For one week only... Buy 2 Patterns by Bev Darby, Dorothy Clark or Lara Gibbons and get one free! Simply add your purchase patterns to your cart and use the order comments to request your freebie (equal or lesser value) - excludes digital downloads. Many of these patterns will be removed from the website after this sale so this may be your last opportunity to snap up a favourite.
More Buttons have arrived These are being loaded on the website. They were a hit at AQC and some designs sold out! We now have resin buttons which are fantastic for knitters and sewers alike. Our range of buttons are also being offered in bulk/wholesale lots. Enquire further with Lara if this may interest you or your local shop.
Just a reminder that:
Chocolate Coated will also be in attendance at the BIENNIAL
QUILT SHOW H.E.C.I. VENUE PAYNTERS ROAD, HILL END (Former Hill End Primary
School) Presented by: “The Stitch’n
Sistas” SUNDAY APRIL 29TH 2012 10A.M. – 4P.M. And then at the Riviera
Quilt Exhibition in Bairnsdale on the weekend of the 18th – 20th
May.
Photos left to right:
20 minute quilt, blue and green stars quilt, tulips in rhapsody quilt
23-03-2012
News 1 of 2012
News
It has been a busy few months here at Chocolate Coated
Patchwork. This year meant that Bryson headed to pre-school, this warranted a
change in Daycare. Hubby switched work locations temporarily, which has evolved
into permanent. New schedules for everyone are still smoothing out...
To add to all of the new things we have opened up shop! It
is a mini shop really and is only a week old but it has gotten off to a
positive start. For those who are familiar with the town of Sale you may also
be familiar with an old building called the Cobb & Co Stables. This has now
opened as a market complex. Permanent stall holders are using the old stables
whilst weekend stall holders move in and out on weekends for speciality
markets. Chocolate Coated Patchwork is one of the permanents. We have a large
range of wooden and resin buttons, fabrics and patterns on site. Anything
listed on our website can also be picked up there by arrangement. This weekend's market falls on Sunday afternoon and will have a food and wine theme
New
Our range of wooden buttons has been very popular. There are
a few different sizes and many different designs. They have been selling so
quickly that I haven’t been able to get my hands on some to sew with them myself.
Some of the large ones would do a great job of dressing up a cardigan or
jacket. Bags and purses would also look great with these as an accent
We have also had a delivery of Batiks direct from the
factory in Indonesia. It is so much fun when these boxes arrive. A certain
portion of the delivery I leave in the hands of the supplier so I get a nice
surprise when they arrive. A number of
these fabrics have been cut and packed and are available for sale at the Cobb &
Co.
There are also a number of new fabrics from Moda and Laurel
Burch.
The new Laurel Burch range is called Flying Colours and features butterflies
and birds against vibrant backgrounds of flowers. As is the Laurel Burch Style
the fabrics are happy and colourful.
Coming soon
The Australasian Quilt Convention is on in Melbourne
on 12-15 April. Preview magazines are being mailed out already. We’ll be there. If there are any specific items that you wish
to see/buy let us know the week before so that you can collect them at the
show. This is a big event which offers a large range of learning and purchasing
choices. We’ll post a discount coupon on the Facebook page the week before for you. You don’t have to have a Facebook page to access the
information and photos that are posted there.
Chocolate Coated will also be in attendance at the BIENNIAL
QUILT SHOW H.E.C.I. VENUE PAYNTERS ROAD, HILL END (Former Hill End Primary
School) Presented by: “The Stitch’n
Sistas” SUNDAY APRIL 29TH 2012 10A.M. – 4P.M. And then at the
Riviera Quilt Exhibition in Bairnsdale on the weekend of the 18th –
20th May 2012. I will also try to enter quilts in these exhibitions so that you can have a closer look.
Freebie
Here is a free quilt pattern called Parisian Windows. It is
very versatile and simple to get together. A change of fabrics or size and you
could whip one up for anyone.
Photos left to right: Flying Colours Fabric, Parisian Windows Quilt, Wooden buttons.
Just a quick note this newsletter.
