearance, underneath my Petite Ecole 9 patch quilt. Reuben is in his element, waving and eeeaawwing. And look what happened.....
these three little" chicks " (or maids) turned up...They heard about Reuben and his excellent accommodation by Jodie. So now the three little maids are here.....what next........
Judy Newman was here on our action packed Saturday, teaching the girls her quilt" Gelati". Thankyou to Judy and lucky us she left her new quilt" Deck The Halls" which is a fun Christmas quilt . I hopefully will do some climbing in the next week or so to put the quilt up, patterns will be available and a photo........

Cheers Mary

Little Ninjas , Reuben, Time for a Change

2011-03-24T21:00:00.004+11:00

You thought that it had been a bit quiet...but you were mistaken Reuben has now acquired body guards the Little Ninjas , so l have been warned not to take photos unless l book in with his management for a time and place gee anyone would think that he has a public profile.......

So just in "Time for a Change"
and it was a very easy and pleasant change, using the new pvc coated fabric we have in the shop, and the Sew Little pattern , so l made a boy version using the brown polka dot
and a girl version using the coloured polka dot.
and l topped the week off with "Sugar Pop " my new quilt using raw edge applique. Kits will be available hopefully next week depending on how Reuben behaves.........

Cheers Mary

PUBLIC NOTICE: Reuben will be making a store appearance in the front window of the shop for the next week.............by permission of Ric Rac management..........

Vignette and continuing with Reuben

2011-03-15T11:24:00.004+11:00

Vignette by Leanne Beasley Issue 2 has finally arrived and we do have some Issue 1 available also, sign up for this mag to ensure as it comes in you will get it. We also have some fat quarter bundles that are used in the mag..........
" Well Mary ! why is there no cotton in these racks and also why is the end of the counter not painted" Reuben eeeeaaawwwwdddd. xxxxxyyyyzzzz said Mary

Cheers Mary

An A+ and clomp clomp

2011-03-08T10:42:00.004+11:00

I finally managed to finish the Make it Perfect A + Skirt, it is a fabulous pattern very easy and will probably get thrashed in the MK wardraobe but it will need to stop thinking that l am the size, l was when l was 18, many moons ago.........and then there was a stomping noise outside......
Jodie sent Reuben down to the shop....she obviously thinks that Gisborne is cold as he had his jacket on but he did have a t-shirt in his bag, the jacket was for his formal introduction not the cold...he said in a rather pompous tone.......woo hoo l replied as its hardly a place for seriousness..when l am behind the counter....."Hello Mary, my name is Reuben, and l have come to stay" more like kicked out by Jodie for the "tude"that was being displayed l thought.
"Well Reubs get your little bod out of the door and l will find a spot for you to sit"
"Jodie said that you would provide a 5 star accommodation for me ." Reuben said" Well Reubs you are in a 5 star place but you will have to earn your keep" Mary said Donkeys eat heaps Mary thought.
So up jumped Reuben on the bench to be with Amy, he is expecting her to appear from her book, he thinks its a photo album....its going to be along stay... Mary thought.
And then Mary pondered as she does from time to time, another animal is talking to me.......

Cheers Mary

PS. Class to make Reuben with Jodie Carleton Saturday 21 May 2011

Baby Talk and Dots and Stripes

2011-02-25T22:34:00.003+11:00

This week saw the safe arrival of some lovely vibrant dots, stripes and micro-checks
Some very interesting colours indeed........and a lot more not pictured......
Baby Talk in blue
and pink . Pale Green also arrived but no photo.........
It was a week of arrivals, Parlan, Bag Batting, More books, More Cottage Garden Threads and little" Hudson Anthony Egan".....
and a sad departure Steve Simpson, thoughts to Debbie and the kids...........

Cheers Mary

Reuben and Gelati

2011-02-20T15:00:00.004+11:00

Now you are going to get bombarded with info, clearing the In- tray, "Reuben" is Jodie Carletons latest creation and we are lucky to have Jodie and Reuben come and play on Saturday 21 May for a class 10-3 pm Bookings are being taken now and yes there are only a couple of places left, he who hesitates is lost or misses out........
Judy Newman called into the shop a week or so ago and dropped in 3 of her quilts for display in the shop window (another job that was completed yesterday...new window.....)
We are having Judy hold a class on Saturday 26 March for her design of Gelati, (as shown in the picture) this class is for the hand piecers of the patchwork community. Judy will also discuss colour selection and quilting with cotton perle thread.
Havent heard of Judy Newman, well you must have been sleeping , Judy teaches and works at Amitie in Bentleigh,and has a range of patterns Design House Quilts, she has an excellent take on getting things done and her use of colour and stripes is fab.....
Bookings are being taken now for the class...........
The other 2 quilts in the window are Saville Row and Up and Away( a simple childrens quilt....)

