Holiday Hours

I am open Wednesday 28th - Saturday 31st December, then closed for 3 days - Sunday (New Year's Day), Monday and Tuesday, and then everything is back to normal again.
I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break, I did.
Now to design some new quilts etc for classes... back to the sewing machine.

Christmas New Year Special  - Christmas Fabrics all 50% off till Saturday.
Why not call in and see what we have on offer - then you will be ready to start something for Christmas early next year!!!

Happy New Year
Dianne

Now selling sewing machines

I have just started selling sewing machines - I am carrying the PQ1500SL which is a Brother semi industrial sewing machine which is ideal for piecing and quilting. It is a dream machine that belongs in the sewing room of every serious quilter and seamstress.

This sewing machine is a high speed straight stitching machine sewing up to 1500 stitches per minute. It has an automatic thread cutter and an exclusive Brother pin feed mechanism to use with delicate fabrics and quilting. The feed dogs have variable levels. A knee lift and extension table are included along with 1/4" foot, a quilting foot (for free motion quilting) and a walking foot (as well as a standard foot, 2 zipper feet and a rolled hem foot). There is more space with a 5.7" height and 8.6" width allowing for larger quilting projects.Plus there is a built in telescopic thread stand.
I have my one in store to demo if you want to try it out. I have done some general sewing and quilting on it and think this is a great machine at a really good price of only $1799.95 . I bought this after a customer asked about one a few months ago. I did some research and found that this is very popular, most reviews rave about it. You can also use this with Happy Jack and Swiftquilter (and similar) frames to make your own version of a mid arm quilting machine.

The next machine I want to talk to you about is the Innov-is Dreamweaver VM6200D. This is a top of the line sewing/embroidery/quilting machine from Brother which I have got in for a few weeks to check out. Do call in and test drive this machine for yourself.

With an 11.25" by 5" space you can quilt large sized quilts and there is lots of room to be able to change feet easily. One of the best things about this machine is the automatic needle threader - I just love playing with this to see it in action. You thread your machine through the normal channels and just before the needle you pass it to the left over the auto threader, push a button and it takes the thread down and pushes it through the needle for you. Really love this feature.
Some features - Muvit digital dual feed (with 4 optional extra feet available) , sew straight laser vision guide (to keep you on track), V-sonic pen for sewing and embroidery, droplight embroidery positioning marker, large LCD touch screen display and velocity up to 1050 stitches per minute.
With 561 built in sewing/quilting stitches and 318 built in embroidery stitches you'll have plenty to keep you occupied.
Another option you can use with this machine is to use applique/embroidery patterns. I downloaded some patterns from the internet and used a USB stick. After choosing my design I created the pattern placement as a cut line for use with the Brother Scan N Cut electronic cutting machine, put the USB in the Scan n Cut and cut out the fabric applique shape. Then I used the USB again, fused the applique to the background fabric and embroidered around it.

These are the 2 patterns I used, cutting the fabric appliques with the Scan n Cut and then embroidering them. Beautifully done and so easy to create.
For December Brother are offering a $1000 off RRP for this model and they are giving you the quilting extension table and an embroidery hoop as well. Do call in and see me and get a demo to see what this machine could do for you.
Scan N Cut - this month (December) Brother are offering $100 cashback for the CM900 which is the wonderful wireless model that I have in store and use all the time.
Do call and see us as we'd love to show you what any of these machines can do and order them in for you.
Dianne

Eco Challenge Quilt

Recently Brother NZ announced that they had a quilt challenge to make a quilt 70cm square for their Eco challenge. I decided to enter this and thought about it for a few weeks before deciding I wanted to make a quilt about water. Here is my step by step process in case you are interested.
I chose to use fabrics that were left over from previous quilts and from the curtain samples that I quite often buy, so it was very 'eco' by using up these scraps etc.
I started by drawing a design onto paper and then cutting a piece of curtain fabric big enough to attach the scraps to. I started with the hands, because if they didn't work out I didn't want to waste time on the rest.

I laid down (pinned them all) various brown and cream/tan shades of fabric scraps with an overlay of brown mesh fabric and stitched it all in place. Very happy with the look of these so next made the rusty tap.

I used a shiny coppery coloured curtain fabric that had a look of rust to it and then added bits and pieces to create a more rusty look. I found one of the curtain fabrics had this stitched line with thicker threads that was ideal to use at the base of the tap to create the illusion of nuts, joins etc. Then I laid black tulle net over the top, pinned it all and stitched 'scribble' style over the top.

Then I added the puddles underneath the hands and tap with blue curtain fabric, then some greys and creams plus a cream tulle net. Then I started adding random scraps of golds, browns, tans, then a layer of yellow tulle (I wasn't going to use that yellow for anything else). As I went up from the ground area to the sky area I used lighter fabrics. Again I 'scribble' stitched allover to hold these fabrics in place.

