quilting in queensland

 This is the wall hanging that I made the froglet.  I started it some years ago, many of you might recognise the pattern as being a millamac pattern.  I thought it was an appropriate gift for her first appartment her boyfriend rolled his eyes when he saw it was yet another frog! So while she was in New Zealand on a holiday I finished it and suprised her with it when we got to Brisbane.

 I went to a shop in Eatons Hill http://quiltessentials.com.au/ and she had a basket full of her patterns, I hadn't seen so many in many years.  The shop owner told me that the millamac lady isn't doing any more patterns which is a shame as they were good 'Aussie' fun ones.... at least i know where to find them!  Alovely shop to visit with friendly ladies.

 Then I was also able to visit a shop in Keperra  I had found both these shops on the Internet and I did my homework to find them on google maps (I love google maps, I use the street view so I know landmarks!)  This shop is called http://www.thequilterscorner.com.au/

  I found a table full of lovely fabrics on special and as soon as I saw this I knew exactly what I could use it for and I had to have it. I can now do a BOM by Jenny of http://www.elefantz.com/  its called the vintage kitchen and it is one of her many freebies that she generously gives out.  I havent done any of Jennys projects yet but some of my friends have so now I have no excuse.... apart from getting some thread sorted!

I also found a pattern for Australian flags which I had to have, I'm a proud bogan!  I was also lucky enough to meet Michelle Long who designed this lovely pattern which is a http://www.lemonjellie.com.au/ pattern.  She showed me a little quilt she had just about finished for a swap that was going to the USA.

This shop was even closer to the froglet so when I visit I can walk there or catch the train as its on the same line that is across the road from her place.  I might even be able to time a visit and do a class (got to keep myself busy when she is working!).

School goes back next week and I hope that some normality to the household might come back and I will start to sort out my crap  possessions  and get some much needed sewing done!

farmers market

Today I met my friend in Ballan (country Victoria) and went to the local farmers market. It was small but some very nice produce at an excellent price. I bought some to die for biscuits... they are like melting moments but chocolate with a coffee centre.. OMG!! the noisy one came with me and chose some chocolate ones that she said were the best!

Of course we went into the quilt shop next door and oohed and ahhed over some of the beautiful quilts displayed.

I also purchased (well my friend bought it) the pattern for Gulliver from ric rac's Jodie. My friend loves crocs and has been asking me for yonks where her Gulliver is.... now I have no excuse!!



These photos actually have nothing to do with my post today.... they were taken at my sister in laws 50th birthday party recently. She had a 50 years and over theme.... she had this stuff all around the room... loved it!






I took some photos but haven't uploaded them yet, but here is some other photos for you all to see!

Here is Milly with her Christmas toy.... she is getting a big girl

Cookie wasn't really impressed with his new hat

road trip!

Today a couple of my friends and I went on a little road trip! As I had done extra at the gym yesterday I allowed myself to miss my pump class this morning so that we could head for the hills and have time to browse without rushing too much.

Our first port of call was to Mrs Martins quilt shop in Monbulk I can highly recommend a trip to this shop! Karen made us a very welcome cup of coffee and a lovely lady to chat with. Go and have a look at her blog (click on the link I made to her blog)...aren't I clever heheheheh! But better yet go and visit her at her shop I will definitely make a return trip there.
Monbulk is also holding their community quilt show and it is going to be on March 13th with all the proceeds going to the Monbulk CFA (very worthy cause to support!) I bought some raffle tickets for the very nice quilt, I never win raffles so I doubt I have the winning tickets! So go and buy some as you are still in with a chance haha.



Lots and lots of nice patterns and the shop is full of samples and great gifty items.

We then started back down the hill as I spotted another quilt shop in Tecoma which is foothills fabric and threads

Another very nice quilt shop that was different to to Mrs Martins so make sure you allow yourself time to visit both these shops. The foothills also had lots of samples I love seeing the quilts in the flesh, I cant believe the stitching that Leanne does OMG! (that's oh my goodness to those who don't read initials lol)I'm also now showing off with my ability to do links hheheheh. Teeny tiny miniature daisy chains and minuscule running stitches... I wish I could sew such beautiful and tiny even stitches.... I'm just too impatient I think *sigh*


Jennifer bought some of those really yummy variegated threads that are becoming very popular.... After seeing them today I think I will invest in some in the near future. I also bought a couple of Melly and me patterns, some nice civil war fabrics and I also found a very nice skirt that was half price!!
We could have visited another couple of shops but due to us having children that needed to be picked up from school we had to by pass them (might have saved a plastic melt down!)

Lots of craft markets to visit in the coming weeks and months, bloggers to meet, crafts to buy! I go back to work next week so that will help me pay for all these lovely goodies.
I also apologise to those who cant comment on my blog, I have ticked all the boxes and made it so that anyone can comment but still there is problems...anyone else with a clue??