The Craft Mailbox

The Quilter's Bible by Linda Clements

2011-09-22T16:41:00.002+10:00

There are so many 'complete guides to quilting' etc on the market, I thought it might be helpful to document exactly what is inside this book as you may well be referring to it for a very long time.

The Quilter's Bible is written by Linda Clements whose passion is quilting (of course!) with a background in publishing and book production. Linda is very grateful to the many talented and creative quilters who have contributed projects and work to this book, such as: Lynette Anderson, Susan Briscoe, Lynne Edwards, Carolyn Forster, Lynette Jensen, Gail Lawther, Pam and Nicky Lintott, Anne Muxworthy and many more.

The book starts out with covering the beginning quilting essentials of Tools, Materials, Working with Fabrics, Using Templates, Drawing and Cutting Shapes and Using Technology.

Note: Under the Using Technology section there is only a cursory mention of the Electric Quilt Software which doesn't do it justice. If you have made a couple of quilts and you are addicted, Electric Quilt is an absolute dream to work with. We cannot give it enough high praise for ease of use, time saving possibilities, fast designing, showcasing colour and calculating fabric requirements. See our other Blog notes about Electric Quilt.

The book then goes on and covers Patchwork, Applique, Quilting and Finishing Off. I have listed below each topic covered under these headings where you will find photo's, diagrams, thorough explanations and descriptions.

Bonus: There is a project to go with almost all of these sub-headings.

Patchwork:
Patchwork Settings, Working with Blocks, Scrap Quilts, Sampler Quilts, Hand Piecing, English Paper Piecing, Machine Piecing, Patchwork with Squares and Rectangles, Patchwork with Strips, Seminole Patchwork, Bargello Patchwork, String Patchwork, Patchwork with Triangles, Patchwork with Diamonds and Polygons, Patchwork with Curves, Pictorial Patchwork, Foundation Piecing, Crazy Patchwork, Puffed Patchwork, Folded Patchwork, Fabric Special Effects, Quilt Art, Using Sashing, Using Borders.

Applique:
Fabrics and Threads for Applique, Motifs and Templates, Needle-Turn Applique, 3-D Applique, Freezer Paper Applique, Fusible Web Applique, Edging Applique, Applique Perse, Hawaiian Applique, Reverse Applique, Shadow Applique, Inlaid Applique, Bias Strip Applique, Shisha.

Quilting:
Preparing to Quilt, Choosing Quilting Designs, Marking Designs, Hand Quilting, Big Stitch Quilting, Whole Cloth Quilting, Celtic Quilting, Sashiko, Kantha Quilting, Machine Quilting, Free-motion Quilting, Long-arm Quilting, Quilt-as-you-go, Tied Quilting, Corded Quilting, Stuffed Quilting, Decorative Quilting.

Finishing Off:
Finishing Edges, Final Touches, Useful Stitches, Project Marking Up, Useful information, Templates.

If I had the time, this is the kind of book you could use to work through a different technique every day, or every week. By the end of writing this Blog, I have decided I need to add it to my patchwork book collection because it is just so comprehensive and inspiring.

A Thrifty Wedding

2011-09-20T11:37:00.000+10:00

I was aghast to learn yesterday that the average cost of a wedding these days is around $50,000. Maybe I am a bit of a sceptic, or not a gambler, or maybe it was just that I was an 'old', but first-time, bride, however there was no way that kind of money was going to spent on a single day of my life. With a little bit of thought and putting hand craft skills to work you can save a lot of money and have some terrific fun along the way. Here are the things we did to have a wonderful, memorable, happy ceremony that was a bargain given the joy experienced by all.

Invitations and place name cards were hand crafted by my sister, my friend De-Arne and myself
Ear Rings were borrowed from my friend
Necklace purchased in second hand shop in Bungendore
Bracelet was borrowed and I added my Grandmothers stunning Amethyst brooch
Shoes purchased on sale for $50
Our ceremony was held beside a Sydney sea pool (did I remember to tell the Council??)
We timetabled the limo drive to make 3 trips in one hour!
My step-sons are wearing shirts I hand dyed with tea bags to match the colour of my dress
We booked a fashion photographer at a flat rate who delivered the disk of digital images to us by the end of our lunch (and we negotiated outright ownership of the images)
All flowers were purchased at the Sydney Flower Market and made up into bouquets etc by a friend (& it was such a fun early morning shopping experience with my sister and friends)
I purchased some cheap vases, hand painted them gold and used flowers from the market as table decorations.
I purchased decorative table runners and other exotic fabrics at the markets at very reasonable prices and these were used as table decorations plus to cover the council chairs around the sea pool. I still use these pieces around our house which bring back fond memories of our lovely day.
Friends were allocated the job of going to the venue before the ceremony to decorate the tables
All the music was chosen and put together by friends
Our reception was booked in a dining room as a family reunion (as we were not having any wedding formalities)
We chose not to have a wedding cake, instead our celebrant suggested a 'wine ceremony' with the same significance
Bridesmaid dresses were sewn by my sister
I decorated my mothers shoes with hot-fix crystals.
Wedding guests gave us a 'lift' back to the hotel after our lunch
Wedding guests gave us USB sticks with copies of the images they took on the day
A neighbour surprised us by videoing the ceremony

The beauty of conducting a ceremony like this is that we involved so many people and they are the truly memorable moments from the day. Personally I would feel physically ill spending $50k on a single day of my life so I hope these tips may help someone put together a day as special as ours was.

Today is our wedding anniversary and it has been very nice reminiscing.

Sandra Harvey.

Applique Masterpieces

2011-09-19T14:10:00.000+10:00

There have been a plethora of applique books released lately and you could be forgiven for not knowing which one is best suited for you. Let me differentiate them for you:

Beginners:
Learn to do Applique in Just One Day by Nancy Brenan Daniel
If you have been wondering 'where do I start', then this 64pp book is for you. This is an updated version of an original and new techniques have been added, such as fusible applique and dramatic shadow applique. The instructions are easy to follow, there's a host of new projects in contemporary styling using bright fabrics, organza and even wool. Includes classic needle-turn and raw-edge methods

A Lifetime of Applique:
The Ultimate Applique Guidebook by Annie Smith
This is one of those books that you will have for a lifetime of applique - from beginner to advanced. Features:

The history of applique;
Hand and machine applique techniques;
How to design your own applique patterns;
150 applique elements: flowers, leaves, stems, bases, birds, bugs and flourishes, allowing you to make each design your own.

Applique using technology:
Inspired by Tradition by Kay MacKenzie

The companion CD (for Mac or PC) in this book allows you to print the 50 different blocks in 5 sizes: 6", 8", 9", 10" and 12". Of course you could also enlarge with a photocopier to larger sizes if you wish. Reverse versions are also included. Step-by-step instructions on how to use the CD are included for there elegant designs.

The added extras in this book are Kay's Hand-Applique Tips, Back-Basting Preparation, Hand Stitching, Raw-Edge Machine Applique, Fusible-Web Management, Q&A plus a gallery of ideas.

Our tip: As a terrific time-saver, try printing these designs directly onto Wash Away Applique Sheets.

Also by Kay MacKenzie "Easy Applique Blocks"

Advanced:
Beautiful Botanicals by Deborah Kemball
Deborah Kemball has traveled to some exotic places, all the way teaching herself how to quilt. She has developed her very own individual style and is greatly influenced by her love of European cottons, silks, chintzes of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which were themselves inspired by Indian designs.

Deborah is a great believer in using household equipment and minimal tools with her major items being: standard scissors she uses for everything, a few odd pins, No. 9 Betweens (preferably Roxanne's), freezer paper, Mylar heatproof plastic, a selection of threads and thimbles. She loves the colour RED which is evident throughout the book. Detailed images and diagrams throughout showing different stitches such as Whipstitch, Detached Buttonhole Stitch, adding beads and how to applique single-curve and multiple-curve stems.

The 45 applique flowers featured are: Baltimore Beauty Flower, Bluebells, Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Daisy, Forget-Me-Not, Fuchsia, Grapes/Wisteria/Hanging Blooms, Iris, Lily, Machaelmas Daisy/Coneflower, Mimosa/Floral Spray/Berries, Pansy, Peony, Pomegranate, Star Flower, Stargazer Lily, Sunflower/Aster/Zinnia, Sweet William, Whirled Flower, Easy Template Flowers, Butterfly, Nosegay plus additional leaf templates.

Projects include: 6 pillows, 7 wall hangings, 1 table runner, 5 border patterns.

Applique Quilt (by machine):
Flowers Hearts and Garlands Quilt by Liz Jones
Liz explains the journey behind this machine applique quilt was the desire to be able to applique any shape and to guarantee perfect placement. Her method fulfills both these criteria and she explains it in detail. You can quickly free-motion machine baste applique pieces of any size or shape and finish the appliques with a smooth satin stitch. Some of the recommended essential tools we have linked to this book on our website. If the whole quilt seems too much for you, start out with making one of the lovely floral blocks for a cushion or table runner. Stunning use of colour.

Experimenting with your Sewing Machine

2011-09-16T14:09:00.000+10:00

A few years ago I had a creative moment and decorated a cheap denim jacket with all kinds of treatments i.e. obscure images printed onto Inkjet fabric sheets, hot bondable Angelina Fibres fused on, buttons, lace and more. I found some high quality gold metallic thread and then selected some different stitches on my machine and set to work creating my masterpiece. The result, lots of oooohs and aaahs from friends saying 'do you know, I have never played with all the different stitches on my machine'.

These days sewing machines are loaded with hundreds of variations of stitches and all you need to do is play with them and discover a new kind of joy, as I did with my denim jacket. Add variegated threads or metallics and suddenly you will be patting yourself on the back for your creative genius.

Another great idea is to clip together two pieces of fabric with a scrap of batting in between and again, play with decorative stitches and different thread combinations.

To whet your appetite, have a look at "Your Machine's Decorative Stitches" by Karen Lindusha. Karen also shows you how to add texture with netting, tulle or even onion bags.

If you are a crazy quilt fan, you would be crazy not to consider taking advantage of what is already on your machine. Take a look at "Crazy Quilts - Histroy, Techniques and Embroidery Motifs".

Where do you Craft?

2011-08-10T11:29:00.000+10:00

As a function of being a crafty person and being lucky enough to work in the industry, I notice other crafters whenever I happen upon them; knitters in hospital waiting areas, patchwork bags over the shoulder as you walk down the street and hand made embellished clothing.

I must say though that I rarely notice people crafting at airports or on flights. I recently took a sewing needle in my coin purse along with a needle threader & Clover Pendant Thread Cutter onto a flight so I could sew missing buttons onto my coat which I badly needed on arrival in Melbourne. Apparently using a needle is ok however it is up to the discretion of the flight crew (I have been asked to put my needle away once when I was sewing a sashiko panel mid-flight). If anyone has more information to add to this, please let me know.

Returning from Melbourne I got in some crochet practise ahead of my 'learn to' class.

I find it strangely comforting to always have a portable project packed in a bag and ready to grab as I race out the door for long car trips, cricket or football games or potentialy time consuming events so I don't feel like I'm idle for too long.

Organising Craft Space - Part 2

2011-07-19T16:03:00.000+10:00

For all my current disorganisation, I actually do have a desire to be organised. I recently found myself sorting all my pins by colour, and back into their original containers, strange but true.

Let me give you a visual on my craft space: we have recently claimed a childs bedroom and converted it into an office / craft room / spare room (complete with futon, 2 x printers, a scanner, a shredder, 2 x computers, 5 x 5 Ikea book case and 2 sewing machines). The floor space is limited as we have failed to sort and file as we have moved into the room, so clutter abounds. I am really starting from a place of desperation as the room is not conducive to work or craft. Here is how I approached the organising of this space:

1. Checked to see when the local council is having a clean up day (this weekend - lucky!) and I have committed to "cleansing the house" of those items I know I will never use.

2. Located my trusted best friend - a Dymo labelling machine.

3. Considered how many shelves and storage boxes I may need.

4. Strategically positioned 2 boxes: 1 = rubbish bin, 1 = donation or re-gift box

5. Gathered together any plastic see-through (preferably double sided) bags in readiness for preparing dedicated project bags. I hoard commercial manchester or pillow bags. A recent purchase for our dog came in one such bag, in a very handy size too.

6. Got realistic about how the space will be used i.e. my space is a shared space so everything does need to be put-away-able. I also like to do my craft in the living room so I'm still surrounded by the family which means I need well organised project bags and I need 1 bag always packed with all the essentials which can be used for retreats, going to my quilting group or simply joining the family. Carolyn Woods has a section in her book "Organizing Solutions for Every Quilter" covering what to pack for retreats and quilting in small spaces.

