Patchwork Angel

LYNETTE POPS IN

Lynette Anderson popped into the shop yesterday to drop off the sample for her yummy new design featuring Felix her cat " The Quit Shoppe". We are just waiting to get the patterns in but will put them on the website now so you can order and we will send them out as soon as they arrive. We already have the cute buttons in store.

Of course Lynette found some fabrics for her new project while in the store. So Hugo wouldn't feel left out we took the pic in front of Lynette's pattern Woof which was inspired by him.

It is now two and a half years since I took over the Patchwork Angel from Lynette and it is lovely that we are such good friends. After all we first met some 12 years ago when our boys now 20 played under 7's soccer together.

At the moment I am working on the new class list for term 1, 2009 and hope to have it out by the end of this week. Lots of exciting classes to look forward to.

THE BOSSY'S

The Bossy Stitchers is a group of friends of mine who love to stitch. There are 9 of us all together and we get together once a month for stitching and lunch and then go away together once a year for a stitching weekend retreat. There are photos of us playing Stitchopoly in one of my earlier posts. Occassionally we allow some spouses to join us for a picnic and a game of Bocce.

While we were away this year we decided to help out a local group "EMMA"- Educating Mentoring Mothering Adolescents. Janet one the one members missing from our group photo today ( besides me taking the picture) is really keen on helping this program and volunteers there one day a week. We heard they were desperate for floor quilts for the babies so we got stitching.

Here is a picture of Janet doing what we call extreme rotary cutting. Yes, she is climbing on the bench! This was during our weekend away in July.

So if any of you local ladies would like to help this group either with some volunteer time by contacting them or if you would like to make a floor quilt we are sure they would really appreciate the help. We think it is a great program!

When we get together for lunch we always have a Show and Tell and these ladies are very prolific stitchers. Here are some of the quilts we saw this month.

Here is Julie with her Doodlebugs Quilt. This is the first one other than our shop sample I have seen put together.

Here is Judy with her quilt she is giving to her daughter. She made it in a class at the shop and of course our Fiona ( who is also a Bossy Stitcher) aka Quilting Fairy quilted it for her.

Here is June with her bug quilt. She has been collecting fabrics for this for ages and in her usual clever way developed the pattern herself. I believe it is going to a great nephew.

Here is Gwen with a pretty little quilt one of 4 she finished yesterday. Gwen is an award winning quilter and she is a wonderful mentor to our little group.

So many pictures. How lucky am I to have such a fun group of friends to share some stitching time with.

This morning I happened to have a peek at Helen Stubbings Blog. Helen taught at the shop earlier this year and is a lovely lady. You will know her for her Colourque technique. On her Blog as part of the Angel Swap she has a lovely FREE Arm chair caddy pattern. Have a peek.We just love her  Pyjama Party with Tilly and Friends book.

Phew, I think that's it for now. Might have just one more cup of tea before bed.

OUR WINNER AND MORE!

Well first of all we had better announce the winner of our Bag Pattern Competition. CONGRATULATIONS to Dawn Dee.Email us your address Dawn and we will send you out your pattern. Sorry to those who missed out but you can of course order the pattern on our website.

Now I have so much to share with you I just don't know where to start.

We have a new angel on our team Susannah. Susannah is the daughter of one of our lovely customers Leigh and at 15 this is her first part time job. Susannah is helping us on Saturdays and during School Hols. She has made herself a lovely bag. Here she is pictured with her Mum.  If you like her bag it is a pattern called Sherbert by Melly and Me and is available on the website

 On Wednesday last week I had the most delightful surprise! My dear friend Kris made a surprise visit to the Sunshine Coast to stay with us for a few days. My darling hubby was in on the surprise and brought her straight to the shop. What a shock. We haven't seen each other for 8 years! It took no time at all to be nattering away like we always have. On Saturday we went down to Mooloolaba to have a look at the fishing trawler that had beached on the sand there. Then with my son and his Kate we had platters and wine at Sugar and Spice where my younger son is a chef.

Of course there was wine too!

On Saturday night both the boys and their girls and dogs came to have dinner and a fun night. We had 7 people and 5 dogs in the house. Our 2 girls on the left on the blanket are both about 10. Red in the basket the only boy is 4 and the 2 on the right are puppies Mindi and Ruby.

None of the dogs are related but Red and puppy Ruby took to each other right away. If you love dogs like we do then you might like to have a peek at the Lynette Anderson design for Woof.

Sorry to see my friend Kris go home but how lucky am I to have such a special friend. I heard a saying the other day " Show me your friends and I'll tell you who you are." Well I must be pretty good cause I have some great friends!

COMPETITION as promised!

 

Well I have been promising a competition and here it is! One of our younger customers has been busy stitching and she sent me through some photos of the things she has been making. We think she has done a lovely job on them all and wanted to share them with you. This bag is called Hearts are Ringing. Have a look at our website and find out who the designer is. Leave this as a comment on the BLOG and you will go in a draw to win a pattern for this cute bag.

 

This little needlecase and bag is from the book Sunflower Stitching by Lynette Anderson Designs.

Congratulations Dylina on a lovely job with your stitching!

You can order this book on the website.

Competition entries close Wednesday 30/07/2008. So get onto the website find out the designer of the Hearts are Ringing bag and be in the draw.

BUILDING STARTS

As you will probably know we are part of a new development at the Little Church. Our building is to have some renovation done and there are to be 3 new shops built on the other side of the car park. Nigel is the site foreman but he also fills in as traffic controller.

