class list and Kaffe lecture

today the latest class listing was emailed out to those of you on our list, and an invitation to purchase tickets for the Kaffe Fassett lecture on March 2nd, 2011.

I enjoyed such a lecture by Kaffe two visits to Perth ago, and became an even greater devotee as a result.   Kaffe's books are an inspiration, but he has a wonderful presence when speaking, and I found myself so much more engaged by listening to his descriptions of the elements that trigger his imagination and ever changing works, and enjoying the musings of such a creative man.  All of this accompanied by a spectacular slide show, and Brandon will be along side for some light entertainment.  Of course the lecture content changes for each tour presentation.  Bliss.

To access our class list follow this link.

To purchase a ticket follow through to here.

And how about this:

Lauren Price is staff member Suzie's 18 year old daughter.  Lauren has come up with this and a couple of variations to use on our promotional material for the upcoming tour.  I am so delighted with her work, just a little direction on my part and off she flew.  My thoughts are that this young lady is a very bright star. My favourite colouring of this image is that which we chose for the front of the lecture tickets.  When you receive your ticket you will see what I mean.

and the beat goes on...

home again from a lovely time in Paris.  Lynn and I gently explored and ate our way through the various byways of the city.  The perfect millefeuille was one of our desires, and boy when they are good, they are soooo good. Over the next few months products sourced at the trade shows will be introduced into the shop and samples inspired by our travels will emerge.

Over our time away we managed to keep our hands busy - in Lynn's case a knitted pair of socks were achieved for hubby, and in my case the joining of many, many tiny Liberty hexagons...

I am finding the glue then stitch together method is working very well.  We have a Sewline glue stick available in the shop along with many different sized hexagon cut papers if you would like to have a go also.  Not quite sure where this is going in terms of a finished project, but sure am liking the process.  Any ideas gratefully accepted.

Just finishing with these gems...

found on the doors of two adjoining little shops on the Ile de St Louis (with Berthillon icecream in hand).  I present the first image hot having much clue as to the content.  Maybe a translation is in order.  I do hope it is as enchanting as the image.

hip hip hooray

hip hip hooray.. Rowan yarns are back with refreshed lower pricing, and their renowned masterful colour palette.

We are adding to our colour range in the Pure Wool DK, Kidsilk Haze and have now stocks of Felted Tweed Aran and a new addition to the Rowan range named Lima, which is 84% baby alpaca, 8% merino and 8% nylon and aran weight.  Soft, soft, soft.

The latest Rowan magazine is very special and at the great price of $35.00.

and this is the picture of the year as I see it.

isn't she beautiful?

hip, hip, hooray to Leah and Emily as they welcome a new member to their family, young Lexie.  She has been visiting this week and has us all besotted.

and of course the obligatory puppy nappy bag...

but no mishaps inside thankfully.  Barbara is deep in concentration in the background...sock knitting.

hip, hip, hooray... off to Paris tomorrow

We haven't been able to wipe the smirk off Lynnie's face for weeks now. 

Well that's it for a bit until we come back from Paris and our quest to find many, many new goodies to tempt you with.

The shop is open as usual in the capable hands of Anthea, Jane, Kim and Suzie.

au revoir mes amis

Building blocks

I have spent the weekend building up packs of Liberty 6 inch squares.  This is one of those jobs that I tend to put off, but once I get going I thoroughly enjoy the process.

From cutting to colour arrangement and on to the final packaging it is a slow job, but totally rewarding, as the finished packs look a treat.

Our dining table was completely covered in all things calico & ivy, so meals have been in the lounge on laps.

On finishing I had a little creative itch to scratch, hence this...

temporarily sticky taped to our lounge room wall.

I really do have a fancy for playing with Liberty wrapped wire, and these will accompany me to Sydney on my next visit in a few weeks, as I have a little secret.

All will be revealed soon.
I do hope you had a joyful weekend.

Lucy in the sky...

with diamonds.

Our classroom has been sparkling brightly and warmly over the past two weeks with stunning diamond quilt creations.  Sue Hanson joined our teaching crew and was overwhelmed with participants wishing to have a try at a diamond quilt.  We were overwhelmed with the results.

Two of our girls have been back in to show us their progress, Nimet being first, as she was keen to finish the top before heading back to Thailand for a little while.
This was the beginning of Nimet's adventure...

and the finished quilt top...

Kerry was in our second class and came in to show us her progress, from this...

to this...

not quite finished but the story is unfolding.

Anna joined me in the shop on Friday and kept snapping, so enjoy...

Sue guided these girls through the fabric selection process and onwards teaching a very clever piecing technique.

Thank you Sue, we look forward to your next class installment when you are in Perth again, and thank you Nimet and Kerry for thrilling us with your creations.

I will showcase more of these amazing quilts as they revisit us in store.

A visit from Mr Rainman

It has been raining.  That lovely soaking gentle type of rain that filters into the ground and replenishes all.

It is about this time each year that the early risers in our garden emerge from winter hibernation, and embrace a new season.  I took a walk in the rain and captured these...

and then found what I was looking for...

a new season is just around the corner.

Inside too I have a petite installation...

This dress was made by my mum, Clasina, some fifty years ago with hand stitched silk sent over from Europe.

One of my treasures, and one of the few pieces of her handwork we still have.  I am so grateful that Mum shared her skills with me when I was young.

A lamp base from the shop came home and  I had this lampshade made...

 If you live in Perth, have fun in the rain while it lasts.  I am.

On top of the world

We have had a busy, exciting and bountiful few weeks in the shop and now it is time I included you in the fun.

Pat Goodchild has allowed us to hang yet another inspirational creation...

our long awaited shipment of Alchemy Haiku (40% silk, 60% mohair) has arrived...

This yarn has to be felt to be believed, and definitely is enhanced with the exclusion of the plastic bags.

Just thought I would show you a few favourite gift lines we are selling at the moment...

We have been doing a spot of re-decorating...

and have I kept you in suspense long enough...

Yes, the new Liberty of London tana lawn seasonal collection has arrived, is on the shelves and also has been put onto the website.

We all become a little excitable, even somewhat overwhelmed with the possibilities.  This collection lends itself to to many dressmaking projects, and with Lynnie and I off to Paris in a month it is perfect timing, as a few snappy new outfits might well be in order.

and a few of my favourites...

As you can imagine we truly are on top of the world...  come join us!