Veronica Violet Stitcheries

Sewing catch-up

It's been a busy weekend sewing at the shop.  Yesterday I tried to finish something that was started a few weeks ago, but no luck, I'm still working on it. I'm using Rosalie Quinlan's Folk Heart Range.

Anyway, there's always next week. Can't rush these things.

Speaking of not rushing things, way, way back in February 2007 at my old shop in Wangaratta we started a "Keeping your Sanity" Class  based on the book written by Liz Lois about a quilt made by Selinda Rupp in Pennsylvania in the 1870's.  There are 98, 6" blocks.  We are machine piecing our blocks on foundation papers.  And yes, we did sometimes feel insane!

Today, a few of us met up to have a catch up and see where we are up to with the blocks.  Sadly, I had only done 6 blocks ( but 2 of them were the same - obviously not paying attention there) so then I had only 5.

I did however get 1 and 1/2 blocks made today in between customers and that was a great feeling.  I'm feeling inspired and slightly insane and can't wait to continue.

If you too wish to join this slightly Insane group then come along and join us on Sunday 25th March at my shop starting at 10.30am.  Bookings are essential. You can make as many or as few blocks as you wish. Attendance at the club’s meetings is not compulsory but it is recommended - to keep you SANE!!!

Happy Stitching,

Carolyn

The week that was - or still is!

So, this is how my week began.  With the closure of the shop nextdoor to mine, I have been able to re-open the doorway between the two shops and move my shop into nextdoor (a much larger shop area) which means I now have a fantastic light and bright sewing classroom (where my shop was) - absolutely wonderful! 

The empty "new" shop was cleaned up and painted in just a few days.  Maybe I should go on one of those reality home reno shows - I think I may even enjoy painting, but shhhh, don't tell anyone!

Look at all that extra space I can fill up!  And another lovely big window for creating window displays (I love that part) and also lots of light.

Can you see the corner of the classroom to the left?

All was done in time for Wednesday when I held a bit of an impromptu Sit & Stitch.  The stressing is over and now comes the fun part!  Please call in and visit the new & improved version of Veronica Violet Stitcheries.

My lovely friend Kathy, (who had a holiday "shack" next to us at Moyhu when we were kids) and  who I have known for 41 years (OMG can you believe that) came to stay and "play" in my shop for a couple of days.

There was lots and lots of talking, laughing, sewing and eating.  Check out this yummy lunch Kathy made for us and yes it was delicious.  I tried to convince her to stay and although the lure of the fabric was strong, I really had no hope of stealing her from her husband and kids.  Come back soon, we miss you!

My newsletter is well and truly overdue, but all good things come to those who wait.  I'm still in the last stages of finalising the class list, which will be added to my blog and to facebook hopefully next week.  Don't really know what I was thinking when I planned to print and mail 500 news letters while moving shop.  A wise man once told me not to get my "capablety mixed up with my ability" or was it my "ability with my capablety"!!!!!

That same man also told me "a wise man never goes anywhere without his coat", something I remember everytime I walk out my door :-)

Happy Stitching,

Carolyn

Infinity and Beyond! Well facebook at least.

Veronica Violet is now on facebook.  I have absolutley no idea what I am doing and spend a lot of time pressing wrong buttons and generally getting nowhere, but I'm slowly working things out.  With more of a creative brain than technical I have however learnt to make facebook photo albums and upload photos to my facebook page. Yay for me! I love the fact that in just a few minutes I can add new things that come into the shop to facebook (once I remember what I'm doing). When I work it out, I'll link facebook to typepad and vice versa.

It was nice to have a day off work yesterday and not do any "shop" stuff. With my youngest Mitch (age 16) finally heading off to start TAFE for the year I felt the urge to bake our favourite basic but yummy goodies.  Chocolate chip biscuits and Banana and Choc Chip Muffins.  Now the muffins don't look that appealing but they sure are delicious!  Thank goodness we can all afford to buy bananas again - we were having muffin withdrawals!

Urban Cowgirl by Urban Chicks for Moda arrived in store this week.  I love Moda fabrics - they just look and feel so lovely.  There are also a limited number of 5" charm packs available.

Knitting scarves was on the agenda today at work. Yes, I'm meant to be a patchwork store but sometimes it's hard not to incorporate a few extra creative bits and pieces like scarf yarn. With no electricity for most of the day due to works outside what was one to do? I couldn't even make a cup of coffee - should have planned ahead and got a thermos (hmmm would have been nice with a muffin).  Dusting, cleaning, painting, cutting fabric, sewing by candlelight.  None of those choices appealed so it was knitting scarves that won out. These scarves are so quick and easy, they take only a couple of hours to knit and look great. A scarf for under $10 - a bargain, and so many colours to choose from, get in early before winter.

I've been working on my shop newsletter and finalising the class list.  It's almost all sorted and my poor brain is tired.

Time for a cup of tea and bed. 

Happy Stitching

Carolyn

Back to sewing and stitching

So, what has been happening at Veronica Violet Stitcheries.  It's been a while since I've done any "what's new" updates.  Some of these pieces are from before Christmas, so if you're a regular visitor to my store then you may have  seen them already.

"New Beginnings" by Melly and Me.  Available as a kit -  includes pre-printed linen, paper pattern and cosmo threads.  Just perfect for a new grandson.  Think I'll add Tyler's name and birth details to this along the bottom.

"Sew, Laugh, Love" by Leanne Beasley of Leanne's House.  Kit includes pre-printed linen and cosmo threads. The fabrics for the borders are also available.  I get lots of stitching done at night after tea - I have a tendancy to fall asleep if I sit still and do nothing. 

"Friendship Tree" by Natalie Bird of The Bird House.  Kit includes pre-printed calico, paper pattern  and wooden buttons.  This little stitchery is so cute and is a perfect fit for the frame I found at a second hand shop.

"In the Shade of the Button Tree"  by Rosalie Quinlan.  Kit includes pre-printed linen and cosmo threads. Stitched for my shop by Shelley, add some buttons and a couple of borders and it looks amazing. Border fabrics are available at the shop.

Something completely different to my normal style of quilts, but I just love it.. This quilt designed by Stephanie Brandenburg was so quick and easy to put together.  I can't wait to have it hanging in my house. There are limited kits available which include the pattern and all the fabric for the top and binding for $110.

A throw quilt for Tyler.  I love using Chenille in baby quilts.  Maybe that's a throw back to my 1970's childhood.  It looks good, feels great and washes well. 

"Baby Chenille" made by me with some of my favourite fresh and bright fabrics using the chenille cutter.  I just love the look and feel of  this little baby Quilt.  The more you wash it, the better it gets.  I'm working on a blue one now.  One can never have too many quilts, even if you're only 2 weeks old! Kits are available in the pink colour and in blue.

Why not cover a canvas as a quick and easy wall hanging in your sewing room or as a gift for a friend.  Available at $22 metre.  A fat 1/4 for $5.50 is all you'll need for a canvas.

Hopefully I've provided some inspiration for some stitching/sewing.

Happy Stitching,

Carolyn