Welcome to Precious Time

New fabrics -and excitement of class

After a very quite Mother’s Day it felt like we were hit by a tornado on Tuesday.  Majella and I had a long list of things to do especially as we are welcoming Marg Sampson to Precious Time this weekend for class (more on that later).  The day started with our lovely Andrew arriving at the back door with boxes  - yah!  The only problem was that Majella and I got so excited opening the boxes, discovering the beautiful fabrics inside that we forgot to open the front door.  It was only that our postman arrived at the back door with parcels and politely informed us that there were ladies at the front door waiting….... a look at the watch, a shriek and many apologies to the ladies patiently waiting – what a way to start the day. It should have been a warning....

Marg is joining us for a weekend of whimsical applique and the ladies are so excited to be learning and sharing her eclectic style of mixing reproduction fabrics alongside contempory prints which give Marg’s quilts there unique style.  Today we cut and tied bundles of new, exciting fabrics for class along with a duo of yummy linen and delicious stripe for those ladies making Stars & Hexagons, which is just one of the fantastic quilts that is on offer in Marg’s class.  If you have fallen in love with Marg’s quilts and would like to join us please call the shop as we still have one or two places available.

 

The postman brought a parcel to make our hearts sing yesterday – our box of Aurifil applique threads.  While Sarah Fielke was visiting she encouraged a love affair between our customers and these lovely threads, which resulted in the birth of the Precious Time Thread Club.  It runs just like a block of the month with you receiving a selection of personally chosen threads each month – the first month you also receive a sturdy box which will house them all safely for you.  It is more tempting then a box of chocolates – and way less calories. 

 

The picture says it all.  Fantastic small prints that fit in perfectly with your reproduction or country quilt.  We have little Fat 1/8 bundles looking for new homes…….

More from Kaffe and his friends…..these won’t last long.  This is just a small selection of the beautiful prints that arrived yesterday……

 

Time to go and sew - we have been working on a quilt using the new Kaffe and bright batiks – it is cut and on the wall ready to be sewn.  Sorry no sneak peaks on this one.

 

“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”  George Bernard Shaw

Sorry I just realized that I haven't posted an update from Auntie Green - promise it will be next........have an enjoyable evening and stay warm.  The sting of Autumn has definately arrived as the leaves start to turn and fall, the rustle under foot sounds delightful.  Until next time........lisa

 

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

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

 

Wendy + fantastic fabrics + fun + good food = wonderful weekend of quilting

With February fast approaching I thought it would be a good time to remind you all of our upcoming class with Wendy Williams.  Wendy’s playful nature has everyone quickly at ease and her happy personality ensures you will have a thoroughly enjoyable two days with her.  Wendy has been working on some new quilts and cushions and we are thrilled to share her latest raw-edge, machine applique cushion with you. 

It is just darling (dreaming that I had returned to Houston last year). If you have wanted to master raw edge applique this is a fantastic opportunity to start on a small project. Of course Wendy will be teaching any of her quilts or smaller projects over the weekend –Growing Up (which so many of you fell in love with), Hooterville or choose one of her new applique cushions or garden wallhanging.   What better way to start your quilting year then with a fun filled weekend of playing with gorgeous fabrics and the opportunity to increase your knowledge of colour and its placement in your quilt. 

 

 

Growing Up (pictured above) is an absolutely fun filled quilt and of course you guessed it - it is on my list to make.

What better way to start your quilting year then with a fun filled weekend of playing with gorgeous fabrics and the opportunity to increase your knowledge of colour and its placement in your quilt.  Call the shop to reserve a place in this class and join Wendy for this fantastic weekend of quilting.

There is much to love in January - beginning a new year which is filled with the promise of wonderful events, new and old friends along with inspiring projects - the re-sharing of memories as we come together again after the Christmas break - time to look at my orphan quilts and decide if one can be sent to a loving new home - deciding on actually finishing one of my orphan quilts. Which brings me to the thing I love most about January - the tennis!  So tonight I have a date with my orphan quilt and a glass of wine.  My DH has just finished making home made pizzas so it is time to go as the aroma is calling my name.  

Enjoy your Saturday evening whatever it may have install for you ...............lisa

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 - A new year with Sue Ross

Sue has a wonderful array of quilts that she is working on for the year and so to tempt you to come along and enjoy all the wonderful experiences and sharing of knowledge in her class here are some projects that she and her students have been working on.  Of course next month Sue starts teaching her mystery technique class which would be a fantastic way to gently ease your way into her eclectic style of quilt making – I confess that I have seen the first two blocks of this quilt and they are extremely beautiful and entirely different from each other.  The first thing that sprung to mind was the different size of the blocks – Sue just smiled, saying I would have to wait and see what magical applique/pieced-thingy she would create to bring them together (such technical terms).

One of Sue’s current “works in progress” which summoned large ooh’s and aah’s from the girls was the following applique and English pieced hexagon project.  There is a centre, which didn’t make the trip to Queensland for a holiday but rest assured it will be another have to make quilt, seriously.

The pickle dish quilt was started in September for Quilting on the Downs and is now on it’s way to completion – the first border has been added with delightful paper pieced stars, with the final border still swimming around in Sue’s head – can you imagine going for a dip in there.

 

Cathy started Sue’s pinwheel quilt in a weekend class last year, we posted images of it not quite finished on the blog – we are so thrilled that the final borders have now been attached and here is the quilt ready to be sent off for quilting.  Well done Cathy – it really is a beautiful quilt.  It is to be gifted to a member of Cathy’s family – lucky man.

