New Projects, New Fabrics for 2012
Last Chance For Overlocker Class
Many of our customers have trouble with the demon overlocker. It's not as fierce as it seems and Lyn is running a workshop this weekend to help you master the beast. There are a couple of places left if you too want to make friends with your overlocker. Contact us and we'll provide the stool and whip to get it under control!
Alison's Quilt
We are always delighted to see our customers return to show us their finished products after one of our workshops. Congratulations to Alison who brought in her gorgeous paper pieced quilt. This quilt resulted from one of Samantha's workshops at Addicted To Fabric in 2011. Doesn't it look fantastic and well worth the effort?
Next Generation Dressmakers
Proud Lyn admires the work of some of her fine young students who participated in our Teen Sewing Class over the past week. The girls thoroughly enjoyed their first formal sewing experience and are eager to go on and create their whole new wardrobe.
Additional Sue Cody Class
Come and join us and be part of the new and exciting Sue Cody applique class. We have been inundated with new students wanting to join this creative and on-going program. Our problem has been that the current students keep coming back for more and we have not been able to accommodate new participants. We have been lucky to secure an additional day with Sue beginning on Monday 5th of March. The program continues on Mon 26th March, Mon 30th April and Mon 28th May.
The quilt shown here is just one example of the quilt designs that Sue is offering. Come into the store or contact us as soon as possible to secure the last remaining places in this exciting Monday program.
New Ranges Worth a Serious Look!
We are stocking the shelves after Christmas with some wonderful new ranges. How about the class and style of Dear Stella ( right) or the wonderful 100% organic range - Tilly (left). More details are on our New Ranges page. We recommend both ranges to you. They are wonderful; to work with - clothing, quilts, bags - all look great using these fabrics.
School Holiday Idea
If the Summer school holidays are starting to drag, we have the perfect distraction for you and your little ones. This is an easy pattern to make these cute felt finger puppets from the Three Little Pigs. The I'll Huff and I'll Puff pattern is just $13.20 and leaves plenty of scope for your children's design imagination! We can help you with the felt and "accessories" as well.
Block Of the Month for 2012
Samantha is busily finishing off her new Block Of the Month for 2012 - we suspect a New Year's resolution is coming good. We did sneek a picture while she was distracted to give you an idea of what is coming. Lots of textures and unusual fabrics including wool are going to make this one very special. Contact the store if you are interested or see our workshops page.
Quilt Donation
Our wonderful, wonderful Thursday Ladies give up every Thursday to stitch quilts for the Canberra Mothercraft Society to distribute to families and for raffling to raise funds for this worthy cause. On Thursday 15th Of December, The Thursday Group held a morning tea to hand over 39 ( yes 39....) quilts to Emma, representing Canberra Mothecraft Society. Emma described how the quilts are distributed and it is great to see the ladies' work is so well appreciated in the community. Congratulations from all of us at Addicted To Fabric. The Thursday Ladies are an inspiration to us all.
2012 Initial Workshop List Out Now
Our classes fill fast so check out our current schedule and contact us if you are interested in securing a place on one of these rewarding workshops.
Show and Tell Reunion Night
For everyone who has participated in a workshop with us during 2011, we invite you to join us at our reunion/show & tell night on Friday 9th December at 6pm.
The evening will be relaxed and informal with refreshments provided. Bring along all your finished ( or Works In Progress) projects from the past year to share.
The evening will also see the launch of the new Prints Charming collection along with a few exciting projects in planning for 2012.
We look forward to seeing you all.
Our Three Day Clearance Sale Ends 4 December 2011
Don't miss our clearance sale for some top quality bargains. We are open from 7am to 7pm on Friday 2 December and offer 25% off all patchwork and dress fabrics. We also have a special table with selected patchwork fabrics from top name designers for $10 per metre. the sale continues on Saturday 3rd December and Sunday 4th December when the savings are 20% on all dress and patchwork fabric. join us for a bargain. Personal shoppers only. And, remember - three days only.....