The walls have gone up in 3 days amazing. Here is the view from our back door. The noise really gets to us sometimes but thanks to Nigel access to the car park is easy still. Of course you can always shop from the website!

Unfortunatley our beautiful Jacaranda has to go as it is not deemed as local flora. Crazy I know but that's just how it is.

Keep an eye on the Blog as I start our Retired Samples Sale next week.

Look out too for our new competition starting next week!

MORE PARADISE

Well everything is back to normal after our lovely holiday. All the end of year stuff to be attended too but I did promise some more photos so here they are.

This is the Sunset on the night we went to Seasalt which is a degustation menu (8 courses with matching wines) served on the veranda beginning with a champagne at Sunset.  Very romantic!

The evenings were quite cool as you can see in this photo of me heading off to hear the resident muso on Brampton Matt Zarb. We loved his music, have a peek at his website and listen to some of his music.

We played golf at the 6 hole pitch and put course and Bocce with some of the other guests. That's Kathleen on the left with her hands on her hips. She is a fashion designer and does some great gear. On the right are Rosie and Alex who have a Motel with Rosie's parents.

We had a hammock right outside our room. The view from the room was stunning.  

What better view for a game of Scrabble.

The Stone Curlews were cheeky little birds that looked like a frozen moment.

 Time to head home back into the little plane. What FUN!

This is going to be the longest posting cause now I want to tell you about some new patterns from a designer right here on the Sunshine Coast. Sandi from Embroideroo. Her designs are really fun with an Aussie flavour. Have a look at our website for more. Our favourite is this Christmas stitchery featuring our laughing Kookaburras. 

Hope I haven't gone on too long for you but had just sooo very much to share!

Don't forget that now you have started the habit of leaving a comment to keep doing so please!

WE HAVE A WINNER!

We have put all the names in this sweet little case my sister Robbie gave me and I got my son's girlfriend Jade to draw the name for me.

Congratulations to Linda K !!

Your name has been drawn as the winner of our 75 FAT QUARTERS.

Please send us an email with your address so we can get them posted to you.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment it was lovely to read through them all. Now you have started leaving comments PLEASE keep on doing so! That way we know that you are reading our Blog.

Well, have got the clothes out ready to pack for our holiday away to Brampton Island at the end of the week. Hope the weather is fine and that my little camera keeps working so I can show some photos.

This weekend have been at the computer for hours getting the Class List and the newsletter for June out. Hope you have enjoyed receiving them and if you haven't be sure to let us know so we can add your email to the list.

OUR COMPETITION IS CLOSED!

Well that's it folks our first Blog competition has officially closed and we will be announcing our winner later today. It has been lovely reading all the comments.

Have you had a peek at the website lately. There are lots of new things listed.

Have a look at Anni Downs new book "Simple Pleasures" and Lynette Anderson's new pattern "Woof" inspired by her labrador friend Hugo. Read all about Hugo on Lynette's blog

Talk to you later with a winner!

HOW TO LEAVE A COMMENT

Hi there all you lovely patchworkers!

Firstly thanks to those who have left comments to enter our 75 Fat Quarters competition! WOW!! What a response we have had so far. And, what lovely comments we have had!!!! Keep them coming tell your friends to enter.

It appears that many of you are not aware of how to go about leaving a comment on a BLOG.

It really is very simple. Just go to our website. Have a look around and decide what is your favourite thing.

Then go back to the BLOG and click on the comments section at the end of the 75 Fat Quarters posting. It will ask for your name and email address. The email address will not be able to be seen by the public. Do not worry about filling in the URL section unless you have your own website. Then just type in your comment and click on post. It will take you to " Verify your Comment". You then copy the code in the funny grey box exactly as it is ( eg lower case letters or capitals must be the same as the sample). NOW click continue and it will take you back to the beginning of leaving a comment process.

You can now just click on the header at the top of the page to take you back to the BLOG front page.

Clear as mud right!

Here is a picture of my new niece Rosie Matilda and her big sister Annie Louise. See the little smile on Rosie's face. What do you think her big sister is saying to her. Could it be "Look Out!"Congatulations to John and Emma on the birth of yet another beautiful girl!

Feel free to leave a comment now you have the instructions how!

MOUNTAIN QUILTERS Country hospitality

This weekend we had a stall at the fabulous display put on by the Mountain Quilters in Peachester. Peachester is about 35 minutes from the shop and as it is up on the range was rather chilly in the morning until the sun came out. Mountain Quilters are a group of very talented and enthusiastic quilters of all ages. Here is a pic of their intrepid leader Sharon standing on the stairs at the entry. Some of her team thought they should also be in the photo!

Here are a couple of photos of quilts on display. I can't give you any details on them as Fiona ran off to take photos for me and then the batteries ran out on the camera! But,you can see what a wonderful display it was. If it is your quilt please let me know so we can put you name to it. 

Here is Lee at our stand on the Saturday. Having grown up in the area Lee knows so many of the members!

The traders were set up in the covered patio area a little too near to the yummy lunch and tea area for our waistlines! Barbara was the member responsible for the traders and she just kept bringing us tea all weekend even though is was her birthday on Sunday.

Thanks to the members of the Mountain Quilters for inviting us to be a part of their Show.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE BLOG! Coming in the next couple of days we will be starting a competition. The prize is fabulous! Will give you more on this in the next day or so. SO STAY TUNED!

