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

 

Kaffe and Friends

Precious time has had a long love affair with the gorgeous fabrics that come from the studio of Kaffe Fassett and his friends, Brandon Mably and Philip Jacobs.  We were absolutely thrilled to see Andrew (our lovely delivery man) arrive laden with boxes – yahhhhh! 

Here are some of the fabrics from the first shipment - if you are love to use these bright, vibrant and amazing fabrics then all I can say to you is – get your skates on because they won’t last long.  Kaffe hasn't designed any new prints but instead has re-coloured some old prints that a lot of fabric collectors would love to have in their stash.  The print I love the most from Brandon is his giant fish, which appear to be swimming so gracefully across the fabric – I almost want to reach out and pat them. 

 

There are more in store - make some time to come and visit to see the balance of the range....

At the same time a box of delicious bright batiks arrived and because we are so clever (seriously!) they go perfectly with the new Kaffe and friends.  So with fingers itching the fabrics were chopped, folded and packed into little packages of yum.  Here they are below teamed with some of Sue and Rowan's new fabrics....

 

and then if you pop some black and white fabrics with them they start to sparkle even more.....

I hope you fall in love with them as much as we have…….enjoy Mother's Day on Sunday - I am hoping for pancakes, stawberries and maple syrup...just in case anyone is reading.

Next time ......gorgeous quilts to show off from our quilting friends and a wrap up from Auntie Green on the weekend.  See you then............lisa

 

New friends and shared quilts

The weeks seem to be flying past at an ever increasing speed and it is with much anticipation and excitement that we await the arrival of Sarah to share her quilting wisdom, philosophy on colour and prints as well as share her an vibrant, happy quilts with us.  You know you are on the countdown when class fees are being finalized, quilt selections agonized over and lastly kits being selected.   As a shop owner one of the most joyful experiences is seeing and sharing in the delight of a new quilt.  At times there are so many dazzling quilts to choose from and at other times there is “the one”, softly but surely entwining itself around your quilting soul making the decision for you.  Of course the audition process can be long, drawn out by the wonderful array of choices – traditional, pretty, bold and bright, funky, elegant and subdued……..every time you turn around your eyes light up with the excitement of a new palette.  Quilting satisfies so many of our creative needs and desires – where would I be if I didn’t quilt??????

 

This week we had the pleasurable company of June, who is visiting from Northumberland, England.  She is making an applique quilt, inspired by an Aboriginal drawing.  The centre represents Ayers Rock with the blues and greens being the colours of the ocean pulsating from the centre.  June has plans of adding the colours of Lake Ayre and the Great Barrier Reef which June and her husband David will be visiting in the upcoming weeks.  They have house swapped their way around Australia – what a trip!

 

The weekend will bring creativity, much animation, enjoyment and laughter as welcome Sue Ross back to the Precious Time classroom.  Sue is starting us off on her Mystery Technique Sampler and even though I have to confess to seeing the first two blocks, and a rough finished sketch of the completed quilt, (no - chocolates and champagne will not produce loose lips),  I am delighted to be starting this quilt.  Sue’s creative and artistic abilities along with her extensive interpretation of fabrics will result in a stunning quilt. There is still time and places to join us on this journey.

Another very talented designer who has a love of historical quilts is Susan Smith, co-owner of Patchwork on Stonleigh.  Sadly the shop is now closed and Susan and Chris are retired and travelling new paths.  Majella and I made the journey to Summer School, which was a magical experience.  Maybe not so much the driving (over 5000kms in 9 days) but the gorgeous places, quilts, shops and people will remain in our hearts. Why am I revisiting this story – we have a new friend Lisa O’Neil who has recently moved to Toowoomba and on Friday evening she bought in her Summer School quilts from past years for us and you to enjoy.  I do have to confess that she told us the name of each quilt as they were flounced out - but between all the chatter they were mixed up and bounced around in my head – so they shall have to go nameless.  I do apologise.

 

Three Sisters have another run a way success on their hands with Papillion.  Last Spring while perusing an antique market in Europe the sisters made a most exciting discovery.  An antique quilt from the 1860’s with a very unique backing compromised of bold, simple bands of large, faded florals to die for!  Inspired they then scoured their vast library of antique fabrics to complete their next collection.  Dramatic Jacobean and rose adorned florals are complimented by the occasional Papillon (French for butterfly).  Paired with delicate botanical prints in the quilt’s original palette of pale, dusty pinks and aquas with faded red and stone accents, Papillon captures the splendor of a lush garden estate. 

Have a wonderful weekend - the weather is so glorious and being outside is very tempting especially if you have a beautiful garden, park or beach close by.  

Our thoughts are with the Surf Life Savers who selflessly dedicate their time and safety to care for us on the beaches.  

Until next time..........lisa

A new family member arrives........