Since I last wrote I have met some of you at a few different events. The Sewing and Craft Show was a hit at Caulfield in October. I have booked to attend again next year. It looks like it will be even bigger in 2012.
I also attended the Bathurst Biggest Expo in November. We also took a break and the kids stayed with their Oma and Opa without us. The only down side is now that we are not allowed to stay there! The kids think that they are only allowed to stay by themselves.
On the approach to Christmas I have been making jams and relish for my Christmas hampers. Whilst I was hoping to get a few more crafty gifts made I didn't get there. At least this means that I have a few birthday lists prepared already.
I hope you got some crafty preparations completed.
I am formulating some changes for the business next year. I hope that they will provide you all with some more contact (I have booked 4 big events already!) and some more inspiration. There are some really great resources out there that I would like to share with you. Some new stock items have also caught my eye. The Facebook page is generally the first place that I launch anything, You don't have to have a Facebook account to have a look at it.
So if you want to keep up to date this is a great place to do so.
I hope that you all have a safe and peaceful festive season. Thank you for supporting me in 2011. I look forward to inspiring you again in 2012.
Happy Stitching!
Images left to right- Love Bug Quilt Book, painted wooden buttons, Australian Spirit Book Tweet
17-10-2011
News 7 of 2011
Talking point
It’s a been a little while between newsletters but there has been a lot going on. For those who want to have regular updates our Facebook page is a great place to get the latest news.
We’re still experiencing some winter like days here. Winter seemed to start early and moved on grudgingly. Today the sunshine is out which is fantastic. Before we know it it will be summer and we won’t have any troubles keeping warm.
I have been doing some sewing lately. Just this last weekend I attended a sit and sew weekend with Latrobe Valley quilters. I continued on my class quilt from Jenny Bowker’s Kaleidoscope class. Jenny is a very giving teacher and offers a lot to her students. My quilt is now on my design wall about half way completed. I am very happy with how it is coming along. I have decided that I need to work on my free motion quilting before I tackle it though. I intend to make up some small quilt sandwiches to do some practise.
We’ve been lucky this week. Over the last few months we have had a lot of rain, the ground is still very wet. A few days ago a truck attempted to turn around using our driveway and sank. The lucky thing is that he sank on one side of the driveway so that we could still get in and out. He required heavy haulage trucks to get him out, the resulting hole was deep, long and messy. It was also lucky that he was from the local sand/garden supplies so he came back the following day with a load of gravel. It provided some excitement for the kids.
New
The Clearance page on Facebook has been a great hit. We have run auctions, spot specials and some freebies. Presently there is a postage only folder. All you pay is the post for your item. There is also an Auction/Buy it Now folder filled with fabrics and DMC threads.
Just Wing It is our newest quilt kit. It is a variation on a Kate Conklin design. Kate’s instructions make the construction process easy and fun. Each quilt made will look a little different with Kate’s method of stack and slash construction. The fabrics used in this kit are from Moda. The motifs featured include butterflies, trees and hills and are sure to delight a girl of any age.
For those who love to construct bags or would like to start we have a great tool from Clover. The Trace n Create template set offers a template set for Creating an endless number of bags, in 6 styles. You can Mix and match pleats, gussets, flaps, zipper closures, and snaps to create your own look. All of the placements for the clasps, handles and pockets are marked on the template. It also includes full instructions for the construction, perfect if you’ve never made a bag before.
Our $15 range of fabrics has increased with the addition of a 2 more ranges. Anthology is a range that I have on my list to sew a quilt for me! Paired with a white the lime, reds and aqua will glow. The fabric feels great too. Summer Solstice is a great range for dresses, bags or quilts. There are 2 colourways, pink and aqua. The motifs include leaves and cute flowers.
Have you seen our new range of wooden buttons? They were released on the Facebook page and have been very popular since. There is a range of shapes and colours. Many have painted designs.
