When I see something I like, I usually get it. So when I saw that Ms. Midge was partying with some Azalea Living Elements from Art Gallery, I contacted her to beg, borrow, or steal her scraps. (I was totally down with stealing, but I thought I’d give her the option). What we settled on was a fabric swap, where I sent her some Tula in exchange for this beauty. It really is a sparkle fabric!
Oh, and she had some extra Aurifil thread lying around so I rummaged through the bottom of my pocketbook and sent her two hundred and sixty, five cent coins. What a load off my back!
Thank my wonky stars I had that weight lifted, because I needed all my energies to make it through this little thing called the Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair. It was my first time here, and it did not disappoint. I was overwhelmed with the haberdashery selection, as well as the wide range of crafts being shopped. One only has to look at the below banner to understand the breadth of crafting love!
It was here I also met some of my loyal fans, Cassie and her mum, Carolyn. They tracked me down from the trail of glitter I was leaving in my wake. It is impossible to stay out of the spotlight these days! The paparazzi snapped this quick pic of us, and then I had to go meet some other fans. Equal opportunity for everyone!
Have y’all heard of Australian fabric designer, Saffron Craig? If not, you need to desperately check out her website and the organic fabric she designs. First, the quality and the feel is sublime, much like the loft of Art Gallery fabrics, perhaps a bit heavier. Secondly, Saffron’s designs are whimsical, illustrative, and graphic. It’s Heather Ross meets Parson Gray meets Jeni Baker! I also attended her workshop about her fabric design process. There were only about ten of us in the audience, so I got to ask lots of questions (even staying after everyone had left!) about the details of the fabric production, how she uses technology, and where she’s going next. This squiggle line print is a new favourite!
As I made my way through the crowds (some of those ladies with canes are vicious!) I managed to crowd surf to the shopping zones. I must say, while there was a lot of fabric, a lot of it looked the same, and there was an overabundance of Japanese kimono style fabrics. Oh, and the colour du jour was muted browns, and dusty pinks. Don’t worry though, I managed to seek out the best of the rest and rescued them from a monotone life.
I picked up some rainbow variegated thread to quilt my Bloom Bloom Pow quilt, which is nearly finished, I promise! The catch: it is a rayon thread from WonderFil. Has anyone out there used rayon thread before? The woman at the WonderFil stand advised this would give me the sheen I was after while being easier than metallic to quilt with. Thoughts?
As I kept crowd surfing, I finally stumbled across the pièce de résistance with this selection of Art Gallery Oval Elements. I consider these one of the best modern blenders out there at the moment. And these colours? Have you ever?!
But lo and behold, what did I find next? A range of Simply Color ombres. I would have bought them in the US to add to the Magic Suitcase, however, they seem to be becoming increasingly hard to come by. Would it not surprise anyone for them to reprint in new colourways? Seems like a surefire winner to me!
What is this? They match. How can this be? Oh, I think there is some divine inspiration happenin’ up in here! Let the cutting begin!
After all this fabric shopping, I did wander through the quilt show featuring over four hundred quilts on display ranging from small, small minis to extra large super kings. However, I think most of them went fabric shopping at last years Quilt Fair, as most were just a bit drab and floral for my liking. There was some amazing technique, but goodness, let’s brighten this place up! One of the fabric vendors did say to me, “So we’ll expect to see your quilt in next year’s show.” Oh honey, that goes without saying.
Linking up with Fiona at Finding Fifth for this week’s Sunday Stash-a-thon! You should do the same.
There was definitely no line for the men’s bathroom at the quilt show.
You lucky dog, no line up at the men's loo. I'm always jealous of you men when there's toileting to do! If there was a bit of bling to be found I think you snaffled it, well done! I use rayon thread for quilting all the time. I use it in both top and bobbin and I think that's the trick. It gives a lovely sheen and I've never used metallic thread but rumour has it that it can be, shall we say, a bit temperamental, perhaps diva-esque! Go with the rayon, I bet you love it!
So you've outgrown Spotlight now 😛 do you still visit craft depot? I'd love a blog post dedicated to that and any other local craft establishments so I know where to head next time we're in town!
