In Stitches of Williamstown

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Keeping us in stitches, Blog - this page is an informal insight into what's happening to keep us in stitches!  Click here to get back to home.

Craft and quilt fair

The craft and quilt fair in Melbourne was awesome - saw many, many customers as well as met lots of new ones.  It was great to be out and about hearing everyone "Oohh and Aahh" over the fabrics, quilts and patterns.  I've had lots of new people into the shop since the fair for the first time which is terrific!  Thanks to everyone who stopped to say hello and those who revived me with water, coffee and food!  I couldn't have done this without some terrific support from lots of people ...  Robyn, Jo, Miffy, Linda, Lynn, Louise, Leanne, Melinda and of course my darlings Martin, Maddie, Chris.  Big thanks to all xxxxxx

 

Fabrics

I've started to add Fabric to the website - of course we have a lot more fabric in our shop!

Flannel

The sachet flannel fabrics arrived on Friday and we've had a lot of interest. 
Be quick to book a kit for this class!

Very Hungry Caterpillar

I'm so excited about the very bright and very cute "Very Hungry Caterpillar" range.  I only got three pieces and look what it can do!

New fabrics in the shop

bulletFlower sugar
bulletPrairie Paisley
bulletSachet Flannels
bulletTula Pink's "Flutterby"
bulletThe Simplicity range by 3 sisters for Moda - I picked up a few Jelly Rolls and Charm Packs for those quick off the mark!
bulletThe City Girl range from Bennartex
Check out our new Fabrics pages for the City Girl fabrics we have in stock

 

 

bulletThe Prints Charming range "2 Young Street" - watch out for some simple and fresh kids quilts for girls and boys which you can make quickly or embellish at your leisure!  Just what we need with today's hectic life style!!

bulletWould you believe there is a range of fabric for the "Very Hungry Caterpillar"!  Very vibrant and true to the pictures in the book.  Not due for a while but you won't miss it when it arrives!
bulletThe new range of fabric featuring Beatrix Potter characters has also been released which is very endearing - similar to the range of fabrics released which I used in the Garden Tales cot quilt.  This is sure to be very popular as the Peter Rabbit fabric has just hopped out of the door.
bulletI also picked up a few packs of Funky Monkey charm squares for a bit of fun!

If you love Moda fabric you will jump at the chance to be involved in our "Piece and Plenty" Mystery quilt.  Each month you will receive a pattern designed by one of the Moda designers, a recipe and also fabric to make the block - the fabric will be sourced from Moda fabrics we have in the shop - either "Pretty" or some of the darker fabrics such as those designed by "Blackbird designs" such as Madeira.  This is a fantastic and exciting way to build a quilt - and from what I can see not a stitchery in sight!  But don't ask me what the whole quilt looks like...as it's a mystery even to me.  This will be very reasonably priced to encourage as many of you as possible to be involved.

There are some terrific block of the months coming on to the market

bulletLibby Richardson's quilt "Lace and Grace Tea Party" was stunning.  Those at the retreat only a couple of weeks ago saw this in what seemed very early stages of construction so I'm pretty impressed that it was finished for all the world to see!  Well worth all the effort.  It features adorable buttons that Libby has teamed up with Melissa to make under the name "Embellish a little".  At the retreat these buttons went down really well - particularly the teddies.
bulletButterfly Garden by Leanne Beasley - another stunner.  If you haven't seen it check out Leanne's blog http://leanneshouse.typepad.com/ 18th November 2007 where it is on the wall of the display area! 
bulletNice People, Nice things - this is a block of the week(!) quilt and I must say a real feel good quilt.  Helen Stubbings of Hugs and Kisses is launching this quilt for 2008 - there is a blog page set up specifically to share nice things about nice people!  As Helen says "
The blog is set up to enable people to share this project as it grows, share the nice thing you did today, the nice thing that happened to you to do, the nice people you met today or just something nice about life….. Just think, if everyone of us made an effort to do one nice thing per week what a ‘nicer’ place our world would be…."  Check out the blog http://npnt.wordpress.com/category/nice-people/  and have fun with this quilt.  It would be "nice" if you could buy the pattern or kit from me - not sure what fabric range to use at this stage as it is so hot off the press.
bulletPond House by Lynette Anderson - when you see the Pond in front of the house with those cute little fish swimming in it falls into place why this was called Pond House!  Adorable and achievable.
bulletBirds of Paradise by Bronwyn Hayes - has just been released - the quilt is stunning - bright and bold in Kaffe Fassett fabrics - although of course it would look good with any fabric. 

