Gum Valley Patchwork

A quarter of the way

I hate to say it but we are already a quarter of the way through the year. April starts tomorrow and that means that AQC is literally just around the corner. The countdown has started and of course my many lists are starting to appear everywhere......one beside the bed, one in the classroom and another sitting beside me on the couch. I'm sure that I will still forget something! I have been crossing things off the 'Projects to make' list.....while at the same time adding new ones as they pop into my head.....lol! One of these was this new 'Take me Sewing' Bag made from the 'Home Sewn' fabric by Gail Pan. 

I think that it would be great for going to sewing days.

I have also finished a new version of my Georgia's Basket pattern, and this one is called Maddie's Basket (of course!). Although Georgia may claim it after Maddie chewed the handle on hers when they were staying here....lol! I chose the pretty new fabric called 'Coco' by Chez Moi for Moda Fabrics.....the little floral print is my favourite from the range.

A new snap bag was also on the list. I have used some new EPP shapes in this version......Daisy Daisy Snap Bag

And finally the quick and easy 'Hop Away Home' Pencil Case. These are great to make up and give away.....fill with coloured pencils and it makes a great kids present (or textas if you're not keen on the parents.....lol!). Kits come with a variety of different coloured zips.....dark green (as pictured), lime green, bright blue and purple.

All of these kits are on my website and will be at AQC. As always my small kits come complete with everything that you need to make the project.....no searching around for obscure bag accessories or paper shapes.....it's all included.

Back to the list lists!

Linda     :)

A few more new projects

I have been stitching and finishing off a few more new projects using some of the new fabric that is in the shop. It's always nice to design something new, but sometimes I like to revisit patterns and put a different twist on them. You might recall me making this Primrose Pouch from the lovely 'Bed of Roses' fabric collection.

This little kit has sold so well for me, (and as I have sold out of some of the fabric) I decided to make a second version using the 'Vive La France' fabric from French General.

This fabric range was also used in my newly finished (last night) table runner called French Candy......check out that gorgeous border fabric!

It uses one Moda Candy Charm pack and coordinating French General fabrics.......and best of all......it's pre-cut for you. It measures 34cm x 63cm and kits are $26 each.

My final reveal for today is My Journal Cover.

I have had the main part of the Journal Cover completed for about a month, but was waiting on the leather clasps to arrive before I could finish it off. They arrived last week, so I was able to get everything done and dusted....sample made, fabric cut, pattern written, printed and folded, and kits packed. It is a great feeling when the price sticker goes on and I can move on to something else......lol!

All of these new projects are listed on my website, along with the other kits that I have available. Most of these are destined for AQC, but if you aren't attending and would like any, pop on over and check them out......HERE.

I have a new Snap Bag and a Bucket bag calling my name.......off to start them now!

Linda     :)

SIS Registration forms

Well it has taken me a few hours to go through all of the messages, but I have finally contacted everyone (via text, email or messenger) to let them know that they are in for the Stitch in Spring. The Saturday booked out in under 2 minutes, and I understand how some people are disappointed on not getting their preferred choice of the Saturday......if I could clone Saturday I would! However, I do have a few spots left for the Sunday if anyone forgot to ring this morning. Once Sunday is filled I will add names to a waiting list.

Everyone who has booked in will need to fill out a registration form and pay their deposit by the 1st April. Please please please get this done, I absolutely hate chasing people up for their forms and money.

Saturday Registration Form : Download STITCH IN SPRING 2019 Registration Form Saturday 21st September

Sunday Registration Form : Download STITCH IN SPRING 2019 Registration Form Sunday 22nd September

If you have any questions about the day, please contact me.

Linda    :)

Stitch in Spring Registrations

Registrations open tomorrow morning, Monday 25th March at 9am (and not before), for the 2019 Stitch in Spring. As in previous years, registrations can only be made via calling my mobile phone. I do turn my phone off, so please leave a message, and I will check them all when I turn my phone back on at about 10am. I write the registrations down in the order that they are received, and you can book in for you and your friends (up to 8 people), but please leave names. Make sure that you leave a contact number so that I can confirm your booking. 

