bountiful

this time each year book fever strikes calico and ivy... or should I say it strikes me and as such I have ordered bountiful quantities of books for your selection.

this piccy shows some of the yarn selections...

some personal favourites...

and I always order books that take me to my favourite overseas destination.

there are many more titles in store...I hope you see one or two that appeal to you, but be quick as they move quickly to their new homes

just a note that our easter trading hours reflect that we will close for the entire break from good friday through to monday.  

we will be back on deck on tuesday with our latest class list having been posted on the website during the break.

voila

I was anticipating the arrival of Anna Maria Horner's little folks voiles in all types of strange ways.  

While I had the opportunity to touch and feel in Houston, and see Anna Maria's applications, I wasn't sure how it would stitch, and felt if I didn't love it, I would have troubles selling it... but I just had to have it in the shop.

Last week our order arrived and I was straight into cutting and stitching... as I had to experience the fabric.

All hesitation was thrown aside as I began stitching, as I found it to be a wonderful medium, and freeing beyond belief.  

Just by feeling the softness I knew to attach the walking foot immediately, and off I went...

Despite a march madness head (sinus headaches) I couldn't stop.  Once I strip pieced the top I hurriedly sandwiched the layers and set to with the perle thread and hand quilted frenetically.  It was so addictive, the needle slid through the layers, and the fabric was almost playing with me the whole time.

My thought to keep it simple worked as no frustration was met at any stage, and the fabrics most definitely speak for themselves.

Come on into the shop and have a feel... I suspect you will be tempted to play with the fabric also.

Next week I will kit up this quilt for the shop... it is achievable, and effective.

what's new?

new Sophie Digard stock is what's new, and we think this collection is the nicest yet.

the scarfs are all linen this time around...

as are the toys, necklaces and brooches

visit our website here and have a little look...

all sophie digard goodies are in store now.

Sydney Town

Anthea and I have just returned from a spell in Sydney.  While our major objective was to buy goodies for 'calico' at the gift trade fairs we preferred when we played hooky and explored the inner city.

Our first discovery was Cerrone in Martin Place.  The visual presented in the shop windows drew us over like a magnet.

 

Hand stitched embellishment on mannequins - so simple, yet so artfully executed.

We were captivated.

Another favourite destination was Surry Hills.

Firstly we stumbled upon the Bourke Street Bakery 

and without daring to go in and being tempted, moved onto my favourite Sydney haunt ici et la.

 

  

I was tempted here by a lovely old iron clothes rack which is trucking it's way to the shop as I write.

onward we wandered down Nickson Street and found these treasures

  

Next on to David met Nicole, a small bite to eat, and back to our accommodation.