Quote of the Week:

"Quilting is a gift you give yourself . . ."

Well we know it has been ages since we last updated this but Deirdre is completely technologically challenged and I have trouble finding the time because I also have to do all the other smart stuff!

Anyway we both had a lovely Christmas break with our families and hope you all did too.

I had a wonderful family holiday in Queensland during January - totally relaxing (but far too hot!!) - I even managed to read two books while I was away which hasn't happened in quite a while. Both Dan and the girls spent most of the time in the pool and even I had the odd dip to keep cool.

Deirdre and Sue kept the home fires burning and the preparation going for the Australasian Quilt Convention in Melbourne which we went to last week.

Our stock had to be ready to freight over the week before so that was a mad dash for the finish line in getting bindings on quilts, photographing them and writing and printing the patterns - BUT WE DID IT!

We had a week at the shop to chill out till we flew over on the Wednesday. Setting up was a bit stressful with everyone unpacking at the same time, boxes, trolleys and forklifts everywhere - very scary for us little country girls! As we had never been before it took us a while to work out how we wanted to hang the quilts but we managed to finish by 9.30pm - we were pretty tired by that stage. We really tried to make our stand reflect the look of our shop which is hard to do with only 1m x 2m of space, but with our old apple crates and vintage suit cases I think we managed to pull it off.

We stayed with Deirdre's brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Jen who were fabulous. They picked us up and got us there on time, fed us, spoiled us rotten and gave us a warm family place to relax after each day. If it wasn't for Phil and Jen on the last day, we would have missed our plane, but they were waiting out the front with the engine running ready to wiz us off to the airport.

We really enjoyed the AQC. It was great to meet some customers who we have spoken to on the phone as well as meet lots of new ones. Nearly all of our reproduction fabric is by Judie Rothermel and let me tell you, there was a lot of love out there for Jude!! The other great part of the AQC was meeting other shop owners and chatting about business and sharing ideas.

Then of course there were the QUILTS!! We did not have time to see the exhibition until the Sunday. Everybody that came out kept on commenting about Judy Day's quilts - well they were truly magnificant and inspiring. Very traditional with beautiful hand quilting.

We really enjoyed the whole show and have already booked for next year. We met lots of other enthusiastic and friendly people so it was well worth the work and expense of getting there.

Now it is back to business. The quilt tops have been piling up so we have to get 'Big Mal' (our A1 Quilting Machine) purring and slowly make our way through them. It is a priviledge to quilt something that another person has spent tiime and energy making.

Deirdre will be writing up a new class list some time this week, in between flying to Melbourne to see her beloved "Brooks and Dunn" while I keep the home fires burning here at Crow Central.

So now it is time to set about and get ready for our Autumn Gathering which is not too far away. Lynette Anderson's projects are on the way ready for display in the shop and whilst in Melbourne we caught up with Kerry Gillespie who gave us a sneak preview of her projects - all of them gorgeous, so those of you who are attending can look forward to some gorgeous things.

I can hear Deirdre and Big Mal purring out the back (just as well you know he is a quilting machine!) and I must get a move on and start sorting out my projects for the Gathering.

Until next time.

Leonie & Deirdre

The Quilted Crow

Quote of the Week:

"A quilt must make your heart sing and your eyes dance . . . If it doesn't, then it's not meant for you" . . .

I cannot believe how long it has been since our last post - apologies to all who diligently check in once a week to catch up with what's happening here at The Quilted Crow!

There is a lot of catching up to do!

Firstly, Deirdre and I would like to welcome Sue to The Quilted Crow. Sue will be working here on Fridays and Saturdays which will allow us to take the odd day off here and there. She has been my 'lifesaver' over the past three weeks with Deirdre being on holidays. It has allowed me the time to continue quilting on Big Mal as well as all the other jobs that need doing when running a business. Be sure to introduce yourselves to her next time you're in the shop.

Yes, so Deirdre has spent the last three weeks catching up on all of those chores that mount up throughout the year at home; gardening, painting and general tidying. She has managed to fit in an odd day trip here and there. Actually, her and I spent the weekend together in Launceston. We both went to see Elton John which was absolutely fantastic - just him and his piano under the stars - truly magnificent. We also found a bit of time to scour some antique shops along the way of course.

We have lots of new things in the shop. Firstly from Hugs 'n' Kisses, Helen Stubbings has designed a double sided quilt titled "Nice People, Nice Things".

The gorgeous gift box contains 54 cards with 54 stitchery designs and 54 feelgood sayings. Also included in the gift box are quilt-as-you-go instructions. Iron-on transfer packs are available as well.

Also from Hugs 'n' Kisses are Helen's new Boy Tempters of which there are ten iron-on transfer designs to choose from.

From "Melly and Me" come a range of quirky creatures such as Lottie & Little Lady, Busby and Baby Bee and Mrs Perkins that look great made up in our fabric range titled "Katie Jump Rope" which is a retro range or "A Day in the Country", a bright and crisp range that is proving popular.

We also have Natalie Bird's new book titled "From the Heart" which is brimming with lots of nice projects to get started on.

Valentine's Vintage Quilts . . .

We have had a lot of positive feedback about our vintage quilts here in the shop. They are all just beautiful and and some of the work in them is just amazing. A lot of them have already gone off to good homes locally and interstate, the last couple to a lovely lady from New South Wales.