You will just see in the bottom right of the picture above my cat had to get in on the act. If I have a quilt on the floor he has to give his seal of approval and sit or lie on it.  Now I added batting and backing and machine quilted, adding detail and texture to the quilt.
Once I got this far I decided to add some stencilled words. I cut a freezer paper stencil on my Brother Scan N Cut machine and ironed it over the quilt top, then used black textile paint to paint over the stencil. Lifted the freezer paper off and was very happy with my words.
To finish I decided to stitch a 'magic binding' - this is using 2 fabrics, an accent 1 3/4" and a main 1 1/2", sew them together lengthwise, fold over and press which creates an 1/8" of the accent showing above the main fabric. Stitch to the back of the quilt, fold over to the front and stitch using invisible thread in the ditch between the accent and main fabrics. So quick yet so effective. Also made it easier for me as I had used curtain fabric for the main and homespun for the accent, it was a little bulkier than I normally have.

And here is the final product which I am pleased to say won a Highly Commended from Brother NZ, I have just received a lovely certificate and a box of machine embroidery threads. Thank you Brother. Now to see what happens in Japan with all quilts sent in from around the world.
Dianne

Sale on Patchwork Fabric

I first went into business back in 1984 as a bookshop/newsagent. Then in October 1987 the shoe shop next door closed down, I took over the premises and opened up with Handcraft supplies and Patchwork Fabrics. We didn't have as many choices back then as we do now, wow have fabrics changed. I can now offer you so many designs and styles and colours....
For this week starting Tuesday 25th October through to Saturday 29th October I am offering you 20% off all patchwork fabrics, no minimum purchases.
Then each day I will off a Daily Special on Facebook. Check out Tuesday's today only special on Facebook.
Happy sewing
 Dianne

Quilt Shows

The season for Quilt Shows is upon us it seems. I am off to the Wairarapa Quilters Show at Carterton Events Centre this weekend 9:30am - 4pm $2 entry, lots of quilts and merchants will be on site Saturday and Sunday. Do come along and see what there is on offer.
Then the first weekend in October is Rose City Quilters show at PN Girls High School 1st & 2nd October 10am - 4pm $5 entry. There will be quilts on display along with a guest exhibitor, and merchants to tempt you.
The second weekend of October is Town & Country Quilters show 8th October, 9am - 4pm $5 entry at the Horowhenua Events Centre. Again there will be quilts on display and merchants on site.
I am a merchant at each of these events and look forward to seeing you there. Some lovely new fabrics for you.
Dianne

Classes September to November 2016

I have updated my class list -
Scandinavian Sleigh Ride Sept 8th 7-9pm $15
Christmas is coming and now is the time to make this lovely Scandinavian inspired Sleigh Ride Quilt. Easy piecing and applique. Come along for the ride.

Strip Cuts Quilt Tuesday 13th Sept 7-9pm $15

Dianne will show you how easy it can be to make strips that you cut and resew together to make wonderful strip cut sets which can be sewn together in many ways.

Limecello Quilt Thursday 29th Sept 7-9pm $15

Dianne has been playing around with squares and rectangles to create this interesting block that is quick and easy to sew. Then you have a few options with layout - this is one version. 

Foil Tiles Tuesday October 11 7-9pm $15

Dianne has been experimenting with the new Deco Foil in store and created this fun tile project, almost like a mosaic. You are layering fabric, fusible, foil and yarns scraps to create interesting textures.

Scrappy Squares Quilt Sunday 13 November 10am - 4pm $40

Have you got fabrics scraps leftover from many projects that you don't want to throw away, yet they are small. Here is something you can easily make to use them up and it looks so modern. Dianne used 1 1/2" squares in this project.

Painted Fabric Quilt - Sunday November 27th 10am - 4pm $40

OR 3 Tuesdays 7-9pm November 8, 15 & 22nd. $35

Do you have dated fabrics that you don't want to use in a project, Dianne will show you how to make a basic pieced top using these, how to machine quilt it and then use it as a canvas over which you paint. Create your own unique theme. Dianne used Chernobyl for her quilt theme.

Dianne can supply paints for use in class for a materials fee.

If any of these classes appeal to you then please contact me for further details and to book into the classes.

Dianne

Craft Classes for August/Sept 2016

I have just listed the following classes for August and September 2016. If you would like to join in any of them please contact me.

Fairy House
2 Tuesdays 9th & 16th August 7pm - 9pm $25

I created this fairy/fantasy house for a club challenge a couple of months ago and I was asked if I would show how to make one. You will learn a variety of techniques that can be incorporated into the house. Make a small, medium or large house.

