Welcome to Precious Time

Some show & tell

 

Bronwyn is working extremely hard on her Auntie Green to have it ready for the next class and I am sure you will agree with me that Bronwyn’s quilt is looking gorgeous.  All of the ladies in class may be suffering from sore fingers and tired eyes due to the amount of stitching required but I know that all would agree in an instance that they are thrilled and proud to be making this historic quilt.  We are all looking forward to sharing the next installment with Sue this weekend.  Stay tuned for an update and more images after the weekend.

Still filled with the excitement of sharing the weekend with Wendy I have been working on 9 patches for my Growing Up.  They are absolutely delicious.  This is not the only project that I have been working on…….new fabrics……..new quilts.  I have also been playing with 1862 Battle Hymn...…..borders have yet to be decided on but so far so good.

 

Super Scrappy is a new pattern, which arrived today.  Easy to read, cute little pattern card which Majella and I thought would look fantastic made up in Kaffe and friends.  A few little easy steps…..

 

Audition

Final selection

Chopped to size

Wrapped ready to buy

 

One of the beautiful voiles for the back and ta dah a yummy quilt…..…

hey I’m not that quick……..stay tuned……

 

Dreams are like stars….you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead to your destiny.

 

Yours in stitching………lisa

 

 

A look into the past

A new range from Barbara Brackman arrived in store this week and we have the complete story including the following precuts – jelly rolls, layer cakes and fat eight bundles. Barbara has been crazy about fabric since she was a child and spent a good deal of her youth watching old movies on tv while she embroidered dish towels.  She has written many books about fabric and quilts including America’s Printed Fabrics: 1770-1890, Facts & Fabrications: Unraveling the History or Quilts & Slavery and Making History Quilts & Fabric from 1890-1970. 

She was a founding member of the American Quilt Study Group and is an honoree of the Quilter’s Hall of Fame.  As well as writing wonderful books on the history of quilting Barbara also designs reproduction fabrics like 1862 Battle Hymn.  Muted delicious colours recall the mood of mourning and the original prints date from mid to late 19^th century, many drawn from an 1860s mill sample book. 

If you love reproduction fabrics then you will love this range, which remembers the first full year of the Civil War, its battles and losses.  Along each of the fabric selvedges is the Pattern Number, Name and Date of Original Production. A lovely reminder of quilts makers all those years ago – so if you are filled with nostalgia and a love of fabrics from the past then this is a must see range for you. 

The drizzly rain has started again and the sky is soft and dull with clouds - perfect weather for searching out good friends to stitch with.  Enjoy your weekend.........lisa

A heart in love with beauty never grows old - Turkish Proverb.

 

King Kong visits Toowoomba

What a delight to have Wendy Williams back in Toowoomba sharing her whimsical way with fabrics with the ladies in her class.  They had the most wonderful weekend and left on Sunday well in control of their chosen projects.  We won’t mention the hardest worker of the weekend, hey Katrina (oops) who left on Sunday with her project complete.  Congratulations to all the ladies who attended and who produced fantastic quilts and cushions.  Wendy was completely overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and standard of work in the classroom and she left Toowoomba feeling rejuvenated and inspired to get home to her new sewing room and play with her fabrics.

Wendy shared some fantastic tips and techniques and showed the ladies how to insert a zip…….are you cringing like me - well no more.  Wendy guarantees a faultless and fabulous finish (99% of the time she adds) with her technique.  The ladies commented how it was easier and quicker then buttons – what more can I say.  You never know what it is that you will take home from a class to pop in your bag of quilting tricks, always desiring to expand your knowledge.  So what did this little hive of bees get up to you ask – the proof is always in the pudding……….

Katrina finished her gorgeous "King Kong in New York" cushion and she was absolutely thrilled.  Before she left on Sunday she was madly choosing fabrics for her next creation.

 

 

Mary had her quilt literally Growing Up the design wall and was well on her way to joining her rows before she left on Sunday.

Patrina choose a fabulous range of fabrics from Curio from Basic Grey to make her Growing Up.  It was so lovely to see it being made in a different range of fabric from the original.  Wendy was thrilled with Patrina's choice of fabrics and encourages everyone to embrace fabrics that inspire them to create wonderful quilts.

