Hobbysew Retreat 2015

The brochures are now out for the Hobbysew Retreat where I will be teaching special "fussy cutting" techniques from 11 - 13 March, 2015.

Here are some close ups of the project I have created especially for the retreat.  Every student will receive a kit of fabrics to make this new cushion:

As you know I love to fussy cut and am proud to have made many "converts" to this wonderful addiction!

I hope you can join me in March at Stanwell Tops.  For more information, go to this website.

Look Where I was Today: Hobbysew at Figtree

I have been invited to teach at Hobbysew Figtree next year.

I will conduct a workshop once a month the second Thursday of the month commencing 14 May, 2015.  Students may choose any project from my portfolio, except the Jane Austen quilts - we will arrange a time for them at a later date.

You may choose to make some of my smaller projects: cushions, bags, table runners, placemats or make one of my major quilt projects.  There are many to choose from incorporating a lot of different techniques including hand applique, machine applique, machine piecing and paper foundation piecing.

The shop will display three of my quilts: Mansfield Park, The Way Ahead and Heartstrings.

Kerrie has a copy of my portfolio folder, so pop in and make a booking or phone her on 02 42298188.

Looking forward to it.

Margaret's Fabulous "Rosings" Finished

I have received a lovely email from Margaret whom I taught at Patchwork Plus in Miranda this year.

Margaret made my "Rosings" quilt design.  The centre Georgetown Circle block is paper foundation pieced on the machine and the extensive applique surrounding this is all hand sewn.

Then there is a border of English paper pieced octagon and square shapes and cornerstone star blocks echoing the centre block.

Margaret's quilt looks so spectacular.  She has done an amazing job.  She has used a lot of William Morris fabrics and was able to do a lot of beautiful fussy cutting.

The centre glows, doesn't it?  Thanks for sharing Margaret.

Remember, I will be back to teach my Jane Austen Quilt Collection at Patchwork Plus in Miranda in 2015 - the third Wednesday of each month commencing 18 February, 2015.

Please phone Lorraine on 02 9540 2786 to book in.

Gorgeous "Pemberley" Quilts at The Stitchers' Cupboard

Today was our last class in a series of five monthly workshops to make my "Pemberley" quilt design.

The ladies worked on a variety of sections:

This is Maria's beautiful centre in black, red and shades of blue and grey.  Looks amazing!  Congratulations Maria.

We also worked on Maria's half dresden flower borders in blue and grey.  These will have red half circle centres which will look great.

Kerrie was also working on her dresden flower border.  By contrast, her colours are bright.  Wow, how stunning!!

Here are two of Kerrie's corners.  Fabulous work.

This is Kerrie's bird.  I embroidered an eye for him and everyone else wanted the same!  

 Happy stitching ladies.  I look forward to seeing your progress in the New Year.

Lots of Lovely Work and Laughs at The Stitchers' Cupboard

We laughed so much during the course of the day, my stomach hurt!  What a great class, thanks ladies.  Not to mention a most divine Nutella cheesecake with raspberries on the side which was supplied by Jan.

Here are some pics of the sewing...

These are the gorgeous centre pieces being made for the start of "Meryton" class next year.  

First is Robin's most delightful version in pinks and blue.  She has done so much fussy cutting.  It is gorgeous!

By contrast, this is Sharon's centre for her daughter in brilliant bright fabrics.  Love it as well.

Robin kept busy again today putting together her "Spikes and Specks" quilt.  It looks amazing.

Colleen is on to the last clamshell border of her "Longbourne" quilt:  Very exciting!

Jan completed her magnificent version of "Fleur" in time to give it to her sister for Christmas.  She even quilted it all herself.  She has done a fabulous job.  I am sure her sister will love it!

Here is a close up look of the centre of the quilt.  Jan has needle turned the leaves and flowers by hand and achieved all the piecing on the machine. (Basting stitches still to come out)

Jan even made a matching apple core cushion cover to use as a bag containing the quilt, which can then be filled with a cushion insert to make a great cushion. Very clever!

Tuesday Class at Pioneer

Lots of sewing was achieved in class yesterday.  Here are some highlights:

These are Robin's "spikey" blocks for her "Spikes and Specks" quilt.  Aren't they gorgeous?  I spent a lot of time helping her lay them out and pin it all together with the applique sashing strips.  I will show you more photos when it is finished.

Karen was working on her "Rosings" which she is machine button hole stitching.

Here are some more of her little hexagons.  Lovely.

Natalie was working on her centre hexagon medallion for "Meryton" classes which will commence next year.  This is so pretty in pink and green.

Here is one of the lozenge shapes in deeper pink.  Love the fussy cutting!

Kylie is up to her third clam shell border for "Longbourne".

Judy was working on her apple core cushion.

Great work, ladies.

Teaching at "My Creative Escape" Hobbysew Retreat, March 2015

I am delighted to announce that I will be teaching at the third annual Hobbysew Retreat to take place at the Stanwell Tops Conference Centre from the 11 - 13 March, 2015.

I have very much enjoyed becoming one of the "Hobbysew" family during my teaching assignments at Hobbysew Kings Park this year.  I will be continuing with Summer School and my two monthly classes there next year and will also join the teaching team at Hobbysew Figtree from mid next year.  

The retreat will be a fabulous opportunity for me to get to know more of the staff from Hobbysew as well as meet many new students from the various stores, as well as ladies new to Hobbysew.

I have taught at this venue before and can attest to the beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodation, great facilities and yummy food.

Attendees will be taught by all three tutors during the event: Emma Jean Jansen from Victoria teaching raw edge applique; Anne Sommerlad teaching foundation piecing and applique and myself teaching "fussy cutting" and English paper piecing techniques.  All materials for the three projects are included in the retreat fee.

I have made a brand new very pretty cushion especially for the retreat.

For more information and booking instructions please click here.

I hope you can join me in March!