7. Set a time limit for having the space organised.

In summary, before you start 'doing', there may well be some 'strategic thinking' required to ensure your efforts are executed in an efficient manner.

Good luck. Sandra.

Organising Your Creative Space

2011-07-19T10:16:00.000+10:00

This week I have arrived at the point of "I simply must organise my craft items". When I found myself with mending tasks and the easiest thing to do was go out and buy what I needed rather than try to find it in my craft supplies, I knew I had reached a point of no return. It is time to change my organisational paradigm.

Is it procrastination that stops us, or the size of the task we think it might be to organise all our essential supplies (of course, nothing can be thrown out as we might need it one day!)?

"The greatest amount of wasted time is the time not getting started." ~Dawson Trotman

This book "Organizing Solutions for Every Quilter" recently came across my desk and of course, I procrastinated looking in it because I just knew it would tell me what I didn't want to hear i.e. Author, Carolyn Woods offers Step One as "Identify the Causes of Clutter". Well there is only one answer to that - ME. I am the cause.

Carolyn also offers these shuddering questions; "To Keep Or Not to Keep" and "How Much Is Too Much?". Are six rotary cutters really too many? How do I know whether I might need this in a year or two? My answer to these questions was to ask my husband to move some of his files to give me more space to keep the things I don't know if I need or not!

Stay tuned - I will keep you posted with my progress.

Sandra.

Sewing and Community

2011-05-10T09:59:00.000+10:00

An article in Vogue Living Australia (May/June ed) caught my eye. It's called "Sweat Shop" - a "cafe couture", a new creative concept situated in St Martin, Paris. Imagine 10 work stations equipped with 10 SINGER sewing machines and one communal table. Welcome to a world of creativity, of DIY ethics, a piping hot tea and funky furniture. A serene atmosphere where work and relaxation go hand in hand. Check it out.

Top 10 Reasons Why Quilters Use EQ7

2011-01-05T14:49:00.000+11:00

Here are the top 10 reasons why quilters use EQ7:

1 Save money by printing your own patterns. EQ7 has over 5000 blocks. Or make money by becoming a professional designer yourself!
“With this new version, I really can design whatever comes out of my imagination. There's no limit to my creativity….”Scarlett Rose, http://www.scarlettrose.com/

2 Preview fabric in your quilt before you sew.
“I never tried to scan fabrics before because I thought it would be too much trouble. WOW! I did it tonight on EQ7 and it was the easiest thing I have ever had to do with a computer.” Carol Maddox

3 Invent new block designs instantly, without drawing.
“The addictive Clip and Flip, Shrink and Flip, Kaleidoscope, and Fancy Star block capabilities create seemingly endless ways to develop new blocks.”Linda Erickson

4 Create quilt or block images for your blog or web site.
See how Judy Butcher designs a new quilt daily for her blog.

5 Let EQ7 do the math, calculating yardage for you.
“EQ7 does a lot of the work that was hard for me (math!!) and makes it fun to plan a project."Sue Legg

6 Personalize quilts with photos.
Read how Liza Lucy made a special and easy photo quilt, designing, editing photos and printing on fabric right from EQ7.

7 Design and print quilt labels.
It’s so easy to make a special label for your quilt! See real-life examples here.

8 Gain design and color confidence.
“You just have to try the brand new Swath Tool. Have you ever wanted to put a meandering line of Flying Geese in a Fall Picture? Now you can… “Jo Moury

9 Preview quilting on your quilt.
See some of the beautiful quilting designs EQ users have created!

10 Get a helping hand whenever you need it.
“For everybody with any ''fear'' of EQ7: not necessary...just buy, install and play!!”Yvonne Muller, Netherlands
"The dynamic help feature, videos and EQ7 help manual built into the software make this an exceptionally easy program to learn."Katrina Hamer, Washington
“For brand new beginners, there are tutorials and help topics galore, plus the very kind real people at EQ, always ready to explain."Nancy in Mississippi

This text is from the Electric Quilt Website. Regards Sandra.

Craft Mailbox Catalogue Ritual

2010-11-17T10:45:00.000+11:00

What's your ritual?

Over the years many customers have told us how they have a special ritual when their Craft Mailbox catalogue arrives in the mail. For Example:

One told us how she clears everything off the table, gets a felt pen, spreads out the catalogue, boils the kettle, makes a cuppa, finds a Tim Tam and then spoils herself to some special time in 'craft world'.

Another was someone who turns off the phone, pours herself a sherry, props herself up in bed and reads every last corner of it.

Please tell us if you have a ritual too as we absolutely LOVE hearing them?

Sandra.

Jean Greenhowe Knitted Dolls

2010-11-16T12:26:00.000+11:00

One of our lovely customers recently shared with us her beautiful Jean Greenhowe knitted dolls which have won prizes at her local show. She is now being asked to sell them but does not know what price to put on them - what do you think? Please feel free to tell us what you think. They are very cute, very colourful and very faithful to the Jean Greenhowe patterns.

We understand these knitting patterns are hard to find - we do have 20 of these in our collection of books available online or by calling us on 1300 307 721.

Sandra.

Craft Mailbox - Fabrics from $10 per metre !

2010-11-14T21:54:00.000+11:00

The Australian Dollar over the past 2 months has taken us all by surprise. Our top quality fabrics are now priced from $10 per metre. We have plenty of stock so get in and take advantage of these great prices.
We have also drastically reduced the price on many of our patchwork and textile art books. Plus we have stocked up our Bargain Box - many of these are one off's (don't snooze or you'll miss a great bargain) - but there are some seriously good stocking fillers on offer.
Our latest catalogue is now available in .pdf format with all our latest products, plus the online catalogue features 20+ additional brand new books and products you won't find in the mail order catalogue.

Pre-Christmas Massive Stock Clearance
Angelina Fibres fresh stock, new colours
Patchwork and Quilting Books - SAVE 15%
Christmas Gift Ideas
BeJeweler Kits and POSTAGE FREE Hot-Fix Crystals
Elm Creek Quilters - Novel Series
Electric Quilt Software - Now $230
Quilting Fabric Savings
Bali Watercolours $12pm
Kaffe Fasset $20pm
Orientals from $10pm
Moda Pre-Cuts - save 25%
Widebacks from $18pm
William Morris Fabric $19.95pm
Sewing Notions - Save up to 30%
Shiva Paintstiks - Save 20%
Textile Art Supplies for Schools, Teachers and Textile Students - Save 15% on most books

Happy Crafting!

Sandra.

Tyvek - Sample Testing

2010-11-13T06:04:00.000+11:00

Sometimes you may receive a tear proof envelope in the mail that feels slightly slippery but with an interesting texture. This is called Tyvek. It is easily stitched, glued and painted with different mediums. It is strong, tear and water resistant with a fabric-like feel and can be used for making kites, stage backdrops, bags, clothing, table covers, embellishments ....... Fibre and Textile Artists the world over are having a lot of fun printing on it, sewing it then heating it until it bubbles, burning it for distortion, layering it with Angelina Fibres and creating dimension.

Image one - 3 kinds of Tyvek ranging from soft structure to paper structure, painted with water based paint red on one side, silver on reverse. We then used a long diagonal straight stitch, only on half of the painted area.

Image 2 - this image shows the stitching and one of the samples has started to distort. We used baking paper on both sides of sample, then a household iron. We tried holding it just above the baking paper but didn't show a result so we started to dab the iron onto the baking paper and then we saw some action.

Image 3 shows distortion on the 3 different weights of Tyvek. The one in the middle has been flipped over to show the reverse side effect as often the reverse side is more interesting.

Image 4 shows our finised work after using a heat gun (in addition to the iron)

Image 5 is plain white tyvek paper structure, overlaid with Angelina Fibres. Heat has been applied. As the Tyvek distorted, the fibres became embedded into the Tyvek crevices.

Sandra & Catherine.

Quilting Fabric Efficiency

2010-11-12T11:05:00.000+11:00

I read this quote by quilt designer Kathie Holland today in Sew Scrappy, Volume 1 (Quilts for Fabric Lovers) magazine, which made me smile about just how efficient a quilter can be.
"I usually buy half yard cuts. Every fabric I bring into my sewing room I first cut in half, which leaves me with 2 fat quarters. I put away one piece and cut the other into strips 6.5", 4.5", 3.5" and 1.5" wide. I toss those strips into baskets marked by widths. For me, it became a time-saver. I got tired of making a mess pulling out all my fabrics every time I started a new project. Having these strips ready, I now just pull out the basket and most often have what I need to start cutting. Even for applique shapes, I can usually cut the pieces I need from the wider strips I already have. If I want a bigger piece, I go to my stash and still have enough remaining for an 18" square".

Does this not demonstrate just how determined quilters are to be organised and to not waste any lifetime quilting opportunities!
Sandra May

To Quilt Label, Or Not?

2010-11-02T10:28:00.000+11:00

‘Maker unknown’. Those two words bring dread into the hearts of quilters. All that work put into a quilt and we never know who made it, when and why. Was it a gift for a special occasion, or made for pure enjoyment? And how should it be cared for? And if it was to be lost, how would it be returned to its rightful owner?

There is one word to answer all these questions. A label provides future generations with a record and guarantees that the information on your quilt remains accurate. Information to include:
The Name of the Quilt
Who made it, when and where.
For whom it was made and the occasion.
Date of completion or presentation
Instructions on how to wash & store the quilt.
Always use 100% cotton fabric, prewashed and ironed.
The design possibilities are endless. It can be simple or elaborate, a plain piece of fabric or pieced, handwritten, rubber stamped, embroidered or digitally printed. Use a spare block from the front of the quilt or make a pretty border.

If you’d like to design your own label, we have some great tools for you. To write on your fabric, try the Zig Permanent markers. A great tip is to back the fabric with a piece of Freezer Paper – you can even draw guidelines on the freezer paper that will show through to your fabric. The freezer paper backing makes it much easier to write and draw on the fabric.

If you don’t want to design your own label, we have 3 great books for you: Iron-On Transfers for Quilt Labels, 50 Nifty Iron-on Quilt Labels, and the follow up; More 50 Nifty Iron-on Quilt Labels. Barbara Baatz Hillman has done the designing for you. Just heat the iron, choose your label, and press away. You can then colour in your label with crayons or Fabrico Markers (instructions included), embroider away, or fill in the relevant details and secure to your quilt.
Creative Tips: Another fun way with labels is to use vintage lace edge doilies with enough clear space for your information to be written or embroidered with DMC threads. Try incorporating a leftover block or small piece of the patchwork into the label.

EQ Printables are fabulous for making very personalised labels. You have the choice of all the available fonts on your computer and many design options including using Powerpoint, Electric Quilt 7 or even Photoshop. A lovely photo of you and the recipient on your label will make your gift even more personal. Or include a photo of the quilt. The packets of fabric are already treated to go through your domestic printer so you just have to let your imagination go.
If you’ve put all that work into your quilt, it deserves a great label.

More William Morris in Applique - Printing Delay

2010-11-01T16:38:00.000+11:00

There is high anticipation for the arrival of the follow up to William Morris in Applique. There is however a printing delay and to the best of our knowledge we will be despatching More William Morris in Applique in December.

Meanwhile, The Adelaide Collection of William Morris inspired fabrics have arrived plus we have lovely pearlised cotton to use as a background to William Morris applique projects. We have a wonderful quilt kit called "Morris Magic" - the pattern is in the first book (William Morris in Applique) which we have a plentiful supply of. You will just love the fabrics in this kit. Sandra May.

Civil War, Reproduction & Vintage explained

2010-08-08T10:31:00.000+10:00

When a lot of us hear ‘reproduction’ our first thoughts go to Civil War reproduction prints. These have become very popular and of course look wonderful in the classic patterns of that time. The Civil War in the United States (or not united) went from 1861-1865 but the look covers the years both before and after that. A fabulous book to get you started, or to add to your collection, is "Reproduction Quilts from the Civil War Period 1850-1865" from one of the queens of reproduction fabric, Judie Rothermel.
Another time period that often gets fabric collectors weak at the knees is the 1930’s. The Depression era produced anything but depressing fabrics, with the time known for its distinctive clear brights and co-ordinating prints. Feed sacks (for animal feed or domestic flour) were printed with popular designs to encourage housewives to buy the products. The double wedding ring pattern and Sunbonnet Sue are very evocative of this time.
An excellent resource is "Dating Fabrics – A Colour Guide 1800-1960" by Elieen Jahnke Trestain. If you have an antique quilt and you’re trying to date the pieces, this is definitely for you. Images of the fabrics in full colour and full size allow easy identification or even a trip down memory lane.
Despite much research, it is my interpretation that the term ‘vintage fabric’ has no known universal definition. It can refer to simply ‘old’ fabric, however we are seeing more of the 1960’s-70’s being referred to as vintage (we suggest ‘contemporary’).
Vintage is well represented in ‘Sew’ by Cath Kidston showing off this style beautifully. A great idea to get you started on this pretty look.
We have put together a collection of reference and pattern books which are the best available in the various era’s.