On the Facebook page there are some new charms. I have not added them to the primary website as they may not be a recurring line. They have been very popular but there are a few left. They are perfect for sewing and other crafts with words such as “hand made” and “created for you” printed on them. There are also some cute mushrooms, deer and leaves. You don’t need to hold a Facebook account to view and purchase these items. An email setting out those that take your fancy is all that it takes.
Coming soon
I have ordered some purse frames, bag feet and magnetic claps. They should arrive in a few weeks. They will be well priced and I am working on a few samples so that I can offer some suitable templates for them too.
We're attending the Caterpillar Kids Market in Traralgon this weekend (Grey St Primary, Saturday Morning). This will be something different. We'll have many kids fabrics, kits and patterns as well as the new buttons. Say hi if you stop in too.
The Craft and Sewing Show is on at Caulfield this month, Thursday 27 through to Sunday 30th. We’ll be attending with some heavily discounted fabrics. This newsletter includes a coupon. Simply print it out and bring it with you. Please remember that if you are attending and there is something particular that you would like to see let me know.
Treat
Each month will now be designated a colour! For the month of October it is PINK. Add any PINK fabric to your cart when shopping. At check out use the code [PinkOct] no brackets To use the discount on our website simply:
1. Add a fabric* that includes this colour into your cart;
2. Use your discount code at checkout;
3. 15% will be discounted of your coloured fabric!
*Fabrics only, panels and precuts included. You’ll only get to use the discount once per month but you can share with friends! To get early access to the discount code for each month “like” us on Facebook where it will be posted first.
I’ve just dropped Bryson off for his first day at pre-kinder. In Victoria we refer to pre-school as Kinder so this is the year before pre-school. It is odd to have Merryn at home on her own. I am so used to the 2 of them together. Bryson is just old enough to have attended Kinder this year but we thought another year would hold him in better stead later on in school. I enrolled him in pre-kinder to give him a little more stimulation and because he wanted to go to Kinder like some of the other kids at Daycare. My biggest trouble is that Merryn wanted to stay and now that we are home she wants to get in the car and go and get him. I guess she’s used to having him around too.
I’ve done some fun things with the kids the last few weeks. The Melbourne Aquarium was a hit. I posted some photos of our day out on the blog if you haven’t seen them. We’re 2 hours from Melbourne which is ok for a day trip. We’ve also had Oma and Opa visiting so the kids took them to the Melbourne Museum. Bryson loves Dinosaurs so he was impressed with the skeletons. Apparently the tram within the Museum stumped him. He wasn’t sure how it was going to transport people if there were no tracks and no wires. Their innocent perspectives can be so interesting.
The Quilt and Craft Fair is on in Melbourne this month. I didn’t attend as an exhibitor but I have booked for the Craft and Sewing Show which is on in Caulfield in October. I have also confirmed a booking for a show in Bathurst, NSW in November and Churchill, Vic in August. If you’re near to any of those localities keep an eye out for more info.
New
The website is having a makeover. It is all superficial but should make the shopping easier. We're not quite done yet but you will be able to notice some changes.
I have been running weekly auctions on the Facebook page. These have been a hit. Just to let you know that you don’t have to have a Facebook profile to look at the Auction items. If you see something that take your interest you can also email in your bid and I can post it for you. The Auction cycle opens on a Sunday night and closes on a Thursday night. I also ran some giveaways on Sunday which were fun. I have some more items put aside to play some more games in the weeks to come.
Some fabrics have arrived in the $15p/metre category. Merryn fell in love with the polar bear that features on the Arctic Animals Fabric. There are also some super cute fabrics featuring princesses, ballerinas and tea parties.
Meadow Friends is a new range that would be appreciated by any young boy. The colours are cheerful without being too bright and include orange, green and a hint of brown and aqua. The salamanders, frogs and other pond life are friendly. There are some Bella Solids that coordinate beautifully. Remember that we can colour match for you.
This month the blog featured a tutorial for making your own covered notebooks. I used Batiks but any fabric scraps or orphan blocks would make a great starting point for your own. You can subscribe to the blog via email so that you can receive these tutorials right to your inbox.