Now l havent mentioned that Margaret Mew, also called into the shop and showed me her reproduction quilts........look l actually didnt use a ladder yesterday, l was actually still floating after Margarets visit, and yes she will be coming to the shop for a couple of workshops in the second half of the year, we will be stocking her patterns and we will be having a special Block of the Month from her, all of the details will filter through later....

Now is this enough to keep you interested until you get my next instalment......

Cheers Mary

PS. And then there is Brenda Ryan also coming for a workshop Saturday 9 July teaching us how to make her new Pedlar Doll....
PSS. 7 minutes until footy starts, hopefully another good year for the baby boy and of course the cats fingers crossed.

Now February is nearly gone...

2011-02-20T14:39:00.004+11:00

Okay no blogs for a while, l am going to have to re-assess things a bit, give a different excuse each time l blog, mmm dont think that will work.......l have been very busy (and footy has'nt even started yet Foxtel at 3.30 ) and the same old saying that l am no longer going to use "where is the time going ?". Well to tell you the truth, its flying but l am so lucky to be doing things that l love so no more excuses just get on with it.....
Hoopla is now on display, yes l did some major moving around yesterday, up and down the ladder, its amazing what you can see from a height.....dust that is.........
Hoopla was whipped up over the Christmas Holidays, l like it and l managed to use all of the left over bits to piece the backing.....Kits available.

Penny Lane by Riley Blake arrived during the week, back to the softer pink hues.....
Also the girls have been working really hard, getting the kits together for The Breast Cancer Cushions, they are now ready to go.......so if you are interested in sewing the kits up..we would be happy for you to either come and sew on selected dates or pick one or two up and return the completed ones as soon as possible........another great way to help others all of the kits are sponsored by The Drapers.......

Cheers Mary

What happened to January ?

2011-02-07T13:52:00.003+11:00

Where on earth did January go????????, and once again the weather has provided a lot of conversation and by coincidence when this sample was being made the weather was 20 degrees hotter.....figure that one out. Here is Beach Baby Bag what would you put into it.......suncreen and a bottle of water or a raincoat and a thermos of coffee both would be appropriate.
Peek A Zoo and some Re-mix also arrived

Have you met Reuben? not yet well he is on his way to the shop with his designer Jodie Carleton....for a class on the Saturday 21 May 2011. Bookings are being taken now.
I hope he has good shoes on for the walk..........

Cheers Mary

Aunt Grace again.....

2011-01-26T12:01:00.003+11:00

Yes this is the bad picture of Aunt Grace Circle of friends quilt that is on display in the shop window. The block of the month is now available.
We have all of the fabric (1930s) that is in the Aunt Grace quilt available at the shop, this just shows you a few.........
Hoopla will be a kit available soon.........
As will the black and white panel quilt (no reference to the pies, will be made at all).

If you are interested in any of the classes, you will need to get booking as they are filling........Projects for Jodie Carleton's class ( Ric- Rac) and Brenda Ryan's(Thimblestitch) class and Judy Newman (Design House Quilts) will be posted next week......they are good...
Also look out for classes with Margaret Mew (reproduction quilts) coming to our shop woo hoo.

Cheers Mary

ps. A great way to celebrate Australia Day with a mid week break..........

Aunt Grace Circle of Friends

2011-01-21T21:37:00.003+11:00

This is the picture of the picture which is a picture of the quilt that is in the window but i forgot to take the quilt picture so you have to have this picture of the picture.
Its ready Aunt Grace Circle of Friends Block of the Month on sale at the shop now limited numbers.

Cheers Mary

Ps. Its a big quilt 82" x 82"

Lady Penelope

2011-01-17T20:33:00.004+11:00

This is just a part of the collection called Penelope, soft pretty pink
soft baby blue with florals
and in the words of Nigella" lucious red" this only represents a bit of the collection.
and if your wondering where Lady Penelope came from , early viewing of the Thunderbirds......
Thunderbirds are go.....just like this collection...........