There were so many designers represented and it was terrific to see their inspired work!  Watch out for patterns in the shop by:

bulletLeanne's House
bulletCinderberry Stitches
bulletMoonshine designs
bulletArtsmart Craft Cottage
bulletHugs and Kisses (including some great stitcheries for boys)
bulletMelly and Me
bulletBronwyn Hayes

Most of these designs work fantastically with the fabric we stock!

I also found some great buttons - including an adorable block of the month type stitchery of French scenes by Robyn Allen Waters.

The other nifty thing I saw was covered button makers - not unique I know, but very very quick to make and so effective!  I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun with these!

Seasons of the Heart - Quilt launch - 15 November
We had a wonderful night launching Leanne's new quilt "Seasons of the Heart". 


Champagne and nibbles a plenty offered by our young ones Maddie, Chris and Leanne's Laura. Leanne has done a sensational job in putting together this quilt based around the 4 seasons and the different seasons in our lives.  There is so much to see and look at, your eye roams the quilt wondering what you have missed.  With many simple and quick stitcheries and appliqué blocks this is really achievable as nothing on it's own is daunting.

 

Ask in the shop to see a picture of the quilt as it is doing a grand tour at present and will be back in the shop in the new year.

Leanne also put together a block keeper roll which is generating a lot of interest.  We are running workshops for this in December and January - be sure to register as I have a list of about 20 interested so far!

Upcoming classes

Scattered squares with Laura - Saturday 24th November $35 includes pattern

Leanne's block keeper roll - Wednesday 5th 10am-2pm or Thursday 6th 7-10pm

New!

Barefoot roses fabrics by Tanya Whelan for free spirit ... makes me want to quilt!




 

"Girls in Stitches"  Retreat 3rd November 2007

What a fantastic time we had at the Girls in Stitches retreat.  Brenda Ryan and Libby Richardson were guest tutors who inspired everyone at the event. 

Libby ran fabric painting workshops and gave us a sneak peak at her new block of the month for next year and also a new range of beautiful buttons.  Libby designed a great wall-hanging for the retreat.

Brenda ran embroidery stitch workshops from which I had many positive comments.  Brenda designed a beautiful "A little bag of stitching" for the event.

I designed a ginger jar stitchery, pleated beaded bag, journal cover, basket, pincushion and table centre.

All who attended had an opportunity to learn and try something new!

 

Christmas workshop

We had an excellent time at the Christmas workshop on Sunday!  Projects included cathedral windows, working with water soluble fabrics, crayoning, yo-yo welcome wreaths and making Christmas Bear wings!  We still have some of the Nancy Halvorsen "Star of Wonder" fabrics left so if you are interested, you will need to be quick!

I'm planning a Christmas sampler - let me know if you are interested - call 9399 4177

Show and tell

A few of us got together for a delicious afternoon tea - amongst the show and tell were two stunning Saturday Sampler quilts, a stack and whack, 2 buck block quilt made using Thangles (TM), an Amy Butler bag and more besides.  Come and join us for the next show and tell at the beginning of September 8th (3-4pm) - we'd love to see what you have made.  There is a $20 voucher* for each person who brings a completed project made at a class or with fabric from In Stitches of Williamstown.  *Conditions apply.

Train playmat panel $19.80

I have already got a waiting list started for the Train Playmat panel for the next delivery.  If you want to pre-order too please leave a deposit of $5 at the shop so that you don't miss out.  These have been incredibly popular and make a quick, simple, practical gift for little ones.  Why not back it with the fuzzy tails alphabet panel and make it fully reversible!

Durham Quilt

Beautiful new Durham Quilt fabrics have arrived which are just gorgeous.  These would make a fantastic whole cloth quilt - or would work well with Julia's new "Ohio Rose" quilt.

Singer Tins

New Singer tins have come into the shop.  These are adorable, very nostalgic and are a must for all keen stitchers.  At $15 these are a fantastic gift idea.  Buy some now for Christmas or collect the set whilst they are still available!

Bamboo bucket bag

Found this really neat technique for appliqué which I used to make this Bamboo bucket bag.  Quick, easy and fun to try!  Patterns available.

Beatrix Potter Garden Tales cot quilt

I've finished making this adorable cot quilt - click below for picture.  It has been selling really fast so order your kit now before stocks run out.  Go to quilts for details.

