Monday, October 9, 2006

Patchwork Goodies

On Saturday my sister, my mum and I went on a bus trip, which we do every year in October. It is with my sister's patchwork group, The Willow Quilting Group, and they visit 5 different shops. First up we went to Sandlyn House in Mooroolbark which is across from the train station. I bought this very cute book called Totes with Zippers. They had some samples in the shop and I loved the small bag with the red and green fabric. Around the corner, straight across from the train station was a Wool and Threads shop. I did not expect much, but when I went inside they had lots of different needles and yarn. I bought this new book, Knit Issue 2 by Jo Sharp. I did not even know that it had been released. This was one of my favourite buys, as it has washcloths, bathrobe, towel, jumpers and cardigans, a lot of patterns which I really do like.




After that stop we went to Catharina's Country Collection which was in Wandin North. It was a small little shop, but with lots of beautiful fabrics and lovely soaps. They also had knitting patterns and yarn too. I bought a quilt kit with chenille fabric in it. I love chenille fabric, and I have been building up quite a bit of it in my stash. After that, we ventured to The Patchwork Teahouse which is in Warburton. It was quite beautiful, and is a little restaurant in amongst tables of fabric and patterns, and beautiful samples everywhere. I could have spent a lot of money in this shop but I restrained myself. I only bought some green fabric and green ric rac. The teahouse actually sits beside the Yarra River in amongst the rainforest. I could have easily have spent all day at that place.

We stopped here for our lunch as well and my sister and I ate our lunch by the river. It was very nice and sunny. We then hopped back onto the bus and ventured onto Monbulk, where there was another shop. I cannot for the life of my remember the name of her shop, but the pattern I wanted to buy is not available until next month in Country Threads, so I will have to wait until then to purchase it. Last but not least we went to Tecoma Patchwork Shop which is actually Belgrave and across from the Primary School. They had beautiful fabrics and patterns, but with 39 people in there it was very crowded. I bought a little bag
pattern with a fairy on it. I like this bag very much, and I bought the sandcastle fabric for it too, so that is going to be made very soon. I also bought a Words for Wisdom stitchery which I plan on making into a cushion soon. After such a long day I was glad to get home. Travelling on a bus seems to tire you out. The next fabric trip will be made on Cup Day in November, when my sister and I plan to travel to the patchwork shop in Williamstown. It is going to be open from 10:00 to 5:00p.m. and they have lovely patterns including some Amy Butler bags too, and gorgeous fabrics as well. I must go and organise my little purchases into some sort of order and finish up my knitting. The Bo Peep cardigan is driving me nuts as it is not quite going to plan, but more about that later!

5 comments:

Noey D. said...

Sounds like fun! Looks like you got some good books. I like the Jo Sharp book.....haven't found it around here yet.

Gillian said...

Now that was a great day out. How will you decide what to do first?
Cheers Gillian

Unknown said...

Sounds a bit like the craft shop crawls I do with my sister or friends. I am going to try some patchwork lessons soon as it is a skill I would like to learn. I was also interested in using some stash for bags, so I like that book you bought

Rhonda said...

Sounds like you had a great day, and some great buys. I'll have to look for something like that around here.

Corrie said...

wow you are a very crafty lady! I'm going to have a look for knit 2, I loved the first book!