Cheers Mary

I've got the power...now

2011-01-14T14:39:00.002+11:00

What do you do when you arrive to play at the shop and there is no power.........nothing works and it just hits home that maybe i should have had that cup of coffee..on no.... its a bit quieter no radio......mmmmm just me.........so a perfect opportunity to get a lot done..........well what a joke that was....lots of people called past to check i was okay so i opened the shop issuing miners lamps.... and like moths to a light in came the customers, that presented another situation cash only babes.......damn power..........no coffee anywhere available......ahhhhhhhhhhhhh........then a massive delivery of fabric.......pouring rain and boxes......it was Penelope....at last this fabric had arrived.......cutting cutting......in the semi darkness.
The power came back on at 1.45pm and out came the sun just in time to dry the wet fabric sign from yesterday, and i finally got my coffee................
and the computer had to be fired up again.............

Cheers Mary

All this mad weather

2011-01-13T21:11:00.004+11:00

It seems that we tend to complain when its wet, hot or dry but usually we use these as conversation pieces. So in our next lot of conversations we need to spare lots of thoughts to the people of Queensland. How tragic ........
There are already lots of fundraising starting to filter through and details of a Charity Night for the Queensland Flood Appeal arrived today:
To be held at: Vines Restaurant (next door to our shop) on Saturday 22 January 2011,
you can assist by attending the night or donating goods for the auction etc.

This night is being organised by the Mount Players Theatre Company and the staff of Vines.
For more details email secmountplayers@hotmail.com.or http://themountplayers.com

Also Toni Coward (Make it Perfect) is running on online auction, at http://www.tonicoward.blogspot.com/ you may be able to support.

What more can l say.........

Cheers Mary

Holiday samples

2011-01-10T21:18:00.004+11:00

This picture represents part of my holiday projects that l have had a ball doing, do you recognise any of them, ignore the horse up the top,he looks like his leg has been broken already, you will get a giggle out of seeing him. The carry basket was one that l had always wanted to do, l just have to do the doll now........maybe next Christmas....only joking.......
The new sign got done..................
I finished the binding on another Block of the Month Aunt Grace Circle of Friendship which will be available shortly at the shop, Kerrie from BlackForest Quilting has done another brilliant custom quilting job did l mention that the quilt is huge 82" x 82" but gee it was fun to do.
There is more.........maybe tomorrow l will share with you.

Cheers Mary

PS: Yes l did sleep,...........

Bring it on.......oops its already here

2011-01-10T16:03:00.004+11:00

The debate rages what do we call the year, depending on the era that you come from or what you see as correct or just going with the flow, is it Two thousand and eleven or twenty eleven or two "o" one one, what ever you decide it will be your choice so welcome to 2011...... yes i know that we are already 10 days in but l have officially opened up the computer, not without a whole lot of excuses not to....l have been enjoying my break..........my sewing machine has had a very good work out and l have lots of new samples and quilts, my camera is on the charger so no photos today but l will get to that......

All but 2 of the classes for term 1 and 2 have been finalised, a couple of the projects are yet to be decided so keep posted and hopefully i will have pictures soon........

I did manage to put a new window in just before Christmas which is the bad "Mary" picture above, it features a new Block of the Month called Down in the Garden, along with 123 Funky Monkeys and the Chic Geek Bag........ hope you enjoy it.

Cheers Mary

PS: Shop reopens on Thursday

Christmas at last....

2010-12-24T15:22:00.003+11:00

It seems like it happens all of the time, creatures appear on my bench and look at them, as if they wouldnt send you into a spin after a very mad week at the shop. The eyes looked very familiar when l looked in the mirror.
Funky Monkey 123, are in the window so maybe they will mesmerise you.
At last Christmas is nearly here, it seems like we spend forever getting organised for the impending date and its a relief when its one sleep away, and gee that sleep will come in handy.
Have a terrific Christmas with lots of "pressies"and yummy food, lots of over indulgence.
and Happy New Year.

Ho Ho Mary

I come in peace

2010-12-09T21:59:00.003+11:00

I thought this picture was quite appropriate, the little stuffed alien " I come in Peace" had a few similarities to me yesterday.
After the Chocolate Mousse Log disaster, which l must say tasted beautiful, but was never going to be photographed for a Donna Hay cook book. My birthday cooking expedition continued, so the menu was as follows: Entree: Salmon/Dill Terrine Main: Homemade Chicken Thai Burgers, Rare Beef with Chilli Jam, Tossed Green Salad, This weird Spud Salad l do with asparagus ,bacon, parmesan and Garlic mmmmmmmm, Brown Sugar and Thyme Roasted Vegetables, Dessert: The log, 4 layer sponge with fresh fruit, Individual Lemon Baked Cheese cakes and a plate of Happy Birthday little cakes.
So as you can read it was an epic, but l managed not to rip anybodies head off( nothing that a "cardi" didnt fix) it was a great night the family thought apart from the food being nice, l had lost my voice and could'nt speak properly. No laughing thanks...........
So after the kids had gone home, l took my Blue cape off and went to bed.

