Mallee Country Crafts

Australian Quilt Market 2011

2011-11-29T20:00:00.000+10:30

Brooke and I have had an amazing time over the weekend, meeting Australian designers and catching up with our wonderful wholesalers.

We went a little crazy with pattern and fabric buying. There was just so much. I just love that we have such talented designers of both patterns and fabrics.

I hope to have all of the new patterns up on the website soon, just hunting around for the images.

Here are a couple that I have found.

This is one of Anni Downs from Hatched & Patched. I will be running a class in 2012. The purse is made using hand dyed wool and simple stitching. I also bought Anni's new range of fabrics due for release in May 2012 called Christmastime.

This image is of the paper version of the fabrics, which is how we purchase them.

Another pattern from another wonderful designer, Melissa Grant of One Day in May. Melissa also has a gorgeous block of the month with lace and roses!

Anyway, enough for now. I'll be back when more arrives.

Happy stitching

Sue

Packages Are Ready

2011-11-29T19:33:00.000+10:30

Well Brooke has been preparing our Boxes for Christmas. All together there is now 30 packages ready to send to our troops. The worst bit of this exercise is the addressing and filling out of the customs forms, one for each parcel!

We would personally like to thank our customers for their support, many donating items or cash to buy items, also Coles - McLaren Vale ($100 gift voucher), Chemart Chemist - McLaren Vale (donation of goods), Zumba Down South (various donations from Karen and other Zumbaites) and Universal Magazines (donation of magazines ie A dog's Life for our 4 legged friends handlers). A job well done by all, especially Brooke for coordinating and doing all the running around, she has done an amazing job.

It's looking a bit like Christmas

2011-11-23T18:34:00.000+10:30

Boy, I hadn't realised it was 3 months since I was last on here. But I must confess Facebook has taken over and I post on there regularly. But this is such a pretty place to be and as yet FB doesn't allow you to change too much graphic wise... :(

Well where do I start? Probably the best I can say is check out our website as the latest newsletter is on there along with information about the Care Packages Brooke and I a preparing for our troops overseas. So far we have collected enough for 25 packages, some for the guy, some for the girls and 6 or so for the Explosion Detection Dogs and their handlers.

I have pretty much organised 2012 class wise and this year we will be running a HUGE Melbourne Cup with a guest teacher. The aim of the day, aside having fun, will be to use up some of your stash!

Also, I'm running a Block of the Month where you can opt to come here for a day of stitching. Wendy Whellam is also here each month running a hand stitching/quilting class and I have a few other surprises up my sleeve.

So enough for now, remember to check out the website and subscribe to our newsletter (via the register button) that was you'll never miss out.

Sue

2011-08-10T18:01:00.003+09:30

Well, I've made it safely to the USA to visit the grandkids (and their parents) I haven't seen my daughter (other than on Skype) for just over 3 1/2 years! Meaning I had only met my eldest grand daughter twice, once when she was born and I flew over here and the second time when they came out to visit when she was about 4 months old. Since then Charlotte has a baby sister, Miriam, who is now 2 1/2. Of course they are both adorable and I can't get enough of them. My luggage might be heavier on the way home....lol.

Still getting over the jet lag hence I'm up at 3.30am writing when I should be sleeping!

I've managed to find some new books (for teachers) and have picked out two new techniques, one of which I haven't seen at all in australia, so looking forward to getting back into the studio to work on a class for it.

I'll try to post a photo soon.

We're off shopping later today so I may just run into some more patchwork related stuff and Saturday week we'll be in Chicago for a few days, so really looking forward to that trip.

Bye for now

Sue

2011-07-20T20:23:00.007+09:30

Well I've finally done it, no I've not gone mad, well not totally.... I've moved the 'whole' shop around, we now have a dedicated teaching studio and all the fabrics are in the main area of the shop. Last Saturday most of the fabrics were in the room pictured here.

I was worried the girls in todays class wouldn't approve and I'd have to move everything back but, the room got a big tick of approval. So I'm glad the 3 days of work was not all for nothing....lol. Call in soon to have a squiz! Sue

Did you know?

2011-07-13T15:24:00.003+09:30

I thought I might start throwing out little tidbits of useless information that I have picked up along my journey of quilting. Perhaps nothing earth shattering but who cares life's to short to be serious all the time.

