Patchwork Angel

WOW I MET AMY BUTLER!!!!

Hi everyone. First I need to apologise yet again for not putting anything on the Blog for a couple of weeks.I have lots to share today though! At the moment I am still in Melbourne (staying with my sister)after coming down to attend the Australian Quilt Market a trade show where many of our wonderful designers launch new patterns, fabrics companies show fabrics and much much more.

I flew in on Thursday and my sister Robyn ( who runs a business the Pink Wheelbarrow) and I stayed in the city and went out to dinner. We found a lovely Italian Restaurant in Hardware Lane. They had their Christmas decorations up already.

 

We went to see the Myer windows where every year they have the most fantastic window displays. We have been going to look at them since we were little girls.

On Friday we visited lots of wholesalers. We had lunch at the Ladybird cafe and even their water metre is painted like a Ladybird. Here is my sister Robbie next to the wall mural.we thought it was just so very cute. rather like our Doodlebug Ladybird.

 

On Saturday we went to AQM and saw lots of yummy stuff. Including Bronwyn Hayes and Melly and Me designs. Here is a picture of Nel Dekker, Lynette Anderson, Me and Jaques Dekker at the Creative Adundance stand. Nel and Jaques not only run distribution of this innovative stable of designers but can also lay claim to being parents to the very clever Rosalie Quinlan and Melly of Melly and me. Of course you all know Lynette Anderson- O'Rourke who first opened our lovely shop and whose designs are a favourite with many of our customers. You can see Lynette's new block of the month "a Kittens Tale" behind us.

 

 

 

We saw Anni Downs whose Christmas Story and Simple Pleasures are so very popular books.

 

Then all of a sudden off go the sirens and we are asked to leave the building. Very dangerous to come between patchworkers and fabric!!! Still don't know why we were evacuated but here we all are ( including my sister Robyn) standing in the back of the building waiting to get back to finding yummys!

 

The finale of the day was that I got to meet Amy Butler and have her sign my book and attend her presentation which was such an inspiration. Have ordered lots of her books, patterns and fabric as well as the ones we have in stock right now! She is a delightful, fresh faced, enthusastic designer. She generously shared her feelings as well as her home and daily life. As well as her garden and working life with her lovley partner and cats! You can see in the picture how very excited I am.

 

Have had a lovely family day today. Brunch with my Dad, stepmother Sue, sister Emma, her John, Annie ( who was not feeling her best) and baby Rosie and Sue's family Michael and Joyce.

Now just before I head of to have dinner (cooked by husband Dean) with my niece Angie and her family Darcy, Ella and Archie and my sister Robyn of course. I just have to show you my Melbourne cup hat. My friend Julie told us to wear silly hats and I was told my pink cowboy hat was NOT silly enough. What do you think? Of course pink champagne was involved!!!

 

Happy Stitching,

IN MEMORY OF OUR JACARANDA

Our lovely old Jacaranda was chopped down to make way for the development of 3 shops next door. We have been told that it was the council that decided this as it was not a native to the area? HMMM?

Here is a picture of Lynette and her Mum, Ruth outside the shop when they first opened it now more than 11 years ago. I think the dust wasn't even as bad back then.

I am not even going to show you a picture of how the front of the shop looks at the moment as I am so depressed about the dust and mess. But, in memory of the lovely Jacarnada that gave us shade and joy with it's beautiful mauve flowers. Here are some photos.

Of course the room on the end of the building is now gone and has been replaced at the back of the building. That's my darling hubby's ute at the front door.

We will try to get the garden back to looking as sweet once the builders have all finished!

On a happier note. Lee and I were invited by the lovely ladies from Mooloolah Quilter's to be a merchant at their Show and Tell day on Wednesday. The quilts shown were of a very high standard and all the ladies who visited seemed to be having a wonderful time. The country hopitality was delightful as were the yummy cakes, sandwiches and cups of tea which Lee and I really appreciate! There were more than a 120 there and I am sure that the funds the girls raised will be most appreciated by The Sippy Creek Animal Refuge. Our dog Tess came from there.

 

I have just listed some new patterns of Lynette's on the website which she launched while in Houston. They are a range of sweet stitcheries all named after Nora. Have a look at them here. The patterns are yet to be delivered but they should be in store any day!

Some time ago I talked about a group supporting young mothers in education and I went to the launch this week of their new name. I will talk about this later as I feel it is a really good cause and deserves it's own space.

It is really hot here today so might even jump in the pool and then get some stitching done this afternoon. Hubby and I thought we might take a bottle of wine and some take away down to the beach tonight as a great way to finish off a weekend.

Happy Stitching,