Cheers Mary

Slopping around ..... literally

2010-12-07T15:23:00.004+11:00

This Amy Butler bag pattern Kimberly is far more exciting than what l have just being doing....you know running around in circles getting food prepared for December birthdays, and stupidly with limited time, l decide to try a new recipe a Chocolate Mousse Log. Seriously l should have stuck to the basics, but we have a tradition in our house for birthdays. The birthday person gets to pick the menu.........what a lovely idea you say...but this time my boys ganged up on me and have asked for unusual time consuming things to be made.........
So in the best interests, of my family not having to wear their crash helmets when they come home for tea, l decided to pull the pin on cooking for today.....tomorrow is another day.......

So " Down in the Garden" by Leanne Beasley is our new Block of the month for the shop, l will post more details later after the roof stops leaking from the massive downpour we are having, l did manage to get the washing dry first .......a bonus..........
The sewing room is calling........ah peace at last.............maybe l should put the gumboots on.....lucky we have a boat..............

Cheers Mary

Santas, three sweet bluebirds and Happy

2010-11-23T13:33:00.004+11:00

You may have noticed our cute collection of Santas in our new Christmas window, five in total of varying sizes.
We are the selling the panel that makes all 5 of the Santas a really quick and easy Christmas "deco"
There are only 2 Blue birds at the moment not sure whether the third will appear, but this lovely sewing bag pattern is available along with kits in the same fabric a really nice holiday project, if you were thinking that far ahead.......
And here is a new quick quilt that l made from" Happy" charm squares and a few extra bits of fabric thrown in, kits will be available by the end of the week........

Cheers Mary

Flat Nat and so it is Christmas ......not.....yet......

2010-11-18T22:11:00.003+11:00

Do you ever have that flat feeeeling l am sure Nat does..........welcome to Flat Nat the travelling stitcher by Cinderberry Stitches an ideal present fo the stitching gal with every thing.....Kits available in the colours shown........

Snowflake came prepared today...as in typical Melbourne style it got cold....maybe he is getting ready for a New York style Christmas but in the interim he will be in the window......what window you ask......
The Drapers Christmas window............
Hard to get the head around its nearly Christmas but l hate to state the obvious.....
Thanks to Kaffe Fassett for his design "Gift"

Cheers Mary

A bit of a contrast

2010-11-14T11:03:00.003+11:00

Two more collections have arrived, both very different firstly " A Journey through time" obviously a reproduction collection. Great blues, maroons and and mustards.
And secondly" Quite Contrary" full of fresh and bright lime greens and pinks.

And then this "chick " appeared on the counter, Madame Babushka, strangely enough she has'nt started talking yet, she probably cannot get a word in....you know all of that wet weather talk.........But she did bring along the family in pattern form............

Cheers Mary

Using a shoe horn

2010-11-05T20:24:00.003+11:00

I now know what it is like to use a" shoe horn"............ you know one of those things that squashes your foot into a tight shoe......just like at the shop fitting all of the new collections of fabric in...
Above pictured is " Wellesley" I have used this fabric in the shop window display.
Luna Notte by Three Sisters,
and the new and wonderfully bright collection by Rosalie Quinlan Sweet Broderie
So thats 9 new collections since our sale yes and I have had to squash them in.........gee what a chore surrounded by all of the nice fabric.............

Cheers Mary

Punctuation and Happy

2010-11-01T10:34:00.004+11:00

Here is just a small slice of the Punctuation Panel, we also have some of the coordinates.
And here is a little bit of Happy by Moda.

Cheers Mary

PS: I hate to state the obvious gee its wet.........................

2010-11-01T10:34:00.001+11:00

Civil War Blues, and Bliss

2010-10-28T19:57:00.003+11:00

And yes there was more, Civil War Blues
and just a sneak peek of Bliss. All on the shelves now........

Cheers Mary

oops my mistake

2010-10-26T11:09:00.002+11:00

Well l am sorry, while Happy is by Moda and is in the shop, this picture is of another bright collection called Fun Flowers. I promise in future to concerntrate on one job at a time while l am blogging, but what the hec " I am woman".......