This amazing cushion belongs to Helen..........

the cushion below is one of two wonderful creations from Kyleigh......

The majority of the girls on the weekend were working on Growing Up and here is a selection of them on the design wall waiting for more flowers to bind them together.........

Patrina finished her Hot Diamond quilt from the Kaffe Fassett workshop last February and like her friends and family I too am lusting after it.  While finishing her quilt Patrina had it laying on the floor of her sewing room and as her friends and family walked past they casually let Patrina know that they would love it – of course only if she didn’t want to keep it.  It looks amazing and it makes my fingers itch to get back to my bordered diamonds.

But my stickability has been strong so I can now say with a very happy heart TA DAH…………..

 

 

The borders are attached and now ready to go to the quilters for the final touch, quilting and scalloping of the border.   Of course it is then returned to you for a bit more work – binding but I can honestly say that I am very much looking forward to binding and finishing my quilt.  That feeling is euphoric – if only to make me feel ready to start the next quilt – that’s what makes it all fun.  Of course I have already started the next quilt (or quilts) – I couldn’t miss out on all the fun while Wendy was here on the weekend.

A great book provides escapism for me. The artistry and the creativity in a story are better than any drugs - Wentworth Miller.

Just a little housekeeping - if you were trying to call today so sorry we didn't answer but we had a black out and lost power for most of the day. Also trying to remedy the class list on the website so will let you know when fixed and available.

Looking forward to sharing more from Precious Time with you all again.  Lisa

Kits, quilts, new fabrics...........

 

 

The talented duo of Sue and her son Rowan have delivered another stand out range of spots and stripes.  These delightful new prints and have tantalizing colour combinations and are a fantastic addition for your quilting stash.  We have bundled them into delicious stacks – they remind me of gelato just waiting to be devoured………yum yum yum!

 

Kellie popped in with her finished Pickle Dish centre, which she started making with Sue Ross last year.  Kellie’s quilt is gorgeous and her theme of browns, purples and mustards has produced a warm, earthy quilt.  Kellie not only brought it in for show and tell but she is unsure of how to border it or if to border it.  So after some time auditioning fabrics I think she was in overload – some more time to think – we look forward to the end result and seeing what Kellie decides on.

 

The classroom was a busy with Bev assisting her ladies in finishing their Cathedral Windows quilts.  Lana and her daughter Jamilee worked non-stop to get borders on their quilts. Jamilee’s quilt is especially for Christmas - she chose clear Christmas reds, whites and golds.  Her mum Lana fell in love with one print from Dominique and her quilt was built around that.  The girl’s left with more borders to be sewn on at home – but here is a sneak peak.

 

New in store from Anna Maria is her Loulou Flannels.  They are a cozy reinterpretation of her Loulouthi collection which are perfect for quilts and pj’s.  Fourteen pieces that range in design from sweet to splashy, the colours are what you have come to expect from Anna Maria – subdued undertones which keep the whole look warm and eclectic.  I can’t wait to snuggle up under these.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barbara Brackman's new range Battle Hymn arrived at Precious Time this afternoon - I am looking forward to sharing it and all the news from Wendy's class with you all over the weekend.

A friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil; but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small, silly presents every so often - just to save it from drying out completely. Pam Brown.

Talk to you all soon.......lisa

Let Japanese quilts inspire you....

Don’t be fooled by the title or cover of this book – it just isn’t for lovers of Japanese fabrics or Japanese quilts.  Most of the quilts in this book are not dependent on having Japanese fabrics – they would look just as stunning in Kaffe, French General or a blend of geometric prints to name a few.  The simple quilts and projects are designed to let your favourite fabrics take centre stage using the easiest methods to obtain maximum effect.  With each pattern Susan offers trusted tips and personal insights into her time in Japan and you find yourself not only being drawn into the quilts but also into the Japanese culture and way of life.   This book will bring the simplicity and sophistication of Japanese style into your home with these easy to make quilts.  This gorgeous book will be a welcome addition to your quilting library.

We were thrilled to welcome Coralee back to Precious Time. She came in to visit as well as purchase some fabrics while visiting her daughter, who recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy – Harrison.  Coralee brought in two beautiful quilts to share with us.