EUMUNDI HIGH TEA

We have just arrived home from our ladies day out at the Kindred Spirits B&B High Tea run by our friends Sue and Jim Daley. Many of you will know Sue from her Patchwork with Busy Fingers patterns and papers. As you can see we had some very yummy food all starting with a glass of Pimms! Sue always talks about her bling on her toes in her Blog and as I had a petit pedicure given to me by younger sister and her family, we thought we should photograph our dualing toes! Sue's are the one with the bling. To see a picture of our faces go to Busy Fingers at the Angel

                                                                                                                                                                              I took my Mum, Jill. Who just fell in love with the house!

                                                                                                    

Lee came with her Mum and sister Jill.

Maureen came with her Mum Marlene and Fiona joined us as well. We had 25 ladies with us who all enjoyed the day as well as raising more than $100 in our raffle for Juvenile Diabetes Research.

It was cold day on the Sunshine Coast so some of the seating was inside but it was a delightful day which we will book again next year. Sue will be coming to the shop later this year to do another of her fun talks on her journey in Patchwork and show some of her lovely work. For those who missed out last time, this time we will be having a get together at night.

Have a look at the photo album for lots more photos from today. It was lovely to get together with all the team from the shop in such a charming enviroment. Better get moving now to try and work off some of the yummy food.

QUILTER'S PICNIC

Each year the Queensland Quilters put on a Quilter's Picnic. This year the picnic was hosted by the Caloundra Quilters at Happy Valley on the Esplanade at Caloundra. We were so thrilled to be part of this lovely day. We were one of about 5 traders there. My darling hubby and I got there at 8am to start setting up and only finished by about 9.15am. The picnic was due to start at 9am.

While we were setting up one of the guys (Ron) asked my hubby who runs  Buderim Handy Help  ( a handy man business) if he had a hammer. He said " I'll just get one out of the Ute" While he was getting it for Ron, 3 men appeared and started putting up our Gazebo. This is true community! My hubby commented on the way so many patchworkers were greeting each other with hugs and how lovely this was.  It was just divine to be by the beautiful sea and with patchworkers. What more could we ask.

Fiona, Quilting Fairy (my dear friend and who is one of my staff on the 2 days when she is not running her long arm quilting business) came down and gave me a hand on our stand for the morning.  Lee came down with lunch at 11am and Maureen kept the home fires burning at the shop even though today is her birthday!

Here are all the enthusiastic ladies at our stall!

We had the best day and really enjoyed catching up with so many lovely patchworkers. The lovely colurful flags are on loan from the council. Aren't they fun! Thanks to Caloundra Quilter's for inviting us!

Next we head off to Peachester for the Mountain Quilter's Show at the end of the month.

Now we are looking forward to our High Tea with Sue Daley at Eumundi on Sunday. Of course this Thursday is our day where we are open until 9pm and our friendship groups Angels'a Stitching meet. Phew may get some stitching done on Saturday!!

HIGH TEA at BUDERIM CRAFT COTTAGE

Have just come home from a very fun evening at a High Tea run by some of the girls who are members of the Buderim Craft Cottage Patchwork Group. Condition of entry was hat and gloves. Well I didn't get to find any gloves so have to make some from black stockings. Raided my son Toby's hat collection and found this silly red wig. Anything for a laugh and after all the girls raised over $400 towards Cancer Research. They put on a truly scrumptuos spread with so much yummy food. ( Pictured Jane and Debbie two of the girls who organised the night)

Well, guess who won viewers choice for best dressed. Moi! Here I am with my dear friend Di! I have made a photo album of more photos so have a peek at them. You can see some of the lovely quilts on display in the background.

FABRIC FABRIC EVERYWHERE!

My goodness what a day we have had. This morning 13 (that's right 13) boxes of fabric arrived in store.

Maureen and I were on our own in the shop as our lovely Lee is having a well deserved week off. Knowing that we had a bus of 50 plus due after 2pm from Caboolture Arts and Craft group we started an unpacking frenzy!

You can see Maureen thinks all the blues which are her very favourite colour are lovely by the smile on her face as she is getting the stock on the shelves. The range is called Fusions and many of you will know it as a great blender. At just $22 per metre it is fabulous value. We now have one of the best ranges of this fabric in Oz. You name the colour and we have it!

We also got in some great homespun fat quarters in many many colours. We will be running a competition very soon with a big bundle of these as a prize. Keep checking the blog to make sure you are in the draw for this great prize. For those who are going to the Quilters Picnic in  Caloundra on Tuesday next week you will have the opportunity at picking up some of these value packed homespuns at great prices!

Got to go and finish writing this months newsletter, Look out for it in your inbox in the next 24 hours. If you don't already get it email us and we will add you to our list!

MUFFINS AND PATCHWORK

Muffins and patchwork. Do they go together? Well they do according to one of our lovely ladies Kim B. She promised us muffins if we found her a fabric she needed more of and I have got to say she cerrtainly followed through with the goods. How lucky are we! We did tell her that we are trying to lose weight hence the short verse on the back of the pack. Not only were the muffins yummy bit the packaging was scrumptuous too! Thanks again Kim!

ANZAC MARCH IN BUDERIM

We have just come home after attending the Anzac Day March in Buderim where we live. It is good to respect and aknowledge the contribution of those marching to the freedom we, as Australians enjoy everyday!

You can see the beautiful poinciana trees that line the streets of our very green Buderim. It is a tradition in our family that we have morning tea at Mum's. She made my sister Robbie's award winning scones. Very yummy. Lucky I had walked to the parade and then to Mum's. Now I am back at home doing some bookwork.