Cheers Mary

Super Mitch,Reindeer,Sale Report and Fresh Fabrics

2010-10-26T09:45:00.002+11:00

Well even" Super Mitch" heard about our fabulous 5th Birthday Sale and flew in, a definate photo opportunity ensued , much to Mum, Emma's delight, "Super Mitch" stayed still for a couple of seconds.
Thankyou you very much to all of our customers that came from far and wide, to help clear shelves for us, it was just great. The carpet is nearly worn out due to all of the traffic..........
A touch of reality, Christmas is just around the corner and look who has turned up early. This little reindeer will soon be in our Christmas window (shudder)....there are lots of Christmas patterns available at the shop......yes there is still time to whip something up.............
So as the shelves were relieved of some stock during our sale, we had lots of room for nice new stock, and yes Mary was a woman on a mission yesterday , rearranging the shop (surprise surprise) and getting the seven new collections out onto the shelves.
So welcome to Clermont Farms by Moda, lovely blues and reds........
and Happy by Moda. Happy is just full of brights, with lots of orange. (mmmmmmm)

Cheers Mary

PS. There will be more pictures tomorrow
PSS. Betty Smith from Macedon won the great door prize, l wonder if this will present a photo opportunity.....

Swanning around.......by Melly and Me

2010-10-17T15:20:00.003+11:00

The weather has been so moist around here, that even the Swans abandoned their ponds and came into the dry and warmth of the shop......Fancy that...........now they are in the window......
I hope they are ready for a busy week with the 5th Birthday sale..............

Cheers Mary

Gift and Doily Dolls

2010-10-14T19:05:00.003+11:00

Forgot to show you one of the quilts from the Gift book, so here it is................
And look at these Doily Dolls, we will be having a class to make them in November ( I will give you the date shortly), just in time for Christmas....I can relate to the hair............
Cheers Mary

PS Dont forget our 5th Birthday sale starts Monday......................

Gift by Rosalie Quinlan

2010-10-12T09:10:00.003+11:00

Long after the glitz and glamour diminished and the nail polish faded and l got back to normal "Miss Milly " Rosalies girl arrived and languished on the bench. "Its been a big month"Milly said
"Tell me about it" Mary said " but no bigger than this month of October will be being Breast Cancer awareness Month " "Do I have to go in the window" sooked Milly. " Yes " Mary said "Our customers and many window shoppers need to see what a great book you have been created from. So you need to be with the Angels- Love, Joy and Peace, your best friends cushion and the little multiplying Matryoshka Angels"
"Well what will I get out of it" Milly said with "tude". Feeling a bit teary Mary said" Well there are a lot of women who have breast cancer and by selling this book, the distributor will donate to Pink Ribbon Day and we are going to donate the pretty pinwheel quilt to the cause as well"
Mary looked around and Miss Milly had gone.........straight to the window....even at her age she gets the significance.......
Cheers Mary

Sparkle and Bling Night

2010-09-22T10:53:00.000+10:00

I had a date on Monday night with my son James at Crown Palladium,and what a great night it was for a mother who is a footy tragic..............
No blue carpet for us which was a relief not by careful planning but by virtue of James leaving our tickets in Geelong, so after realising that he had also left his shoes in the car which was now in the carpark deep under Crown, we were fashionably late (6.30 pm). So as not to make a grand entrance we were taken along with another Geelong ticket forgetter, via the top floor lifts , via the Mahogony Room back to the Palladium where the boys had to have there identity verified . The chick at the door who had clearly left her smiley face at home then gave us the wrong table number which left James and I standing in a sea of sitting people, and yes l had my high heels on and every Tom ,Dick and Harry was chatting to James on the way through.
Then it happened, OMG we were sitting right up the front next to the stage, surrounded by the Collingwood table, Carlton table and Freo table. Now my confidence was taking a bit of a beating as the comments were being made "oh James thats lovely you've brought your mum" little did they know that as a child l brainwashed James with tapes at night " if you ever play AFL you will take your mum to the Brownlow"
We finally made it to our table, but Gaz and Loz hadnt made there entrance yet so we were not caught up in the media throng following them.
I was starving, but you can guarantee that there was plenty of spare plates on our table as the girls eat like sparrows. The food was okay, your glass never empty and there was always someone to talk to, not to mention all of the behind the scenes laughs that went on.
It is really a night for the girls or WAGS as they say , the night must boost the cosmetic industry sales by a least 100%, it was awesome to see the dresses.
My dress was perfect for the night and there were no malfunctions, the shoes really comfortable at one stage l though it would be easier to put my foot up on the table so my shoes could be displayed as they were getting a lot of attention. (Thanks to Di from Peach Illusion in Gisborne).
The other good thing was that you are totally oblivious to the cameras, there was that much going on, at one stage l said to Nadia (Jimmys girlfriend) can you move your seat away from me, the problem was she could hardly move as her dress(which was stunning ) was so fitted and heavy that she could hardly move.
Oh to be young and that thin again...........Not..................
I had a ball and will be ever grateful to James for asking his mum.........
Cheers Mary