Coming soon
I have finished a quilt top using a range from Moda and a pattern from Kate Conklin. I am just getting the final touches on the kitting and then it will be available. It uses the same pattern as the Robotics quilt that was released a couple of months ago.
Treat
Each month will now be designated a colour! For the month of July it is Red. Add any Red fabric to your cart when shopping. At check out use the code [RedJuly] no brackets
To use the discount on our website simply:
1. Add a fabric* that includes this colour into your cart;
2. Use your discount code at checkout;
3. 15% will be discounted of your coloured fabric! This month is Red. Use the code [RedJuly] at checkout.
*Fabrics only, panels and precuts included. You’ll only get to use the discount once per month but you can share with friends! To get early access to the discount code for each month “like” us on Facebook where it will be posted first.
Before I know it, it is time for another newsletter. I don’t know about all of you but I feel like this year is flying by! Merryn turns 2 this week. She has no concept of what it all means but I am sure that when it is her turn to open a couple of presents and blow out the candles that it will be a different story! She gets to take cakes to Daycare tomorrow which is always fun. Bryson manages to visit her room at cake time so that he gets some too.
It’s been cold here. Some days it is difficult to spend periods outside. The sun when it is out is very weak. We’ve been managing a few walks when rugged up and the kids ride their bikes even when their hands get cold. Their energy seems never ending. I hope you’re weather has been treating you kindly. Perhaps even allowing you some extra sewing time!
New
Some great specials have now been listed on Quicksales.Some shoppers have been snapping up fabrics for $2.50 a half metre! There are still some bargains to be had. We have also launched a clearance page on
Facebook.You can view the page even if you don’t have a Facebook login. If you are on Facebook
you simply need to “like” the page and then you can start bidding on the products listed. In our first group of auctions there are pre cuts including layer cakes and sweet rolls. There are some low starting prices on some great items. This lot of auctions will finish Thursday night. Please let your crafty friends know too. The more people involved, the more items I can list. I have some more set aside to include.
I have also just started on YouTube.I am playing around with my software but the plan is to offer some short videos to show case what is on offer on the website. I also have a tutorial or 2 mapped out.
At this stage I have bookmarked some videos and channels that have been useful to me. These show on the page so that you can have a look too.
The blog also has a great overview with links to videos and tutorials in the issue of quilt binding. There are so many variations that can be used in quilting. This is sure to be a useful reference.
Coming soon
More videos and tutorials. The first will be a simply covered notebook. Great for presents or to road test a particular technique. If there are particular patchwork/quilting questions you’d like addressed please let me know.
Treat
Each month will now be designated a colour! For the month of June it is blue. Add any blue fabric to your cart when shopping. At check out use the code [BlueJune] no brackets
It’s been busy here at Chocolate Coated. We attended AQC and caught up with lots of our readers.
The Australasian Quilt Convention is such a great event. I used to go as a delegate and now as a trader I miss some of the opportunities that delegates have. Now when I go I don’t get as much time to really absorb the quilts on display and I certainly don’t get an opportunity to connect with the creative minds of the tutors. If you get an opportunity to go I would certainly recommend it. I did meet Nicole Mallalieu. I was super impressed with the bags and other items on her stands. I purchased her book and have sewn a number of items from the pattern within the book. A great purchase if you would like to gather or extend your skills in making bags and clothing.
The Gidday Quilters Hop came to a close. Welcome to those who have joined us along the way. What a great opportunity to visit so many patchwork stores from the comfort of your own home! There was some really great feedback about the way it was organised and about those retailers who took place. Congratulations to the participants and the organisers on a job well done.
We’ve recently returned from the CraftAlive event which was held in Bendigo. It was at this event that I discovered Carli Hill. Her lampworking jewellery is amazing. I bought myself a piece as did Jason and his Mum. Now it falls me to set his piece as a key ring or similar. The kids came away with us. Bryson was beside himself with excitement when they visited Echuca and rode on the Canberra Paddlesteamer. They both got to steer and received competency certificates.