If you have a question you would like answered then let me know, if I don't know, I'll find out (or make up an answer...lol)

Now did you know back in the day when fabrics for quilting were thin on the ground and there were no quilt shops per se that the clever marketing people in the feed and seed companies started packaging there feed/seed sacks in colourful prints. The women would give their men strict instructions on which flour to purchase based on the colour of the feed sack, if they wanted to make a dress he may have to buy two matching feed sacks!

Now if you had to choose between a boring old wheat bag or one with a pretty print which would you go for? A very clever marketing trick on the company's part.

This flour bag has a removable paper label. Some companies printed with ink that was removable so the women could choose to use plain as well as printed fabrics. The sacks were often not only used for quilts but more often as fabric for dresses, aprons, towels, underwear and much more.

The sacks contained anything from sugar, rice and flour to dog food, chicken feed and the like.

During the Great Depression and through the World Wars especially the women were encouraged to recycle these bags.

And we thought we were the kings/queens of recycling.

I have seen a motto recently which read:

"Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without".

I think in today's world we will need to look back so we can move forward.

Till next time... Happy Stitching Sue

SALE SALE SALE into July

2011-07-09T18:45:00.001+09:30

I forgot to mention our SALE.... Starts next Wednesday 13th July @ 10am and ends Sunday 17th @ 3pm.

All fabrics $15 per metre, minimum 1/2 metre cut.

All Fat 1/4's $4.

No other discounts or promotions are available during the sale.

Sale price also available for online sales.

The sale price will not be shown on screen but your order will be adjusted accordingly at our end.

This is THE sale of sales, so don't be the only one to miss out on some seriously good savings. Fabrics are from our floor stock fabrics, obviously not the Morris Meadow as we don't have it yet....lol. But Moda, RJR and all the other popular fabrics are all ON SALE.

Dont miss it.

2011-07-09T17:43:00.009+09:30

Well winter is HERE and it's the perfect time for quilting. Time to get out all those UFO's or PHD's that you were putting off quilting or binding through the summer months. Snuggle up and just 'quilt it'!

Now I have some news... Michele Hill has designed a new range of fabrics. I've only seen them on paper so far, but they look delicious and I can't wait to get my hands on them. Of course I've ordered up big especially since she will be releasing 2 brand new block of the months. We will have the BOM's up and ready for you in January 2012.

The fabrics are not due in Australia until November, so I expect delivery by November end or beginning of December. If you check out our website you'll see we have a special offer on for Michele's fabrics.

These are just two of the border fabrics to give you an idea of the design. I don't know how close the colours will be, this is obviously a more intense colourway than Michele's previous range and I love it.

Just a reminder about the needle turn applique class with Wendy Whellum next Saturday. It's a full day class $60, we'll be having a shared pizza lunch, if you don't eat pizza byo lunch.

Also, we have a couple of spots left for Kerryn Brand's Turkish Delight cushion class, see our previous post for samples of these gorgeous beaded cushions.

Bye for now, keep warm and keep stitching.

Sue

Beaded cushion class with Kerryn Brand

2011-06-03T20:40:00.004+09:30

Kerryn and I finally got together to work out this class. She has dropped off 2 gorgeous cushions for me to display. One is a shabby chic style and embellished with beads, the other uses border fabrics, kaleidoscope technique and again with bling added.

Class info is on our website, class will be held over 2 consecutive Saturdays 10am - 4pm

Only limited spaces available. Cost $65 for the 2 days.

Australasian Quilt Convention 2011

2011-05-31T21:28:00.003+09:30

I thought I would share a few of the photo's I took whilst in Melbourne.
The whole event was extremely hard work, as we only had 3 weeks to prepare due to someone pulling out at the last minute and I'm guessing a show as big as this would normally warrant a few months of preparation from a number of people. But even with the short lead time and with a lot of help from family, friends and even our customers we managed to have a good looking stand. We were extremely happy with how everything turned out. It's not a cheap exercise but well worth the effort for the exposure it gives the business.
We will be back there again next year.
I've actually started designing a music themed quilt to release at the show.
In this shot we had just finished setting up, the next shot was taken on day one when we still had stock on the table.

The show was held at The Royal Melbourne Exhibition Building a stunning piece of architecture.

All the trimmings are hand painted and totally stunning. If you are ever in Melbourne make sure you put this building on your sight seeing list.

