Sunday, June 30, 2013

Hello Dahlia & Other Fabrics

There have been some lovely fabrics in over the last 2 weeks -
The Hello Dahlia range is fresh and yummy!
Aren't they gorgeous. Red accents the black and white designs beautifully.
Then Suzybee has done it again with this beautiful childrens panel. There is also a growth chart but for some reason it keeps cutting out when I try to download that picture so will try again tomorrow for that one. 

A new New Zealand Tui fabric
I love the colours and design in this one.
Debbie Mumm has done it again. This gorgeous Santa border stripe is so lovely you can use it for a row by row quilt, borders or you can cut squares/rectangles from the stripes and use those with other toning fabrics to make blocks. So versatile
And the last one for today - a rich and gorgeous looking music fabric -
Very elegant and rich looking. I am sure you could make something with this.
If you see anything you like email me or call and see them 'in the flesh' so to speak.
Dianne

Monday, June 24, 2013

Birthday Sale

Hi everyone,
I realised over the weekend that we have been in our College Street premises for 6 years now. Wow, has time flown by. So it is time for a SALE - you get the benefits of our sale.
25% off almost everything in store from Tuesday 25th - Saturday 29th June.
Exclusions are gift vouchers, items already on sale and magazines which are 10% off.
 Special -  Beads, Buttons and Ribbons all 50% off. Laces 75% off (not may left now).
Do call in and see what we have that you can get 25% off or more.
Email me for those of you who are out of town and cannot get here to let me know what you might like sent to you.
Dianne

Sunday, June 9, 2013

New Patchwork Books & Magazines June 2013

I just love patchwork books and magazines. And some lovely ones have arrived in store just recently -
Radiant Landscapes by Gloria Loughman  NZ$52
Get stunning results with Gloria's mosaic tile process for capturing the essence of natural light with your fabric selection. Add dramatic depth to your landscape applique quilt by reviewing basic design principles and exploring a variety of stitch, dyeing and painting techniques.

Sherrill Kahn's new book Mixed Media Master Class NZ$52.40
Learn exciting new ways to use paints, stamps, inks, resists, markers and much more with step-by-step visual guides showing you how to get great results. Add colour and texture to collages, art quilts and many other creative projects.
The Best of Fons & Porter, Tips and Techniques NZ$ 43.20
A collection of great tips to make patchwork easier or more accurate. Includes ideas for organisation of fabric and tools, safety tips and ways to use everyday items to help your quilting. A section of  'Sew Easy" lessons guide you with step-by-step photos through a variety of special techniques to help you achieve more accurate patchwork plus a selection of patterns to use the techniques you have just learnt.
New magazines just in -
The Spring/Summer issue of Quilt Sampler magazine has just arrived in store. I love this magazine as it is good reading and a pattern from each featured shop tempts you. NZ$19.50
BHG American Patchwork and Quilting is another interesting read with great patterns in it.
Down Under Quilts have revamped their look. Check out what happens in Australia quilting circles.
Dianne




Saturday, June 1, 2013

Craft Classes June/July 2013

I am holding the following craft classes in June and July 2013.
If you are interested you can email me, phone me or call into the studio and check out the actual samples.



A Painted Quilt 2 x Tuesdays 11th & 25th June 7-9pm $28  
Would you like to learn how to create a quilt like Dianne did for her Tote & Gloat challenge entry. Quilt a design and then ‘paint’ the applique in. The first Tuesday you will quilt your design, the 2nd Tuesday you will ‘paint’ the applique shape. Make a small piece in class to get it finished and see how easy it can be yet how complicated it looks. Machine quilting experience recommended.



Modern Squares Patchwork Quilt Sunday 16th June 10am—3pm $35
Sew these easy squares into blocks with a narrow sashing strip and then add wider sashing strips between blocks. You can make this quilt look modern by using a plain fabric for the sashing. A couple of different settings available.


Purse Needlebook Tuesday 18th June 7-9pm $15 + $5 pattern (special price)
Dianne has created this fun little needlebook in the shape of a purse. There are 3 different purse designs. They will all look different depending on the fabric you choose to make it from. Be wild, modern, floral etc. A lovely little gift for friends. This shows the purse open with the needles in place.



Naturescapes Wallhanging Sunday 23 June 10am –3pm $35
Dianne will show you how you can incorporate photos printed on cotton fabric into pieces that are little shots of nature stitched. Add a variety of materials to create and embellish your scene—lace, buttons, wood, ribbon, yarn etc.

Machine Narrow Curve Strip Piecing Thursday 27 June 7-9pm $15
Dianne will show you how easy it can be to machine sew in a narrow curved strip of fabric into your work. Can be strips made into blocks or larger pieces.


Machine Quilting Fillers Wednesday 12th June &/or 3rd July $15 each night
Would you like to improve your machine quilting skills? You have the basics but need practice, come along to one or both nights and Dianne will guide you along the way. You can make a little sampler like her strippy piece if you want to try lots of narrow fillers, just let Dianne know and she will give you the pattern to make prior to class.


Project Case Tuesday 9th July 7-9pm $15
Dianne has designed a simple fabric project case that has a clear vinyl front so you can see what is in the case with a fabric back and sides. Zip across the top to hold the work neatly inside. Keep all the bits of fabric, patterns, threads etc in a nice little package all together so that you can see what’s inside at a glance. Why not make several, one for each project you are working on.

Beginners Felting
Would you like to learn wet felting? Dianne is trying to arrange a class for you, probably sometime in August. If you could be interested please contact me for more details.

I hope some of these classes may tempt you so do call in and see my samples or call me. I'd be happy to book you into a class.
Dianne