sneak peek, vacancy, giddy up..all in a day

2010-09-12T11:57:00.003+10:00

Here is a sneak peek at Melia's new quilt , a quick and easy strip quilt with a french feel using the" drapers standard frill" kits will be available shortly.......
Marinas 1930's Flower Baskets class has a few vacancies on Tuesday 5 October if you are interested....the quilt is on display in the shop window at the moment.
Well who are these "doooooods" Giddy Girl thought.........
Mary replied" you mean the eyeless Giddy ups made in our Saturday afternoon class"
"Well l didnt get any coffee and chocolates" said sooking Giddy Girl. " That is just what happens when you are busy" Mary said " but you had a lot of fun prancing around the shop, you cannot have it all " and Mary thought why is it that all of the animals talk to her......just lucky l guess.

News Flash: We are now open on Sundays 11.00 - 3.00 pm Sunday Market day times will stay the same 9.00 - 4.00 pm

Another News Flash: Our 5th Birthday Sale is coming for a whole week from Monday 18 October to Sunday 24 October look out for sale details as the weeks get closer...........

Lantern Strings

2010-09-03T10:28:00.004+10:00

Nearly forgot to mention,(all caught up with Bevs work in the window) the other quilt on display is Lantern Strings.
and included in the quilt pattern is the pattern to make these little lanterns, a great decorative idea to compliment your quilt. Can also look great in Christmas fabrics ...........
We have the pattern available, fabric used is Flower Sugar.......

Cheers Mary.

PS: of course" Go Cats"

Blooming Springtime by Irene Blanck

2010-09-03T10:16:00.002+10:00

We are once again lucky to have one of Irene Blanck's creations, a Block of The Month called Blooming Springtime.
This Block of the Month is great for those of you that love needle- turn applique.
Now available at the shop.

Cheers Mary

Bev Macleans work on display

2010-09-03T10:01:00.003+10:00

Bev Macleans artistic work on display, the pink toy box.........(or fabric box)
The blue toy box...........
and the blue clown.........
All of Bev fine wares are for sale.......

Cheers Mary

Slumber Party and Owls

2010-08-28T11:29:00.005+10:00

One of the quilts featured with Bev's pieces, is Slumber Party using Flower Sugar fabrics and beautifully quilted by Kerrie Thomas of Black Forest Quilting.
Kits are available.........
This cute little owl fabric also arrived, ideal for the budding bird watcher.......
Apparantly Owls are in.... at the moment...............

Colourful, colourful,colourful yes I know it was spelt wrong............

Cheers Mary

Who is that??????and introducing Bev Maclean

2010-08-28T10:57:00.005+10:00

Well Friday was a big day,a 'big new coulorful window and a couple of new guests. Sure to put a super hero's nose out..........
I was not wrong, Archie tried to stay and play, but Jodie called in and collected all of her wares.
But Bev Maclean, a local artist and patchworker left another booty of goods.
For the uninitated, Bev Maclean is a self taught artist that has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember and I might add is no slouch in the quilt making industry either.
In one of our many "convos" Bev told me she had just finished painting the new fairy chair in the local fairy shop, so after drooling over this piece of work I asked if she had any other chairs. Yes she did.
So now on display in our window are some pieces of Bevs work ( all for sale)
Lucky us