Easter 2011 @ Inman Valley

2011-05-31T21:04:00.005+09:30

After our trip to Melbourne for the Australasian Quilt Convention we well and truly needed a break. We had booked into a 'dog friendly' holiday home so our fur children could enjoy Easter as well.
Below, the verandah where we spent much of our time gazing at the changing scenery and Bonnie our little Cocker Spaniel

View from the verandah looking South to Victor Harbor and a couple of the residents on the farm.

You can't quite see it in this photo but the ocean is just visible from the property.

This is one holiday place we will definitely be revisiting!

For the first two days all I did was lay on the lounge and watch Foxtel.... well I don't have it at home...lol. The weather was perfect, chilly but the sun shone every day. We thoroughly enjoyed our 4 night stay. The house was wonderful, nothing flash, just homely and safe for the dogs.

Here are just a few of the shots we took at Rainbow Farm, Inman Valley

2011-05-31T18:59:00.000+09:30

It is freezing here in Adelaide and it's only Autumn! What the heck is winter going to be like? Well all I can say is stoke up the fire and get out the quilting.

It's that time of the month....no not THAT time, it's Block of the Month time....lol, my Mum and I are busy sorting and posting out our BOM's. We try really hard to be organised, but it's really hard.....too much stitching to be done to stop and 'work'.

I'm almost finished stitching Libby Richardson's latest BOM called Polly & Friends. The pattern is available as 'pattern only', preprinted panels with pattern or and this is the one I went for the preprinted and hand painted version. It is just gorgeous and hand painted by Libby. I don't know where she finds the time.

The colours in our BOM are a little deeper than Libby's original, but that's just my personal choice.

My palette of colour for Libby's BOM

One of the blocks completed

and here's the pussy cat one.

The pattern set on it's own (a set of 5 patterns) $55

For the other options.... I'll have to contact Libby (during the day) as I can't find my catalogue....grr. But if you're interested just email me and I'll send the info through.

Well that will do for my little plug for the new block of the month. I've just found some photo's that I'd forgotten about so hold tight I'm going to put them up here for a little insight into your quilt shop owners boring life....hahaha

2011-05-25T18:29:00.000+09:30

This little fella (or he maybe a she) has been in our front garden for the past week.

Now I know my American friends believe that this happens all the time in Australia...but sadly this is not true. We feel so privileged to have this little visitor.

In the 3 1/2 years that we have lived in McLaren Flat there has only been one other koala, one kangaroo and believe it or not 2 stray horses, but none have stayed this long.

This little bloke moves up to the top of the tree during the day to eat the new growth, then heads back down to a more secure spot for the night.

We have been having real wintery weather for this past week and the winds at times have really rocked the gum trees, but he/she's still hanging in there.

REMEMBER.... This Saturday is our Kimono Class Day 1, we still have a spot left if you are interested. Sample in store or on our website.

Australasian Quilt Convention 2011

Well what a week that was! Darren and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole AQC. We met some wonderful people and found out that the other exhibitors are like family when you are away.

I would personally like to thank those that gave us a helping hand with our lighting....you know who you are, especially Margaret from Logan Fabrics!

We came back absolutely exhausted but only had to get through 2 days before we headed off to Rainbow Farm in Inman Valley for a 5 day Easter break with our 2 puppy dogs. I don't know who enjoyed it more, although Bonnie did get attacked by an alpaca (we weren't expecting that, he looked so cute, then BAM he knocked her down and stamped on her chest). Mmmm and to think I always wanted one until then. Hurt my dog......your off my Christmas list!

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

On Wednesday the 11th May we travelled to Mannum after being invited by Mannums Stitchers to attend their event to help raise money for the Cancer Foundation.

We had a wonderful day, they fed us scones and cakes, sandwiches and much, much more. We actually rolled home.

The girls had been working hard on some 50 charity quilts which they donated to Hutt Street Homeless Centre. The value equated to around $15,000, so well done girls. I'm sure the clients of Hutt Street Centre will really appreciate the little touch of 'home' you have all stitched into your quilts.

On the day the girls raised well over $1000 for the Cancer Foundation and a great day was had by all.

One thing I learned on the day was that it costs $350 a day to feed the 200 odd people that use the centre daily for breakfast and lunch and that there is absolutely no Government funding for the Centre. They run fundraisers annually and one is held in October, a bit like Biggest Morning Tea, but it's called High Tea for Hutt Street.