If you missed the details for this year's event, here they are:

 

Gum Valley Patchwork

presents

‘Stitch in Spring’

with Leanne Knell (Petals & Patches) &

Amy Morgan (Amy Kallisa)

Saturday 21st September 2019, 10am – 4pm

and

Sunday 22nd September 2019, 10am - 4pm

at the

Santos Room, Surf Lifesaving Club

Cairns Street, Port Campbell

Cost : $130 per person

 

Includes: Patterns & kits for 4 different projects designed by Leanne & Amy; morning & afternoon teas; 2 course lunch; tea, coffee & drinks; special goody bag; lucky draws plus much more.

Leanne & Amy will have some of their beautiful creations on display, with patterns available for purchase.

I will also have my shop set up for a little retail therapy.

All of this while enjoying the view over the beautiful Port Campbell Bay.

 Registrations open at 9am (and NOT before) Monday 25th March

 

Enquiries - Linda @ the Shop 0427 943 201     or

email whites03@bigpond.com

 

 A deposit of $50 is required by 1^st April 2019 to secure your place.

The balance of $80 is due by 1^st August 2019.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel before 31^st July, your deposit will be refunded. Cancellation after this date, refund will only be given if your place can be filled by someone else (less $10 admin fee).

Full refund if the day is cancelled by the organiser (Gum Valley Patchwork).

 

Linda    :)

presents

‘Stitch in Spring’

with Leanne Knell (Petals & Patches) &

Amy Morgan (Amy Kallisa)

Saturday 21st September 2019, 10am – 4pm

and

Sunday 22nd September 2019, 10am - 4pm

at the

Santos Room, Surf Lifesaving Club

Cairns Street, Port Campbell

Cost : $130 per person

 

Includes: Patterns & kits for 4 different projects designed by Leanne & Amy; morning & afternoon teas; 2 course lunch; tea, coffee & drinks; special goody bag; lucky draws plus much more.

Leanne & Amy will have some of their beautiful creations on display, with patterns available for purchase.

I will also have my shop set up for a little retail therapy.

All of this while enjoying the view over the beautiful Port Campbell Bay.

 Registrations open at 9am (and NOT before) Monday 25th March

 

Enquiries - Linda @ the Shop 0427 943 201     or

email whites03@bigpond.com

 

 A deposit of $50 is required by 1^st April 2019 to secure your place.

The balance of $80 is due by 1^st August 2019.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel before 31^st July, your deposit will be refunded. Cancellation after this date, refund will only be given if your place can be filled by someone else (less $10 admin fee).

Full refund if the day is cancelled by the organiser (Gum Valley Patchwork).

 

Linda    :)

Twice as good

After a busy weekend with the Retreat and a hectic few weeks ahead of me with AQC, we took a few days off and headed to Melbourne on Tuesday. We had a few jobs on our list to do and a visit to Artisan Bottega in North Melbourne was one of them. We both love this place, so on Wednesday we visited the Epping store as well......lol!

On Tuesday night we went and watched Hannah play in her Netball grand final, a sport that she has only taken up in the last few years. She loves it and is very good, but unfortunately didn't come out winners on the night.

While Hannah was at work on the Wednesday, we kept busy checking out the new Costco at Epping....that filled in an hour or three! Afternoon tea at the Golf Club involved this Splice Freak Shake, an iced donut and me not requiring any dinner.

Hannah asked if I could set up her sewing machine (a Christmas present from us in 2017) in her sewing room in her new house. Yes she is finally in it! It's a huge house and I joked that I was too scared to leave our bedroom because I would get lost......lol! Here is a picture of me waiting for Hannah in the 'reception area' (Russell named it this) at the front door.......bahahaha

And I told her that I didn't think much of her magazines........lol!

Wednesday night while Hannah and I headed off to see Muriel's Wedding in the city.......she had won 2 free tickets via a Melbourne Renegades Competition and decided to take her mum.....aawwww, 

Russell settled in to watch a movie in the theatre room.

....but unfortunately he pressed the wrong button, couldn't get it working again and ended up having to watch Netflix on his phone........talk about extremes of screens!