VIP Visits to Canberra
When we flew back into Canberra, our very small Qantas plane taxied along past President Obama's giant Air Force One. And there we were thinking the fighter escort overhead was protecting our fabric haul from Houston! Earlier, while we were away, Queen Elizabeth II was in Canberra and Irma had the unusual opportunity to sell some of our gorgeous Joel Dewberry laminate fabric to Government House for the Queen's Garden Parties. Does that mean we are " by Royal Appointment" like Harrods? Alas, we suspect not.
During the Obama visit, it is amazing who you might have spotted in the store browsing for fabric for Michelle's next dress.
Nicole's Classes
We had to fly off to Houston, Texas for the Fall Quilt Market and to Italy to look at the latest in fabrics, and so missed Nicole Mallalieu's bag classes. Everyone had a great time and even sewing beginners came away with professional and unique bags and purses. here are some of the photos from the days. Nicole will be back next year but the next classes booked out on the day so we can only put you on the waiting list if you are interested.
We will update you on some of the wonderful products we bought while in the USA as soon as we have recovered. We were delighted with our discoveries.
You Sew Girl!!
Nicole Mallalieu is coming --- Forget HRH - when it comes to handbags, NICOLE IS THE QUEEN! Our stocks are overflowing with lots of her bag and accessories patterns. You will need to be quick as we have fully booked all four workshops for classes over a three day weekend at the shop. These patterns will be snapped up quickly by all the students.
Nicole's patterns have very detailed and easy to follow instructions. Once you get the bug, you will be making all your Christmas presents this year. Imagine not having to visit a shopping centre!
These patterns, teamed with our fantastic ranges of quality designer fabrics, offer lots of opportunities for unique and distinctive gifts. You go girl!!
Ink and Spindle Allsorts Quilt Kits
Now at A2F, choose from three different colourways in these stylish quilt kits. Easy to follow instructions and beautifully presented kits that are suitable for almost any skill level. Limited stocks only.
Final Beginners Patchwork Class for 2011
Our final beginners Class for 2011 starts on 18th October. If you are interested, we still have a few places left on both the morning and evening sessions. This class, guided by ever popular Wendy Saclier, is the perfect way to get you started in this gentle craft. These are some of the quilts from the course that has just finished.
Over 8 weeks, Wendy will teach the basics for strip piecing, applique, hand piecing and foundation techniques. You will be able to complete the quilt during the program and enjoy the company of other like minded classmates. Our Beginners Class has led to many lasting friendships and the development of many wonderful quilters. So, don't hesitate or it will be too late in 2011. Come and join us.
New members of the Sisterhood
We have just had a visit from one of our younger Beginners Course students, Emily, to share her finished beginners quilt. It was wonderful to see her dedication and delightful finished quilt. Emily was joined by her equally talented sister, Rachel, who has also just finished her quilt project - using one of our kits. Well done girls and thank-you for sharing your quilts with us. We are proud of your efforts.
Another Weekend with Sue Cody
The wonderful Sue Cody graced us with her presence again this past weekend.
The students are producing some stunning quilts with Sue's guidance, each quilt different and reflecting each student's personality and interests. One of the students, Lynne, has already finished her quilt ( see right) and we think it looks delightful - a family heirloom to come.
Sue will be back again in another five weeks to continue these classes. If you are interested in participating in a future workshop with Sue, you are most welcome to pop into the store over the weekend of 28, 29 and 30 October to see Sue's stunning quilts and to see the current students at work on their own quilts.
Liberty of London Fabrics
Did you know we are Canberra's stockists for Liberty fabrics? We currently have a large selection and the latest colours and styles have only just arrived in the shop.
We also have packs available with a selection of Liberty cuts that the quiltmakers have been scooping up.
New Dress Ranges for Summer
We have selected some wonderful designer prints in rayons and voiles for the warmer weather. They are guaranteed to brighten things up for those summer occasions to come. We have selected from some of our favourite American designers - Anna Maria Horner, Amy Butler, Tula Pink and Joel Dewberry. So check out our fabrics page and and come into the store to have a look and feel of these fabrics and many more.