So Mallee Country Crafts will be running a High Tea for Hutt Street, so keep in touch to find out more. We will have a small quilt exhibition, run a raffle (obviously all funds going to the Centre) and there will be a trading table. More details will be posted here closer to the event. Anyone wanting to give me a hand is more than welcome, there will be plenty to do and organise.

And for something a little different!

These are my little cherubs, this is Miriam she turned 2 last January and below is her big sister Charlotte who turned 3 last November. They live in the USA, but we talk on Skype regularly. So I still get to see little concerts with singing and dancing and I get to see them at play. One day when Lauren (my daughter) left the laptop out in the yard where the girls were playing we even played mud pies.....until Mum came back....lol. It was great fun, I didn't get any dirt on me....haha

Well until next time, keep warm (or cool, depending on which side of the globe you're on) and keep stitching.

Sue

Kimono Class

2011-03-24T21:49:00.000+10:30

We are lucky enough to have Julie Sutton coming to teach her Kimono class. She will be here on the 28th May and then again on the 25th June. The classes will run from 9.30am - 4pm. So you will have a month in between to do some 'homework'. Class cost $100 (that's for 2 full day tuitions) BYO lunch, morning tea will be provided.

A non-refundable deposit will need to be asap to secure your spot. Only 8 per class so you will have plenty of attention and help.

Samples of the Kimono

I'm going to make one, but not in the traditional Japanese fabrics, I'm a more Shabby Chic kinda girl!

Call us on 08 8383 0820 to secure a spot.

Where does time go? & AQC 2011

2011-03-24T21:13:00.000+10:30

I'm not very good at this blogging..... never sit long enough to write. But to keep you all up to date that just has to change.

There is so much happening at the shop at the moment. Classes, classes, classes, fields day visits, bus trips and now the Quilting Mecca of Australia, the Australasian Quilt Convention.

We only found out two days ago as someone had to pull out of the event, if we didn't grab it we could wait for years to get in, so even though we are no where near ready for such a huge event we're diving in boots and all!

The convention has national and international teachers attend and it is 4 days of full on quilting. There are around 200 exhibitors from all over Australia and now little 'ol Mallee Country Crafts will be there on Stand 57.

So I've engaged a couple of my wonderful customers to whip up a couple of new quilts for me and my dear Mum, husband and myelf are frantically cutting kits, fat quarters and fat 1/8th packs. We'll be flat out for the next 3 weeks preparing.

So if anyone reading this has been to the AQC I'd love some feedback. I've never been.....not from not wanting to go, just never made the time. But I'd love some customer feedback re the event to help me decide what and how much I need to take with me. Email me direct if you have any suggestions.

Bye for now

Back to work

2011-01-15T11:33:00.000+10:30

Well after our wonderful holiday in Tasmania it's time to get stuck back into work.

Like many I suppose I have been mesmorised by the TV coverage of the Qld floods, who would believe you would need a boat to navigate your own city streets. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and I know in the true Australian spirit we will all pull together and make things right once again.

I've had Wendy Whellum visit me at home this morning, we had a lovely cuppa and chat and Wendy delivered the sample quilt of the block of the month quilt that she is teaching her this year.

I'll pop a photo of the whole quilt up tomorrow, but I've pinched these photos from Wendy's site
(thanks Wendy) to show you which blocks we will be doing.

Sorry the layout is not flash, but this bloggy thing is still brand new to me so I figure as long as I get the information on here you want really mind if it's in the right spot.... :)

For this quilt Wendy will be holding classes once a month on a Friday afternoon, if you're interested please contact us to get on the list. There is only room for 8 - 10 in each class so don't dilly dally!

Okay, I'm off for some dinner, I think it's homemade burgers tonight!

Sue

2010-12-24T17:12:00.000+10:30

This is the view of our shop 'entrance'. Well yes it's actually our shed, but through the gate and to your right is a big surprise.

Through the doorway shown here is our main shop area which includes tables for our Sit n Sew's, the little shed to the right is stacked with fabrics!

A shot of the inside of the shop.

This pair of bozo's will greet you at the gate, they make a lot of noise, but are very friendly. Bonnie on the left, Brandy on the right.

