Elm Grove Patchwork

Taking a road trip

I am taking a road trip today, to Quilts In The Barn 2013. It is very exciting, as this year Petra Prins and An Moonen, the authors of 'Promonade in a Dutch Garden' will be in attendance and they will have the quilts from their book on display.

I have been admiring the quilts in these pages for months, now I will be seeing them in person.

Don't worry, the shop is still open, my dear friend Jane is filling in.

I'll take lots of photo's (if I am allowed) to share when I return. Hope your day is as good as mine is going to be!

Lenora.

A weekend with Di Ford

I have been in discussion with Di Ford about the possibilities of luring her down along The Great Ocean Road for a weekend escape. I've promised her fresh country air, nearby ocean views and warm, friendly company. Thankfully she has agreed to come, and she is bring with her a trunk load of her lovely quilts.

Di's visit will involve a trunk show on Friday night 21st February (2014) and classes over the weekend. There will be more details available in the coming weeks, but if you are interested mark the date on your calender and keep your eye out over the coming weeks.

Lenora x.

Romantic Olde Charleston

Today saw the arrival of Romantic Olde Charleston, the newest range of reproduction fabric from Judie Rothermel.

Not the best photographs I am sorry, but pop over here, where there is better detail. What is my favourite???   Definitely the pink, third up from the botton (top photograph). However, I will be adding the lovely brown stripe print sixth up from the bottom (bottom photograph) to my stash. I think it will make a lovely narrow border one day.

Have a great weekend!

Lenora X.

100% Wool Fabrics

Over the past fortnight I have had deliveries of 100% wool fabric. It has taken a little while for me to get through the felting process, but I am currently up to date. (Word has come that another five bolts are on the way, but at this present time, as we speak, I am up to date!).

These are the commercially dyed colours I have purchased. A dark brown, mustard and tan are still to come.

I have also purchased some plaid and hounds-tooth, which I am working my way through dyeing.

I am really enjoying the dyeing process. Each batch I dye, I learn something new. I think dyeing is very much a learn-as-you-go subject; although a few years back I undertook some textile design subjects and the colour theory I learnt has definitely been a help. Initially I was working with very strict formula's, now I am working at different strengths and to be honest a little bit of this and little bit of that and if it doesn't look right a little bit more of something else.

What do you think?

I have been talking to the lovely Leonie from the Quilted Crow in Tasmania, and I have in stock some of her and Deidre's patterns and their book.

Working with felted wool is quick and easy and perfect for little gift items.

 

If you are in the area pop by and have a look at the display I am building inside the shop. If you are not in the area I have the patterns listed online, and I will soon be adding a whole wool section where you will be able to order individual pieces and bundles. 

Lenora.

 

Hampton Ridge, Briarcliff and more...

More new fabrics arrived yesterday.

6 bolts of Hampton Ridge by Paula Barnes

5 bolts of Briarcliff by Audrey Wright

And some odds and ends that have been on back-order. (Gallery in Red and Blue plus Nineteenth Century backgrounds.)

This lovely border from the Scarlet Evening range by Judie Rothermel also arrived.

I have been keeping my eyes out for great border prints, this one is a beauty!

If you would like further information, I have listed them all on my website.

Lenora.

 

 

 

Change of Business Hours

As from Wednesday September 18th, I will be changing my opening time to 11.00am. I am sorry if this causes any inconvenience. If you need to visit at an earlier time, please contact me as I am happy to arrange a suitable time. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

Opening times Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11.00am - 4.00pm. Saturday 1.00pm - 4.00pm.

Out With The Ladies

Yesterday was the third 'Stitch in Spring' gathering organized by my dear friend Linda from Gum Valley Patchwork. Being a tutor for the past two years, it was my turn to put the feet up, relax and enjoy the day.

The two tutors for the day were Marg Low ofs Marg Low Design and Lisa Cantlay from Fig n Berry Creations.

Not only did they provide us with four lovely projects to work on, they also provided a lovely display of their work for us to admire. 

As with every year, a highlight was show and tell. I was delighted when Vicki Reed revealed this quilt.

The Partridge Returns by Vicki Reed.

This quilt was a pattern I designed for the Christmas in July issue of Homespun magazine. Thanks for sharing Vicki, it is beautifully made.

And here is our table.

Rhonda, Amanda and Jill it was lovely to meet you. Julie, Jodie, Tabatha and Mum, it was great to share the day with you! Amanda, centre back row, is a very talented lady. She designs and makes vintage style clothing which she sells at markets and on-line. Check her website, Gypsy's Trove.

It was a wonderful day out, filled with the important things in life; great friends, great food and stitching.

Lenora x.

Inside the Chiseler's Studio

In making the decision to move into retailing, the biggest hurdle I had to jump was a where to set up my shop. With five youngish children and the farm, I wanted to be close to home, but business outlets are very limited at Nullawarre. It was a hard decision, but I eventually decided to approach an existing business, The Chiseler's studio and ask if they were interested in having a co-tenant. Luckily for me Colin and Colleen agreed.

The Chiseler's studio houses lovely Mahogany furniture and gift ware, and in recent weeks a large volume of new gift ware has arrived. I thought I would share with you some of the stock available.

The furniture has lovely, fine crafted detail.

 

And some unusual pieces.

Gift ware includes, photo frames, candles, soaps, ornaments and jewellery.

I have fallen for these decorative soaps.

And new in stock are handbags, scarves and beads.

There are items for men too.

And there is my shop, just in the next room.

My Christmas shopping is going to be easy this year!

Lenora x.

New books on the shelf

If you love applique and traditional quilt making you might be interested in some of the new books that have arrived.

 

 

 

They present lots of ideas and projects. I have listed them here if you are not able to make it in store.

Christmas Stitching

I am slowly working my way through Marg Low's newest book, All Things Christmas. I have made the Christmas table runner, and my twelve year old daughter who is learning to embroider, stitched up this version of Peace and Joy.

Together the projects are starting to form a nice little display in the front window.

I have made some kits for Peace and Joy which are $10.95 and include Cosmo thread, background fabric and pellon. (Marg uses Aurifil thread in her version). You can find them here. I am also in the process of kitting up the table runner.

Have a great weekend,

Lenora X.

Vintage Bobbins and Dressing Gowns

I love all things vintage, especially of the textile genre. So I was thrilled when I opened up a package and these were inside.

(Sorry for the grainy photo) There are Cap Spinners, Quills, Beehives and more. To be honest I am not quite sure what they were all used for, but I have purchased the book and will soon find out. And they do make a lovely display scattered about the store.

Also arrived are ten bolts of the new reproduction fabric by Judie Rothermel, called Dressing Gowns.

This is a lovely range of light fabrics, which are not always easy to find. I have entered them onto my webstore and also cut fat 1/8th packs. There are lots more fabrics due to arrive in September, so stay tuned for more.

Lenora X.