I've used Wonderfil for quilting straight line and in the ditch, it worked really well, there is a shine to it and I reckon it would definitely be much easier than a metallic thread. I haven't tried it for FMQ but I imagine it will work well. I have used Wonderfil for piecing and applique as well as other thread (mainly Aurifil)I've found that I get a more consistent 1/4" seam using it (it takes up less room).
Love them all, lots of sparkle. My poor wallet so didn't need me to learn about Saffron Craig – I've been checking out her fabrics am feeling a very great need to add some to my stash.
I just spent two hours in my Subaru with my 2-yr-old to buy my first spools of Aurifil. It had better be good. Please report back on the rayon thread! And I can't wait to see how you will use your ombré solids and AGF Elements!
Josh I love me a fan photo and especially your belt buckle. This is one serious Sunday Stash post – too many lovelies to mention but I do like your fillers.
Beautiful fabric! I want to try some of those oval elements–nice to know they match those solids. I have used variegated rayon thread on a quilt and it worked just fine. Make a practice run first–you might need to mess with your tention. I had to lower mine on my Bernina. Good luck!! I can't wait to see the finished quilt 🙂
as usual, you have impeccable taste in fabric and your stashing post would turn any quilter green 🙂 I'm very impressed that you were able to show the gold in the fabrics so nicely in your photo
Gotta tell you, nothing tames that rayon thread once you open that wrap LOL. Use one of those tiny nets like bags oranges are sold in, if you really want to keep it under control. I have a gold one and it looks great. As with all feature threads the smaller and wider the stitch the better the finished appeal will be, but satin stitch doesn't go with everything so you can only do your best! Mum went down for a second day and I sent her to get a blue->yellow variegated thread for me too, but mine's probably poly. I'm a regular at variegated threads anonymous! Lovely to meet you ~Groupie number 1 or 2. Love your haul, so glad you were able to make it. I hope you signed up for the booklet and reminder for next year's show! The iron's on ready for my baby's princess quilt, I gotta go!
Glad you enjoyed the show & managed to pick up some sweet loot! It sure is a lot to take in the first time you go. I was so stoked when I found Saffron Craig a couple years ago and make sure to visit her stand each year to get some pretties, and she's always so lovely to talk to. Did you find Kelani? They're another favourite of mine.
I can appreciate the skill and commitment that goes in to so many of those quilts but they're not to my taste, was nice to see a few more bright & modern style quilts this year. Think I might have to have a shot at putting something in next year as well to help shake things up.
Oooooh, rayon thread is not tough at all! It will do fine enuf if you are not travel stitching, but if you are, it shreds like the dickens! Try Isacord or PolyX for travel stitch quilting. Wonderfil is like Sulky….it has some beautiful colors but isn't worth a sh*t.
You may want to try Superior Threads. I love love love them. The Rainbows can be a bit finicky, but I don't have too many issues on my longarm. They do add brillance to the batiks. Not a big fan of rayon. Don't think it is colorfast. I'd stitch some out on a sample and wash the dickens out of it.
Well shopped miss Molli, and that Tula is like gold dust, no wonder she wanted a swap :oD I like Saffron's fabrics, although the price once I've paid shipping and import tax puts it into my 'to drool over from afar' range!
You lucky dog, no line up at the men's loo. I'm always jealous of you men when there's toileting to do!
If there was a bit of bling to be found I think you snaffled it, well done! I use rayon thread for quilting all the time. I use it in both top and bobbin and I think that's the trick. It gives a lovely sheen and I've never used metallic thread but rumour has it that it can be, shall we say, a bit temperamental, perhaps diva-esque! Go with the rayon, I bet you love it!
I laughed all the way through this post! I kinda feel like I had fun at the show too!!
So you've outgrown Spotlight now 😛 do you still visit craft depot? I'd love a blog post dedicated to that and any other local craft establishments so I know where to head next time we're in town!