Don't Look Now!
This past weekend, another group of enthusiastic students gathered to absorb and enjoy all the expertise of Kellie Wulfsohn has to impart on machine applique and quilting the "Don't Look Now" way.
Next year A2F will be one of only three shops in Australia Kellie will be teaching for. You will need to book early if you wish to take advantage of Kellie's wonderful expert tuition. her workshops always fully booked out.
2012 Workshops with Sue Cody
Yes that is 2012! Workshops with Sue have been so popular this year we have had to add an additional date to accommodate our waiting list. Don't miss out next year. If you want to be part of these exciting stitching classes, you will need to book now! Friday workshops in 2012 are already BOOKED OUT. There are some vacancies remaining for the Saturday and Sunday.
You will receive one on one attention from Sue. You will be able to put your own individual style into Sue's original designs.
Learn exquisite paper piecing and fussy cut applique the Sue Cody way - perfectly!!!
New Spring Fabrics
Don't miss the new fabrics for spring that we are putting up on our New Ranges page. There are some wonderful; prints and designs such as Matchmaker, a collection of both pure cottons and voiles. These bold designs are ideal for both home furnishing and dressmaking. Check them out.
Classy new Silks for Spring
Be the smartest dresser in town in these delicious new digital print silks in the most glorious prints and colour combinations. These colours will be sure to blow the last of the winter blues away. Be quick! These fabrics are a limited edition run.
Nicole Mallalieu Bag Workshop
Nicole, from You Sew Girl will be in store in October teaching us how to make stylish bags. Our scheduled workshops sold out in the first few days, so we have talked Nicole into two more sessions.
On Thursday 20 October, we will be conducting the Purse Frame Workshop. Get tips on how to make a really great finish to your purses. Then on Friday 21 October, Nicole will run her Sharper Edge Techniques to give your bags a truly professional finish.
Cost is $85 for each workshop . Make sure you book in quickly so you do not miss out.
Nicole will host a trunk-show on the Friday evening if you would like to see her range of bags and learn about her techniques. Bookings are essential $10
Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Sweden
It's arrived!! When Kaffe and Brandon were at the shop in February, they were excited about Kaffe's new book " Quilts in Sweden" and they gave us a sneak peek at the proofs of the quilts in the book. The new book will be released at Houston in October, but we have managed to secure a few precious advanced copies. 20 quilts from Kaffe Fassett and his chosen designers. Each quilt is accompanied by a full reference shot with detailed written instructions, coloured piecing diagrams, templates, together with a tips and techniques section covering all the piecing methods used. This is destined to be a classic and the photographs of the quilts in Swedish settings are just beautiful.
Oriental Sea Urchins
Kerry has stitched this stunning designer cushion to showcase one of our exclusive new Yoshiko Jinznji fabrics and to demonstrate the ease of using a yo yo maker. Touches of wool have been inserted into the larger "sea urchins" to give added texture.
The cushion was inspired by a similar one in a Stitch publication.
New Ranges from Two of Our Favourite Designers
We talked to Anna Maria Horner and Valorie Wells at the recent market in Salt Lake City and previewed their latest designs ( which we ordered on the spot). We just love both ranges. Both have now come into the store and we know you will find a new favourite ( or three) amongst these two lush ranges. Check the new ranges page for more details.
Deb Louie in Store for a Weekend Workshop
We had another inspiring workshop on free machine quilting over the weekend.
Bag Patterns and Japanese Fabrics - A Great Combination
You too can create this fab new bag by adding your own individual touches. We have patterns in store and you can select your fabrics from our range of hand printed and Echino Japanese fabrics for a stunning and unique result.
Yummy new Ribbons
The exquisite ribbons we ordered at market in Salt Lake City have now arrived in store. They are so unique they required a whole new stand of their own. Just beautiful. As we were unloading them, customers were buying them so please come and have a look.