As promised here are some more photos from our Auntie Green class with Sue on her last visit. 

 

This gorgeous quilt (in 3 parts) belongs to our Dali Lama, Kay.  Her needleturn, fabric and colour selection is outstanding  - it is always a pleasure to have her share her quilts with us. 

Margaret comes in from Warwick for Auntie Green and she is taking a very different approach to her quilt then most of the other ladies who are in class.  Margaret is making her quilt in much the same way as our quilting sisters did all those years ago.......we love seeing how her quilt grows each time she is in class.  She is filled with the quilting courage of our quilting ancestors.

Paula has used pretty little hexagon flowers in her quilt and her choice of colours and fabrics give her quilt a softness and delicateness.  It is darling.......

There are still more coverlets to share with you.  Keep watch.

I am not sure what was happening in your neck of the woods the past week but here at Precious Time we were inundated with quilters all looking for a new project or something special to add to their collection.  We also had lots of return visitors who were in Toowoomba on retreats and return visits – it was lovely to see their beautiful faces and reminisce about their last visit and to hear all the news of their recent adventures.  A special shout out to Peggy and her friends who returned – the last time Peggy visited she tripped on the gutter and the ambulance had to be called – Peggy survived and filled us in on her adventure over the weekend.  A very happy group of girls, on a weekend of fun, laughter and shop hopping – they will be in need of a rest when they return home I am sure.

 

We love receiving parcels, sometimes they bring work – but they always bring the best to the surface – creativity, excitement, wonder and appreciation.  Beauty in a fabric can really take your breath away, which is just as well sometimes because we need the calm to think about what it is that we would love to make.   This is exactly what happened early last week when these gorgeous lines arrived – lots of oohs and aahs – “what to make” were the comments to which the reply was “who cares I have to have some – we’ll figure the rest out later”.  It is wonderful to see the positive effect of our choices, especially when we are offered so many choices.

 

 

Our hearts were bursting this week when we were blessed with a new arrival – Daschie.  This heart breaker has won the hearts of everyone visiting the shop and as a proud new mum he even gets a little pat from me each morning as I open the shop.  He is just too cute…..  a huge thank you to Kyleigh for bringing him to life.

 

Don't you just love that face.......

Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder ...

- Henry David Thoreau

Enjoy your week.........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

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

 

It's our birthday and to celebrate we are on Sale.

As the rain falls on our roof tonight and my girls rush around making last minute preparations for school tomorrow it brings back memories of my mum taking us to school in January in our bright yellow raincoats and hats.  I wonder if they still sell them – so cute –my girls would probably say not!  I have a big year ahead with my eldest starting the final year of school – so of course this means a busy year with school work, her part-time job at the Dance Shop and of course all the social events that go hand in hand with Year 12.  

Not only will I have a busy year at home but also at the shop as we host a bevy of wonderful tutors during the year and it is also my commitment to keep having gorgeous quilts and projects in the shop to inspire you to create beautiful heirlooms for your home and family. 

So it is refreshing to start the year with a clean slate and what better way to do that then with our yearly birthday sale.  This year we celebrate our 10^th birthday and as I sit, typing this post I feel truly blessed to have been able to spend those years sharing my love of quilts and fabrics with you all.  I have loved sharing your quilts, I have laughed and cried over shared stories, have been overwhelmed by your hunger to learn and inspired by your appreciation of the wonderful quilt makers that have gone before us.

So enough reminiscing – our Brithday Sale starts on Friday morning at 9.30am and runs until close on Sunday afternoon.  Due to the Australia Day holiday the sale will only run for 3 days instead of the usual week.  Our sale hours will be Friday 9.30-4.30, Saturday 8.30-4.00 & Sunday 9.30-2.00.

Majella and I started to pull the fabrics for the sale today and let me tell you there are some fantastic fabrics available in the sale this year – we have a fantastic range of backgrounds, country, bright, pastel all from our favourite designers like Joel Dewberry, Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett, Blackbird Designs, Kansas Troubles – just to name a few.  You could make a mountain of gorgeous quilts from the fabrics that have been chosen for the sale, but I warn you they will go quickly and as always if you bring cash your dollar will go further. 

This week we welcomed a very happy range called Pam Kitty by Lake House.  Pretty pinks and soft cherry, crisp and clear greens, delightful blues and happy yellows make up this range – we have a project under way and I am sure that you will all be absolutely thrilled when it is revealed. I hope this truly delightful fabric tempts you.

 

 

These last few fabrics are from a different range - Home to Roost - they are so darling that I couldn't leave them out. Hope you like them.

I always love to see the quilts that my customers and their friends or family members are working on and it is always such a pleasure to be able to share them with you all.  So today Majella and I were so excited when both Kay and Kyleigh (must be something special in the letter K),brought in quilts to share.