I've used Wonderfil for quilting straight line and in the ditch, it worked really well, there is a shine to it and I reckon it would definitely be much easier than a metallic thread. I haven't tried it for FMQ but I imagine it will work well. I have used Wonderfil for piecing and applique as well as other thread (mainly Aurifil)I've found that I get a more consistent 1/4" seam using it (it takes up less room).
Oh yes, AGF blenders for the win!! And next post sharing your Saffron Craig learnings please!
These are all lovely. I'm a bit blinded by the shine and sparkle you provided!
SO pretty, love the AGF and Simply Color and thanks for introducing me to some Saffron Craig fabrics.
Love them all, lots of sparkle. My poor wallet so didn't need me to learn about Saffron Craig – I've been checking out her fabrics am feeling a very great need to add some to my stash.
I just spent two hours in my Subaru with my 2-yr-old to buy my first spools of Aurifil. It had better be good. Please report back on the rayon thread! And I can't wait to see how you will use your ombré solids and AGF Elements!
You got a lot of great fabrics! Enjoy and thanks for sharing this adventure!
Ooh nooo I missed seeing you at the craft show, I went Saturday. Darn I could have been a sparkle groupie. Love SC fabric too.
Josh I love me a fan photo and especially your belt buckle. This is one serious Sunday Stash post – too many lovelies to mention but I do like your fillers.
Love Saffron Craig…
Love that gold fleck on the white…
Love the Art Gallery Ovals…
Love the Ombre…
Love your work x
Beautiful fabric! I want to try some of those oval elements–nice to know they match those solids. I have used variegated rayon thread on a quilt and it worked just fine. Make a practice run first–you might need to mess with your tention. I had to lower mine on my Bernina. Good luck!! I can't wait to see the finished quilt 🙂
Ohh nice haul! No idea about the rayon but the Wonderfil has a good name so i look forward to your review 🙂
Loving your blog. Oh and the fabric you found is right up my alley! Love it……..
as usual, you have impeccable taste in fabric and your stashing post would turn any quilter green 🙂 I'm very impressed that you were able to show the gold in the fabrics so nicely in your photo
Gotta tell you, nothing tames that rayon thread once you open that wrap LOL. Use one of those tiny nets like bags oranges are sold in, if you really want to keep it under control. I have a gold one and it looks great. As with all feature threads the smaller and wider the stitch the better the finished appeal will be, but satin stitch doesn't go with everything so you can only do your best!
Mum went down for a second day and I sent her to get a blue->yellow variegated thread for me too, but mine's probably poly. I'm a regular at variegated threads anonymous! Lovely to meet you ~Groupie number 1 or 2. Love your haul, so glad you were able to make it. I hope you signed up for the booklet and reminder for next year's show! The iron's on ready for my baby's princess quilt, I gotta go!
I love the idea of a fabric swap!
Jana
Glad you enjoyed the show & managed to pick up some sweet loot! It sure is a lot to take in the first time you go. I was so stoked when I found Saffron Craig a couple years ago and make sure to visit her stand each year to get some pretties, and she's always so lovely to talk to. Did you find Kelani? They're another favourite of mine.
I can appreciate the skill and commitment that goes in to so many of those quilts but they're not to my taste, was nice to see a few more bright & modern style quilts this year. Think I might have to have a shot at putting something in next year as well to help shake things up.
Talk about some totally gorgeous fabric. Can't wait to see what magic you make with them.
You're a machine! I think I'm going to the next quilt fair disguised as a man……
Oooooh, rayon thread is not tough at all! It will do fine enuf if you are not travel stitching, but if you are, it shreds like the dickens! Try Isacord or PolyX for travel stitch quilting. Wonderfil is like Sulky….it has some beautiful colors but isn't worth a sh*t.
You may want to try Superior Threads. I love love love them. The Rainbows can be a bit finicky, but I don't have too many issues on my longarm. They do add brillance to the batiks. Not a big fan of rayon. Don't think it is colorfast. I'd stitch some out on a sample and wash the dickens out of it.
Well shopped miss Molli, and that Tula is like gold dust, no wonder she wanted a swap :oD I like Saffron's fabrics, although the price once I've paid shipping and import tax puts it into my 'to drool over from afar' range!