As we left on Thursday morning, Hannah went one way to work and we headed the other to home. It was lovely to have a couple of days away and to finally see her new home finished.....well almost. There is a lot of landscaping works to do and I am 100 per cent sure that we will be back to lend a hand when the time comes.

A little postscript to my blog post of a few days ago about my Josephine Lily, I checked it out when I got home and couldn't believe how tall the spike had grown.

But check out the little bud emerging from the mulch beside the first spike......OMG I have 2 flower spikes!

I'm excited........can you tell?

Linda    :)

Sweet Josephine

Way back in 2014, out of the blue I received a post pack from my friend Ros (aka Bloom) in NSW. Ros is a wonderful gardener........her garden puts mine to shame. She had dug up some bulbs and had sent them to me for my garden. I was thrilled and carefully planted them out. One of the five different packs was a single large bulb called Brunsvigia Josephine. A phone call to Mum and a quick Google search revealed that this was a special gift indeed, and that they often take up to ten years to flower. I planted it in the garden near the path leading to the front door of the shop, and to my surprise three months later it bloomed!

I was so excited.....but then thought maybe it was going to die and it was one last gasp! But the flower was followed by leaves and it continued to live on. The garden bed is quite dry and doesn't get a lot of water and attention over the hot Summer months, which must obviously suit it as in March 2018, up through all of the dead annuals, emerged my second Josephine Lily Flower.

A beautiful pink cluster in amongst dead cornflowers and sweet peas.

A couple of weeks ago I was sick of the dead mess in the garden and spent an hour tidying up some beds. I uncovered my Josephine Lily and thought that the tough dry Summer had finally claimed another garden victim. I gave it a little squeeze and thought that just maybe it would be okay.

Last week as I walked past the garden bed I glanced across and saw this....

 

Yes.......another flower bud. That will make 3 in just 5 flowering seasons! I really must have picked the perfect place in my garden for my Josephine Lily.

Linda    :)

Sit & Stitch Retreat

It has been a little while since I've blogged, but I do have a good excuse.......my Sit & Stitch Retreat. I have been busy over the past fortnight getting organised, making lists, packing goody bags and making name tags, all so that I was organised for this year's Retreat.

With Emma now living in the UAE,  my slave family helpers have dropped from 3 to 2. I also knew that by relocating it from Port Campbell to Simpson, I would save a lot of time traveling as well as being able to just pop home in case I forgot anything......or in the case of Saturday afternoon, to cook 80 scones for dinner!

Russell, Jodie and I had everything set up in record time on the Friday......certainly makes a big difference being able to park at the front door and not have to use a lift or stairs to get things up to the function room. 

The tables were set with goody bags, water and chocolates for everyone

as well as a handy shopping bag to fill.....lol!

Jodie had the shop set up and looking great.........ready for Hannah to look after for the weekend.

And that was the end of the photos......I was so busy in the kitchen all weekend that I didn't get a chance to take any photos of the ladies as they stitched, talked, laughed, ate, caught up with old friends and some making new friends. I did manage to sneak out on the Sunday morning to pick the lucky draw winners, and again after lunch to have some show & tell.......which was wonderful! And I snuck back out a bit later on and managed to catch up with a few of the 53 ladies who attended. I'm sorry if I didn't get a chance to talk to everyone, the weekend went just too quick. One day I am going to actually attend a Retreat and be on the other side......lol!

So a big thank you to everyone who attended my 6th Retreat, and helped to make it such a fantastic weekend.

To Russell and Hannah for always helping me out when I need them.

To Jodie who helped on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday; Tabatha for her help in the kitchen and her amazing skills on the vacuum cleaner! ; to Julie for also helping with the dishes; and to all of the others who helped pack up so quickly on the Sunday afternoon. Your help was very much appreciated. Hannah summed it up nicely when she said "Mum, you have such wonderful friends".....yes, yes I do!

Last night was an early night.......and this morning was a late morning. The shop is now back together, and the kitchen is clear of boxes of utensils/pans etc. But there is certainly no time for rest and relaxation........AQC is just over 3 weeks away.........oh my goodness........here I go again!

Linda    :)

The battle continues

Every year our battle gets harder and harder.

We hope that they won't come back, but they always do.

They are getting more cunning and silent.

