It's a Redwork Christmas

Christmas is drawing closer ...

I've started getting Christmas stock into the shop & we have Christmas-themed classes for adults & children during December.

One that I think will be a lot of fun, is "It's a Redwork Christmas". It will use Threadworx overdyed threads to really brighten things up. Take a look & hopefully you will agree.

This class with Fiona Curruthers will be on Saturday, 6 December so, hopefully, you can come and create it with us!

Australian Quilt Market

What a great weekend ...

On Saturday evening, I went to a presentation by Amy Butler. She is an inspired & passionate person who has definitely found her niche & really enjoys what she does. She says "Do what you love, love what you do". That's a good mantra for all of us!

On Sunday, I went to the Australian Quilt Market in Melbourne. I went shopping for new fabrics to stock in the the shop. I've selected fabrics from Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett & Prints Charming that should arrive early in the new year.

I chatted with Melanie Hurlston of "Melly and Me". I also obtained sample packs of new patterns by Toni Coward of "Make it Perfect" in Tasmania, who designs beautiful clothes for kids as well as quilts.

Bead Expo

I visited the Melbourne Bead Expo & Australian Quilt Market, both held in Melbourne last weekend.

At the Bead Expo, there were retailers & wholesalers from all around the country. In addition, the Bead Society of Victoria held their annual Bead Challenge exhibition. The exquisite beaded jewellery displayed was simply stunning.

There was a great selection of semi-precious stones available. Pandora style beads were a favourite as well as the fabulous hand-made glass beads that Pauline Delaney & Bergamin have to offer.

B'Julde, a Queensland-based company, was also there. I believe they have some of the best stones around.

"Bella" Handbag

I just received these photos from Heidi, a customer who has made the "Bella" handbag designed by Monica Poole of Moonshine Designs.

Fabulous work, Heidi ... the bag is gorgeous!

The Bella handbag has been made using fabrics from the "Flutterby" range by Moda. Other fabrics in the range can be seen on www.threadneedle.com.au.

The design has been so popular that I've had to re-order more patterns.

Ellie

What a lot has happened since the holidays!

Last Saturday, we participated in Kidzfest with a craft stall at Daylesford Town Hall as part of the children's art & book festival.

My kids enjoyed the festival, making puppets, viewing art work & listening to childrens' stories being read.

Recently, I made one of Rosalie Quinlan & Melanie Hurlston's "Melly & Me" toys. "Ellie" is her name. I adored making her little tunic & pants. She looks very cute!

I have nearly finalised classes leading into Christmas. Apologies for the delay - we've nearly caught up from the busy school holiday period.

School Holidays Craft Fun

We've had an exciting time during the September school holidays, with lots of classes being held. The kids have been extremely creative.

Projects have included a card & coaster, flower magnet & "scrunchie" (with beads), necklace using memory wire plus earrings & fabulous photo frames. We even had an extra t-shirt design class using Giotto Textile textas.

I'm starting to plan several classes for next quarter. Some classes will have a Christmas theme but others will have a simple focus on fun. Ideas include a handbag, quilt, Christmas block & cardmaking / scrapbooking activities.

I hope to see you there! Check our website for class updates soon (www.threadneedle.com.au).

Now the school holidays are nearly finished, I'll be taking a short break with my husband & two boys. We will be closed from Monday, 6 October & re-open on Saturday, 11 October.

Christmas Candle

Our regular card-making class, led by Pam Cetinich, has been making early preparations for Christmas.

Last week, the class made a Christmas candle & card in matching colours. What a fabulous gift!

The class meets on Thursday afternoons from 1.00-3.00 pm.

Check our class schedule on www.threadneedle.com.au for upcoming projects.