Cheers Mary

Oh No whats Archie up to

2010-08-25T10:15:00.003+10:00

All was quiet in the window, thought Mary she was very busy with customers, when little Eadie and Audrey started giggling. Cute kids Mary thought.............but what is making them giggle oh no they are looking at the window, that could only mean one thing.......Archie................
and I was right..............Archie was being a super hero, launching himself on to Jodies beautiful Selvedge Dress, then down onto the Kinder Boy (who I might add was a bit put out because he thought he was the only one with a red cape making him a super hero)
"Hey Kinder Boy" said Archie " Wanna cuppa" " No I am too little for a cup of tea " said Kinder Boy " but if you are offering a milk shake I'm in." " Can we have one too" said Parsley and Beet
Well thought Mary I wouldnt mind a double shot Latte, but that was silly Archie was not allowed outside as the shop is near a great park that has swings and we all know what that means.........
Eadie and Audrey said goodbye to Archie and he managed a wave.
All of that super hero stuff makes little "fellas" tired so he snuggled into Kinder Girls warm dressing gown for a little rest. "Peace at last" said Mary. " Its so great having Jodies family here for a holiday, but gee its makes me feel old chasing a 3 year old super hero around the shop" thought Mary.
The phone rang and it was Jodie, who was feeling much better after her bout of coughing, "Thankyou for looking after my crew but I am ready to take them home" Jodie said
" No worries" Mary said " I will have them ready to travel back to Ballarat"
Mary just though how lucky she was to have met Jodie and how great it was to have the crew holiday in Gisborne. We are all richer for the experience...........
Mary stopped and pondered I wonder what will happen next week.........

Izzy's despair

2010-08-20T19:30:00.004+10:00

Well I arrived at work this morning to find Izzy all upset and hot under the collar.
"Whats up Izzy" Mary said as she was opening the shop.
"Well Miss Mary...oops Mary....its Archie....I am so upset by his behaviour."
"Please explain" Mary said in her best Pauline impersonation.....
"Well Mary just look at where he is" said Izzy

So looking in the window and calling "Archie" I heard a pig squeal, a monkey scratch and a bear groan......."what on earth" Mary said Talk about disruptive behaviour Archie had started causing havoc amongst the Animal House Bag. Mary was wondering if his real name should be James.
After looking back to Izzy to tell her I understand, Archie went missing again, cheeky little frog.
"Archie" Mary called again. No response except a garbled he' s over here from the Zipper Mouthed Monsters.
So upon looking and seeing where he was Mary said" Archie if you are not going to sit nicely in the window this week you will have to go home to Jodie , so please behave so my customers can see how great you are"
"Yep no problems Maaarzzzeee" with his fingers crossed "I will be good this week" Archie said.
"Thankyou Archie" said Mary wondering if Jodie was aware of what she had created......

Marinas 1930s window

2010-08-16T13:14:00.003+10:00

Once again my photographic skills are not great, but we have been lucky enough to have a loan of some of Marinas quilts for our 1930s window display. And l am sure by looking you will see how beautiful these quilts are.
There are also some quaint little doily dolls on display. You may like to do a class??????
Terrific Tuesdays is when you can do this....
A class for the Flower Basket Quilt is on Tuesday 5 October a few places available if you are interested and also there are some Mini Quilts on display and there is a class for this on Tuesday 12 October and there are also some places available.

Cheers Mary

Ps Thanks Marina the quilts are great.

Cheers Mary

Izzy and Archie visit The Drapers

2010-08-16T12:39:00.003+10:00

There was a knock at the door, I looked up (as it is unusual to knock at our door) and there was no-one there, strange the wind must be rattling the door, then there was a little voice " Mary open the door" now I am definately going mad as I walked over to investigate, there were 2 little people that were miles away from home...........
"Does Jodie know that you are here" said Mary
" Of course she does" said Archie in his little cheeky voice " We heard you had a swing in the backyard and Jodie said we could have another go on a swing when she was feeling better"

"Now I will have to check with Jodie that she knows you are here" said Mary. So Archie busted his way through the door and Izzy as embarassed as ever, suggested that I ring Jodie. " Look wait here and have a rest and I will open the back door so that you can have a play in the back yard, when l finish serving my customers." said Mary
"No worries Maaarzee" Archie said.
Well typical of a three year old, he fell over trying to jump down to go outside. It was all a bit exhausting coming from Ballarat to Gisborne. So if you look in the shop window you will see Izzy and Archie resting.
PS Jodie did know they were coming to join the trunk show, but instead of the normal post they came by express..............

Cheers Mary

PSS Patterns are available.

Kinder Boys JOdie Carleton

2010-08-11T11:10:00.003+10:00

Well we had Jodie Carletons pattern Kinder Boys and thought well we need some token males around the place, so here they are..... unamed at this stage......
Izzy and Archie, Jodies new patterns should be in the shop at the end of the week..........

Cheers Mary

Kellie was back.........