Award Winning Craft Books

2010-06-16T20:44:00.000+10:00

Best Selling book "Fibreart Montage - Combining Quilting, Embroidery & Photography with Embellishments" has recently won the "Ben Franklin Award" for Best Craft Book of the Year from the Independent Book Publishers Association, USA. We congratulate the author, Judith Baker Montano and the publishers on producing such an amazing mixed media technique masterpiece. See our extensive Blog review from November 2009.

Another winner was "Color Mastery: 10 Principles for Creating Stunning Quilts". Award winning quilter, Maria Peagler, teaches how to develop your own imaginative colour combinations. Both traditonal and art quilters alike will gain a deeper understanding of colour. The ten principles she teaches in this book will take you from "matching to the focus fabric" to your own unique style.

2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards Bronze: "Artistic Photo Quilts: Create Stunning Quilts with Your Camera, Computer, & Cloth", by Charlotte Ziebarth (C&T Publishing). Transform Your Digital Photos into Luminous Fabric Art. Enjoy altering photos and use them to create beautiful, original works of fabric art. Work through 11 exercises:

• Learn to alter images with Photoshop Elements®

• Use photos that really enhance your work (Hint: it's not always the best-looking shots!)

• Find inspiration in your own albums, from other artists, and in nature

• Make large-scale quilts with a standard-size inkjet printer

This accessible guide to creating fine fabric art with digital photos covers everything from the tools and equipment you'll need, to designing, finishing, and assembling your quilt.

Enjoy!

Sandra.

Top 10 Reasons to Upgrage from EQ6 to EQ7

2010-06-14T20:26:00.000+10:00

Ten Reasons to Upgrade from EQ6
Users upgrading from EQ6 will feel right at home. We've used the same friendly interface, plus loads of new user-requested features. EQ7 will do everything EQ6 did, and so much more! Here are 10 new features we think EQ6 users will love. These are just some of all the new features we've added.
1. Help, Help & More Help
EQ7 is one of our most user-friendly versions to date. We've integrated new Help buttons into much of the interface and ToolHelp. If you see a Help button or "Get more details" link, click it and the EQ7 Help will open to the exact page describing how to use the feature.
Click Help to learn how "Channel Mixer" lets you adjust only certain colors/channels in a photo.
You asked for more software lessons and asked for them to be in color... we listened. EQ7 includes 22 PDF lessons in color which teach you about designing quilts, drawing EasyDraw blocks, drawing pieced PatchDraw blocks, drawing appliqué PatchDraw blocks, working with images and printing.
Working through these easy lessons may take some time, but it will be time well-spent. Even advanced users of previous EQ versions may learn new tips, tricks, and tools.
With all this help right in the program, you'll always have the answers right at your fingertips. You can learn to use EQ7 from the EQ7 Help files, Dynamic Tool Help, all new Help Videos, updated User Manual, and all new PDF lessons. And keep in mind, anything you learned in EQ6 will still work the same way in EQ7!
2. New Image Worktable
You can work on quilts... you can work on blocks... but now you can work on images! Import images into EQ7 and crop them right on your screen. After that there are infinite possibilities for adjusting color, saturation, lightness, histograms, contrast, and even mapping colors in the image to colors on the color wheel or in palettes of color. Memory quilts, T-shirt quilts, and photo art quilts will be a blast to design in EQ7 now that you can work on your images and set them in your quilts all in the same software.
Add images and variations to your Sketchbook to use in your next printable fabric project.
3. Apply Effects, Filters & Symmetries
Choose Apply > Effects, Apply > Filters, or Apply > Symmetries from the Image menu and you'll be on your way to a whole world of new image possibilities. EQ7 has over 45 different effects that can be applied to images, including artistic, noise, blur and many more. Filters allow you to sharpen, unsharpen, or detect the edges of your image. Square and Circular symmetries take portions of your image and repeat them according to your choices.
You can apply more than one to an image for a truly unique effect. Print these images onto printable fabric to use as whole photos in your memory quilts, or chop the printed images up to make one-of-a-kind fabrics for your piecing.
Create unique images to use as photos or fabric in your quilts.
4. Drag & Drop and Snap to Grid on the Quilt Worktable
If you found setting blocks in Custom Set quilts or on Layers 2 or 3 cumbersome or clumsy, you'll love the new drag & drop features we've included on the Quilt worktable! Just grab the block, motif, stencil, embroidery, photo, or fabric from the palette and drag it onto the quilt. Turn on the Snap to Grid features to make sizing and positioning blocks easy in Custom Set. Not only can you drag & drop items onto the quilt, but you can sort items in many of the palettes this way too!
Drag the item from the palette and drop it onto the quilt. It will show as transparent as you drag. When you release, it will size according to its saved design size. Then use the Adjust tool as you normally would to re-position, re-size, or rotate it.
5. Photo Layout printing style
When printing photos in EQ6, it was always one at a time. Now in EQ7, you can maximize your printable fabric using Photo Layout to fit many images together on one sheet before printing. Snap photos to the grid to help you account for seam allowance and fit as many images on the page as you can.
Position and size images in Photo Layout so you don't waste printable fabric.
6. Eyedropper Improvements
Choose whether you pick up fabrics or colors when you click on the quilt. You can even click on photos to find matching fabrics or colors in your Sketchbook Fabrics and Colors palette that match. Not only can you find fabrics and colors, you can also use the Eyedropper to find blocks. When you click, EQ7 will find the exact block and coloring in the Sketchbook Blocks palette so you can set it elsewhere in your quilt.
Use the Eyedropper to find fabrics or colors even from photos!
7. Swath Tool for Drawing Curved Flying Geese
If you liked the Brush Stroke from EQ6, you'll love the new Swath tool in EQ7. Drag out a freehand line with the Swath tool and pick the swath's properties. Each one can have diamonds or triangles inside and be as plain or curvy as you like.
Accent old blocks or make new blocks with the Swath tool.
8. Photo Patchwork Quilts
Want to make a fun One Patch quilt? Click QUILT > New Quilt > Photo Patchwork and import an image. Choose from lots of patch styles or make your own custom patches. EQ7 takes the pixels in the photo that cross that patch and colors the quilt for you! These quilts are great for printing on fabric too.
Choose a photo, choose a patch style and convert the image to make your own Photo Patchwork quilt.
9. Import & Edit Fabric Scans Right in EQ7
We've all done it at least once: forgotten to crop an image before importing it and our resulting quilts and blocks look like they have tile grout lines. Now in EQ7, you can edit those imported fabric scans without having to jump back to an additional software to fix the scans and re-import them. Edit the images in EQ7, add the new versions to the Sketchbook, and begin coloring again. Fix crooked stripes, crop out trimmed edges, adjust hue or brightness in EQ7 so your quilts and blocks look great whenever you color them.
Copy fabrics to the Photo section so they can be edited to the new Image Worktable. Crop and adjust the scans, then choose IMAGE > Add to Sketchbook as Fabric.
10. Four More Serendipity Options
Draw blocks without drawing! In addition to Framing blocks, Tilting blocks, and Merging blocks which were added to EQ6, you can now Clip & Flip blocks, Shrink & Flip blocks, Kaleidoscope blocks, and make Fancy Star blocks. With 7 Serendipity options in all, you can create your own custom designs from other blocks in seconds.
Frame blocks one or more times using any of our pre-designed frames.

Tilt blocks to turn blocks on-point or create your own Twisted Log Cabin-like designs.

Merge blocks together by choosing a background and a foreground block.

NEW! Clip and Flip blocks to make new blocks using the top-left quadrant of the design and rotate however you like.

NEW! Shrink and Flip blocks to make new blocks using the entire block and rotate however you like.

NEW! Kaleidoscope blocks by choosing a Half-Square or a Quarter-Square triangular portion of the block.

NEW! Make Fancy Star blocks with 5 to 10 points and rotated however you like with or without the background block.
Thanks for using EQ6, and for suggesting so many new features for EQ7. We hope you like the EQ7 Upgrade!
Once installed, the EQ7 and EQ7 Upgrade are the same exact program.

This information has been supplied by Electric Quilt. Sandra.

The Perfect Day

2010-06-07T18:29:00.000+10:00

My husband and I often speculate about what would be our perfect day, which is quite obviously largely different given the 'mars and venus' theory. Let me tell you about my Sunday, an almost Perfect Day in my books.

I started at the Eveleigh Artisans' Market (supporting independent designers and artists) held in Darlington (Sydney), adjacent to Carriageworks. My fingers were tingling with temptation and anticipation as I surveyed the felting, bright gorgeous knitting, garments (some featuring oriental fabrics), innovative delicate pottery, screen printed textiles and much more. Note from a dog owner: it is even a dog friendly environment!

Feeling like my creative soul had been nurtured, I was driving home when I stumbled upon the Mitchell Road Auction Centre - 2 storeys of fossicking ensued. The upstairs area is full of traders with antique and vintage items. Being on my own (i.e. husband and child-free) I was able to explore every nook and cranny, every book case and every jewellery display. My heart soared. I found vintage ribbons, fabrics, silks, tea towels, table cloths, buttons ........ I spent hours there with my repurposing creative juices running wild.

Leaving there with my head spinning, I returned home to bake a beautiful lamb hot pot. Then it was time to attack the mending pile - where I discovered I can no longer thread a needle, unaided. Thank goodness for self-threading needles, a good Arial lamp and suddenly a dark winters night was not stealing my precious time.

After a delightful family meal, a visit from some family friends gladly assisted by wine and laughter, this for me is about as perfect as a day can get. A satisfied soul that sighs as you retire for the evening. Sandra.

PS Stay tuned for my July market excursion - the Bundeena Markets

Our "Fabric Embellishing" Challenge

2010-06-05T20:39:00.000+10:00

I want to share the contents of Best Selling "Fabric Embellishing - The Basics & Beyond"

Four artists have put together this extensive embellishment guide i.e. Ruth Chandler, Liz Kettle, Heather Thomas and Lauren Vlcek. Their collective belief is that embellishments are 'our unique handprint on our creations. They tell our personal story and reveal our personality and style.'

The book is laid out in three sections:

1.Foundations: Fabric Manipulation, Fabric Weaving, Crazy Quilts, Rubber Stamping, Fashion a Frame, Images on Fabric (including printable fabric), Discharge Dyeing, Rusting Fabric, Decore or Burn-out.

2. Soft Embellishments: Hand Embroidery, Machine Embroidery, Thread-Lace Applique, Needle-Felting, Wool Beads, Silk Petals, Angelina Fibres, Textiva and Crystalina, Fabric Foiling Tyvek Transformations, Dimensional Applique, Going for Glitter.

3. Hard Embellishments: Beading, Hot-Fix Crystals, Metal, Paper, Foam Fabrications, Plastic Packs, Cocoons & Rods, Fabric Beads, Edge Burning, Melting and Scoring.

Every technique has step by step photos, clear details and how to make your own technique workbook.

Seriously, this is the kind of book where you could set yourself a Julia Childs challenge: work your way through the book creating one workbook page using one technique per week (or day depending on your time availability).

So for all those budding textile artists out there, in the words of Ruth Chandler "Let the boundaries we have learned as adults melt away and be replaced with creativity and imagination."

For those who take the challenge, be sure to tell us about it. I might even do it myself!

Sandra.

Orbital Rotary Cutter Blade Sharpener - Problem Solving

2010-06-02T08:31:00.001+10:00

Instructions for successful rotary blade sharpening with the Orbital Sharpener are; be sure to keep the diamond sharpening wheel clean of crud build up from the metal removed while sharpening the rotary blade, using the sharpening oil, or a lightweight oil like sewing machine oil, is important to lubricate the sharpening process and to help keep the diamond wheel free of metal buildup. The number of sharpening turns or cycles is not absolute, and depends on the condition of the rotary blade to begin with, and the make or manufacture of the blade. For example, rotary blades made in China typically are made from low carbon steel, and are of poor quality, they do not re-sharpen very well because the cutting edge bends and chips while re-sharpening, thus giving poor quality re-sharpening results. Therefore, some rotary blades like the Olfa brand rotary blades will often sharpen with 30 to 50 rotations, or turns per side, per coarse and/or fine diamond wheel usage, and other blades may take as many as 100 rotations, or turns per side to get the rotary blade to the desired level of sharpness. In addition, it may be necessary to remove the sharpening burrs from the cutting edge of the rotary blade by cutting through some news paper on a protected surface. (This information has been supplied by a representative of the manufacturer) See our website for specific product information PLUS a link to 12 suggestions for using this tool. Sandra.