This week we set up a new display in the shop and I thought you would like to see it. We have called it "Patchwork is not just about Quilts!" I really enjoyed embellishing little t-shirts and jeans with fabric, bobble trim, bejeweller crystals, ric rac and yo-yo's using the Clover Yo-Yo maker. Our Maureen has made us a sample of Buzby and Baby bee for the shop and we think it is so very cute.  Melly and Me got a terrific write up in this months Homespun.

Have a look at our ad in Homespun too we have featured some lovely needlecase patterns.

If I now get back to the books I might get some stitching time later.

 

Busy Fingers at the Angel

Wow! what a busy week we have had, Put my darling sis Robbie, on the plane on Monday. On Tuesday got together with our boys Zac and Toby and their beautiful ladies Kate and Jade for dinner at our favourite Brisbane Restaurant Pane e Vino.  It is not often that we all get together as a family but Chuck and I feel truly blessed with such a lovely family.

Thursday night was the 2nd session of our Doodlebugs Club and our Angels'a'Stitching meeting times both morning and night! Belinda brought her quilt from the class " Chocolate Blue" with Margaret. Unanimous descision was that this quilt is called "Cherry Ripe".We think she has done a stunning job don't you?

Friday meant our Morning Tea at what our local ladies affectionately call "The Angel" with the innovative Sue Daly from Patchwork with Busy Fingers. Not only does Sue run her Patchwork and paper peicing business but she also runs the B&B Kindred Spirits at Eumundi. Sue and I have known each other now for about 5 years hence the silly hug! Sue inspired our ladies to try paper piecing and shared the passion that she has for this lovely past-time.  Sue's Playing with Paper packs and patterns are all available on our website.

Sue talked about her journey in patchwork and her love for what she does. It was a delightful morning enjoyed by us all.Thanks again Sue!

Our Fiona who was on duty in the shop said how inspired she was after hearing Sue talk. Thanks to our Maureen too who came as a guest with her Mum, Marlene and son Declan (who was a great help stacking chairs) but jumped in to help all the enthusiatic ladies.

Looking forward now to the rest of the weekend sewing! Have so many projects I would love to finish and with a new baby due  for my youngest sister Emma soon better get sewing!

MAKING A QUILT

Have had a lovely weekend with my sister Robbie visiting from Victoria. Means all the family get together. Needless to say lots of wine and food were consumed. Our son Zac came to dinner and got his Nana to walk on his back to help his stiffness after spending the day building a fence.  His partner Kate normally does this for him but she wasn't able to join us for dinner so he convinced his Nanna to do it for him instead.

While Rob was here was a good time to create a sweatshop to make a quick quilt we will teach in our free class this term.Here is Robbie working at the machine in my new sewing room. Just have the borders to add to the quilt. Will show you a pic when it is done.   Sadly need to head off to the airport now for her to catch her flight home.

LYNETTE'S NOAH'S ARK

Ok, I had been fighting the urge to start Lynette's Free BOM Noah's Ark but last night I weakened after I saw her dove and have since stitched the first 2 months! In between I have written the April's newsletter and it will go out in the next day or so. I just fell in love with the Dove. I have always loved the simplicity of Picasso's Dove and Lynette has captured this same simplicity. I have popped them onto self covered buttons that we have in the shop and plan to make a wallhanging to put them on.

Well, on the Sunshine Coast today it has been quite cold about 21 degrees celcius ( I know but for us that's cold), after having been to our favourite Fruit and Veg outlet Erbachers I came home and made Minestrone and some very yummy Pesto. My boys will tell you that on a Sunday afternoon there was always a pot of soup on the stove when they and their various friends would come in on a Sunday night. Either Pumpkin, Vegetable or Minestrone. Of course our household other than my youngest Toby is vegetarian. So Vegie Soup is a must. I have been a Vegie now for more than 30 years and used to teach Vegetarian Cooking in a past life when my boys were little.

In my mind who could ask for more than a bowl of Minestrone, a glass of red and a 9 seed roll for dinner on a cold Sunday night. In fact I tell a lie as my darling hubby has just finished his 3rd bowl! Gotta go and send a text to my youngest Toby to tell him to pick up a serve of Minestrone on his way home from work at the new Tavern at Moutain Creek " the Creek". They have just opened and he has been lucky to continue with his cheffing career there.  Sorry Zac and Kate would email you a pack of soup to Brisbane if I could!

SUNSHINE COAST STITCHES AND CRAFT EXPO

Very happy to be sitting with my feet up with a glass of red wine tonight after working at the Sunshine Coast Stitches and Craft Expo. If you are on the coast make sure you come and say hi to us. Lee and I worked on the stand today and were delighted to catch up with so many old and new friends. At the end of the day we both said we can't believe how many lovely stitchers we know!

Fiona and Maureen were on duty at the shop today and tomorrow the team all does a turn around with Lee in the shop and Fiona and Maureen with me at the show. My youngest son Toby's girlfriend Jade is giving me a hand on Sunday.

I think our stall looks rather good don't you. Of course the Block of the month quilt "Your Home or Mine" looks great as does "Floriade" from Kookaburra Cottage and Starry Nights. Mrs Perkins, Magoo and Phoebe are all having a lovely time and I know Mrs Perkins has had to have a word with Magoo about proper behaviour at a show. The new Simplicity range from Moda is in stock and the layer cakes which are a 10" square of every fabric in the range are to die for! Look out for the new Newsetter an Class list coming out soon.

GOOD FRIDAY PICNIC

What a lovely morning! It has been so good to sit around for a while this morning drinking lots of tea and stitching. Thought this was the perfect time to say " Do as I say not as I do!" In this months newsletter the angel hint talks about using a product called Thimble It. Well guess who got so involved in stitching a sample block for the new Block of the Month " Lace and Grace Tea Party" that she didn't bother to get up and find her pack of Thimble it's.  You can't see it but even though I have been using Appli-bond Needles I have worn out the end of my finger. What a dope!

