Gum Valley Patchwork

Simply Christmas projects

Over the weekend I decided to make up a couple of the lovely projects from Gail's new book, Simply Christmas 2013. The first is the cute little Gift Bag. A stitchery design with a little wool applique is the feature of the bag.

The other project I made was the Starry Night Table Runner. This time I quilted with some of the red Cosmo Stitch Work thread and was really happy with the different look that it gave.

I ran out of time to get the binding done, but it won't take long to finish it off.

Linda   :)

New books

With the nights getting colder we have finally lit our wood heater. It will now go day and night until probably sometime in September......unless we get some warmer weather in the meantime. The cooler nights also mean it's a perfect time to get stitching again. I was inspired at AQC to get back into my new hexagon quilt and have spent the last 3 nights in full stitching mode. If you are looking for a winter project why not check out Gail's new book.....Simply Christmas 2013.

I was lucky enough to get my copy signed at AQC........

it was funny though, Gail was signing a copy of her book for me while I was signing a copy of my book for her! I have copies available at the shop or online for just $19.80 each.......great value!

While I am talking about books, these arrived just the other day for the shop.

Simply beautiful! I love these books and have picked out quite a few of the projects to put on my to do list.......but I'd better not start as I really must stick to my hexagon quilt deadline!

Linda    :)

Done and dusted

Wow what a whirlwind of a week it has been. This time last week I was running around doing last minute kitting, cutting and packing for the AQC adventure with Lenora from Elm Grove Patchwork. The whole experience was a huge learning curve and as AQC 'virgins', I'm sure it will be remembered for a very long time.

I met so many lovely ladies and talked that much that I was sure that my voice was going to give out. 

I was blown away by all of the wonderful comments about 'Prudence', especially those who said it was the best quilt that they had seen at AQC.

 I was embarrassed when asked to sign my book, especially when asked by 'famous' people like Jodie, Gail & Helen! I am just an ordinary person.  

I was so glad that Hannah was able to help out for the 4 days.......she was fantastic!

And after talking about my hexagon quilt for 4 days she has gone home with fabric, 1 1/2" papers and a glue pen to start her own quilt......go Hannah!

And in what seemed like a blink of the eye it was all over and we were packing up our displays and heading back home to cows, calves, kids (Lenora) and husbands.....that would either be very happy to see us home again or a little angry that we had been away for 5 days....lol! (Mine was happy - bonus!)

So while it is back to farm work and away from the buzz of the city, these boxes are still waiting to be unpacked.

At least I bought home a lot less than I went with! 

Thank you to everyone who called by to say hello......maybe I will see you again at the 2014 AQC......

Linda   :)

PS. Jodie is having a give away for a copy of my book so why not pop over and check it out here.

AQC - Day 1

Well we survived the first day of AQC and am now preparing ourselves for another hugely busy day tomorrow. This morning we were all set up and ready for the delegates to arrive at 8.30am. So here we are .......ready for the crowd. 

Fully stocked with everything I could squeeze in.

It was great to catch up with lots of ladies from near and far.....some familiar faces from home and others from facebook and blogland. Two ladies that I was absolutely thrilled to meet were Dela and Lynette, Prudence Jeffery's great granddaughters who had made the trip down from Shepparton and Pine Lodge. It was lovely to meet them both and they agreed to pose for a photo with me in front of my version of their Great Grandmother's quilt.

They left with copies of my book to share with other family members which put a smile on my face and joy in my heart.

After dinner at a local Italian restaurant and a small glass of wine, it is now beddy-byes time for me. With only about one hours sleep last night, I am looking forward to some much needed shut eye.

Linda   :)

 

 

Paint Box

is the beautiful new range of fabric by Laundry Basket Quilts for Modawhich arrived late last week.

There are 23 beautiful bolts of fabric

There are Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes and CharmPacks

as well as bundles of fat quarters. All waiting for that special project!

Linda    :)

 

 

Dear Prudence in print

After many hours of writing, researching, typing, reading, retyping, meeting with printers, photographers & graphic designers, proof and reproof reading it is finally done! Look what was delivered this morning.

I am sure the poor delivery guy has never had someone so enthusiastic and excited about seeing him.....I think I made his day.....lol!

And look what was inside

1,000 copies of 'Dear Prudence, more than just a pattern' by me!

As the title suggests, I wanted it to be more than just a pattern for 'Dear Prudence'. So the booklet includes tips and hints, methods and processes on how I made my quilt; as well as information about the original quilt and it’s maker, Prudence Jeffery and her family; why I made my version of her quilt....plus more.

I am very happy with the way it has turned out and am hoping that others will be too. I love this back cover too......

The booklet is available now at the shop; online or at AQC next week for $19.50 each.

I certainly hope that I sell a few otherwise I know what the family will be getting as Christmas presents this year!

Linda   :)

Good rubbish

Yesterday I made a quick trip to Melbourne to drop a car load of kits, fabric, patterns and other good stuff off at my sister's house. Cathryn is looking after my stock in readiness for AQC next week. Eeek......I just said next week!!!! I knew that there was not a snow flakes chance in hell that I would fit it all in my little VW Golf, so some went to Melbourne at Easter, some yesterday and some more will head off this weekend with Hannah.

On driving up Cathryn's street in Pascoe Vale South, I noticed that it was hard rubbish day/week. I wished that I had taken the ute to Melbourne......there really was some good stuff out on the naturestrips. I unloaded the car and headed off, down the street, around the corner, and up the hill.  It was then that I saw it........I reversed and pulled over. I ran across the street looking all around to see who was watching me. I picked it up and popped it in the boot. I felt guilty but I knew it was an acceptable activity on hard rubbish day. So this is what I picked up........a beautiful old small table.

It is quite heavy and has lovely carved design on each side

It is in need of some tlc, with paint spots on it's top

I am going to get it stripped back so that I can varnish it up. I think that it will make a lovely table for beside my chair......ideal for my stitching to sit on.

I have never picked anything up from hard rubbish before.......it wasn't 'around' when we lived in Melbourne 30years ago.......I could certainly get addicted to this!

Linda   :)

Everyone loves a party

It is always nice to receive party invitations in the mail......21st.....50th.....75th......and the list goes on. But this invitation that arrived today is very special.......

It is a tenth birthday party for a kidney.......but Kenny is no ordinary kidney.......'he' was transplanted into my lovely Sister-in-law Andy almost ten years ago and that deserves a big celebration.....don't you agree?

Now I just have to work out........What present will I give Kenny for 'his' birthday?

Linda     :)

 

Pocket Full of Posies

is the name of this Cottage Pocket that I finished off last night.

I love the way that this one has turned out and will be kitting up some very soon. Unfortunately there will only be 8 - 10 kits available :(

I have used Peltex in both the Cottage Pockets that I have made and I love how it gives a nice rigid effect to the pocket. I have both the single sided and double sided fusible Peltex in stock at the Shop. Hmmm now what else can I make using wool and Peltex?

Linda   :)