Fibreart Montage

2010-05-23T16:45:00.001+10:00

We are so excited to find out one of our best selling titles "Fibreart Montage: Combining Quilting, Embroidery & Photography with Embellishments" by Judith Baker Montano has been named a finalist in the Benjamin Franklin Awards Best Craft Book category for 2009!!

The Benjamin Franklin awards recognizes excellence in independent book publishing and are hosted by the Independent Book Publishers Association.

In the meantime, if you haven't seen the book or don't own it yet, it's not too late. It is selling out quickly so order now! Sandra.

Simple Style Easy Weekend Quilts

2010-05-21T06:16:00.000+10:00

Simple Style Easy Weekend Quilts by Sara Diepersloot is a highly attractive book full of simple ideas that are enticingly quick and easy. All the projects are achievable for all levels of quilter, without being boring in any way. All are made using standard quilt making techniques – rotary cutting, machine piecing and machine quilting. Featured within this full colour book are detailed instructions, great cutting charts and clear coloured diagrams, while the pieces are basic shapes with no tricky bits. The designs are ideal for their purpose...to showcase focus fabrics in big-piece quilts which are easy to construct and complete in a short space of time. 80pp. Tools: rotary cutter, cutting mat, quilter’s ruler, sewing machine. Julia

500 Art Quilts

2010-03-23T13:34:00.000+11:00

There are few greater pleasures in life than that of seeing someone find a source of inspiration and witnessing their excitement. For the last week Catherine has been telling me everyday that one of our new books has her name on it .... "500 Art Quilts". Having excitedly taken it home last night, she got through the first 20 pages while sitting in a traffic jam in the airport tunnel on the M5 in Sydney - is there a better way to be patient in Sydney traffic! This morning she presented to me the same book with the pages now littered with post-it tags, marking all the quilts that inspired her. Catherine's quote: "This book is like going to a quilt show, but you don't have to spend all day on your feet". This is the first year Catherine has submitted quilts for the NSW Quilter's Guild Quilt show at Darling Harbour. One of the two is a wall hanging 'art quilt' and she was amused to find one quilt in the 500 Art Quilts book with striking similarity to hers. Even more amusing was that her raw edge applique was listed along with other techniques as being 'avante garde'.

It truly is a remarkable expose of what is possible. Every quilt featured has been photographed in such a way that it is possible to see the detail and techniques used. Many have close up photos showing minute detail and every quilt has a brief list of the materials/techniques used. A detailed index shows the country of origin of all featured artists, proudly revealing Australians Dianne Firth, Beth Miller, Brenda Gael Smith, Margery Goodall and Alison Muir. Sandra.

New Oriental Quilting Fabric

2010-03-23T12:55:00.000+11:00

If only you could experience what happens to us here at The Craft Mailbox when we open a box of new fabrics - lots of ohhh's and ahhh's, followed by fervent stroking of the fabric (can someone tell me why we are so fond of doing this??) and then a visit to the bookcase to pick out the perfect pattern for the fabric! We are very fond of orientals and these new arrivals have been a delightful addition to our collection. They are on our website - look out for Imperial Collection 6 from Robert Kaufman and Hyakka Royan direct from Quilt Gate, Japan. Sandra.

Craft Mailbox Meshwork Class

2010-03-23T12:40:00.000+11:00

In December 2009 we had the pleasure of teaching a 4 hour Japanese Meshwork Class to members of the NSW Technology Educators Association. It was an enthusiastic fast and furious 4 hours with plenty of fun. Concentration levels were high and the enormous sense of accomplishment was unanimous. We now teach this in our own showroom as a one day workshop. Get a group together or come on your own. You will be inspired! Sandra.

Electric Quilt Predictions

2010-03-23T11:51:00.000+11:00

In the most recent newsletter from Electric Quilt there appeared an archived article from 1994, by Penny McMorris, (Penny@EQ – the lady behind the incomparably helpful tech support). It was in a bit of a Nostradamus style – a prediction of quiltmaking in 2010. Most - if not all - of it is dauntingly accurate! In the introduction Penny refers to a friend appearing on her computer monitor, calling from Australia. Unheard of back then, a daily occurrence now!
Penny goes on to discuss the innovations ahead, by comparing those of the past – we can laugh as we look back at how we thought photocopy machines and CD-ROMs were so sophisticated! Some of our partners probably agree with the 19th century Quiltmaker who declared sewing machines to be ‘the work of the devil’! She must be spinning madly in her grave with what is on the market now!
One point to reflect upon is Penny’s musing that the encouragement of the development of innovative quilting products and tools will attract younger generations to quiltmaking, thus adding to its history. It was, and remains, an accurate statement. We need to keep it exciting, rewarding, challenging and attractive. We can keep tradition as well as open up new categories and change restrictions. The great joy is having a choice! There is room for everyone, and there is art in every quilt format.
Some of the wondrous predictions from Penny include computer software (such as we see with EQ6), embroidery machines, sewing machines with differential feed, the expansion of mail and computer order shopping (we love that one!), computer classes in quilt shops (April 17 & 18 with Jan T Urquhart Baillie at The Craft Mailbox showroom), and printing from a computer directly onto fabric. I’d say most of her future business plan was listed right there in that article!
I guess the question now is, what will be next...how much further can technology take us? Have a quick read by following this link...well worth the reflection. Julia

Nickel Bricks Quilt from "Loose Change"

2010-03-22T14:35:00.000+11:00

In May 2009 I posted a Blog about Catherine and I making this pattern from the quilt book "Loose Change". There was fast progress in the beginning and this image was taken in August '09 as we used a design sheet to audition the block layout (and a ladder for dimension.... it is much more effective to hang your design sheet on the wall). Now no-one could accuse me of being a prolific quilter .... progress has slowed somewhat. Catherine has gone on to make the identical quilt pattern, however she used all Kaffe Fasset fabrics with a solid black, whereas I have used a combination of Kaffe and Bali Watercolours. Catherine's is now almost finished - the top is finished, it was layered and pinned together in our training room (she used Kaffe Paisley as her backing) and she has now mastered 'stitch in the ditch'. Having seen the stunning results of Catherine's creation, I have changed direction with my design (again), deciding to make a queen size, featuring all Kaffe fabric in the middle 20 blocks with those pictured becoming an outside frame. The good news is we have had plenty of new Kaffe prints arrive so I have had the pleasure of choosing from more luscious colours and fabulous designs. Sandra.

Rotary Cutting Mats - What Not To Do!

2010-03-21T15:31:00.000+11:00

I left it in the car on a hot Sydney day. Need I say anymore ..........!

Sandra.

The Skillbuilder Challenge Continues!

2010-03-06T09:33:00.000+11:00

“What about the Challenge?” asks Sandra May rather menacingly. Hmmm. Have I had time? Have I had the courage? Did I try it and it was an abysmal failure?
None of the above is quite the correct choice. I have not had (made) much time to devote to quilting (I honestly love cutting up fabric and sewing little bits together, but NOT quilting). I have quailed at the sight of the Skillbuilder panels. And I must honestly admit that when I did have a go, I found that I am much better at cutting up fabric and sewing little bits together...
The Skillbuilder is however, a wondrous tool. I duly made my quilt sandwich, basted with my trusty Micro Stitch Tool, and faced up to my machine. I stole my chair back from the musician who seems to think it is his (well it is really, but it should be replaced neatly in front of the sewing machine, not the guitar stand) and got quilting. It is really very much like learning handwriting. I recall patterning; I taught my boys their letters by the same method. I just don’t have brilliant handwriting, and when driving a sewing machine where I need to coordinate speed and agility and fabric, I appear to be a bit of a dud. That of course is the whole point of the exercises set up in the Skillbuilder books – to gain control, confidence and learn by use and practice-practice-practice!
I must say, even though I am not at the standard of quilting anything precious just yet, I do admire the product and have noticeably improved (bit hard not to really – I surely could not get any worse).
To end on a high note, I can report that the binding is on the quilt mentioned last time, and that it proudly resides in the lounge. That means that it is good enough to be seen by visitors, so I am thrilled! Julia
PS: I got the bloodstains out of the binding from where I overzealously used my favourite Appli-bond Needle – it pays to watch where you stitch...we claim the needles slice through fabric like ‘a hot knife through butter’...well let me tell you, that also reads ‘like a needle through the entire finger tip all the way until it hits the nail on the way out’....the funniest bit was that I was at a hockey game at the time and they nearly had to invoke the blood rule... Lesson learned – respect your tools and concentrate on the task at hand!

Tool Tips - Appli-bond Needles

2010-03-04T11:07:00.000+11:00

If you are struggling to force your needle through the multiple layers of your appliqué, especially if you use fusible webbing, then Appli-bond Needles are for you! They have triangular points – that is, instead of being a rounded needle there are three flat facets that slice easily through layers of fabric. The grip is still comfortably rounded, and the eye is manageably large. I use them for everything...especially hand sewing on tough fabrics like denim. And be warned, they really do slice through the fabric ‘like a hot knife through butter’...so make sure you take up more than one thread when stitching finely, and take care that you do not use any sawing actions or you may cut the fabric or your thread...or yourself!! A final word - unlike most other needles that I have brutally forced through multiple layers, I have not yet had one of these quality needles break. Julia

Jean Greenhowe Knitting Series

2010-03-04T08:17:00.000+11:00

Jean Greenhowe has been a name to appreciate for many years. She is the remarkably clever lady behind the knitted dolls that make us all smile. I am sure most of us have seen a brightly coloured painter, jolly Santa, comical clown or Scarecrow Sam somewhere in the last 25 years! Such is the popularity of these wonderful patterns that they have been published and supplied in a new release format. We will all appreciate the very affordable price point of the booklets, and the range is superb. There are at least 20 books to choose from: Scarecrow Family, Christmas Treasures, Storybook Dolls, Knitted Clowns and Golfing Clown are just a few of the titles that are available now. All of the patterns are achievable for the average knitter, and use Double Knit yarn – plain old 8 ply! You will need a good supply of assorted coloured yarn, and quality needles – I only use Clover bamboo, as they just glide along beautifully and are easy on my hands! What a grand way to use up scraps from past projects! They make the best presents as the appeal of these characters is universal and transcends generational issues! My strapping teen still has the Santa that was gifted to him by the hospital he was born in...Julia

Twist-and-Turn Bargello Quilts

2010-03-02T08:22:00.000+11:00

Twist-and-Turn Bargello Quilts by Eileen Wright ...If accuracy and precision in piecing appeals to you, then take up the challenge of a magnificent Bargello quilt. The amazing works of art whirling through this book are like dances in fabric; they move, have life, ebb and flow, or as the author says ‘simmer and stew’! All of the quilts featured are made employing regular strip piecing techniques using vibrantly coloured fabrics in a colour wash effect. The fabric placements create wiggles and twists, while varying widths of slices ‘produces rounder corners and sharper points’. Find essential advice on fabric selection, cutting straight strips, creating a fabric map, building strip sets, pressing, and cutting accurate slices. Each of the eleven designs has individual colour choice advice, step-by-step instructions, diagrams and colour design charts.
Each year there seems to be one title that stands out from the crowd that deals with the same topic – this must certainly be the Bargello book of the year! 96pp. Recommended equipment include the original gypsy gripper, ruby beholder, cutting mat, ruler and rotary cutter with a sharp new blade. Julia.

Stash Magic

2010-02-26T08:20:00.000+11:00

Stash Magic by Jaynette Huff allows all levels of quilter to take ordinary scrap quilts to a new level of design. Techniques featured include foundation paper piecing, string piecing and appliqué. Each of the thirteen projects is designed to make the most of your fabric collection by putting all those odd shaped and narrow scraps to very good use. The ultimate goal is to arrange those scraps of fabric into carefully planned and executed designs that combine an interesting mix of a magnitude of colours resulting in a beautiful quilt. This book features a variety: of construction techniques, block designs, quilt sizes, block settings, and borders, along with advice on fabric organization and fabric selection. The Key to Success is to use quality 100% cotton fabrics that provide contrast in value, scale of print, and intensity and impact. You need a wide variety of fabric choices, arranged into categories according to print type, theme or colour group. The instructions are methodical and allow you to work through what appears to be a little complex at times. The step-by-step process, diagrams, and colour images assist in making the desired results achievable. Requirements for projects may include: foundation paper, ½” hexagon paper pieces, and fusible webbing. Julia.

Shop Safely At The Craft Mailbox

2010-02-04T13:52:00.000+11:00

Credit card security has been prominent in the news of late. We want all our customers to feel (& be) safe and secure when they shop online so we have taken the step of installing a PAYPAL portal on our website. It is easy and most of all, safe!

