2020 is becoming a year of ups and downs. On the up, the shop has reopened. It is so hard to believe it has already been one month. It has been lovely seeing everyone again and so nice to see the progress that people have made on their projects. I am selling lots of backing fabric, so I know people have been busy. Here is Anne, a member of our monthly appliqué group.
She has finished 'Okehampton' designed by Karen Styles of Somerset Patchwork. Congratulations Anne, it is lovely.
On a down, I have been very unproductive on the sewing front. Calving season on the farm and kids home schooling have thrown me out of my usual routine. I have also been in huge mess at the shop. My work area has been totally overtaken with boxes and tubs of stock that I had prepared for events that have now been cancelled.
An overwhelming up, has been the big changes we have made in response to the cluttered shop. Last weekend we undertook the job of moving my long arm machine to home. The thought of the job was daunting, so many power leads and cords, but all went smoothly without a hitch.
The extra room at the shop has been wonderful. I now have room for storage shelves and two tables for folding and sorting fabric and no longer have to stand to eat lunch. I can feel the creative energy starting to flow again which is something I have really missed.
On a down, word came through late last week that the Australasian Quilt Convention for 2020 has officially been cancelled. I am disappointed, as convention is a great week where I get to catch up with lots of Melbourne and interstate customers who cannot make the trip down to the shop. I must admit I could not see how the event could run in August, with some state borders still closed and international travel suspended for non Australian residents. It will now be 15th - 18th April 2021. After a years hiatus I am sure it will be a great event.
It is now just five weeks until The Friendship Frolic. If you are a new follower, the Friendship Frolic is an event run in conjunction with Gum Valley Patchwork. The aim of the day is to gather your quilting friends and take a road trip to both of our shops, stopping for lunch in the township of Timboon, either with something you have packed or purchased from one of the eateries in town. We offer prizes, discounts and competitions. It really is a fun day, and a great excuse to get together with your friends. The dates this year are Wednesday 22nd - Sunday 26th July. I am meeting with Linda this week to discuss the finer details, stay tuned for further information.
On the fabric front I have had some lovely bolts of Madame Fleur arrive. These are miniature toiles, the little vignettes will look lovely surrounded with hexagons borders.
I am also getting very excited about the impending arrival of the Jane Austin collection, but I think that deserves a whole blog entry on its own.
Back soon, Lenora.