Tip Tilted Blocks
Thursday 11 August 7pm - 9pm $15

Would you like to learn how to tilt your blocks and create extra movement in your quilt. Dianne used a printed picture for the blocks but you can use any fabric or pieced block

Rooster Quilt
Sunday 14 August 10am - 4pm $40

Dianne will show you how to make the pieced background and then the applique. You will learn foundation piecing and raw edge fused applique.

Beach Houses
Wednesday 24 August 7pm - 9pm $15

Dianne will show you how to create this fun easy applique design and variations of it. A brighter, much more colourful version is under construction at present as well. You can add as many houses as you want, have long horizontal, square, rectangular etc. Make a wall hanging, blocks for a larger quilt, a cushion, tote bag, whatever takes you fancy. Some free motion machine quilting.

Irene Mary - A Jill Maas doll
Sat/Sun 3/4 September 9:30 am - 4pm each day $110 plus $10 pattern fee

This gorgeous doll is Jill Maas' latest creation. She is even better in 'real life', the photo doesn't do her justice. Jill's classes are always fun to join in with.

Do contact me if you wish to participate in any class. Class fee is required to ensure your place in class.
Dianne

Quilters Friends Shop Hop 2016

I have just finished creating this medallion style quilt for the Quilters Friend Shop Hop 2016. I ma very pleased with how it turned out and think it looks fresh and fun.

And now to quilt it...

The Shop hop registrations are now open. You pay $45 to register and choose from one of the 5 different sets of fabric ranges available. You will receive a 'passport' which entitles you to receive a pack of 3 Fat 1/8's at each store in your chosen colourway. After visiting all 5 stores over a 2 week period you will have a collection of 15 fat 1/8's to play with. 

With each set of fat 1/8's I will offer all those who collect my colourway a free table runner pattern featuring a different block each time. I will also have available to purchase separately a pattern for the medallion quilt and the choice of purchasing a kit of background fabrics to complete this quilt.

Here are the various table runners I have completed so far (still 1 to go)

For these table runners or small wallhangings I chose to use a different background fabric each time so you can see what a different different backgrounds would make to the batik fabrics in your pack. I especially had fun creating the shaded grey background above. It is a lovely ombre fabric that we have in store, cut very carefully to achieve the correct shading.

If you want to see these fabrics or have a query regarding the Shop Hop do contact me or call in adn see me. 

Dianne

Craft Traders Market

I will be a merchant at the Craft Traders Market in Stratford on 9th July. This would be a lovely day out for anyone interested in fibre related crafts.
I will be taking a lot of stock with me - patchwork and mixed media style so if you want to have a play with craft items why not come along and check us out and look at the exhibition as well.
Dianne

Class List May/June 2016

Here are the classes I am running over the next 2 months -
Applique - Tuesday 17 May 7-9pm

Learn how to make Hawaiian style appliques, you get 2 images for one design. 

Strippy Scraps - Sunday May 29 10am - 4pm

If you have quite a few fabric scraps and would like to learn a variety of styles you can create using these scraps then come along. So many different ways to sew them together.

Fabricollage Thursday 9 June 7-9pm

A fabric canvas with no sewing. Use up some scraps and create a collage using these fabrics. I'll show you how to use water soluble crayons to colour the background, how to use Gel Medium as your glue, how to add your fabric scraps and even how to add a transparent layer over the top. You do not have to do an Anzac scene as I did.

Strip Pieced Quilt - Sunday 12 June 10am - 4pm

I ran this class last term and have been asked if I can repeat it. It uses a Jelly Roll or cut your own 2 1/2" strips. Lots of variety in how you lay it out.

Square Dance - Tuesday 14 June 7-9pm 

I created this design using striped fabric but you can use any fabric you like. You could try using stripes to see what you can create. I made this as a small wallhanging/runner but you can repeat these rows and make a much larger quilt.

Denise - A Jill Maas Cloth Doll Sat/Sun 25/26 June 9:30am - 4pm

Jill Maas creates wonderful cloth dolls with a lot of character and Denise is another fabulous doll in her range. Be in quick to book in for this wonderful weekend class.

Contact me if any of these classes appeal to you. I can email you a full class list if you would prefer, just give me a call/email.

Dianne

Scan N Cut

A little reminder that if you are interested in purchasing a Scan N Cut machine, now is a great time because the new machine CM900 has $100 cashback from Brother making it the same price as the current retail on the previous model CM550. Cashback ends 31/3/16 so only 2 days to go.
This new machine is wireless which makes it easy transferring patterns etc, you no longer have to use a USB stick. Also many more patterns on file. I found it very easy to setup and use. I can demo mine to you anytime if you want to see what it can do.
You can cut words, patterns, so much you can cut using paper, cardboard, felt, foam (make your own stamps), fabric and pre-fused fabrics (ideal for appliques),stencils & all sorts of things.
Dianne

Sale

Over Easter I have rearranged the shop and shifted counters and shelves to make more room. I'd love you all to come and visit and see what we have. As it is Stocktake this weekend I am offering you 20% off fabric (excluding already reduced fabrics) from today, Tuesday 29th March to Saturday 3 April. Then you will make my job easier as there will (hopefully) be less stock to count.
Dianne

New Kits

I had fun creating some new kits to take over to Wine Country Quilts with me, I have made up more so they are now available in store.