How to Order Online with The Craft Mailbox:
1. Find your item(s) and click the 'Add to Basket' button
2. Review 'Your Basket' by clicking 'Checkout Now' (Top right side)
3. In 'Your Basket' click the green 'Checkout' button
4. Complete your details (if you have already registered, simply log-in for automatic completion of your details) then click 'Process Order through Paypal'. This will take you to a Paypal secure payment page where you enter your card number & details. Once you have completed this section, your payment and order is complete and you will be sent a confirmation email. You will then have the option of returning to our website.

How To Order 'Offline' with The Craft Mailbox:
We understand that many people are not comfortable ordering online, so if this is you, the following methods of ordering are also available:
Phone Orders: 1300 307 721 (by credit card payment, or request our bank transfer information)
Mail Orders: PO Box 226, Maroubra NSW 2035
Fax Your Order: 1300 307 754
ABN: 65 901 403 854
School Orders: We accept purchase orders from Schools and Textile Departments. Simply fax or mail your purchase order to us.
Visit Our Showroom: Open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 4/17 Green Street, Banksmeadow (Botany) NSW 2019
Directions: Heading East along Wentworth Avenue, turn right into Page Street (at lights), take second left into Holloway Street, then first right into Green Street. There are visitor car parks in the complex. Unit 4 is on the right hand side, at the back of the complex.

Shop for Craft Locally

2010-02-04T13:50:00.000+11:00

We urge all Australian crafters to consider ways to keep the quilting & craft industry thriving in Australia…Local businesses need your support, or they simply won’t be there for the future. Shop locally, book in for a class, stop by for a chat, start a local community group or adopt a community project! Invite a friend, mothers and daughters to a ‘teach a new generation’ session once a month…pass on your knowledge before the interest wanes or the skills are lost. We all have something to offer to our local community! Let’s all work to keep our beautiful crafts alive. Sandra May

Quilting for Peace

2010-02-03T17:56:00.000+11:00

Quilting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time by Katherine Bell; photographs by Allyson GowdyRetail: Bell, a writer and editor by day and quilter by night, says she knew she had to write this book upon realizing “how much tangible change quilters make not only in their own lives, but in their communities and in places they’ve never visited, among people they’ve never met.”
There are two major aspects to the book. First, it is a collection of more than 25 inspirational essays about people and organizations who use quilting as a way to comfort and provide for those in need. In addition, the book also includes 15 projects for quilters who would, themselves, like to become involved in a charitable effort.

Book Review - Design & Make Fashion Bags & Purses by Christina Brodie

2009-11-23T20:11:00.000+11:00

Offering a versatile selection of bag patterns, this fun introduction to bagmaking, ‘Design & Make Fashion Bags & Purses’ uses simple interpretations of fashionable shapes. The author states that most of the bags should be able to be completed in a weekend, and some in just several hours. They are relatively easy due to the logical construction methods.
An informative chapter on Materials and Techniques will get you on your way – advice is offered on woven, non-woven and knit fabrics, and on fusibles and stiffeners. Tools that you will require include scissors, hammer, fabric punch, pliers, pins and needles, markers, chalk, buckles, D-rings, and a sewing machine, among others.
The patterns, which include a feathered evening purse, comfy slouchy shoulder bag, backpack and pendant purse and more, need to be enlarged to full size from graphs, and there is a handy section on creating your own patterns too. Each project has step by step written and photographic instructions, which are easy to follow. Full lists of tools and supplies are given for each design. Softcover, 160pp. Julia

Book Review - Transparency in Textiles by Dawn Thorne

2009-11-23T20:03:00.000+11:00

Textile manipulation hits a whole new level in this fabulous book. Remembering the title keyword – transparency – techniques featured cover the traditional, such as open, delicate felting and shadow work on sheer fabric, to the wild, such as the heat manipulation of plastics and the use of fibre optics.
Excitement pervades every page! Use Perspex, cellophane, acetate film, silk, jute, sisal along with plastic netting, Lutrador, drafting film, wire, metal mesh and so much more. Some tools will be required along with the standard textile requirements. They include a glue gun, wet-and-dry sandpaper, a heat gun, soldering iron, and cordless drill, amongst others.
The focus is to create translucency. Learn how to treat paper and fabric with wax and oils; how to use bonding agents, solubles and non solubles; how to apply fibre, thread and stitch.
The chapter on using transparent materials is amazing; a handbag is featured that is right up there in the must have list. A laminator appears to have a lot more uses than I knew it to have, and I would never have dreamed of embedding my artwork or best lace inside a resin block!
The inspiration of the text is superb, the photos tremendous, and the joy of this is that the whole collection seems ‘do-able’. Read this and you really will want to let your inner artist out! Hardcover, 128pp. Julia

Book Review - Fibreart Montage by Judith Baker Montano

2009-11-23T19:46:00.000+11:00

There is a book plate preprinted inside the front cover of Judith Baker Montano’s new book ‘Fibreart Montage’. Use it – this is not one that you ever want to risk losing or not finding its way back home! The colours featured lavishly on every page are enough to have me reaching for an order form, let alone the amazing photography featured. There is just so much to learn fibreart!
Five minutes with this wonderful book and I am reaching for my needle, but then I want to grab my camera and replicate the page of window shutters - an item that I never before considered as . Instead I scamper over to the computer, where I know that I have dozens of fire hydrant images (well, they look really different in other parts of the world, so a bizarre little hobby sprang up) that could just be an ideal focal subject.
It is a text that will have you sighing over beauty and revelling at the artist’s cleverness. There are chapters on getting started, crazy , the collage journey, photography, silk dyeing, landscapes and seascapes, and under water. There are , stitch guides and resource lists. There is so much to learn from this gifted lady, and it is easier due to the fabulous precise diagrams and really clear up close photos. The directions are easy to follow and digest – the whole book will have you nodding your head in agreement.
Judith is clearly a very generous teacher, because she has done what many others do not – photographed so well that you can actually see the intricately fine detail, enough to be able to accurately work from her inspiring montages. The work that will go into your own collage will be well worth the effort when you rejoice in the finished result! Spiral bound inside hardcover, 266pp. Julia .

Book Review - Making Kimono and Japanese Clothes by Jenni Dobson

2009-11-22T19:55:00.000+11:00

Given the ongoing popularity of and fascination for Oriental fabrics, I predict that many people will find Making Kimono and Japanese Clothes by Jenni Dobson a very interesting source book. The history of kimono is covered in the introduction, and I found myself being educated immediately. It is a fascinating subject, and this book makes for terrific reading, let alone pattern making and garment design.
Covered in detail, but most clearly, are sections on history of the garments, using the book and general information, along with chapters on Japanese approach to design, decorative techniques, kimono, mompe, hippari and jimbei, waistcoats, hanten, haori, additional pieces such as obi, the themselves, and Japanese historical periods.
Most importantly, the are resizable, and are clearly graphed to make enlargement accurate and easy. Instructions are included for making clothing for people of all sizes, including men and children. You will be able create marvellous garments with embellishment such as appliqué, , sashiko, shibori and silk painting. The translated garments are pants, blouses, short coats, jackets, varying length styles of kimono and more. The directions are colourfully illustrated, well photographed, practical and easily understood. As the author is an accomplished dressmaker, quilter, teacher and writer, she has successfully catered to the beginner through to more advanced dressmakers. Softcover, 128pp. Julia.

Take up the Challenge!

2009-11-10T01:18:00.000+11:00

‘Take up the Challenge!’ I hear you all cry. Well, I am. Sandra May has just sent me a fine parcel full of useful stuff. It is so useful that it is frightening. It is languishing next to the sewing machine, and contains all the Skillbuilders I need to learn to Machine Quilt. There, I’ve used the words. Yes, I am going to learn to Machine Quilt. And it is scaring me rigid.
There is of course, an attached saga to this tale of woe. About fifteen (yes 15) long years ago, I wavered from the line of ‘I am a cross stitcher’, and made my first quilt top. It came about in Townsville, at the Vincent Neighbourhood House Craft Group. There was a plethora of interesting, vital, challenging, knowledgeable ladies attending this venue, gathered under ceiling fans, sewing wondrous creations. I watched, and nodded, and said, ‘No, I cross stitch.’ But then, Watercolour Rails happened. Ros, of Chook Shed fame, held up a masterpiece, and announced that it was the next workshop that she, Majella and Jenny were going to teach. That was it. I was in. I toddled off with a requirements list, and filled my first shoe box with fabric. Oh, the choices! Overwhelming. Thankfully, my friend Karen who had a brilliant eye for colour, and who had been at the patchwork game for some considerable time, escorted me on the shopping trip and led me in the right direction. Suddenly I was the proud owner of a rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat, along with the aforementioned shoe box.
I loved the whole experience – the hues, varying textures, little gold flecks in fabric, pansies, mellow tones, overdyes, tone on tones, value finding, the soothing repetitiveness of method. Oh, the list could go on forever! It was a turning point in my life! So, I duly made this wonderful top, and I even got some of my points to match. Such pride. I went on over years to make many more tops, and became very skilled at turning them into doona covers (yes, those tips are mine!) Because children and cats throw up sometimes, and covers that are removable are very handy.
Then last year after purchasing a machine that could take a walking foot (always another good excuse), I decided that I really must be able to call myself a quilter, not just an avid collector of fabric (boy have I got some shoe boxes now!!) or a quilt topper / patchworker. Professional credibility and all that. So I whacked together (with extreme care) a flannel checkerboard patterned lap quilt, and faced the quilting challenge. ‘Just stitch in the ditch’, I thought. Well, what a disaster – an unmitigated muck up. Thank Goodness I had a superior quality Clover seam ripper with an ergonomic handle! Every stitch in that thing had to come out. And it took a lot longer to unpick than it did to sew. Several weeks of hockey training and games were spent sitting looking knowledgeable, and unpicking as fast as I could go. Then I looked even more superior, and tied the quilt. A beautiful job. But I still can’t call myself a proper quilter!!
The last bit to the story is that I dug out that inspirational quilt top, the luscious watercolour rails, and decided it had to be quilted, that it deserved better than residing in a crate. I took it to my current craft group, Capital Crafters, planning to be really really brave and quilt it on the quilting machine. I quailed. I balked at the challenge. My masterfully skilled friend Cathie came to the rescue, and did a superb job (after some team unpicking as I forgot to change the bobbin thread – whoops - red on teal did not look flash). The job is done, the top has grown up into quilt at last, and I say a huge thanks to Cathie for her patience, confidence and talent.
The bottom line is; I must learn to do this myself. For my own benefit. If I don’t face this challenge once and for all, I will regret it. Skillbuilder panel 1, and Skillbuilder Companion book, here I come. Stay tuned, and keep the seam ripper sharpened for me please. Julia

Quilter's Academy

2009-11-09T18:47:00.000+11:00

I took the book, Quilter’s Academy Vol. 1 – the Freshman Year, along to my quilting group last week, and it spent the morning circulating the room. I do not think it spent more than moments sitting idle...and surely that is the sign of a very engaging text. I know that in the first few pages of avid reading, I learned new methods, and more importantly, learned the reason why we do things the way we do! It is all very good being taught how to do something, but the why factor is vital too. Harriet Hargraves is the author of several books, and her daughter Carrie has joined her -they combine as a polished writing team. Volume 1 addresses workspace, tools, equipment, and fabric. The quilts featured (there are 11 beginner’s projects to work through) use strips and squares so that you can perfect your basic skills. In each pattern the basics of drafting are introduced, along with cutting, sewing, pressing, size and layout details. The book is presented in 9 classes, with at least 4 lessons to follow within each. It is not surprising that this has been my bedtime read this week, and given that it is the first instalment of A Skill-Building Course in Quiltmaking, comprising 6 volumes, I can confidently state that I will be giving all of them a home on my bookshelf! Julia.

Pre-Cut Quilting Fabric Terminology

2009-11-01T19:00:00.000+11:00

Baking terminology has invaded the quilting world, and the jargon can be a challenge to work out. The main point to remember is that Pre-cuts will usually be offered in matching colourways. The number of fabrics in the pack will be dictated by the fabric company. If there are a lesser number of prints in the range, they will double up on some. Once you have a reference list, you can confidently apply the terms to books and fabrics. Always read the fine print!
Jelly Roll & Bali Pop = a bundle of 2 ½ x 44in strips, usually 40 or more prints.
Turnover = a bundle of 6in triangles, usually 2 each of 40 or more prints.
Honey Bun & Sweet Roll = a bundle of 1 ½ x 44 inch strips, usually 40 or more prints.
Charming Jelly Cake = Charm Pack, Layer Cake and Jelly Roll bundled together.
Layer Cake = a bundle of 10 inch squares of fabric, usually 40 or more prints.
Twice the Charm = a bundle of 5 ½ x 22 inch pieces, usually around 15 pieces.
Dessert Roll = a bundle of 5 x 44 inch strips, usually 10 per pack.
AB Bundle = a bundle of fat quarters, usually 15 – 20 American sized.
Jelly Cake = Layer cake and Jelly Roll bundled together.
Charm Pack = a bundle of 5in squares, generally a quantity of 21 – 44.