New
Some great specials have now been listed on Quicksales.This is an Australian based auction site which we are trialling to allow you an opportunity to set your own price. Over the coming month we will add some additional items and methods of sale. It’d be great to hear some feedback from you as to how you found your experience on this site.
A couple of new cute fabrics for you. The Sew Catty featureand coordinate are perfect for those who love cute cats. These are vibrant coloured, decorated cats set against a black background. The background is then printed in the same design as the coordinate, flowers, birds and butterflies.
The Perfect Pitch panelmatches its coordinateperfectly. The music notes fabricis also a great match. With these fabrics you could put together a great quilt for yourself or for that music lover in your life.
Coming soon
Last newsletter I told you of the Robotics quilt that has been made with Kate Conklin’s pattern. We have recently taken delivery of a range of girls fabrics to make with the same pattern. The sample is in pieces on the cutting table!
In focus
If you love fabric as much as we do you are bound to love our fabric clubs. We have a few different ones on offer to cater to different tastes and budgets. A batik fabric clubsubscription will see 4 fat quarters of batik fabrics arriving in your letter box each month. If fabrics in general are your passion then the fat quarter club will deliver 4 fat quarters, usually from the same range. Visit our fabric clubs section to see what other clubs we have to offer.
Treat
Do you love jigsaws? On the very front page of our website, below the welcome message is a photo of Bev Darby’s Star Bright Quilt. Click on this image for a free digital jigsaw puzzle.
Photos left to right:
Batik club,
Perfect Pitch panel, Robotics Quilt, Star Bright Jigsaw.
12-04-2011
AQC news
The Australasian Quilt Convention is on at the Royal Exhibition Buildings from the 14th - 17th April (this weekend). We'll be there!
For our loyal customers we have attached a VIP discount card. If you're coming to AQC please come and see us with your card for a discount on any purchases.
A delivery arrived today of Jacqueline de Jonge patterns. I know that some have you have been waiting for her new one, Fly Away. We have limited copies so if you can't get to AQC you'll have to email me to hold a copy. (it will be $48.95). I simply won't get it onto the website before I leave tomorrow. Jacqueline's Joy Quilt is also back in stock for those who were waiting on it.
I'll send you more news after AQC. If you're coming see you there!
Fly Away Quilt
26-03-2011
News 3/2011
Talking point
Tomorrow is Bryson’s birthday party (he turns 4 in about 10 days). I enjoy cooking and we often make cakes together. A couple of weeks ago he had asked for a train cake. I’ve made him a train cake before so this was going to be easy. Then for some reason he decided on Wednesday that it had to be a fire truck cake. I know from other cake projects that trying to get red icing can be tricky. I tried to negotiate to a yellow rescue truck but that didn’t work either. Thankfully Jason was able to get to the party shop as they were closing the doors to get red paste. I’ll see how it goes. We have searched for fire truck cake directions and found one that should be achievable with the M&M’s etc that I bought to decorate the train cake that was plan A. I’ll post some photos on the blog so that you can see what it looks like.
This month I did some more fabric dyeing. I bought some $10.00 shirts from Rivers and then had fun.
The results must have been ok because Bryson coveted one as soon as they were washed and dry! Over dying is a great idea if you have some tired shirts. I used Procion dyes which I find give such vibrant colours.
This month I also went on quilt retreat with Riviera Quilters. Unfortunately I was sick with a gastro thing and didn’t get as much out of it as I was hoping for. I did find Jenny Bowker to be a very generous tutor. Michelle Hill and Lessa Siegele were also in residence. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. With 3 different tutors there was an interesting array of projects under construction. I love these weekends and the opportunity to watch others create. Seeing how others use colour and pattern can be enlightening.
New
For those who have been watching our Facebook page, you might have seen some photos go by of a new kit just for boys. It is called Robotics Quilt and has been made from fabrics from Moda and a pattern of Kate Conklin’s . Boys will delight in the robots, spaceships and planets that can be found on the stack and slash segments. The pattern can be purchased in a downloadable format from Kate Conklin or we can supply a hard copy. It is a great pattern for a panel that maybe you just weren’t sure what to do with, just add a few fat quarters and a coordinate.