This one uses the lovely Winnie The Pooh panel and matching border fabric. So cute.Includes binding but not backing.

I made these lovely fabric bins using a sayings print that arrived in store. I looked at the sayings and thought they would be nice to look at a lot so designed this cute little fabric bin/basket in which you could store threads, tools or use as a rubbish bin for threads beside the sewing machine. Kits contain everything needed to make a small bin except for the batting. Instructions include the large size.
We do still have this fabric (sayings) by the metre.

This cushion was designed after studying this lovely floral fabric. I used the plain area to feature some precut prefused petal shapes, cut using my Scan N Cut machine. Everything you need for the cushion is in the kit except the cushion inner and your threads.
If you are interested contact me or call in to the studio to see what we have.
Happy Easter
Dianne

Easter Hours

I am closed on Easter Friday 25th but open Saturday 26th and then closed Easter Sunday and Monday. Wishing you all a Happy Easter.

A big thank you to the girls at Wine Country Quilts - had a lovely weekend there over 11-13 March.

Dianne

Christmas Fabrics 50% off

Christmas Fabrics will be 50% off this weekend Friday 5th 10am - 5pm and Saturday 6th February 10am - 1pm.
Do call in and pick up a bargain

                                               50% off all Christmas Fabrics

New Hours

As from 2 February I am opening longer. My new hours will be 10am - 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am - 1pm on Saturdays. If you find that you cannot come during regular opening hours please contact me and I am generally able to open at a time which suits you.
Happy shopping
Dianne

Class list 2016

I have created a few new items for classes for this first term of 2016 which I hope you will like and join with me to learn.
Beach Bag
Thursday 11 February 7-9pm
I have had this beach fabric in store for a while and thought it would be fun to make something with it, Finally decided to make a bag using By Annie's Soft and Stable batting which keeps it lightweight yet stable and upright. With leftover fabrics I made a covered notebook, a drawstring bag and a zippered pouch.

Placemats
Thursday 18 February 7-9pm
If you are a beginner quilter or would like an easy project to do - these placemats are quick and fun and you can practice your machine quilting on them.

Strip Pieced Quilt
Sunday 21 February 10am - 4pm
OR 2 Tuesdays 16 & 23 February 7-9pm
I made this quilt using 2 1/2" strips - you can cut these yourself or use a Jelly Roll plus border fabric. It teaches you how to use a 60 degree ruler and how to cut and piece these triangles using a simple construction method

Water Reflections
Tuesday 15 March 7-9pm
Water and the reflections you get fascinate me. If you would like to see how you can create some of these styles join me and I'll share some examples and get you started on a small piece to learn how to achieve this effect yourself.

Elephant Quilt
2 Thursdays 17 & 31 March 7-9pm
Elephants can be quite regal creatures, this design gives them a fancy headdress and rug. Learn how to use fancy stitches on your sewing machine for the applique and some hand stitches for the head dress and rug. Create a fancy border as well.

Machine Quilting
Tuesday 5 April 7-9pm
Do you want to learn how to machine quilt or would you like to improve your skills? Come along and improve using a variety of practice designs.

Fabric Covered Footstool
Thursday 7 April 7-9pm
Dianne created this fabric covered footstool and would like to share the how to with you. You can piece a patchwork design for the top or just use a fabulous piece of fabric, piped edge is optional as well.

Jill Maas Douglas Dog class
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May 9:30 - 4pm
Wonderful doll maker Jill Maas is now going to be teaching for me and her first class will be Douglas Dog. Numbers limited so be in quick

If any of these classes appeal to you please contact me to put your name down.
Dianne

The Latest Fabrics for 2016

I hope everyone had a wonderful start to their New Year. The weather here was fabulous New Year's Day and the day after and then turned a little since then, although still reasonably warm.
Here's to a very creative year in 2016.
I am listing below some of the fabrics that arrived in just before Christmas -
McKenna Ryan is designing for a new firm and has produced her first range there called Enduring Pines. These fabrics are lovely and shaded across the width of the fabric.

They are lovely shaded skies which are fabulous for landscapes and then a couple which feature the pines, I chose one which is the everyday green and the other is more of a wintery colouring.
The shaded fabrics make for very interesting sashing and borders as they change colour and shading.

This next range is called Dot Dot Dash - very fresh and springlike. Spots and stripes are always useful.

And still more landscape styles - this is a lovely blue sky and the green grass will be very useful for landscapes

All of these are available in store. If you want anything let me know.
Dianne