Limited Edition
Be quick to snap up one of these limited edition Prints Charming fabric packs before they sell out. Each pack is filled with individual hand screen printed fabric for you to craft your own special project - a cushion or bag, or enhance a skirt, shirt, jacket or quilt. Be quick - quantities are limited.
English Paper Piecing Factory in Full Production
Samantha's English Paper Piecing group met over the weekend and it is wonderful to see so many combinations of colour and texture amongst the group. The quilts are all starting to come together and looking spectacular.
Back from Spring Market
Those who follow our Facebook page will have seen that we have been in Salt Lake City for the Spring Quilt Market - an opportunity to see what's new and order the best for our shop. More to follow once the jet lag wears off. In the meantime, we have received brand new plains, spots and stripes from A Day in the Country. These are in a range of sophisticated colours and unusual tones and we commend them to you to give your project a touch of class and colour for the first day of winter. See the new ranges page or drop into the store.
Thursday Group Handover Quilts
Our Thursday Friendship Group held a lovely morning tea this week for the handover of 40 quilts to Emma from the Canberra Mothercraft Society. The quilts were made by this wonderful group of caring ladies who meet each week and lovingly dedicate their quiltmaking time to this worthy group.
The Canberra Mothercraft Society is a non Government funded organization and is linked to the QE2 Family Centre. Terry McGlinchy who represents Moda Fabrics, along with many other patchwork companies supply the ladies with lots of fabrics to make these quilts possible. Well done to all involved with this special project.
Exceptional new patchwork fabric in store
Don't miss the Keiko Goke and Nature Walk ranges that we have put on the floor in recent days. The Nature Walk is 100% organic cotton with colours and designs drawn from nature. The Keiko Goke range is a rich and clever blend of designs from this gifted quilter. See the New Ranges page for details.
School Holiday Sewing
We had a few new sewers in store during the school holidays and it is great to see them taking up the sewing needle. Samantha's niece "Keely" called in to share her new knitting and felt stitching. Keely collected some of our lovely new buttons to sparkle up her next school holiday project. Great work Keely and we look forward to more new sewers next holidays.
New Liberty Dress Fabrics
We have just unpacked a new range of Liberty dress fabrics and put them out in the shop. They are proving an eye catcher with our customers, and our stocks are diminishing fast. Do come in and see the quality and depth of colour and pattern associated with the name Liberty.
Images in Applique with Jenny Bowker
Great weekend with Jenny Bowker teaching her Images in Appliqué technique. Participants started with their own photograph and there was no stopping them. As you can see the quilts are very much works in progress, but with the technique well established they will be completed masterpieces in no time.
Jenny will be teaching her Portraits workshop later this year in store (date to be confirmed) and we already have a waiting list for this popular tutor
Stitched Linen and Fancy Ribbons
All class! This collection of beautiful new linen ribbons stitched in contrasting thread are a must for those looking for that natural earthy look to their finished project.
Also new in store is a selection of velvet ribbons as well as some new stripes, fancy prints and spots. These ribbons give an individual look to your project or finished garment.
Sue Cody Workshop
Lesson 2 of Sue Cody's workshop saw some stunning results and we would like to share some with you. Margaret's quilt will take your breath away.
Helen's hexagons ( left) are amazing. Her use of fabric and colour choices are exceptional. Even Sue's skirt ( right) was worthy of photography.
J
enny is well on the way to producing a quilt steeped in old world charm ( left), while we cannot wait to see the next installment of Athlene's centrepiece (right).
Thursday Friendship Group Presentation
The Canberra Mothercraft Society presented the Thursday Friendship Group with a cheque for $500 to help with the purchase of wadding and thread for their charity quilting projects. Pictured with the group is Terry McGlinchey, representing Moda Fabrics, just one of the many companies who generously donate fabrics to this group of dedicated ladies.
The group was recently nominated for an International Womens Day award for their committed charity work. We are very proud of all of them.
Workshops List Updated
We have just updated our workshop list for the next few months. It includes a new dressmaking series of classes starting in May, as well as Beginners and Advanced Patchwork classes. Click here for details.