Lee has cut the bundles for this lovely BOM and will have pricing on this soon.

We are heading of to the Maroochy Botanic Gardens for a picnic lunch with my family. These gardens are lovely and set in a casual bush setting. Well worth a visit. I have made a Savory Bread and Butter pudding to take. Hope it tastes as yummy as it smells. A bit of an experiement!

The shop will be open tomorrow Easter Saturday so if you come in don't forget to wish me Happy Birthday. Then we have another day off Easter Sunday and back to the shop Monday to start packing for the Sunshine Coast Stitches and Craft Expo at the end of the week. We have lots of new samples to take to show as well as a couple of borrowed samples from designers.

A box arrived the other day. We were sure we could here some chatter inside and when we opened it look what was inside.

Yes, it's Magoo and Mrs Perkins sent to us by Melly of Melly and Me for a holiday on the Sunshine Coast and to take to the show.

Gotta go, pack the picnic and of course some eggs for the family!

Wishing you a Hopping Good Easter and a lovely break.

PLAYING WITH PAPER

Just had to share a photo with you. I know Christmas is ages away yet but thought I would get started on a little Christmas Tablerunner using Sue Daley's Dresden plate templates and papers. Think we will teach this at the shop later this year. I just love hand piecing.

The template makes it so easy to cut the pieces and if you are at home your can use a small rotary cutter to quickly cut them. I traced mine off and cut them with scissors as that way I could take it with me to the Patchwork Group at The Buderim Craft Cottage Thursday night group.

If you are on the Sunshine Coast on Easter Saturday pop into the Easter Fair at the Cottage. It is always a delight with lovely cups of tea and wonderful things to buy ranging from Patchwork of course through to silver jewellery, paintings and much much more!

Gail who is one of our regular UFO students also recently attended Fiona's Kaleidoscope Hexagon Class in the shop. We think Gails quilt looks stunning, don't you? You can nearly see Gails bare feet standing on the chair to hold it up.

As we talked about in an earlier posting we had Helen Stubbings from Hugs'n'Kisses come to teach in the shop. Have a look at Helen's Blog. I didn't know she had taken a photo of my darling Mum, Jill at the class which is on her blog. Mum is still talking about what a great day she had and what a lovely lady Helen is.

   

HELEN STUBBINGS visit and Date Day

We have had such a crazy, busy week. We are all still getting over all the excitement!

First of all we had Helen Stubbings of Hugs'n'Kisses come to teach in the shop this week after teaching at a retreat at Kindred Spirits. The girls and I all went to Sue Daley's lovely B&B for a trunk show and supper with Helen early in the week. Have a look at some of Helen's patterns.

Here are some photos of the girls enjoying the class with Helen. Including my darling Mum, Jill who is not a stitcher but really enjoyed the colourque technique taught by Helen.

That's Mum, Jill on the right with the black top on. My darling Hubby and I were to drop Helen into Brisbane to meet up with her friend so we decided it was a great chance for a City sleepover and date day on Thursday. We stayed at a lovely new place called MonMary which has only been open for a month and is right in the centre of Brisbane. We would recommend it. The Manager Vincent is a lovely man and very professional. Here is a pic of our room.   All so new and very reasonable. I was particularly taken with the beautiful floor in the foyer which I realised is a great block pattern. Here is my darling Hubby Chuck, caught again! 

We had a lovely night out and a terrific day catching up with some wholesalers and generally spending some time together. It is important in our very busy world to have some time out every now and then and that is why we try to organise a Date Day every so often.This is a photo of the building from the other side of the Brisbane River. It's the tall one in the middle. Next week need to get organised for our stand at the Sunshine Coast Stitches and Craft Show to be held at the Lake Kawana Community Centre at ther end of the month.

A VISITOR FROM THE NETHERLANDS

Today we had a vist from Esther van Westerhuis (on the right)and I think her mum. Esther works for and teaches at Petra Prins Patchwork and Quilting in the Netherlands. We had a lovely chat about different fabric and pattern designers. She said that the Australian Patchwork Magazines are real favourites with the girls there and that they do most of their work by hand. She showed me the cutest little pretty bag that she had with her. It was wonderful to know that there are woman on the other side of the world sharing the same passion as us.

Speaking of passion for patchwork. Earlier this year we ran a FREE class at the shop called Lazy Daisy. A quick stack and slash style quilt that I made one friday night after work. We had lots of girls in the class who made some lovely quilts but I thought we should share with you the photo of Anita's which she had just picked up from the Quilting Fairy (our Fiona) after it was quilted. Anita had decided that she wanted to made her quilt double the size of our sample and we think it looks just gorgeous don't you. Anita has now gone on to attend our Fresh Cut from the Garden class with Fiona which was designed especially for beginners to hone their techniques.  We are delighted to see lots of young Mums attending our classes and enjoying patchwork.   

We will run a FREE class next term too. The only criteria to attend is that you purchase all your fabrics from us! Email us if your would like to get information on our classes.

MY LOVELY FAMILY

Well we all had a lovely time at the house warming,  pictured is our son Zac and his Kate who were celebrating their first home purchase. They are standing rather proudly I think on their front stairs.

Pictured here at the house warming are our younger son Toby and his Jade. Toby was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when he was 10 and has just qualified as a chef.  This the reason of coarse that we support  Research to find a cure for this dreadful disease. 