Lots More from Houston Quilt Market

2009-10-15T15:34:00.000+11:00

I have actually arrived back in Sydney and now have the pleasurable task to sharing the highlights of my whirlwind trip with you and my wonderful staff who have been doing a stirling job in my absence.

Pictured (left) is Anne from Breckling Press and we are clutching very possessively one of the first copies of Jinny Beyer's fantastic new book "The Quilter's Album of " , an epic publication of 4050 unique block designs.
The designs in this 488 page, hard cover visual encyclopedia are categorized in a way that eliminates duplicates and allows quilters to understand exactly how each block is successfully pieced. It is one of those 'I must have this in my and book library' kind of temptations. We only received two into our showroom yesterday, and today they both walked back out again with the first two customers for the day, who couldn't resist. It really is one of those kinds of ! Don't panic, we will have more very shortly!

Pictured right in my favourite animal print top (I am a tragic for animal print shoes, jackets, dresses etc), I am surrounded by the softest and most devine Minke samples, all in animal prints!!

Did they know I was coming?!

Pictured left, an expose of fabrics (note the to die for covered chair). He has yet another new book due out in April 2010 called "Simple Shapes, Spectacular Quilts". works with a number of designers and one in particular stands out to me; "Phillip Jacobs". We will have new fabrics in stock in November and we will be introducing Phillip Jacobs to our collection. His designs are truly remarkable and work perfectly with . I look forward to sharing this range with you.

There are so many things to enjoy at the Houston Quilt Market and I must say one of my joys is running into award-winning quiltmakers, authors, designers, publishers and all those wonderfully creative people who add their flair to our industry.

I had the pleasure of meeting one such Author and Designer of "Appli-Curves", Elaine Waldschmitt (pictured left). The quilt featured on the front cover of her book is actually hanging on the wall behind her in this shot. Elaine has recently designed and released a pattern for the jacket featured in the top left corner of this image which we will feature soon in one of our catalogues. Look out for it.

On Monday before heading to the airport to start my 20-odd hour trek home, I came across this interview taking place between renowned author (of many outstanding ), Alex Anderson and Quilter's TV host, Cindy Walter. They were filming a segment for the show with Alex talking about her 3rd edition of "Start " (we highly rate this book as an excellent beginner book). It was enthralling to watch - and I was seriously wondering how I could get The Craft Mailbox logo into the scene). Alex was also showing off her new 5-in-1 tool still in design phase, but sure to be highly sought after when it is ready for market.

Sandra May.

More from Houston Quilt Market

2009-10-13T03:57:00.000+11:00

This is my last morning in Houston! Alas, I lugged my suitcase down to the post office ready to (as cheaply as possible!) despatch my samples and multitude of wonderful things home, only to find the post office is closed due to a public holiday (Columbus Day) . Columbus has a lot to answer for this morning! Thank goodness for our good friend FedEx.

I have hardly slept while I have been in Houston, as my body clock never really adjusts. Waking at 4am and feeling ravenous is always disturbing. By day I trawl the 22 aisles of booths (can you imagine 22 aisles?) and by night I have been putting together our Christmas catalogue. With our lovely modern technology I was able to send our exciting 8 pager to our loyal printers via file transfer at 2am this morning.

My day starts at 6am - I am invariably first in the restaurant for breakfast after waking at 4am (lucky I had a thriller of a novel to read). Soon after 7am I am on a bus for the short trip to the convention centre. Grab a coffee and into the first lesson the day.

Day One was a class with Marti Michell learning how to use her log cabin ruler (see left, a log cabin with Kaffe Fassett fabric). I discovered how to use her rulers to quickly and simply cut fabric for maximum efficiency to put together several blocks in one sitting.

Day Two was creative time with Shiva Paintstiks. We received a very generous package of goodies (see my creation, right, using gold, orange, yellow and red paintstiks on plain black fabric. I discovered by using my finger as a paint brush, I could create a lovely shadowing effect from the rubbing plates.

Our package of goodies included the Paintstiks book, two rubbing plates, two paint brushes (see left), newly released stencils, light, dark and multicoloured fabrics to play on and three mini paintstiks. WOW!! I was really in my element here!

My creative senses have been working overtime with visual delights to be had everywhere. I always love cathcing up with Iris, the creator of Misty Fuse.

Sandra May

I'm Going to Houston

2009-10-13T03:24:00.000+11:00

Did you know that you can tell a quilter from their reaction to the words, “I am going to Houston”? Throw the sentence into a group, and watch the facial features of the quilter change, light up and blossom with excitement (and sometimes envy!) I didn't go last year due to the frightful fall in our dollar however this year is quite a different story. Preparing for the trip starts early. You need to book your hotel by at least May to get a good price. All other preparation falls into scheduling the business and catalogue preparation, getting tickets to the events and tours in Houston, and of course 'what to wear'!! The internet can indeed be a most wonderful tool and knowing what the weather will be like is an advantage. It is normally quite warm and humid at this time of year so to maximise space in my suitcase for samples and other goodies, I pack one dress for each day (they take up less room) leaving at least 15kgs of space for all the good stuff! Flat shoes and a wheelie bag are essential tools for this epic journey. With 22 isles of booths to visit, I know I will be on my feet all day dragging purchases behind me.

This year I was thrilled when the organisers of International Quilt Market emailed back to report that I had a ticket to the “Cowboys and Quilts Tour”. The rest of the Craft Mailbox were ecstatic when I got entry to the “Sample Spree”, and started planning my exercise regime and stretch routine so that I could get the most out of it (for them)!!
Texting smiley faces (two - I was so pleased) to the girls after boarding the plane let them know which part I got upgraded to was fun...it made the trip all the more special to start off in style – and to catch up on sleep which was a non event in the last few days prior to leaving as I frantically prepared at work. I hit the ground running in Los Angeles to catch the connecting 3 hour flight to Houston (flying over the Grand Canyon is always a treat). My hotel is part of the convention therefore vitally close to the ‘George R Brown Convention Center’ and the large central core bar area is always kept busy with Australian shop owners and wholesalers.

To give an idea of the magnitude of this event; Houston is the 4th biggest city in the USA, and the combined Quilt Market/Festival is the biggest annual event in Houston! This is huge. Can you imagine 50,000 quilters over two weeks? The convention halls are enormous, and it takes up the whole centre...you do not wear fashion footwear to this show! There are hundreds of exhibitors, a whole floor of classes, and it is a bit weird to run into so many friends in the aisles and on the stands!

My first day here was spent touring outside the city – in a fit of indulgence I went on “Cowboys and Quilts” I even admit to a little bit of quilt shop envy! We visited three stores (image left is a quilt from The Quilters Cottage in Richmond made from 1895 Bali Watercolour fabrics) plus a 22,000 acre working ranch complete with oil wells (as it is in Texas), gas outlets, long horn cattle, cotton and corn fields and a historical village of homes and how life used to be (image right is an early 1900's home - magnificent).

The Sample Spree is a highlight for many in the business of Quilt Market. Definitely a lace up shoe event, ticket holders line up outside the closed doors waiting to bolt in to snap up fabric samples and deals! Companies have samples ready of all their new products, and this is a crazy two hours of snatch and grab.... and buy. I had to try hard to not get caught up in the spending euphoria and fabric fantasies as women carry in as many bags as possible, buy frantcially (often at retail prices) and then drag above their weight, bags of the latest fabric samples back to their rooms. It is a mesmerising scene.
Sandra May

Book Review - Start Quilting with Alex Anderson 3rd Edition

2009-09-24T15:03:00.000+10:00

Alex Anderson has a dedicated following of fans, and it is with good reason. She explains herself exceedingly well, and makes every step of a project achievable. This 48 page soft cover has 8 easy projects aimed at the beginner quilter. Each of them is small enough to finish easily, but comes with instructions for all bed sizes if you decide you want to be more adventurous. The main focus is on teaching - all of the basics ‘how-to’s are here; clear, simple and comprehensive. Learn to plan, cut, piece, quilt and bind your quilt in easy steps, following sensible advice and helpful tips. The rotary cutting lesson even covers left and right handers, which is very welcome! We are constantly asked for books for beginners – This is ideal!

Book Review - Intuitive Color and Design by Jean Wells

2009-09-23T15:24:00.000+10:00

There are lots of good , but precious few which comprehensively cover the use of colour! This new one is about the exploration of colour, line, shape, harmony and design – a whole new adventure for many of us. Learning about colour involves learning to see – analyse the scene, identify the light source, think about what attracted you to it. Note how lines and shapes can represent a scene, without the clutter of minute detail. Use photos and journals to develop ideas or find inspiration. Take the 11 segment colour course offered in this book and turn into an artistic adventure. Follow the assignments in harmony, abstraction, temperature and more, and learn innovative finishing methods to show your new style at its best.

Pre-Cut Quilting Fabric Terminology

2009-09-21T18:00:00.000+10:00

Book Review - Simple Comforts by Kim Diehl

2009-09-21T15:13:00.000+10:00

The latest book from the ‘Simple’ series sees Kim using her signature style of traditional patchwork combined with charming appliqué. There are clear instructions for 12 cosy lap quilts, all featuring a slightly scrappy, countrified look – which of course could look totally different depending upon fabric choice. Appliqué instructions are covered generously and clearly, with every detail addressed. Kim has her own favourite methods which she recommends trying, along with her ‘pin point’ tips and hints. Reading through her methods, I can report that she avoids confusion – I did not have a furrowed brow as I agonised over methods here! Hence the series title, really!! Kim’s page on fabric selection, which after it offers all the dos and don’ts of fabric, reveals this characteristically wise gem: “listen to your instincts and always please yourself”. Sums it up pretty well!

Tool Tips - Clover Design Layout Sheet

2009-09-19T23:06:00.000+10:00

If your partner always wants to go to bed just when you get all your blocks laid out in perfect order all over it, then you need a Clover Design Sheet! This handy layout sheet is white, measures 145 x 150 cm (58 x 60 in), and is made from a textured material which allows your fabric pieces to easily hold to it without pinning or securing in any way. The sheet is constantly reusable, and you can shift your pieces around to your hearts content. You can even hang it on your curtains! When you need to pack up, place the protective cover sheet over it and just roll or fold it up, with your creation still attached. Fantastic!

Book Review - Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth by Rayna Gillman

2009-09-10T15:27:00.000+10:00

The aim of this terrific book is to provide an informal approach to printing on fabric – to get us all to improvise and imagine and make unique prints. The techniques are ‘low cost, low tech, low key and high impact’ says the author, who also advises that if you don’t like the fabric you have made, ‘trade it... add another layer or two...cut it up’! Print using anything with texture - bumps, holes or interesting shapes can be used. You will need natural fibre fabrics such as PFD, along with paints, dyes and other bits as specified within the book. Be brave and have a go! This would be especially good in a classroom or group dyeing situation – the possibilities are endless.

Book Review - It's A Wrap

2009-09-09T14:36:00.000+10:00

It’s A Wrap by Susan Brier has a preface containing some sage words from the author, that I can really relate to. She says, ‘Hobbies help me stay active, learn new things and keep up with what is new. I feel great when I create something special using skills that I’ve learned.’ And, ‘I’ve chosen to be good to myself. I’ve waited a long while for time for myself’! We should all take note of Susan’s wisdom. Her book is a celebration of the simple – simple stitches (straight and zigzag), and simple techniques (wrap, wind & sew) which when combined result in the most fantastic containers, which look anything but simple! Whether you choose to use purpose bought fabrics, or scraps from previous masterpieces, the finished result will be magnificent. Start with a plate shape to learn the technique, then experiment with four basic container styles to create square, oval, round and other shapes, along with lids, handles and embellishments. Never has cotton clothesline been put to such good use! Other basic supplies required include; fabric glue stick, fray stoppa, fusible web, bag handles, tacky craft glue, masking tape, and good thread. Tools needed include; appliqué or zigzag foot, rotary cutter, cutting mat, quilting ruler, scissors, hand sewing needles, universal or sharp machine needles, measuring tape, needle nose pliers, sewing machine, stiletto 6th finger and sewing pins. This book is quite inspiring and exciting - I can feel a whole set of place mats coming on...

If you love fabric.......

2009-09-02T13:02:00.000+10:00

I wonder how long I would remain married if I filled the house with furniture like these inspired works of art. www.squintlimited.com

Sandra.