 

 

 

Quilt:  Flower Pots

Designer:  Kim McLean

Fabrics:  Kaffe and Friends

Started: Februay/March 2011

Finished: January 2012

Method:  Machine Appliqued

 

 

 

Quilt: Square Dance

Designer:  Sue Daley

Fabrics: Kaffe and Friends, Anna Marie Horner

Started:  December 2011

Finished: January 2012

Method:  English Paper Piecing and Hand Applique

 

It makes me want to start working again on my Flower Pots but my stick-ability is staying strong and remains loyally attached to my orphan quilt.  I have one flower and two stars remaining to be hand appliqued and the borders to be sewn and voila!  I promise I will share it all with you when it is finished – my sewing soul is excited by the thought of finishing this much loved quilt.  Of course it will then set my SS free to start something new – yah. 

This post seems to have gone on for quite a bit and am fearful that I will soon bore you.  In the next post another date claimer for next year (already – I know – I hope I have you wondering), a new class with Bev McClune and more new fabrics and books to share with you. 

A quick housekeeping matter before I go.   Class registration forms will be going out in the post after the sale so please keep an eye out for them. You need to complete and return the form to ensure your place in class. I have been so excited by your response to the wonderful tutors that are visiting Precious Time and look forward to sharing these fantastic classes with you. 

Quilts draw us close to those we love and pull our hearts toward home.

Catch up with you soon………..lisa

 

Chintz Delight - coming soon

 

These rolls of pure scrumptiousness come to us from Den Haan & Wagenmakers and contain 20 strips (4" x 60").  All the strips, excepting the tone on tones showcase three different prints in the same
colourway to give you a total of approximately 65 prints - if my math is correct.  They would be wonderful for paper pieceing - I feel a new project coming on - or for an applique quilt as they are absolutely gorgeous to sew.  A must for any lover of fabric and because they are so beautifully packaged they will look divine on your shelf if you can't bring yourself to use them.  They will be in store in a few weeks but if you don't want to miss out please give us a call or send an email and we can reserve one for you.  They won't last a minute.

 

Before Christmas we received stock of the most fantastic light made by the very clever people at Daylight.  It is perfect for travelling as it only weighs 1/2 kg and is so slim that you could carry it in your handbag.  It runs on batteries and comes with a USB cord that will allow it to run off your computer.  It is just perfect to take when on holidays because as we all know the light in hotels is never good enough to stitch under - it is also handy when visiting friends or family as it sits on the table or arm chair - no need to search for a plug or have the worry of moving furniture to obtain better light.  A must have for every stitcher.

Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

- Norman MacEwan

 

 

 

Fabric Lust........

These gorgeous stacks of fabrics are new into the shop and are a mix of Blueberry Crumb Cake by Blackbird Designs and American Banner Rose by Minick and Simpson.  The delightful blues, creams and tans are a perfect mix of fabrics for your next quilt receipe.  I have always loved two colour quilts but have never made one – red & white, blue & cream or pink & green.  Looking at these fabrics you can only agree with the dynamic duo from Blackbird – they are tasty and would make the perfect Blueberry Crumb Cake, although I couldn’t help myself – I would have to make a Blueberry Crumble.  So here is something you should know I am not a great cook – I wish I were – but I stumble through the week cooking the regular kid friendly meals.  My DH has asked that I don’t experiment with new menus, especially when they are all hungry after a day of work and school.  Why you ask – one night I cooked a new receipe given to me by my mum and instead of a teaspoon of chilli I used a tablespoon of chilli.  It was so hot they couldn’t eat it and I had left them to go to class unaware of the chaos I had left behind. I think I could manage a blueberry crumble though!

 

 

So I may not be a great cook but I can sew ……… ta dah the modern cabin made with the scrumptious mix of blues and creams and in doing so have made my first two colour quilt.

 

Our superstar of the week is Christina, pictured below holding her gorgeous quilt, which her mum made for her.  They were both in the shop today to choose borders and binding so it can be quilted to lie on her bed either at home or uni.

 

Also new in the shop is a collection of fabrics - Indian Summer from Laundry Basket Quilts.  The moody blue floral is my favourite with the birds taking advantage of the fading blooms before they welcome the autumn months. 

 

 

I have fabric lust for this following stack.  Majella will tell you that I have never really loved yellow/mustard/gold and always reject it when sifting for my final palette.  It wasn’t until a very clever customer (you know who you are) was mooching around the shop and started collecting some of these soft golden yellows for a friend. I had fabric lust – yes lust because I just couldn’t let go of them to put them back on the shelf – they have been sitting beside my cutting bench for over a week ..…some have been added and so they continue to wait I’m not sure why - but maybe they were just waiting to be shared…………I hope you fall in lust with them too.

Hope you are all embracing the joy of the Christmas season.........it is a most wonderful time of the year...........till next time.....lisa