March 2013

Dear Friends

Time for a newsletter to keep you up with all the news.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Annual Fabric Frolic in January. What an amazing number of participants, all having a great time zooming around the 7 shops (some even got around them all in one day) grandma, mothers, children, husbands, individuals, groups and even a few grandads.

Congratulations to the lucky winners of shop prizes and Grand Prize Draws. Your dedication to supporting the "bricks & mortar" shops was very much appreciated. It was very encouraging to hear many comments about how much you like to "see, feel & soak up the fun of the Frolic", and for some, having it on-line was helpful when time was short.

 We have registered for WORLDWIDE QUILTING DAY for this SATURDAY 16 March. It is a day for friends of The Patchwork Tea House to celebrate their love of patchwork.

1. You can book a table and bring your stitching and handwork to do - you can come with friends or come on your own and we will make sure you have someone to sit with and enjoy the day. We just need to know you are coming so ring through your booking and we will make sure you have a good day. We will also give you 10% off any purchases on the day and you will receive a free fat quarter from our basket as well as have the chance to win some prizes. You can come all day or at a specific time - just let us know by phoning us on 0359662400

2. So that our friends who are further away so not miss out, if you place an order on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th or Sunday 17th March on our webstore you will receive a free fat quarter with your order and have the chance to win a $100 pack of fabric.

New Quilts Coming or Already Here

"A Little Bit Country" by Libby Richardson of Artsmart Craft Cottage

See Picture in adjacent column. Keep your eye on our website because in the next 2 weeks I should have the pricing completed. Because the original fabrics have mostly been deleted, we have been working on a beautiful combination of Lecien, Yuwa and European Taupe fabrics. These are top quality fabrics that will superbly compliment the work that you will put into the detailed blocks of this new quilt. These fabrics will not arrive in Australia until May-June so this quilt will start in July/August but it is worth waiting for!

"Natures Gifts" by Leanne Knell of Petals and Patches

 A delight of stitcheries combined with European Stof fabrics that compliment the appliques and quilt design. Click on picture to link through to pricing.

 "Christmas Memories" by Michelle Ridgway of Rag-tag Stitching

I first saw Michelle's work when she visited the shop last year and was stitching the reindeer block.Michelle's style is for stitchery lovers and enhanced by simple piecing that makes the stitchery rows the feature. It will delight those who make it and those who see it. Click on image for pricing.

"Annie's Animals" and "Josh's Jungle" by Liz Stanway of Teddlywinks

One for the girls and one for the boys! Click the image for link to pricing.

The next big event for us will be the AQC from Thursday 18th April to Sunday 21st April at The Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne. We are really excited because we will have Lynette Anderson from Lynette Anderson Designs, Libby Richardson from Art Smart Craft Cottage, Liz Stanway from Teddlywinks, Annemarie Campbell from Eberius Designs and myself there to help you enjoy your visit.

Lynette and Libby will be doing Make & Take Sessions so keep your eye out on our website and Facebook page leading up to the AQC to see their projects. All designers will be releasing new quilts/projects on our stand and we will have some samples from Lena Green, Melissa Grant, Lisa Cantlay, Gail Pan as well to tempt you.

Whilst on a Break in QLD, Gary and I visited Lynette Anderson on the Sunshine Coast. We will be showcasing Lynette's 2 new ranges at the AQC as well as her new book. Although they won't be available until May/June you will be able to preorder and receive the 1st delivery. Lynette's Christmas range is called Candy Cane Angels and has gorgeous picture fabrics and co-ordinates that can be used all year round. When you see Wildflower Wood you will fall in love with the colours, patterns and all the samples Lynette will bring using these ranges & we will do kits and BOMs to order.

Libby Richardson will release "A Little Bit Country" on our stand and orders will be taken for KITs, BOMs and pattterns. You can also NOW preorder this quilt on the webstore.We will have samples of our fabrics to show you and I am very excited as we will be using absolutely scrumptious fabrics in this quilt. Many of the fabrics that Libby has used in the original quilt are no longer available as Lecien has not produced many of the "dusty antique" fabrics for some time. I think you will be pleased with our choices but because of fabric delivery dates we will not be stating this quilt until late June/early July. Pricing is now listed under "preorders for A little bit Country". The finished blocks ....

 Today Liz Stanway showed me the drawings for her new quilt, that will be released on our stand at the AQC. It is so cute and "back to bears". Liz has such a talent for cute, happy rolypoly teddies that win your heart. Her combination of applique and stitchery is a feature of her work. Come to the AQC to meet Liz and order early to order KITs and BOMs.

Every year at AQC Annemarie Campbell from Eberius Designs does a mamoth job, helping me in every way possible. Many are now aware of Annemarie's own designs but last year she designed a marvellous pattern that can be adapted for most panels to make exciting and interesting quilts. also this year she as designed Jelly Fun, a combination pattern of two quilts using a jelly roll and able to be made larger simply by using 2 jelly rolls or more. Also see these on our stand.

In the next newslettter I will profile some other designers contributions to our stand.

Don't forget to check our "ORPHANS"  and "STASH BUSTERS". We will have fat 1/4 s for $3.50, 1/2 metres for $5 and 1 metre for $10. These will be snapped up quickly; all quality fabrics including Benartex, Free Spirit, Moda, Lakehouse etc. 

Stitchery Days and DIY Days

Looking for a fun day out with like minded friends? Then rally the troops and book either a Stitchery Day where morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be served along with your choice of  a stitchery provided and threads etc to work with OR a DIY day where you bring your own projects and order from the menu. Both are a great day out and also a fab way to celebrate special days amongst friends.

Seniors Monday's

 For our senior customers who come to enjoy food and friendship we have a special Monday Seniors Discount on food and drink. Bring your seniors card and on Mondays we will discount your food and drink by 20%

Easter Opening Times

Good Friday - Closed

Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday OPEN

Closed Tuesday

Mothers Day Bookings NOW OPEN

Bookings for our very popular Mothers Day Lunch or Afternoon Teas are now open. It's a day to treat your mum or be treated yourself to a caring, friendly day out that doesn't cost the earth. Our high tea speciality is on this day and our main menu will include favourite meals and speciality cakes as a treat.

Bookings essential 59662400

Lunch starts at 11.30 and Afternoon Tea 2.30pm

We hope to see you soon. Love Marilyn, Gary, Cindy and our great team.

This Newsletter is brought to you by The Patchwork Tea House www.thepatchworkteahouse.com