Entally Estate

2010-12-24T16:15:00.000+10:30

Darren & I visited Entally Estate, Hadspen, Tasmania. The Heritage home of yesteryear, is just amazing. I must say I was born way too late. I feel right at home in this type of accommodation! Only I probably would have been one of the convict servants than the owners wife....lol.

Inside was the original furniture and all their knick knacks. The owners were merchants and did quite a bit of travelling so the design style was quite eclectic. Obviously there was a large proportion of English wares, but quite a few with an Asian influence.

I fell in love with this piece.

There was another earthenware jug with what appeared to be Japanese faces and other asian inflenced images, it looked like it had been used as a vase. The curator said it was worth thousands of dollars.....DONT TOUCH SUE!

Can you imagine wandering through this beautiful conservatory and gardens.

We stayed here for a couple of hours roaming around the gardens, looking through the house, stables and the little on site chapel.

Everywhere you look there is more and more inspiration for stitcheries and quilts! Always have your camera at the ready and a note book in your bag.

2010-12-24T15:06:00.001+10:30

Wow I didn't think it had been so long since I checked into the 'Blog' but the date on my very first blog says different! I put it down to lack of time/enthusiasm.

At present we are on our Christmas vacation, so while Darren is having a 'Nanna Nap' or should that be 'Poppa Nap' I have found many quiet moments to contemplate the coming year and considered it a good idea to start a more regular blog.

We are currently in Launceston and have been sightseeing Tasmania since the 15th of December. We are lucky enough to be housesitting for 3 weeks and Launceston has been a great place to base ourselves. In return for looking after this lady's home and her elderly dog we have free accommodation! Gotta love that.

Each day we head off into a different direction, being the 2nd oldest settlement in Australia we are privileged to be able to see and experience so much history. Boxing Day we are heading to Hobart to visit Port Arthur, the Salamanca Markets and best of all the Cadbury's Chocolate factory.....here come the kilos...

Below is a shot of Cataract Gorge where we will be picnicking on Christmas Day. It's just beautiful. In fact I think they should rename the area Cataract Gorgeous! Peacoks are everywhere, displaying their beatiful plumes, there are children running and laughing, couples walking hand in hand (old and young). There are some quite stenous walks up the Gorge if you are so inclined, or you can talk the easier strolls and even hop on the chair lift, which is apparently the longest single spanned chair lift in the world. The photo below on the right was taken from the chair lift.

Before leaving Adelaide I put into place some patchwork classes. (see Newsletter on our web page www.malleecountrycrafts.com.au there are a couple of photos of quilts etc.) I can't wait to get stuck into them.

I've also, whilst on our break had time to design a couple of quilts. Wishing now I had bought my sewing machine so I could get started, so am excited about starting these when I get back, my aim for 2011 is to create a couple of my own patterns to have for sale.

I'm currently working on some stitcheries by Natalie Bird called 'All Creatures Great & Small'. I'm making it for my youngest grand daughter, Miriam, she will be 2 this January.

These pics are from Natalie's webpage and they are of the original quilt. Mine will actually be in a bit softer colours. The book has 16 designs, a couple are shown below.

I want to eventually give this to Miriam but for a while it will serve it's time as a sample in the shop. We have the books available for $19.95 and I will work out a kit price later on.

Well that's it from Tassie today. I'll pop back in a few days with some more photos of the area.

Our very first Blogspot

2009-08-23T14:02:00.000+09:30

Welcome to Mallee County Craft & Gifts Blogspot. We hope to keep you abreast of happenings at the shop and to keep you up to date with the latest additons to our webpage and all things quilting.
Speaking of all things quilting you should visit a newish webpage built for fanatic quilters. http://allthingsquilting.com.au/ It's a growing site designed and run by Steph and when it is complete you will have access to every piece of information you could ever want to know about patchwork and quilting. The show promotes 'bricks and mortar' shops, that have real people to help you with fabric selections and pattern hiccups. Steph also includes lists of quilting groups, retreats, long arm quilters, quilting shows, classes and the list goes on.
Once you have subscribed (which is free to you) you will receive updates on specials, new classes and much, much more.
You will be able to plan shopping trips to quilt stores whilst you are holidaying anywhere within Australia.
We have just become members, meaning that each time we update our website you would receive notification and would save you having to 'check' in on our website unnecessarily.
That's all for now, I will drop back by in a few days with more info.
Happy stitching

Mrs Mallee
(Sue)