In just 5 days they all but stripped our entire orchard and we went from having a bumper crop to basically nothing. They had been in before that, but when 2 turned in to 6 turned into 12 turned in 20, there was nothing really we could do.

Of course I'm taking about the Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos.

As I mowed the grass in between the rows of our apple trees, I almost cried seeing the wasted fruit strewn over the ground. What they hadn't cracked open (to eat just the pips inside), they had knocked off just as many on to the ground below. They also break off bits of the tree, just because they can. We netted about 10 trees out of the 260........the others just weren't worth doing......the trees are getting too big to net by hand. So it looks like we won't be making any cider this year.

And then they moved in to my orchard.  For some reason they don't like the Gravensteins, so at least I was able to get some apples. The Golden delicious are a long way off being ready, so I am resigned to the fact that I won't see any of these.

Not only do I have fruit all over the ground, I now have European Wasps moving in and enjoying the split apples.

My Jonathons are also a favourite with the Black Cockatoos and as 3 flew out of the small tree this afternoon, I was determined that they weren't going to steal the last of them from me........so I picked the lot......ready or not, they're mine you bastards!

So apart from the manky little Golden Delicious left on the tree, my Cox's Orange Pippins and a few Snow Apples are all that is left of my apples. They are both a little way off, but rest assured if they start in to them I will pick the lot!

And what about next year? I said to Russell that if we don't put up some sort of permanent netting structure over the trees, we might as well rip the lot out. Growing them for the birds just isn't on.

Linda     :)

 

Friendship Frolic

Two and a half months might seem like a little way off to some, but by the time I throw in my Retreat, AQC and  a month long holiday into the mix, I'm sure that May will be here before I know it! So being the super organised person that I am (NOT!), I thought that I had better give you all a little notice about our 2019 Friendship Frolic. It all started back in 2014 after Lenora and I had been talking about running a mini Shop Hop between our two shops. The following year we held our very first Friendship Frolic , it was a great success......and has become a 'must do' annual event on many quilter's calendar. This year's dates have been set, so mark it in your diary now!

Our 2019 Friendship Frolic will be our fifth and to celebrate this milestone we have a very special major prize draw for those who enter their completed their passports.

First prize is 2 nights for 2 friends (or you can take your husband if you like....lol!) at Pauline's Sunnyside Cottage in Apollo Bay. Many of you might remember me blogging about Sunnyside Cottage back in May 2017 and promising myself that I was going to treat myself to a stitching weekend away. Well that never happened........well at least not yet! The cottage sleeps 7 people comfortably, so if you win the prize you can always invite a couple more friends along.......hint hint.....lol!

Our second prize is a $150 machine quilting voucher from Barb Devine of Devine Quilting. Barb has been a wonderful supporter of our Friendship Frolic.

We will have more details closer to the Frolic about what is happening in both of our shops, but we will definitely have our special Frolickers gift for everyone who hands in their completed passports.

Linda     :)

Unlucky for some

It was my 13th year of being Chief Steward in the Homecraft Pavilion at our local Agricultural Show. Our committee had spent all of last week following the weather forecast very closely, wishing and hoping that the weather wasn't going to reach the soaring temperatures as predicted. Unfortunately all of our finger crossing failed and on Friday, our judging day, we sweltered in our tin clad pavilion. Our wonderful volunteers and judges made it through the heat and at the end of Friday the pavilion was looking great.

The temperature on Saturday reached a hot 38 degrees, but it didn't deter a lot of visitors from venturing out early and making the most of the display and activities on offer.

The downside of being on the committee is that you don't get a chance to enjoy all that the show has to offer, but the reward is in the feedback that we get from those attending. By very early afternoon, the majority of people had headed for home.....out of the heat and into air conditioned comfort. What was a show first, we decided to pack up early and call it a day........it seemed the sensible thing to do. So after 2 very hot days, I was feeling a little worn out........a bit like my pink rose in the show.......lol!

We will do it all again next year.......but for now I am tidying up the money side of things, (I'm also the Treasurer), and then having a little break from Show stuff. My focus now turns to our Sit & Stitch in Simpson Retreat which is in just under a fortnight.

Linda    :)