Kellie Wulfsohn Workshop
We have just had a fabulous weekend with Kellie from Don't Look Now with all the workshop participants producing fabulous work and enjoying the experience. Kellie will be returning to the store in September. Book as soon as you can as her workshops sell out quickly.
Kaffe Day 2
Day 2 with Kaffe and Brandon saw more risk taking, more experimentation and more wonderful and colourful quilts. Here are some photos. On the left, Jo and Kaffe discuss the next fabric selection. On the right, Brianna travelled from Melbourne and was more than willing to take Brandon's help and advice.
On the left in these photos, Beryl and Margrit discuss fabric choices, while on the right, "Our Lyn" almost completed her rich and colourful quilt on the day.
Our last photo is the dynamic team at the end of the day - tired, but well satisfied with a wonderful couple of days.
Kaffe Fassett in Town
Kaffe and Brandon Mably arrived in Canberra on Monday for workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday. We have been booked out for months with long waiting lists. Kaffe did an interview with Geneveive Jacobs on the ABC on Monday and this led to many extra requests to join the workshops (Listen to the interview here). We could have filled a convention centre, but we prefer to hold our workshops in our store surrounded by fabric.
The first workshop today has been a great success with Kaffe and Brandon inspiring the class to produce some wonderful and bold designs. We could fill pages with photographs from the day but here are just a few.
Kaffe finished the day with a book signing for the class and he and Brandon gave them a sneak preview of some of the quilts from their forthcoming book. What a great day!!!
2010 Prints Charming BOM Reunion
We were delighted to welcome back the girls who all worked so creatively on our Prints Charming BOM. It was amazing to see the variety of stitching the patterns inspired in the group. On the left is Kerry's completed quilt and above two of the same blocks side by side - Irma was bent on birds while Samantha was in a reflective mood with her block. On the right are more completed blocks - Suzie wowed us 
with beads, Karen was creative with her stitching, Shirley's sweet stitching combined with screenprinting and Bianca demonstrated her beautiful stitching.
We will be starting the 2011 BOM soon so contact us if you would like to join this year's group for some great fun and satisfaction.
Flowers For Paradise - Student Quilts
It hasn't taken long for some of our students to finish their Sue Cody quilts from the January class. On the left is Narelle's quilt. Traditionally a hand quilter, this one of Narelle's first forays into the world of machine quilting with her new PFAFF Expression 4. What a wonderful job she has done. Joc and Donna have also been quick out of the blocks and are well under way with their quilts. Their blocks are on the right. There are a limited number of places for Sue Cody's next course so contact us if you are interested.
Trims Galore!
Our wonderful wall of trims has been topped up and is bursting at the seams ready for all your embellishment needs. We have sourced exotic trims from new suppliers as well as a comprehensive colour range of plains and they are well worth a look when you come in to the shop. They add something special to finish off your projects.
It's On Again - Flowers For Paradise
Following the overwhelming success of our January classes, Sue Cody has agreed to conduct another class for us on Sunday 27th March. Be quick as the last two classes filled quickly. The class covers the brilliant concept of quilt-as-you-go, along with clever, easy to follw applique.
New ranges for the New Year
Over Christmas we have been busy unpacking and displaying some wonderful new ranges for you to choose from. Come and look at, amongst others, the new Liberty lawn prints and Sarah Fielke's patchwork range From Little Things. For a preview, have a look at our new ranges page.
Friendship and Special Interest Groups in 2011
All our groups are wrapping up their activities for 2010. One of the last is the Woolly Stitchers ( pictured) who had their final session for the year last weekend. These groups are wonderfully rewarding and cover all skill levels and a wide range of special interests. If you would be interested in joining one of the groups ( vacancies permitting), please talk to the staff at the shop. 2011 and a new program are just around the corner, so do come and see us.
Workshops for 2011
Our first edition of our workshop program, covering early 2011, has been added to our workshops/classes page. We will update later workshops as soon as we can. Classes that have been booked out and have a long waiting list have not been included including Kaffe Fassett's workshops in February.