We are very proud of both our boys and love the gorgous girls they have brought into our family!

Had to share this photo with you. A lady came into the shop last week who was visiting from the UK. I am sorry but I didn't get her name. She had made this stunning necklace using a Yoyo maker and padding. We think it is so lovely we asked her if we could photograph it and show you on our Blog. We have lots of sizes in the Yoyo makers but I think she would have used the 45mm one. You can see all our Yoyo makers on the website . What a great way to use fabric and beads!

ANGELS'A'STITCHING FRIENDSHIP GROUP

On the third Thursday of the month we have our Angels'a'Stitching friendship group meet at the shop. We have a morning and evening group. We also keep the shop open till 9pm on this day so the girls who work full time have a chance to shop for fabric in a relaxed atmosphere. We charge $5 for being part of this group and this money goes straight into the piggy bank and is then donated to Juvenile Diabetes Research. We raised around $700 last year. Thought you would like to see some of this friendly group.

These are some of the morning girls and many of them then go out to lunch after spending a morning laughing and solving all the worlds problems!

Here are some of the evening group. It was only our 2nd time for the evening group and we had 11 ladies join us. Much the same as the morning group in that there was lots of chat and laughter.

Judy B is one of our Angels'a'Stitching friendship group. She fell in love with this border fabric from a Jennifer Chiaverini range and then built the quilt around it!

That's Judy peeking over her quilt.

If you haven't read any of the Elm Creek Quilters books by Jennifer Chiaverini yet then look out for them. You will love them. We have just ordered her latest pattern book.

Find out about our classes and meeting times on our website.

Have just popped a couple of new photos in the photo album too. Gotta fly am due at my son, Zac and his girfriend Kate's Housewarming and I haven't made the egg sandwiches to take yet!

FURRY FRIENDS

Well I hope you all had a lovely Valentines Day. My darling hubby and I shared a lovely bottle of red wine and some very yummy cannelloni and salad at home.

I thought I would share with you a photo of our 2 silly dogs who like to share a basket and keep cosy. They are Maggie the blonde at the back and Tess the black and white one at the front. Tess just loves people and will get as close to them as possible. We joke that she would like to be a fur collar so she can get close! Maggie is rather arrogant and treats things like the indignity of a bath with aloof disdain. Maggie came from the RSPCA as a pup and Tess came from the local Sippy Creek Animal refuge.

Many of us really enjoy the company of our 4 legged frineds as they really do show unconditional love. They never judge you (other than our Maggie of course).  We have a pattern set at the shop by Maggie Walker called Summers End. It depicts some of the lovely breeds of dogs. You can of course order the pattern set on the website.

Norma one of our UFO students showed me a very cute photo of a pup yesterday that she has been caring for. But, like all pups he is rather adventurous and Norma told me he had eaten the wooden buttons off her Angels Are Stars Quilt from the book An Angels Wish. She was not impressed!

Better get going plan to finish moving my sewing room tonight FINALLY!

WHO'S HIDING IN MY GARDEN?

The other day I said to my darling hubby that I felt I needed something new for the Blog. He woke me up yesterday, dragged me down the front stairs to the garden by our stair and proudly pointed "Look!" There was something hiding in our garden. Can you see what it was. 

Have you spotted him yet? It is a gorgeous green tree frog. He is about the size of my fist.

How about now? We are so very lucky here on the Sunshine Coast to have such wonderful wildlife around us. We are proud that this gorgeous creature is able to live in our clean garden enviroment with no pestacides etc. We have many frogs in the garden including Tusked frogs which are much shyer but make lots of noise. You can find out more about Queensland frogs.

We also get pythons in the yard which my darling hubby just picks up and puts back in the bush away from the house.

We get lots of birds too, silly brush turkeys, Tawny Forgmouths and beautiful Rosellas.

We all get rather blase about the abundant wildlife we have.

We also have a great frog pattern in the shop called Lilly Pond with Frogs. You see this on the website.

Gotta go, taking my youngest Toby and his girlfriend Jade out to dinner to celebrate him finishing his Chefing apprenticeship.

FAREWELL JESS

It has been a sad time in our house the last week. My darling mother in law Jess passed away last Thursday although we say she left us some time ago due to alzheimers. We have always called her our little fairy you can see why in the photo. She still believed in fairies and Santa. She was a sweet gentle soul and I am lucky to have lots of lovely memories of us spending time together. Especially when she and Dad used to come up to the Sunshine Coast.

So today my family head to Melbourne for the funeral. My darling hubby and I are proud to have both our boys with us.

My youngest Toby has just rushed off to have his last meeting to qualify as a Chef. It has been a long 4 years!

My older son Zac and his partner Kate, moved into their first house on Sunday. With the help of all the parents. It was a big day but very exciting finshing with a champagne on their deck.

Grandma would be very proud of both the boys.

Losing someone we love always reminds us to value those we love around us. So today give someone you love a hug!

Back later this week by the fabulous team of angels are all on deck, Lee, Fiona and Maureen if you need anything!

Emily's bag

Just had to show you a picture of Emily with her bag that her Mum, Evonne made for her with the fabrics that Emily chose herself in the shop. As you can see she just loves her bag and takes it everywhere. Evonne used the Sweet Sixteen pattern from Rosalie Quinlan and the fabrics from the Martha Negley range. 

Thought you would like an update on the developement next door too. The house has come down now and is nearly gone. This is the picture from the back/side door of the church.

We had a lovely gentleman come into the shop this morning Mr Lucas who used to come to our little church and he thinks his Dad helped to build it. He was born in 1921 and came here when he was about 6. It was lovely to share his memories of the area with him. Sorry I didn't get a photo of him in the church.