A great range called Zebra Friends arrived this month. Cute zebras, monkeys, griaffes and elephants can be found in a desert safari setting. There is a feature print, border stripes and coordinates. It is a range that would be great for a cot quilt or baby throw when you need a neutral theme.
In the "shop now" tab on the Facebook page you'll find some great bargains. This month there are some fabric packs and some quilting rulers for never to be repeated prices. Don't forget for Facebook "likers" there is 5% off and free shipping!
Coming soon
The Australasian Quilt Conventionis coming up 14th – 17th April in Melbourne. We’ll be there. It is a great event for so many reasons. The exhibition provides a wonderful
array of talents which are sure to trigger some of your own creativity. There are classes by world class and international tutors. The market place is the place to get the tried and true or brand new patchwork/quilting tools and then there’s the array of fabric and patterns. See you there.
In Focus
Dorothy Clark is well known for her Teddy Bear patterns.
If you or someone you know is a teddy bear fan there is bound to be a pattern or kitto suit. Sweet Dreams and Bears in Heavens are great quilts to give for a new baby. Her range includes wall hangings, pillows, cot quilts and single bed quilts. There is also the option of completing the appliqué by hand or machine.
Treat
It was a month for painting and sewing library bags. I thought I would share the tutorial with you. Whilst the versions I made were for the kids the pattern would work easily with your favourite floral to provide a project or shopping bag for yourself or a friend. Have fun.
Members only
Spend more than $50.00 this month and get free postage on your order. Simply enter
freeship at checkout or mention this during phone order.
Images left to right: Robotics Quilt,
Library bag, Teddy Picnic Wallhanging, Zebra Friends Fabric.
16-02-2011
News 2 of 2011
Talking point
As I type I have settled into Iltis Ski Lodge at Mount Buller with Jason, the kids and my in-laws. We are here for Summer School, patchwork and quilting classes here we come. I have classes with Lisa Walton and Helen Godden. My mother-in-law has joined in for the classes and my father-in-law has come too and will discover Mount Buller and surrounds with the kids. It will be the first quilt retreat I have been to and taken the family. I have been given permission to go to school for 4 days by Bryson. He was very disappointed when some of his Daycare friends transitioned to kinder and school. So it is a bit of a surprise that he hasn’t asked to come to school with Mum and Oma!
The auctions and raffles that ran for the QLD flood appeal, under the pink umbrella banner, raised almost $100,000.00 for the appeal. What a tremendous effort. Thanks to all who were involved.
New
The Great Australian Quilt Shop Hop is on. Join up and visit as many shops as you can on the list for the next few months. Every Patch deRoo that you find on participating websites increases your chances in the prize draw. Along the way receive opportunities for some great discounts. The Gidday Quilters Website will give you all of the necessary details to start your hop.
The Australian Butterfly Quilt is finished. I didn’t get to photograph it before we left so It will be up on the websites in about a week. We have used Bev Darby’s Japanese Butterfly pattern and Leesa Chandler’s Under the Australian Sun fabric range. The quilt is fabulously Australian with flora including waratahs and flannel flowers surrounded by Wanderer butterflies.
There are some new animal fabrics on the website. They are so cute, I have them earmarked for a quilt just for me! Playful zebras, elephants, monkeys and giraffes can be found together. Pandas can be found hiding in the bamboo or find some zebras in love.
Our Facebook page has become the place to shop for end of lines and oddments. What’s more for those who “like” the page get an additional 5% off and free shipping! Also for the month of February we have a special goal. If we get 200 likers by the end of the month everyone will get a free shipping coupon. Tell your friends too. Simply visit our Facebook Page and click "like" to be included.
Coming soon
I have been enjoying some of Kate Conklin’s designs. Her tutorial Fussy Framed Blocks has also proven popular. We’ll soon have some kits using Moda Fabrics one for boys featuring robots and one for girls featuring flowers and butterflies.
Treat
Need a new tote? Here is a pattern from Windham Fabrics for a reversible one. A bag can be a great gift idea or a project that won’t take too long or too much fabric.