2010-08-11T10:44:00.003+10:00

The girls felt like they had been run over by a truck when they first started machine quilting Kellies way BUT by half time when l popped in they were breathing well and achieving heaps.
All thanks to the fab Kellie Wulfsohn from Dont Look Now.
Part Two of Kellies class went very well and the October sessions are booked out, but we do have a waiting list.......Now the other exciting thing about Kellie being here apart from the obvious talent the girl has, is looking at her samples.
Little Monsters, which is a quilt pattern, but can also be made as a wall hanging, or just a good practice piece.
Worry Dolls, can be made into a door hanger or a decorative feature for a girls room.
We have all of Kellies new patterns in the shop.
Thankyou once again to Kellie for teaching at our shop and yes girls she will be back in October and again in 2011.
Cheers Mary

Jodie Carletons trunk show......

2010-08-03T13:20:00.002+10:00

How lucky was I being able to dress our window, with Jodie selvedge dress and the chair.
I just couldnt stop looking at the dress, it was quite heavy obviously due all of those selvedges and the lining they are sewn too. The binding around the dress in black and the buttons are black. Not shown in this picture is the hot pink tuelle half slip underneath.
The dress is on display for looking only not touching so dont be disappointed if we say no touching.
On display here, is Tea-set, Kinder Boys and Kinder Girls, Paarsley and Beet
and Ernst and Pebble.
And the front window............
We have all of Jodies patterns on sale at the shop.........
Some people are so talented......

Cheers Mary

PS. the quilt on display in the background just so happens to be one of Kaffe Fassetts patterns, using Boutique by Moda.

The one and only.....Jodie Carleton

2010-07-31T20:38:00.003+10:00

Well it started like this, rather simple but clever concept, why not sew your selvedges together
Look and while you are at it... lets just cover a chair............
and make a dress.........
bring along a couple of hedgehogs for the ride......
and then just sit back and have a cuppa from fine china.

Well this is just the start of the Jodie Carleton trunk show, that we are very fortunate to have on display for the coming month. We have plenty of patterns for sale (a few deals going) so have a drool past our window on Monday and marvel at Jodies work.........
Thanks Jodie its a thrill to take part in displaying your wares.

Cheers Mary
ps. One for you Jodie.... cough cough...........

Kira and the Thursday girls Christmas in July

2010-07-31T20:25:00.002+10:00

Kira had perfect timing on Thursday.......she arrived in time to witness....
the feast ( or should l say the first part) of the very organised and festive Thursday girls.
What you dont see was what they had for morning tea and the plum pudding custard and cream.
They did manage to sew as usual but it had a Christmas flavour or a bit of cheer.........
Great girls.................

Cheers Mary

PS. Kira is Rosalie Quinlans new pattern.

The Quilters Album of Patchwork Patterns

2010-07-27T12:22:00.002+10:00

Our delivery of this wonderful new book by Jinney Beyer The Quilters Album of Patchwork Patterns has arrived ahead of schedule. This book is extremely informative as well as giving you the patterns of heaps of information on blocks that can be drafted from the unending patterns that are in the book. A must for every patchworker.....Limited stock is available.

Cheers Mary

Peony Tales

2010-07-22T22:11:00.003+10:00

Just some new florals that grew, Peony Tales by Betty Wang

Very fresh.........

Cheers Mary

may blossom treats and tally and tripp

2010-07-15T20:58:00.002+10:00

Number one this week for a May Blossom treat are the Pocket Petunias, two "comfy" little wool felt dolls in their pockets.........now on display in the window.
Wee Wonderfuls is number two treat, another wool felt product by May Blossom. Plenty of wool felt colours available at the shop.
Tally and Tripp the little turtles also arrived, Melly and Me's newest pattern.........kits available.

Cheers Mary

bags and macaroons

2010-07-11T12:50:00.003+10:00

Need a nice new laptop bag reflecting your love of sewing well here it is, pattern and fabric available at the shop.
Finally l have finished the 3rd little person in the Humbug Macaroon series, working with the wool felt has been great fun and a lot more patterns have arrived and also the wool felt colours grow.........
Wanting to make this bag.......book in a date on a terrific Tuesday session........its a great size.
Very simple but handy.........

Cheers Mary

twelve oaks sprout

2010-07-02T19:29:00.003+10:00

Just arrived Twelve Oaks, another" repro"collection
the advantage with this collection is the "cheaters cloth" that came with it, pictured above.
Another new pattern to the shop, Sprout by Make it Perfect a cute little dress that can be lined with flannelette,
the funny thing was we actually had the exterior fabric in the shop, the same as the pattern picture. And there is stilll plenty left..........oh yes the dress was simple........
cheers mary
ps. I just lined it with cotton but l put batting in the bodice to give it some warmth.