Another excursion

All week, DH has been asking me when I feel up to going out to visit two quilt shops near Sydney. Over hill, down dale, over the Sydney Harbour bridge and far away we went. Last year we did a bridge climb to the top, the view is great from up there. First, before the bridge we visited Quiltsmith. It's my new favourite shop. So many fabrics, from reproduction to Kaffe's and other designers, they have a lot, it's a big store.

Do you have a system when you go into a quilt shop? I do, I look at fabrics, look at the books, look at the fabrics, go to the notions, look at the fabrics. Buy stuff. It takes ages you know.

I just have to tell you about this new Clover thimble. Check it out! Very soft flexible rubber sheath with the metal top. It doesn't slip off! I no longer have to huff and puff into the thimble to make it stick to my finger. It doesn't fly off, it's comfortable, light and it comes in three sizes. I really wanted the shocking pink one to fit but I had to go to large since I have a big knuckle.
Next stop was Cottage Quiltworks. It was their opening day after relocation. More gorgeous fabrics, wonderful light with the floor to ceiling windows and next door, they have a very large classroom. There were a lot of fabulous fabrics and the staff there are very welcoming and friendly. It was a lovely visit and even better they have a 30% off sale until the end of the month. Go visit if you're in the area.

I spent a good part of yesterday washing and ironing this lot, now I'm well enough to go spend time in the sewing room playing with it.

I went through a brief debate with myself about not washing fabric anymore because of the time and effort. We have dye catchers and other products to prevent bleeding that work very well. I soon realised that for applique, when using freezer paper templates, the sizing on the fabric prevents it from sticking on for long, now it's back to washing.