Newsletter Friday 6th July

Our newsletter was posted on Friday 6th July.  If you did not receive it but would like to please send an email to laura@institches.com.au.  If you would prefer to receive your newsletter by email please send an email to laura@institches.com.au.  If you would like to be removed from the newsletter database please send an email with "Remove from mailing list" in the title to laura@institches.com.au

Coming soon

Our Christmas workshop is on 12 August - 9:30-3:30 - only $60.  Come and join in the fun.

Selling fast

Brenda Ryan's embroidered pyramids are a big hit.  At $11:50 it's a bargain too.

The Beatrix Potter fabric is so beautiful it was never going to last long, but many are oohing and aahhing over it.  Be quick if you want some as it is selling fast.

Also the train playmat panel has virtually all gone only 2 left - those with young boys don't want to miss out on this hit.  At only $20 for the panel it is a quick and easy project.

Sanctuary Day

We had an excellent retreat in the shop working with the beautiful fabrics from the Sanctuary Range by 3 Sisters for Moda.  Stitching and chatting from 9-4 it was a great way to spend a Sunday.  (There is a similar day for Christmas on 12 August - contact the shop for details).

Pictured - Needlecase (left), Sanctuary Pocket (Top left), Peace cushion (top right),Pincushion and mini rotary mat holder.

Thanks to everyone who came and made it such a fun day. Special thanks to Leanne and Julia for the inspirational designs - yet again!

Sit and sew

The nights are colder but the shop is warm and cozy and plenty of stitching is done.  Congratulations on the arrival of baby Erin!

2 1/2" strip club

Meeting on the first Thursday night from 7-9 each month this has been a very busy group.  We have now completed four different patterns including Butterfly Blooms, Cotton Rainbow, Stars and Stripes quilt, Pleated log cabin.  Between us we've made bags, cushions and quilts of all shapes and sizes.  It's a fun way to catch up once a month and use up some of the left over scraps.  Feel free to come and join us (cost $10 per month).  The picture below shows the pleated log cabin block which has been made into a cushion and many, many bags!!  Well done Norma and Maree!

I have pictures of the quilts completed by Ann and Louise but not close to hand - I'll post them soon.

Come and join us and find out what it's all about.  Next meeting first Tuesday in July 7-9pm.  Cost $10.

Girls Day Out

We are now in our fifth month of the Girls Day Out quilt and I have to say I am impressed with how up to date people are with this quilt. It's a big commitment but it's great to see what an effort is being made.  Come on and join us and keep the momentum going.

Next meeting - First Tuesday in July7-9pm - Free for those doing the BOM through In Stitches of Williamstown.

Reversible log cabin

This has been a really popular class since the very talented Chris Simonic completed her new sample.  I have seen many completed now (the joy of this quilt is the ease of completion) from four blocks to the more ambitious 16 blocks (well done Lynne).  I'll try and get some photos for you to see.

This class will run again this term for those who are interested, book quick as the spaces in the class won't last long...

New InStitches Designs


The pleated beaded bag (mine is to the left and Sharon's to the right)- you'll need to tilt your head for this one until I work out how to rotate the pictures!  It's cute I've had lots of positive feedback, patterns purchased and also ran a class on how to make it (see Sharon's to the right with just one over the shoulder handle)!


The paper pieced pin cushion - super easy to make and makes a great gift.  We made these at the sanctuary day and lots have commented that it was simple to make and compete!  Not another UFO.  Once you get going on paper piecing you'll be hooked!

The picture above is a clever little mini rotary cutting mat holder with space for the rotary cutter, pens and rulers.  Featuring 2 1/2" strips.  Another super quick design (have you spotted the theme yet).

Love in a mist class

This popular class keeps going and going... What stunning achievements by the girls.  Well done to Mim and Sarah whose quilts are pictured here.

Happy days!

Chris and Maddie in the Williamstown sunshine! 

 

Back to home

Please note that postage will be added to all orders, at cost.  Please email us if you would like a quote on your total order before placing it.  All prices are in Australian dollars.

Email:                           laura@institches.com.au

Website:                       www.institches.com.au

Street address:             411 Melbourne Road, Newport VIC  3015 Australia

Postal address:             PO BOX 830 Williamstown 3016 Australia

Phone:                         03 9399 4177

Opening hours:              Wed-Sat 10am to 3pm
                                   Wed 7-9pm

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