Happy Stitching,

 

PETER RABBIT MEMORIES

The other day one of our customers Elizabeth was buying some of the lovely Beatrix Potter fabric we have in stock. She and Lee started to reminisce about Peter Rabbit china and when both they were little and when their babies were little. Being exceedingly mushy at any time I remembered my Mum buying one of my babies a Peter Rabbit top.

That was it, now I had to get out the photo albums and look for a photo Chuck, my darling hubby and I spent a couple of hours drooling over the photo albums and enjoying past times together. All those Birthday parties with little children running wild in the garden! Wonderful!!!! We found the photo of our Toby who is now 19 in this little Peter Rabbit top. We think he is adorable don't you?

We also found the boxed set of books in our cupboard too. So cute.

Have a look at the Beatrix Potter fabric here.

Now I've got to say for the number of people looking at our BLOG we are not getting many comments. Thanks Kim ,Robyn and Jenny. It is really easy to do just click on the comments bit on the bottom of the article and follow the bouncing ball. We love to hear from you!

Look forward to hearing from you!

MY SEWING ROOM

Yahoo!! We have started painting my new sewing room. I decided to change the rooms around in the house and have the lovely light room for my sewing room. It has not been painted since my 24 year old Zac, finished year 12. As you can see the old colour was a strong butch mustard colour. I wanted a soft butter to give me lots of light.

Here is the colour called Soft Butter by British paints but I have it tinted to Dulux 101. It has a lovely lemon hue when on the wall.

It is really hot and humid and wet here on the Sunshine Coast (no sunshine at the moment) as you can see by my red face while we were painting last night. I didn't take a photo of me with a pair of stockings tied around my head to protect my hair while painting the ceiling. That is a sight that just shouldn't be seen. I know you should use a shower cap but I didn't have one and once I decide that some thing is happening it usually does, very quickly!

Here is the view across the rainforest from this rooms window.

What a lovely place to sit and stitch and have a champagne too!

I am sooo looking forward to getting it finished and moving all my sewing bits and fabrics in! I'll show you when it is finished.

Happy Stitching,

 

AND SO IT BEGINS

Some of you might have heard that our area is going to be redeveloped. Today they started taking apart the house next door. According to the plans there will be 3 light industrial/ retail buildings being built in it's place.

THE CHURCH WILL REMAIN! 

Our upstairs room will be relocated and a couple of other minor changes willl take place but otherwise The Patchwork Angel will be trading as usual. We have been promised that we will have car park available as much as possible. Very exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time.

Thought you would like to see some photos of the building coming down.   

The Bead Shop has moved over the road and still has some lovely things!

Have just sent out the Class list for term 1 /2008 so if you didn't get it let us know. Till next time,

Happy Stitching,

IT'S STOPPED RAINING!

Went into the shop yesterday to try to start doing the newsletter and Class list for term 1 -2008.

We were so busy that I ended up staying back after we closed to get some work done.

As it had stopped raining, finally my darling hubby rushed down to mow around the shop. I know it looks like he is out bush but he is really just at the back of the shop fighting back the wild cane. He doesn't like having his photo taken at the best of times so the quality of the pic is not too good as I raced out took it and ran back inside!

Have been working on the Newsletter so hope to have it out early in the week. We have ordered Libby Richardson's NEW BOM " Lace and Grace Tea Party" We just love it and know you will too so wanted to give you a sneak peek.

Contact us for pricing and expected delivery dates.

Have lots more to do on the newsletter but have already listed lots of new things to feature. Better get back to it!

Please leave us some comments we love to know what you think!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008

Happy New Year 2008.

We have never celebrated the New year in a big way in our house.As we both have yukky head colds could see no reason to change our ways! Have always made ourselves available to drive teenagers around! Last night was no exception when our 19 year old Toby rang to say his car had broken down at 1.10am. Wake up drive to collect he and his girlfriend and come home read my book for a while and go back to sleep. 3am Toby woke us to say he had a rash and was itching! Toby has always been allergic to all sorts of things. Found him something to ease the itch suggested a shower and back to bed again. Remember when your children were little and you suffered from sleep deprivation? Do things really change as they grow up or do we just become desensitised.

Gave Mum her apron I made for Christmas so thought you would like to see a photo.We also gave her a subscription to Gourmet Traveller mag ( gave her Delicious last year) and a non stick silicone mini muffin pan. Mum makes the most delicious Savory muffins and she was complaining they were sticking. I think she looks fabulous don't you ( especially for someone who had a quadruple heart bypass in May 2005) She doesn't like having her photo taken.

We plan to teach an apron class this term so let us know if you don't already get the Class list email. January Newsletter I hope to have out by the weekend so keep an eye out in your inbox for that.

Off now to have lunch with my lovely friend Annie and her family and to share some Pink Champagne. ( Have a look at the pattern for a Pink Champagne Quilt on the website).

May 2008 bring you happiness health and of course lots of stitching time. 

Nana's Brandy Sauce

Well I promised to give you my Nana's Brandy sauce recipe and as I am always true to my promises I find myself here at the computer at 11pm. We lost my Nana when I was 4 so I have only vague memories and photos of course. One thing I do remember is that she called me her little Apple Blossom. But, every Christmas she is a part of our family Christmas tradition with this yummy recipe.

Brandy Sauce

3 tablespoons Brandy,1 egg, 1/2 cup of cream whipped, 3/4 cup Castor Sugar, salt.