 

Janette has also been working on Sue’s quilt – Swinging Corners.  Janette is the mother of our wild and wacky Katrina – she is the most beautiful sewer and has completed this quilt all by hand.  Now it is time for the borders to be attached and voila – it can be sent off to the quilter for quilting.  Will try and remember to take another image to share with you once the borders have been attached.

This gorgeous vase of flowers is another of Sue’s creations and the technique is aptly named Colouring with Fabrics.  Pick a stunning array of flowers from our friends Kaffe Fassett and Philip Jacobs and with imagination and carefree placement you will be well on your way to producing a gorgeous floral bouquet of your own.

There is so much to gain from a class with Sue and we are immensely proud that Sue will be joining us for her 4^th year of teaching. If you are looking to extend your skills or are wanting to try new techniques and gain confidence with colour and the mixing of new, old and ugly fabrics this is a don't miss class. If you would like to learn more about the quilts Sue teaches please give the shop a call for further information.  It will be a busy year with Sue being here every month for classes – I wonder if you could talk her into moving to Queensland (we can be very convincing).

All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney

See you soon........lisa

Date Claimer - Marg Sampson 19 & 20 May

After spending time with Marg Sampson in September we feel that we will be welcoming back an old friend.  Marg will not only be teaching for us in May but we are thrilled that she has agreed to join us for Quilting on the Downs in September.  All the ladies throughly enjoyed the time spent with Marg as she gently guided them along their applique journey.  If you would like to join Marg on her next visit to Toowoomba please call the shop and leave your name for further interest.  Hoping that you can join us for any of the fantastic date claimer classes..........lisa

Date Claimer - Sarah Fielke 21 & 22 April

Sarah has just published her third book - From Little Things and we are excited to be welcoming Sarah to Toowoomba next year to share her knowledge of quiltmaking and designing with us.  So if you would like to join Sarah for an adventure into self-awareness and discovery of your quilting style please contact the shop to leave your name for further information.  I know that this will be a fantastic weekend not to be missed. 

Date Claimer - 17 - 19 February - Guest Wendy Williams

We were delighted to have Wendy Williams join us this year as a guest tutor at Quilting on the Downs.  Her easy going free spirit had all the ladies at ease and her sense of whimsy had them skipping down a new pathway into the garden of quilting.  Wendy has a wonderful collection of quilts and bags and I know that her class will be a delight for anyone wishing to join her.  Please contact the shop if you would like to have your name placed on the interested list for this class - I know that it will fill quickly.

Date Claimer - 9 & 10 June 2012

We are pleased to be welcoming Chris Jurd back to Precious Time in June 2012.  This will be Chris's 4th visit to Precious Time and I know that you will all be thinking next year already.  But this was the only weekend that we could secure Chris due to her immense popularity as a tutor.  All the girls that have participated in a class will agree that she is a hard working, hands on tutor who is more than generous with her time, knowledge and assistance.  I know that places will fill quickly so if you are interested please contact the shop via email or phone and we will be only too happy to place your name on the interested list.

Sue Ross is in the house...

Well, she is here at Precious Time in Toowoomba for the next couple of days at least.  For those of you who are not regular readers of this blog, Sue (very lovely lady), visits here every few months teaching in the shop, providing inspiration, advice and a wonderful deal of assistance to those of us fortunate enough to attend any of her classes.  (Before I write too much more, I'd better confess that I, BevB have taken Lisa's Blog hostage for the afternoon.) 

This visit Sue's been teaching some out of town visitors - Peggy & Bev from Emerald and Lorraine for Sydney as well as Majella and Lisa how to foundation piece a Pickle Dish Quilt.  As always in Sue's classes, she brought along not just one quilt to inspire but also another original design she's currently working on - I was too slow to get a picture of this - it was moved before I could get a photo but this is her quilt on the left.  I can also show Peggy's & Lorraine's.  It's been a delightful class to attend and I can speak for all the participants when I say Sue has been a wonderful tutor and her advice and patience particularly with students who procrastinate when choosing fabrics has been invaluable.  Incidentally, the morning tea, lunch and afternoon teas provided by Lisa and Majella have been wonderful too - Triple Chocolate brownies made in the shop while we are sewing are just too irresistible, not to mention strawberries and balsamic!

 Sue will be here for another two days if anyone would like to call in to meet her, say hello or even just come in to see what she's working on.  She's actually teaching Session 2 of Auntie Green's coverlet (you can see photos from Session 1 if you look back a few posts). Sue's happy to welcome any newcommers who may like to join in.

   

 

 

 

 Now I've inserted the photos - it's amazing (as always) when you photograph, just which fabrics bounce back at you.  Never quite what I expect!

While on the subject of Classes, Lisa's invited Bev McLune to run her wonderful Trapunto Quilting Class here  on the weekend on 1 October.  Be sure to give Lisa a call or send her an email if you'd like more details - there is still a couple of places available.  Bev's particularly well known for her beautiful quilting and this class is open to students of all levels.  There are samples available in the shop, please call in and have a look.

Finally, if you need any more encouragement to come and visit this delightful shop, Lisa is just now unpacking 4 more boxes of fabric - heaven help my bank account, we may just have to live on vegemite and toast for the next few days while I pay for all this wonderful fabric.

Enough from me - I've got to get back to sewing!