Embellishments on Denim

2009-08-27T11:32:00.000+10:00

Buying a denim jacket second hand or on sale, embellishing it and then having people admire your wearable art (even offering money) is so very satisfying. Pictured are two such jackets (jacket left, is a work in progress). I usually get the jacket to a wearable stage and as inspiration strikes me, I keep adding embellishments. Call it 'wearable art in progress'.

The jacket pictured left has been embellished with Shiva Paintstiks using rubbing plates, staggering their position. The front of the jacket has also been embellished with Shiva Paintstiks and Hot-Fix SiamAB Crystals.

The jacket pictured right has been embellished with printable inkjet fabric sheets using images from a book called Art-To-Wear. The shiny embellishments are Angelina Fibres fused onto the jacket using Misty Fuse. All embellishments have been machine sewn on using Gold and Variegated Signature Threads showcasing the fabulous fancy stitches on my machine.

I am always on the lookout for a discounted denim jacket with lots of panels making it easier to segment the decorative elements. It really can be a fast fun and easy fashion project, showcasing your personality, skill and talent. I wear them with pride.

Sandra.

Free Gift Offer Expires 15 September 2009

2009-08-26T12:36:00.000+10:00

Our current free gift offer with purchase lasts until 15 September. With every order over $120 (excluding postage & handling and other specials) you will receive a free Canvas bag ready made for adding embellishments. Simply quote promotion code CANVAS on your order form on-line or by post, or when placing your order by phone or fax.

These 100% Cotton canvas bags have been specially made for your embellishing projects. Use ribbons, buttons, or your favourite fabrics. The Satchel Bag and Tote Bag are also available individually.

Craft Mailbox Japanese Meshwork Quilt

2009-08-25T12:51:00.000+10:00

I made this quilt 2 years ago and even now when I look at it, I still see new patterns within each block.

Blocks are 9in and took approximatley 4 hours to make i.e. cutting strips, making bias tape with fusible webbing and then weaving onto a portable multi-funcitonal ironing and cutting board. All weaving patterns were taken from the book Japanese Meshwork with Fabrics.

Sandra.

Book Review - Nuno Felt

2009-08-14T14:34:00.000+10:00

Nuno Felt by Liz Clay is one of those books that you just have to own, even if it just sits on the coffee table and gets its pages flicked for inspiration occasionally. But if you are into more than just caressing the cover, the techniques explained are brilliant. If you have been to a craft show recently, you can’t have missed the felt making workshops. Felting is tactile, satisfying, elemental, an art form. The nuno technique takes wool fibres and combines them with woven fabrics like chiffon, muslin, and organza to produce flexible, lightweight material. There is something very wholesome and creative about meshing fibres to create heat and friction, and seeing a transformation occur. The feel and the smell of the fibres are surprisingly attractive and comforting. This book gives great lessons in the creation of scarves, throws, and assorted home interior pieces. There are terrific photos and instructions, and information on adding embellishments and using cutwork and shibori. The basic essentials to get started are; bubble wrap, net curtain fabric, sponge, olive oil soap, rubber mat, towels, reed blind or mat, plastic piping, plastic bowl and rubber gloves. Preferred textiles include merino wool, muslin, silk, and organza, but the possibilities are endless.

Book Review - Foolproof Machine Quilting

2009-08-14T10:42:00.000+10:00

Having just machine quilted a lap quilt and then pulled out every stitch on the project in disgust of my efforts, this book is a must read! Foolproof Machine Quilting by Mary Mashuta is full of information and pictures showing what you can do using a walking foot and the feet dogs up. Rather than limiting yourself to just quilting ‘in the ditch’, you can create designs that mirror or enhance the basic construction of the quilt. It gives sensible instructions on setting up your equipment, selecting projects and supplies, preparing quilt tops, creating your own quilting designs, using commercial templates and making your own templates, actually quilting!, and bordering the quilt. Every step has photos and diagrams. It is full of tips, ideas, warnings and advice that is all easy to follow and understand and most importantly, use. For example, did you know that cats do not digest monofilament thread? The author uses commercial templates such as those produced by Victorian Textiles, Westalee, Quilter’s Rule and June Tailor, along with quality threads in various weights for quilting. She makes her own templates from freezer paper. She also recommends quality needles, sharps and other specific needles rather than universals. Maybe I will have another go at this quilt now that I have read the book...

Book Review - One-Block Wonders Encore!

2009-08-11T23:20:00.000+10:00

When I am choosing which book to spend my hard earned on, I try to find books that have innovative ideas. Ones that do not contain the same run of the mill patterns that I have seen heaps of times before. Part of the attraction to One-Block Wonders Encore! by Maxine Rosenthal and Joy Pelzmann is just this. Kaleidoscopic / hexagonal designs always look fresh and original, and high impact. They rely heavily on good fabric choice – the best ones are saturated with colour, have strong design and do not have much background colour visible. Thankfully, this book gives lots of advice about fabric choice, and the need to choose something you love so that you will enjoy the creation of the quilt even more. The authors recommend taking your design mirrors shopping with you! You will also need a Clearview 60 degree triangle ruler, flower head pins, and a design sheet. You will be stunned with the transformation of your chosen fabric – make sure you keep a sample so that you can remember what the original looked like!

Product Review - Australian Wildflowers Quilt

2009-07-23T14:14:00.000+10:00

It has been an absolute joy working with the 1895 Bali Fabrics selected by Australian Wildflowers Quilt Designer and Botanical Artist, Val Moore, to make a sample block of Christmas Bells. First pre-wash the fabrics - I just soaked them in ice-cream containers. A bit of dye did come out of some of them so I do recommend this step. The great thing about these fabrics is you get many shades from the one piece of material so you can select what suits to get the shading dimensional look, if you wish to. I have all the fusing done and my block is now ready to machine applique. I have the Madiera Treasure Chest of rayon threads to select from. I am looking forward to this next step. All I need is more spare time.

Catherine Porter.

Book Review - Beautiful Bargello

2009-07-21T23:21:00.000+10:00

Despite the garish colours of some of the sample quilts pictured, Beautiful Bargello is a really attractive book. This is because, although the colour choices are dubious, the patterns themselves are fantastic. Five out of seven are beginner or intermediate standard, one even uses jelly rolls! Once I looked past the high contrast fabrics, I focussed on the mesmerising swirls in the designs, especially the one on the front cover, aptly named ‘Mirage’. I love optical illusions, and these quilts have that sort of appeal. The step by step directions are clear and the diagrams are in full colour. I can unreservedly recommend this book; it is a grand example of the Bargello technique.

Book Review - Photo Inspired Art Quilts

2009-07-21T14:39:00.001+10:00

In the past couple of years of travelling around to craft shows, I have come to cherish seeing a certain couple of quilts that have been adaptations of photographs. They are art quilts, and truly deserve the title of ‘art’, as they are as awesome in their effect of thread on fabric as paint on canvas is. In fact, the ability to drive a sewing machine that well is phenomenal in itself, let alone choose fabrics and threads with such a true eye! Photo-Inspired Art Quilts by Leni Levenson Wiener, who also wrote Thread Painting, will help you understand how to create such masterpieces. I am attracted to this book because it is more of an art instruction book than traditional quilt book, and a DVD has been included to help you learn about composition, colour and value, as well as thread painting techniques. The technique throughout is raw-edge machine appliqué with thread painting, with the results being quite representational of the subject, rather than abstract. Areas covered include The Elements of Good Design, From Photo to Pattern, Building a Fabric Collage, Sewing It All Together, Creative Advice, and Patterns and Projects. Among the authors supply list of usual quilting supplies lurks a curious little tool that is often overlooked. It is essential for any self respecting quilter, but especially for this style - the Value Finder. Using it, you see only the values of the fabrics as they relate to each other, not the actual colours. Other useful gadgets for this technique are seam ripper, stiletto 6th finger, appliqué mat, freezer paper, fusible web, quilter’s gloves, and a design sheet. There is so much to be learned from this book! Grab your favourite photo and have a go.

Book Review - Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts

2009-07-21T14:38:00.000+10:00

RaNae Merrill is a very clever author, as she has managed to simplify a technique that looks terrifying, and has made it understandable! Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts has been broken down into manageable chunks so that you can process the information offered. You firstly ‘Meet the Spirals’ and learn to draw four different types of spiral. Then go on to ‘Designing With Spirals’, and ‘Sewing Spirals’, before tackling the five incredible projects. There is a lot of information to digest, but the effort is worth it. Included in this book is a CDROM with Spiral Design Templates, and every step of the way, you will find indexing, linkages, references and Electric Quilt instructions. Each project uses foundation piecing. This has to be one of the most comprehensively detailed books I have come across. RaNae answers question before you can even ask them! Among other resources she recommends EQ Printables Foundation Sheets and Add-a-quarter tools. The recommended reading list includes The Experts Guide to Foundation Piecing by Jane Hall, and Visual Coloring by Joen Wolfrom, Color Play by Joen Wolfrom. If you want to take your quilt-making to new heights of creativity, this is the book for you.

Book Review - Not Your Grandmother's Log Cabin

2009-07-21T14:37:00.000+10:00

It is not often that I buy a book just because I like the cover designs, but I just had to have "Not Your Grandmother's Log Cabin" without even reading a review or blurb! I have been mightily pleased with the entire content...It is full of really attractive log cabin designs with a new angle of triangles and diamonds. There is a vast variety of distinct, visually pleasing projects (over 30) which offer varying degrees of difficulty and challenge for the quilter, all pictured throughout in glorious colour. The authors, Sara Nephew and Marci Baker, both give advice and preferred methods throughout the book, so often there will be two techniques to choose from. It shows that there are many ways to achieve the same effect, something that we sometimes forget as we get bound up in the ‘rules’! Essential to complete these patterns is a 10 inch 60 degree triangle ruler, along with rotary cutter, mat and straight quilter’s ruler. Comprehensive cutting lessons are given, so there is no need to fear the shape cutting requirements! Even better is the common sense simple approach – the book is limited to one size of triangle and one size of diamond, so all the blocks presented in the book are the same size, and interchangeable. I have been poring over this book, trying to decide which pattern to sew first!

Craft Therapy

2009-07-12T16:05:00.000+10:00

After reading Patchwork & Stitching Vol 9 No: 6 my craft as therapy story is as follows;

Shortly after moving to Tamworth In October 2004 and just beginning to get settled in on our 100 acres lifestyle property my husband was diagnosed with kidney cancer and two weeks before Christmas had to have an operation to remove his left kidney.

Not knowing many people in town and with family spread several hours away across NSW I took a bag of granny's garden paper piecing to keep me occupied while I waited the 6 hours he was on the operating table. Apart from keeping my mind off the most dreadful scenarios the word cancer conjures up, it kept my hands busy and almost everyone who walked past the waiting room stopped to speak to me about what I was doing and then wishing me well. I am sure most of them would not have spoken to me without my craft.

A very long time and many "squares" later we received the good news that the cancer was contained and my husband would be fine. The craft done that day has gone on to be a treasured memory in my [almost] finished hand pieced quilt to go on our bed.

B Horton

The Craft Mailbox Studio

2009-06-24T15:19:00.001+10:00

We will be fully operational from Monday 29 June 2009 at our new studio premises.

Unit 4, 17-19 Green Street, Banksmeadow (Botany) NSW 2019

Sandra May.

For Google Map

Heading East along Wentworth Avenue, turn right into Page Street (at lights), take second left into Holloway Street, then first right into Green Street. There are visitor car parks in the complex. Unit 4 is on the right hand side, at the back of the complex.

Craft Therapy

2009-06-06T16:09:00.000+10:00

We firmly believe in the benefits of 'craft as therapy'. Share your experience of this with us in writing and we will donate $10 per story to The Cancer Council. To discuss further with a member of our staff, simply call 1300 307 721.