Images Left to right Patch de Roo, Japanese Butterfly Quilt
24-01-2011
Quick News 1/2011
Talking Point
It's been a busy period for us. The kids and I have been to and from Horsham a couple of times and with Jason into New South Wales and back. All in the last month. Jason had been working in Horsham and we were catching up with family in New South Wales. Jason has just finished work up there so we are home again and I am catching up.
We were in Horsham when the floods were coming in. Jason's work was significantly affected but none of us were ever at any risk. It had been a few days before that I had been watching the disaster unfold in Queensland. To date people and properties have been affected in all of the Eastern States. I think the recovery effort will be long lasting. I suspect that the physical rebuilding will be easier and quicker than the emotional recovery.
There are recovery funds set up for Queensland (Premiers Flood Appeal) and Victoria (Red Cross). There are also some other fundraising projects up and running. A number of, mostly craft related, companies and individuals are running Auctions and raffles to raise funds. We are also taking part. Head over the blog to make your bid or enter the raffle. All funds go to the flood appeal, we pay full postage within Australia and half for international. Tell you friends so that we can raise as much money as possible, it will certainly be needed.
New
I have had some new fabrics delivered. They will be loaded onto the website in the next day or two. If you love cute animals then they are right up your alley.
Until next month....
Happy Stitching!
09-12-2010
Batik Fabric Blitz and a Christmas Present.
I hope that the last email before Chistmas finds you well. I wanted to send you a Christmas present and let you know of a great sale.
I aslo really enjoyed a tutorial by Kate Conklin so I asked her if I could give it to you. Her Fussy framed Block Tutorial results in great blocks. I have posted photos of mine on the blog which has migrated.
Last of all have a great Christmas season. Thanks for your support this year and I hope to see you next year too.
Happy stitching.
26-11-2010
News 10/2010 updated links
We had some website updates over the weekend that affected the links within the newsletter. They are now updated in this version. If you have any site bookmarks in your web browser they may also be affected. Apologies for any incoveniences, we seem to be back on track now.
Talking point
As time continues to march on I am realising that I am simply not going to make some of my goals for 2010. I guess that I have some ready made goals for 2011. My desire to make a quilt from simply solids hasn’t gotten past the design stage. Cherri House has offered some great inspiration, you may remember that I have kitted a couple of my favourites from her book. I have a few designs of my own, some on paper some in the computer. A couple I have even started selecting fabrics for, but that is the furtherest that I have gotten.
Now that I almost have the quilt frame back up and running after it’s move and subsequent adjustments, quilting is the focus. I am a great topper, quilting is just not as fulfilling for me. I am slowly seeing a new light and I hope that the quilting frame cooperates. I have two tops done for the kids which I hoped to get done using a lightish batting for the summer. Summer has started but I haven't on the quilting, oh for a few more hours in each day!
Don’t tell Bryson but we got him a fishing rod for Christmas. At present he fishes in the pond with the broom or a window washer or the fish net if he can get his hands on it. He has even been known to catch them! So in the New Year I am sure that we will making a trip to the fish farm near here. I also happened upon a quilting retreat at Mount Buller in the New Year. They offer packages for quilters and non-quilters and experienced tutors. I may see you there. On a retreat note, Riviera Quilters, based in Bairnsdale, Victoria, have a retreat in March. They are looking for a few more particpants. They have some great tutors booked, Lessa Siegele, Jenny Bowker and Michelle Hill. Drop a line if you would like contact details for the organiser.
It seems early but Christmas is not that far away. Schools are winding up. I hope that you all have a safe and relaxing festive season. Thank you for your support in 2010.
New
I’ve been lucky enough to grab some bargains for you. You’ll find some Robert Kaufman Fusions for $15 p/m in the stash clearance.These fabrics are personal favourites of mine. They are great quality and the colours are almost luminous.
Little Hot Rodfrom South Sea Imports is also in stock. The feature print would be great as a medallion or on a young one’s playmat. There are also a couple of coordinates to continue the theme.