 

Quilt:     Garden Party

Fabrics:   Garden Party by Blackbird Designs

Designer:  Blackbird Designs

 

 

Quilt:  Adaptation of In Molly’s Garden (not yet complete)

Fabrics:  Collection from Coralee’s stash

Book:  You’re Invited by Blackbird Designs

 

With Valentines Day just around the corner I thought I would share this quote with you.  

A rose can say "I love you"; an orchid can enthrall; but a weed bouquet in a chubby fist, thats the best of all!

 

Enjoy your weekend.....lisa

18th Century France has arrived at Precious Time

I have always had a fascination ever since I was a young girl with France and Paris for some unknown reason, because I have not had the opportunity to visit as yet, has a hold on my heart.  I am determined to get there in the next few years –keep your fingers crossed for me.

So imagine my delight when the newest range arrived from French General – Rouenneries Deux.

 

Karrie Meng the owner of French General has based her new range on a collection of old prints that she believes represents what rural life looked like in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.  It is based on her first collection Rouenneries, this group of prints are inspired by the red florals that were printed in Rouen, France in the 18^th century.  Create a French inspired quilt with Old French red, faded cranberry and natural linen prints – c’est magnifique.

Aur revu.........lisa 

 

 

 

 

Creativity is blossoming and the scent is sweet...........

I have finished appliqueing my last star and my orphan quilt is now ready for the borders to be sewn on.  This gorgeous quilt has been left neglected and yes maybe even a little unloved but it will be soon ready to shine and I am filled with joy at making the decision not to work on anything else until I finished the applique.  I have been sharing my quilt with the girls in the shop and even though Majella designed this quilt some 6 (shhh….) years ago for our first retreat this quilt still takes fills your sewing soul with joy.  All that is left is the 10” floral border (pink of course), which will be scalloped once it has been quilted. 

 

Quilt:        Cassie’s House

Designer: Kookaburra Cottage Quilts

Fabric:      Chelsea Boutique by Blackbird Design

Feet:    Belong to Ros

I am not alone in finishing orphan quilts – Ros has been working very hard to finish her Circles of Fun so this weekend it was border time.  As you can see Ros has done a wonderful job.  While Ros bordered away Margie tendered her garden by making more flowers for her Flower Garden by Kathy Doughty.  Margie like the rest of us is resolute in finishing some of her orphan quilts this year.  The bottom of her garden has yet to be added and her flowers she made will be placed lower in the garden where they are hidden from the sun. This was a wonderful class with Kathy and Precious Time is thrilled to be welcoming her back in September.

Connie has been working on her Lyrebird quilt and brought it in for backing so that she can start hand quilting this wonderful heirloom.  Connie has hand appliqued her lyrebirds and their tails have been lovingly hand embroidered.

 

Quilt:        Lyrebirds in the Forest

Designer: Lyrebirds – Robyn Ginn

                  Quilt – Connie

Fabrics:    Mix of Reproduction and Soft Country from various designers

 

The rain continues as Mother Nature settles into a pattern – not sure what it is meant to be – one day rain and the next a heat wave – doesn’t she know that I’m meant to be living in “beautiful one day – perfect the next” Queensland.  Of course our thoughts are with our fellow Queenslanders who have been displaced and lost property and belongings in another flood.  But even with the unpredictable weather gorgeous fabric keeps floating into the shop.  In the box were these divine fabrics, which I know will not last a minute in the shop. 

   

They had the following friends to join them on their way and I can’t wait to make some delicious cushions with them. What would you make………..

 

   There are also delicious strips and co-ordinates to go with these.......... 

Wendy Williams has been extremely busy and has sent this wonderful array of quilts and cushions to share with you all.  The first two images are new quilts that Wendy has made for Homespun – so keep an eye out for them in future issues.

 

The next image shows a charming collection of hangings that can be made with Wendy in her class on February 18/19.  There are still places available so if you are looking to increase your quilting skill then this is a fabulous class to participate in.

 

Methinks it is a token of healthy and gentle characteristics, when women of high thoughts and accomplishments love to sew; especially as they are never more at home with their own hearts than while so occupied – Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun, 1859

Enjoy the creativity of having needle and thread in your hand - see you soon - Lisa