Welcome to Precious Time

Voile and Auntie Green - both beautiful........

Whilst we were cutting the kits for Super Scrappy the pattern arrived for The Honey Blouse arrived and of course with feel of the voile still lingering in my fingers the next project was decided upon. Thankfully in the sewing room that day was my gorgeous friend Kyleigh – she is a fabulous quilter and seamstress, so before I could blink the pattern was out, a template made and the blouse was finished in a blink. Well nearly. So here is Izabella, who we convinced to model our fabulous blouse – I have worn it so I can tell you that it feels gorgeous on your skin and oh so comfortable. I am now in search of fabric for my next blouse.

Karen dropped off her Pinwheel quilt for quilting this week – a group of friends took off to the Bunya’s for a weekend girls escape. Off they went armed with champagne, fine food and their sewing. Pinwheels is such a happy quilt to make.

Kay was back at sewing this week after her lovely holiday with family and friends.

Kay was back at sewing this week after her lovely holiday with family and friends. If you have read the previous posts about Wendy Williams’ classes you would have seen Katrina proudly showing off her King Kong/New York cushion that she made in class. It was a gift for Kay so on Saturday at Auntie Green Katrina introduced Kay to King Kong – with much delight.

We all gathered this weekend for the next stage of Auntie Green. We welcomed some new friends along on the journey and had the pleasure of catching up with our old friends and seeing how they were progressing. If you are still falling in love with this quilt we have room in the class – but don’t leave it too long.  Here are some images of the beautiful quilts from the weekend class –

This is the next stage of Auntie Green and it belongs to Sue - she has nearly left it here on the design wall on two occassions - third time lucky maybe.

Val comes in from Dalby for class and her quilt is absolutely gorgeous - and she is up to date. Grrrrr

The gorgeous little peepers popping out from behind the quilt belong to Cathy.  This is her first ever needleturn quilt and she has fallen in love with this technique and we are so thrilled that she is enjoying the peacefulness of hand applique.

Finally here is my quilt – it has progressed, even if it is only a little - I finally have the outer leaves on my oval. Yah!!!!

There are plenty more fantastic quilts from the class to share with you from the weekend.  I will try and post the rest tomorrow or the next day depending on the shop.

The greatest joy of sewing is being able to close our mind and eyes to the world outside and the reality that swamps us and our creativity.

Paul Gauguin said "I shut my eyes in order to see"

Have a wonderful rest of week and I will be back to share more of what is happening in and around Precious Time............till then......lisa

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

 

Cooking up a storm



The weather has been absolutely horrible but I know every quilter is secretly jumping with glee inside – we can’t wash therefore no ironing – we don’t have to take the children to cricket/soccer/tennis – we don’t garden in the rain but are very thankful that the plants are receiving water – what more is there left to do other than sew.  My darling Stephanie would say cook dinner but that never changes no matter what the weather does.  So it turns out that this horrible weather for the rest of the family is just perfect for this member of the family. 

The shop is still in birthday sale mode and we have a wonderful collection of fabrics still available – it is a fantastic time to come and grab gorgeous fabrics for the backs of your quilts at bargain prices.  As I run my hands over what is left I find myself contemplating– the quilt I had planned to make (never quite getting there obviously) – how beautiful the fabric would be in a shirt or better still a skirt or cushions and pillowcases – I love that the desire to create never stops flowing through my body.  Sometimes it gets a bit stuck when there is stress, deadlines or general busyness around but it is a drug when it starts flowing:  new fabrics – new designs – start now – that project can wait – I need new! 

 

So with the desire for new, we decided to freshen up the shop for the start of a busy 2012.  Time, as we all know goes so quickly and this coming May we will have been in our new home for 3 years – so it is well and truly time for a Summer clean.  If you haven’t been to visit for a little while then pop in and see the new layout – amazingly, not quite sure how – we have ended up with a lot more free space within the shop – it is open, fresh and definitely not so squeezy!  I know that you all can’t just pop in for a visit, so here are some images that I hope will give you an idea of how cozy yet welcoming the shop is. Of course if you can’t stay away we would love a visit and the chance to say hi over a cuppa and a homemade treat!

 

When my DH married me he didn’t exactly get “Little Miss Homebody” – I do love a clean house, the washing and ironing done and put away, the windows sparkling and a good evening meal on the table – it’s just that I am a little more interested in my quilting and the occasional: gift shop/theatre/movie/book shop/kitchen shop etc.  I get by with the basics around the house so in an effort to improve my game this year I have decided to take more interest in one of my household duties and of course the most interesting is food.  So this year I am taking some cooking classes – the first of which was today and I have to say that it was absolutely one of the best things I have done.  DH will be awarding gold stars if I can replicate my learning at home – on the menu was a Champagne Cocktail, Vietnamese Chicken Salad, Pan Fried Salmon (lemon butter) on a bed of kifler potatoes, beans & almonds with a homemade lemon and chive mayonnaise.  Of course there was desert, which was a twist on the classic Aussie Pavlova – all washed down with a glass of lovely crisp white wine.  I can hear the “yum’s” escaping your lips………..  I can’t wait to go home and share this newfound knowledge and skill with family and friends. 

Go along and see the girls at Sauce and book into a class you too will be amazed at what you can achieve and if you are already a smarty-pants in the kitchen go anyway for the experience, fun and new friends.  To prove I can cook here are the before and after photos (just in case you thought it may have been inedible).  

 

 

Above is another lovely quilt from our Dali Lama of quilting – Kay.  It is Lucy Boston, which is all English Paper Pieced.  Kay brought it in to share with us all and to inspire her to finish piecing the border – which is so close to being finished.  Another gorgeous quilt to encourage us to keep working on our projects – the delight you feel in the accomplishment of finishing is like a drug (different to the drug of choice when starting a new quilt) but still just as effective. I hope to feel it one day soon.  I have been fearless in stick ability in respect to my orphaned UFO and am one star away from finishing the hand applique border.  Soon it will have borders attached and be off to the quilter for the next stage in it’s renewed life.   I really am excited to be finishing this quilt – quilts bring different things to a home – in earlier times it would have brought warmth and protection to women travelling by wagon, to some it’s sole purpose would have been beauty, but to me this quilt brings a sense of warmth and love – I am very much looking forward to being wrapped up in it.

If you are stuck in the middle of this rainy spell I hope you have some stitching and the love of family and friends to keep you company.

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.  Dolly Parton

............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