We have a couple of new books by special request. The Fabric Dyer’s Dictionaryis a must have if you dye your own fabrics. The Australian Spirit bookis also in stock. This book is a comprehensive collection of quilt patterns from Aboriginal fabrics. You may have seen it reviewed recently in your favourite quilting magazine. I have only seen positive reviews so far.
Coming Soon
I still have some new patterns to finish off for you, so keep your eyes open for these. As always there will be new fabrics arriving. I am investigating some subtle changes for the website which may roll out over the new year.
Members only
Sign up for a fabric club with a friend for 12 months and both get your birthday month free (or extend an existing membership). You'll need to tell us your birthday month of course. Mention this newsletter in the comments on your online order or drop an email. There are several fabric clubs to choose from, receive a parcel of your favourites each month.
Salmon Trails is the freebie pattern this month. It is on my list of to dos. Maybe you'll beat me to it.
Little Hot Rod fabric, Imperial Fusions fabric, Fabric Dyer's Dictionary, Australian Spirit, Salmon Trails.
06-11-2010
News 9/2010
Talking point
Thank you to those who shared their stories of giving or receiving Care Quilts after my last newsletter.
I do love to hear from you and some of your stories are very touching and others open eyes. For some of you it may have been a very brave thing to share, so thank you for your bravery.
During this month I attended a teaching weekend. Lessa Siegele was my tutor. I found her to be very giving and extremely generous in her teaching. I made a quilt (it’s still in pieces) called Flying in Circles. Flying geese fly in circles by way of some clever piecing. Mine is destined to be a baby quilt. By attributing it to it’s new owner, who is due in March, I have given myself a deadline that should be achievable.
A big milestone for Chocolate Coated this month, we got a mail box! We’re rural, previously we would have to go into the local store and have them hand out our mail. Now we have a box with a key. For those who send things to us it is: PO Box 41, Toongabbie 3856, Victoria.
We’re into November now and I had little idea about where the year went. Time just seems to be flying by. I am scared to blink in case I miss something! Talk has turned to where we’ll be over the Christmas break. We don’t live close to either family and my husband doesn’t have the advantage of public holidays. Each year is taken as it comes, so far we have managed to be with one of the families on Christmas Day.
New
Pretty Purple is the most recent kit we have on offer from Jacqueline de Jonge. There are 4 fabric combinations available, two use the original colour theme and the other 2 offer some variation. The quilt features a central star circled by flying geese. You may also add beading.
Fire and Ice are having the last amendments made to the pattern.
These quilts are very easy to piece but a spectacular sight when they come together. The Fire version glows in shades of yellow, red, fuschia and orange. The Ice version glistens in shades of blue, aqua and purple. They are the perfect size to hang them on the wall or throw them over your lap.
There are some new fabrics on the website with a few more to follow. After kitting some of Jacqueline de Jonge’s patterns (some use 96+ fabrics) the range of blenders has increased. Remember that we can colour match to some of your fabric or a pattern that you are working on.
Coming Soon
For those who follow the blog or have been on the Facebook page of late you may have followed my link to Cherri House’s Quilts.
When the last of the coordinates arrive in a week or so I will be offering kits for 2 of the quilts featured in her book City Quilts. Kits will be limited and you can pre-order yours if you wish. (City Tracks is now available.) The beauty of these kits is that some fabrics appear is small pieces so that you can achieve the wonderful variation of the original quilts.
In focus
Starring the Flower Fairies Quiltis a fantastic quilt featuring panels from Michael Miller. There are a couple of variations all focusing on the Flower Fairies. With the variations the quilt is easily suited to a female of any age. The Christmas version would look great as a table cover rather than on a bed. This time of year it would be a nice quick project to dress up your Christmas table.
Treat
If you have been watching Junior Masterchef you may have seen the kids whip up these chocolate cakes by Donna Hay. The chocolate cream cheese frosting is just beautiful. Lucky my mixer has 2 beaters! Bryson and Merryn get very chocolatety.
Fly Away Quilt