Separate egg and whisk white until stiff, gradually add the sugar.Whip until sugar is dissolved. Add salt and yolk. .Fold in cream, and then brandy. This sauce is not cooked so it is quite does have the alcohol still in it. Dollup over warm Plum Pudding. Very yum!

Wishing all  from the whole team at The Patchwork Angel a wonderful festive Season and a very Happy New Year and of course Happy Stitching!

PHEW!

Only 5 more sleeps now.

Christmas shopping finished and am having lunch today with Mum and my younger sister to discuss the very important issue of food for Christmas dinner. Mum has made the puddings as she always does. I'll make Nanna's Brandy sauce for the pudding. Very yummy. I'll give you the recipe soon.

PHEW! Have just finished loading a heap of new patterns on the Patchwork Angel website. .

Have a look at our Just Arrived section to see some great Christmas projects to start for next year.

We have had lots of lovely rain here on the Sunshine Coast and the toadstools just love the rain. we think they look like little fairy villages don't you?

Better go off to my very important Food meeting!

Happy Stitching,

SECRET SANTA

Well, we are really counting down the days to Christmas now. How many sleeps? The Patchwork Angels went out on Saturday for our Christmas Party! We started at the Buderim Tavern with cocktails. The view looking out towards Caloundra is amazing. We then ambled down the street to one of our lovely local restaurants " Hungry Feel". Where we enjoyed a scrumptious meal. Silly me forgot her camera so sorry no photo.

We were just glad to be able to be together as our Fiona's 5 year old daughter had a fall in the shower on Wednesday night last week and fell onto the broken ceramic soap holder. Yes, 13 stitches in her forehead and 3 more on the tip of her nose. Stitches are out already and she is doing well. Getting cranky about not being allowed in the pool.

Anyway promised a photo of the apron I have made for my Secret Santa gift for my stitching group "The Bossy Stitcher's". We are all making an apron for each other. I've used the fabric range Chateau Roccoco by Robyn Pandolf. It is a yummy rich range. We still have a little in store and one fat quarter bundle left. You can see these on the website.

Have draped it on my tree for the photo.

As always have gotten carried away and have made a pink one for Mum for Christmas too. To go with her silicone muffin tray (she makes delicious savory muffins but was complaining they were sticking) and subscription to Gourmet Traveller mag. I'll show a photo of her apron later.

We are planning an apron class next term.

Off to get organised so I can go out to lunch now!

Visit our website

WE HAVE A WINNER!

We recently ran a raffle to raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research. Gail from our UFO class was the lucky winner. We are proud to say that we raised a total of $578.00. As many of you will already know I have a 19 year old who was diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes when he was 10. It is a terrible disease that rules your life. Juvenile Diabetes Research's mission is to find a cure. You can find out more here:Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund                                                          

Pictured is Gail (right) receiving her quilt.

                                                                  

Friday night week before last I decided to make a quilt with these lovely fabric we had got into the shop. I decided to make a quick quilt using a stack and slash kind of method. I am very pleased with the result. Fiona, Quilting Fairy quickly quilted it for me in time for our Show and Tell Morning Tea. Still have to bind it though! You can see these lovely fabrics on the website. Martha Negley Collection Fabric Here

Don't forget to have a look at the photo album of our Morning Tea!

For those who are wanting to make Lynette's new design" Millhouse shade and Friendship nine patch" we now have the self sdhesive shade in stock. 

Millhouse shade pattern

Happy Stitching!

Our Christmas Party

On Friday we hosted our end of year Christmas Show and Tell. Entry to our morning is free as long as you bring something for Show and Tell. We think it was all rather fun and have put a photo album to try to give you an idea of how it all went. I was told I talked for more than 1 hour and 40 minutes. No surprise to my husband who claims I talk all night anyway!

Left to right Fiona, Lee, Penny and Maureen

Here is our classroom all ready to go!

Then in the blink of an eye it was full of enthusiastic ladies!

Not only were there beautiful quilts and patchwork projects but also some yummy food.         

We drew our raffle to raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research and are very proud to say we raised around $600.   Gail one of our UFO (Unfinished Object) class was the winner!

Now I need to get on with making an apron for my Secret Santa presie for a member of a group I belong to the Bossy Stitchers! (So named coz we are all bossy!)     Have it cut out and planned but no stitching done yet. I'll show you a photo when I get it done.

By the way, got all that giftware unpacked and yes there was a lot broken. But the rest is yummy! Have also just listed some more of the paper piecing kits so use the link to have a look. Paper piecing kits

Happy Stitching,

         

AAAARGH!

Look lots of new stock has arrived today. Hope nothing is broken on those cartons!!! Lots of giftware and some notions I picked up while in Melbourne. Keep  an eye on the website for new goodies!

Happy Stitching while we're unpacking!

Our New baby!

While in Melbourne for a trade show " Australian Quilt Market " I was able to spend time at the property of my sister Robbie, and her family "Blossomwood Farm ". You can see Blossumwood Farm designs on our website. While there I was able to meet my new Great Nephew Archie and spend time with his sister Ella and big brother Darcy. The roses on the farm are just divine so I had to share them too. obviously I am a rather visual person.

One of our ladies Marion came to a Stack and Slash class with June earlier this year. Marion decided her  lovely quilt needed some embellishing so she joined jenny who runs our Crazy Club to embellish help and support her with her quilt. We think it is lovely don't you? That's Marion of the left and Jenny on the right. Jenny is very creative and encourages the girls in the Crazy Club in a very caring way.

Well I'm off now to decorate my Christmas tree. until next time,

Happy Stitching,