This is Wendy's Story: At 51 years of age, following a divorce, then 2 years later a new marriage, I discovered a lump in my remaining breast which was diagnosed as another cancer. Then my husband lost his job, and we had to move to another city to find work. With all the turmoil I became depressed and defeated but was aware that I had to get out to meet people so I joined the local golf club, embroidery group and learned to play Bridge but was extremely fragile emotionally. My insecurity and fragility was noticed up by one of the women I had befriended at the golf club, and seeing that I was struggling with life, she invited me to her place on the spur of the moment to show me a really interesting quilting pattern she had just learned. I explained that I had never done any quilting but she insisted that was an even better reason to come on over and stay for lunch. She insisted that I just come empty handed as she had two sewing machines and plenty of scrap material in her 'stash' for me to practice with. That dear friend saved my life by introducing me to a mental therapy more valuable and effective than any of the anti-depression drugs on the market, and I will be forever grateful for her warmth, love and caring nature, and for the sheer joy I get with every minute spent quilting or with other quilters.
We were so touched to hear Wendy's journey and in speaking with her she told me how incredibly important Quilting has been for her self worth, self confidence and self esteem. I want to share with you this quote from Wendy: 'Every day is a new present to open'. We applaud you Wendy and may you continue to quilt and use your creativity as therapy. Sandra May

Book Review - The Lost Quilter

2009-06-05T17:27:00.000+10:00

'Master quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson treasures an antique quilt called by three names - Birds in the Air, after its pattern; the Runaway Quilt, after the woman who sewed it; and the Elm Creek Quilt, after the place to which its maker longed to return. That quilter was Joanna, a fugitive slave who traveled by the Underground Railroad to reach safe haven in 1859 at Elm Creek Farm.'
This is book fourteen in the excellent Elm Creek Quilts series - the story told here answers a number of questions raised in preceding stories. The thread of the quilt mystery has woven its way through several other titles, and the characters have spent much time in speculating on what may have happened to Joanna.
Being a Jennifer Chiaverini novel, it is of course told with great skill, warmth, compassion, excitement and emotion. For those of us without a great depth of knowledge of slavery in America, it is an awakening. The story flows seamlessly from the current day to the decades surrounding the Civil War and back again in a fashion that is fabulously detailed, emotionally entwining and heartwarmingly satisfying; this is yet another really good read!

Tool Tip - The Secret to Perfect Points

2009-06-05T17:22:00.000+10:00

Discover how you can create perfect points in your patchwork every time.
Fork Pins are a fine double pronged pin in a U shape. The prongs can be moved in and out to place them in fabric the desired distance apart. This gives a double anchor point rather than the normal single anchor of one pin and it stops fabric swivelling around so it holds more securely – great for slippery fabrics but it’s best use is to get perfect points in patchwork where seams butt up against each other.
For example, joining a 2 patch to another 2 patch to create a 4 patch. Press seams in opposite directions. Place fabrics face to face and butt the seams up to each other. Put a fork pin in to hold - 1 prong either side of the stitch line – this also holds down the ¼” seams. Sew the line of stitching and the butted seams won’t move at all as you stitch across resulting in perfect points. A customer also tells me she uses fork pins to manipulate small bits of fabric because the pin holds at 2 points rather than 1 giving more control.

Tool Tip - Quilt and Tear Paper

2009-06-05T17:06:00.000+10:00

There is no need to trace or use markers. Quilt and Tear
comes on a roll, 12in wide x 20yds long. Tear
off enough to cover your pattern. Photocopy
your original pattern, adjusting the size as
required for your project & copy on a very dark
setting. 1 photocopy is good for 5-6 transfers.
Place Quilt and Tear on top of photocopied
pattern then press with a hot, dry iron on a
firm surface. The heat activates the toner and
transfers your design onto the Quilt & Tear
paper. Let cool then carefully peel the Quilt &
Tear paper from the photocopy.
Pin your Quilt and Tear paper with the design to
your quilt using Flowerhead pins (these allow
you to quilt without being knocked off course).
Sew through the paper and the 3 layers of your
quilt following the lines on the paper. Once
finished, tear away the paper and you are left
with a beautifully quilted quilt, unmarked!

What Exactly Is A Nickel and Dime in Quilting Terms?

2009-05-05T10:37:00.000+10:00

As a 'house-warming' gift to ourselves in our new studio (which we are yet to move into) Catherine and I have decided to us and the versatile 1895 Bali Watercolour range to make a quilt from the book "Loose Change" by Claudia Plett and LeAnn Weaver. This book is dedicated to using Nickels, Dimes and Fat Quarters.

To explain these terms is lingo:
Nickel = 5in square
Dime = 10in square
Quarter = a quarter metre strip
Fat Quarter = cut a half metre along the fold

Therefore, from a fat quarter you can cut 12 nickels, or 2 dimes + 4 nickels, OR from a dime you can cut 4 nickels.

For the purposes of the quilt we are making (page 47 "Nickel Bricks") we are using the end of bolts from these two ranges. The colours work brilliantly as you can see from the attached image.

Catherine and I are meeting every Wednesday night at my home and it is a pleasure to be working together on the same project. With one cutting and one , we figure we will have it knocked over pretty quickly. We will continue to give you updates as we move closer to our moving date and closer to finishing our 'studio warming quilt'.

Sandra May.

Behind the Scenes at The Craft Mailbox

2009-05-04T15:52:00.000+10:00

Releasing a new catalogue is a rather long and exciting process. We start by reviewing products from all our suppliers and as each box of new items arrive, they are opened to the sounds of gasps of excitement as we admire the work of textile artists, gadget engineers and quilt designers from around the world.

It is a team effort as products are reviewed, written about and photographed. The odd heated discussion can occur as we hammer out the suitability of certain items. If a pattern, product or book isn't of high quality, content or production we simply don't offer it.

The desk top publishing component of production is my baby and it usually takes 3-5 days of solid keyboard and screen time before the finished publication is sent to our printers. Knowing this is ahead of me, without fail, a procrastination ritual ensues which usually involves intense cleaning. It must be a symbolic cleansing of my subconscious to allow creative space to turn out a magnificent catalogue. We now all laugh at this ritual - my staff now know, if I'm vaccuming, a catalogue is imminent.

This catalogue cleansing process involved a complete review of all the bedding and linen at home, throwing out old pillows, mattress protectors, doonas and replacing them! Costly, but necessary. And so we now have a catalogue (and my family have beautiful, new, clean bedding!).

Added 6 May: We came in this morning to find Sandra vacuuming the floor and yes, a catalogue is currently being prepared full of Textile Art books, perfect for textile students and teachers. Sandra is also in training for the Sydney City to Surf in August 2009, hence the outfit. We wish her well! Catherine.

Sandra May.

Handing out donated quilts to Victorian Bushfire Survivors

2009-04-06T10:55:00.000+10:00

This morning Jan & Ray Mac arrived with their car jammed packed with quilts.
I had the back seat, boot and trailer of my statesman stuffed with more quilts that have come in from across Australia. Our first stop was the Upper Plenty primary school where 25 quilts were left for families affected by the recent bushfires. Next stop, Whittlesea secondary, 18quilts to be added to the ones that Christina Kuhne had dropped last week. It was then up the mountain to Kinglake. We were racing against time and weather. Dark grey clouds were rolling in and I was concerned about the quilts on the trailer.
It was my first time up the mountain since the fires and it was quite emotional driving past the road where our friend’s houses once stood. A lot of the paddocks had a tinge of green and it was a stark contrast against the hundreds of black upright trees. Some trees have started to sprout new growth, which almost looked like they were growing mould. Bales of hay were dotted throughout the bush, left there by animal welfare for food for any wildlife that has returned. I even spotted two large cockatoos sitting in a blackened tree. Our next stop was Kinglake Central primary school. This school has actually been burnt to the ground but portable classrooms have been set up in the car park of the Kinglake football ground. As we pulled up a number of kids came racing out to help carry the quilts in. We left approx. 165 for students and teachers. There was one particular beautiful machine embroidered quilt, which one of the staff asked if they could take for the mother of a student who had perished in the fires. The principal was so overcome with emotion she had to retreat to the office so that the kids didn’t see her. Their plan is to distribute these quilts after the Easter break but going on the reactions of the kids I don’t think they would be able to keep them away for that long. We then drove further on into Kinglake shopping area and called into the pub to get directions to the Kinglake primary school. It was good to see a number of people in there having lunch.
At Kinglake primary we were invited to stay for their assembly. The quilts were put into age groups and as the kids came in, they got to choose one for themselves. Teachers also got a quilt and they took one for the kids who are no longer able to come to the school. (About 120 quilts in total) It was wonderful to watch the kids sit with their new quilts, patting them, looking at the patterns & shapes and reading the labels. My heart melted when I saw “Nicky” with his quilt. He is a preppy who is about 3foot if he is lucky and weighs maybe 10kg! His family lost their house in the fires. He chose a flannel quilt, which he promptly screwed into a ball and sat down on the floor with. The quilt was so big that he could hardly hold it. I then watched him patting it and by the end of the assembly he was resting his head on the ball. I think if we had been there much longer he would have fallen asleep. Some of the mums arrived with toddlers so I was able to sneak out to the car and get some smaller quilts for them. They were so excited because the big kids got one and now they had one too! While we were here the heavens opened up and it began to pour with rain. The teachers were so pleased that every child in the school received a quilt because they said some resentment was starting in the community regarding who was receiving what etc. A male staff member selected a handquilted quilt from Lisa Walton of Dyed and gone to heaven. He was so impressed by the colours and thought it just a bit different to the other quilts. He was going home to try to track Lisa’s web site down. The icing on the cake was when I was leaving the school. The rain was pelting down and three boys were walking home with their new quilts protecting them and their bags. I picked them up and drove them to their driveways. At least their quilts were being used! A slow trip back down the mountain as the road is notoriously dangerous in inclement weather. Once in Whittlesea I called into a friend to have a cuppa and regain my composure. She had homes for another five quilts in the car.
Last week I was able to give 50 quilts to families in the Wandong/Kilmore area and two craft groups in Flowerdale and Kinglake received goodies donated by ladies in the West and NSW. That is a total of about 350 quilts to date.

If you are wondering whether all your hard work has been worth it….. a
resounding YES! Thank you quilters of Australia.

Now restocking for Kinglake West primary for delivery after Easter

Rhonda Coates
Windermere Quilting

My Quilt

2009-03-30T11:22:00.000+11:00

My neighbour is washing her windows
and scrubbing and washing her floors ....
But my home is all topsy turvy
and dust is behind all the doors.

My neighbour she keeps her house spotless
and she goes round all day at a trot
But no one would know in a fortnight
If she swept it today or did not.

The task I am at is enticing,
My neighbout is worn to a rag
I am making a quilt out of pieces
I have stowed in a pretty chintz bag

And the quilt I know my descendants
will display with great pride in their heart ...
"So lovely - my grandmother made it
An example of patience and art."

But will her grandchildren remember
her struggle with dirt and decay?
They will not ... they will wish that she had made them
A quilt like I'm making today!

Anonymous

Quilts for Victorian Bushfire Survivors - Update from Rhonda Coates

2009-03-26T23:19:00.000+11:00

Dear Sandra,
I would just like to take the opportunity to thank The Craft Mailbox for making my details available to quilters throughout Australia. The response for quilts for those effected by the recent bushfires has been amazing. I have been receiving phone calls and packages from far and wide. One group organised eighty quilts in three weeks! As people are now settling into semi permanent accommodation and getting back into a routine I believe it is now an appropriate time for us to give our quilts. Friends have expressed their hesitation in taking donations as it is not in their nature. They say it is may easier to give and to receive. Because of this I have decided to concentrate on the schools as a starting point. I believe they are often the heart of many small communities. I also have a number of ladies in the area alerting me to anyone they think would benefit from a quilt. Today fifty quilts were given to families whose children attend school in Kilmore. Next week I have an appointment at the Kinglake primary school. Each child and each staff member will be receiving a quilt. That is 110 in total! All are packed and ready to go. After that we have Kinglake middle school and Kinglake West primary school to cover. About 170-180) We have six families at the Upper Plenty primary school, St Mary's in Whittlesea and then off to Flowerdale. I believe it is still too early to tackle Marysville but in a couple of weeks time I hope to be able to offer quilts to ladies in that area to distribute. Last Saturday my daughter and I delivered four quilts to some friends whose property is tucked in behind a pine plantation. Two of their young teenage sons were home alone when the fires came through. Part of the house was burnt and all farm sheds, equipment and a huge number of stock was lost. How those boys survived is nothing short of a miracle.Driving through the plantation and along their driveway was one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had. It is an image that will never leave me and I feel so much for not only this family but all the families in those areas as they are faced with those sights everyday. Fortunately we have had a tiny bit of rain and so the black is starting to show patches of green.One 83yr old lady was so excited to finally receive a quilt. She has always wanted one but thought it ironic that she had to loose her house to get. I have tried to let everyone who has sent a quilt know where they are going.Email addresses are great. I am so grateful to the donors of these quilts and I understand the time, effort, emotion and cost that goes into them. I consider myself a caretaker of these special quilts until a home can be found for them and feel very humbled by everyone's generosity. I am currently out of quilts for teenage boys and so if any of your customers can help out that would be great. I have also delivered a number of patchwork and craft items to the Kinglake craft group and the Flowerdale patchwork group. These items arrived from Western Australia and NSW. Each of their ladies received a special "gift" when they came back to their first gathering last week. They were overwhelmed.
Thank you again and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries. I will keep you updated as we get the quilts out.
PS. I have attached a photo of the quilts so far. The little mariner's compass in the top left hand corner arrived from England!
Rhonda Coates
Windermere Quilting36 Kellys Lane, Kilmore Victoria 3764Email: windermere@internode.on.net