Here are some new quilts just arrived to tempt you!!

Gorgeous aren't they?

I really must be going; I still have a load of Christmas shopping to do with not many hours left to do it!!

We hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas, catching up with family and friends. Thank you all for your support over the past months.

Stay well,

Until next time,

Leonie & Deirdre

The Quilted Crow

Quote of the Week:

"A day patched with quilting seldom unravels . . ."

If ever you have dreamt of owning a vintage quilt, here is your chance to do so . . . just feast your eyes on these beautiful vintage quilts that have arrived in the shop. They are all just so gorgeous - we want to take each and every one of them home but we know we can't!!

Four of them have already sold; a Double Wedding Ring which went to live in a good home in New South Wales; a Postage Stamp which was signed and dated, a Butterfly Quilt and a Dresden Plate, both to local ladies.

We are very excited as some of the fabrics that are in the quilts, in particular, a Grandmothers Fan that just arrived, the same reproductions are here in the shop - shows you how spot on the fabric designers are . . .

The lady from NSW who bought the Double Wedding Ring (who apparently has a house full of quilts) said, "I never wanted to own one until I actually saw one; I can't believe how beautiful they are".

. . . .Now ladies, have a little word in your husband's ear and tell him what you'd like for Christmas . . . we'll even throw in the postage to keep him happy (registered too!) . . .

Next February will see us both heading off to Melbourne with the shop in tow, to the Australian Quilting Expo which is held annually. We have been on a long waiting list for a very long time and finally got word that we 'were in'. Very excitied we are . . . it will be nice to have the opportunity to show people what we have and what we are about. This expo is dedicated entirely to quilting and will be held on February 21st - 24th 2008. We hope to see you there!

Until next time,

Leonie & Deirdre
The Quilted Crow

Quote of the Week:



"I love quilting and have plenty of material witnesses . . ."

It has already been one week since our "Christmas Gathering" which was held in Campania, five minutes out of historical Richmond. It was a huge success with everyone enjoying themselves immensely. This was our second Gathering that we have held in the Campania hall, the first one being our "Autumn Gathering" that was in April. Above is a photo of the hall the morning of the "Gathering" before anyone arrived; goody bags laden with patterns and each bag also containing a beautiful stitchery book by Cathy Penton.

Each person also received a gift box, complete with a delightful charm pendant featuring a traditional Christmas image with the words on the back reading "Joyeux Noel", a large rusty bell with a fabric tie and of course, a bag of sweets!!

People started rolling in at about 9.15am ready for a day of stitching and friendship - not much stitching done, but lots of friendships made!!

Below are some more photos for you to enjoy . . .

1. - Everyone has arrived . . 2. - Part of our shop display . ..3. - More of our shop display




4. . . shop display . . . . . . . . . . . .5. . . shop display . . . . . . . . . . 6. . . samples of some projects




7. . . Phil overseeing the catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. Aye Aye Captain, whatever you say dear.



9. . . All's OK mum, says Ellen. . . . .. . . . . . .10. Ten year old Jess asleep at the end of a big day. .



"Valentine's Vintage Quilts" - exclusive to The Quilted Crow

As a shop, the focus of which are fabrics from the 1800's and 1930's we have always wanted to have some of the genuine article in here for people to enjoy. We are very excitied to have met up with a lady from "Valentine's Vintage Quilts" who is now buying vintage and antique quilts on our behalf for us to sell in the shop. They have started arriving are just truly beautiful . . . they will range in price from $375 upwards, depending on the quality, the amount of quilting, fabrics used and the era they are from. At the moment we have three made from genuine feed sack fabrics of the 1930's, a Double Wedding Ring with scalloped border, Lady of the Lake and a Star of Texas Quilt. Also, two quilts from the 1800's, one a Double Irish Chain from 1870 and the other, King Davids Crown from 1880; all of them are in excellent condition.

Below are some photos to enjoy . . .

Lone Star - made from vintage feed sacks $375







Lady of the Lake - mint condition - made from feed sacks from the 1930's - $990

When you purchase one of these beautiful quilts, they will come gift wrapped, complete with a vintage valentine card attached and full care instructions.

People will be able to take advantage of our three month layby term if they wish.

We have more arriving next week, so as soon as they come in, we'll post some more pics!!


Until next time,




Leonie & Deirdre
The Quilted Crow

Pleated Friendship Bags
by Leonie Bateman


Freshly Cut Flowers Cushion
by Helen Stubbings


Colours of Christmas Quilt
by Michelle Vince



Storytime Quilt
by Deirdre Bond-Abel



Perpetual Calendar Quilt
by Deirdre Bond-Abel



Sprit of the Season Tree Skirt
by Helen Stubbings



Deirdre, Leonie, Lynette, Helen and Matilda

Here is a photo to share with you of Lynette Anderson's visit to The Quilted Crow, kindly taken by her lovely husband Vince on Wednesday. Helen Stubbings from Hugs n Kisses is holding Tilly, Helen's youngest daughter, who loves coming into the shop 'for a play'. Off go the shoes as soon as Helen puts her down and up onto the bed she hops for her regular bounce!

Everyone has been coming into the shop to look at all of the projects that are on display, eagerly awaiting the 6th October for our Christmas Gathering. Pictured above are photo's of some of the projects for those of you who can't make it to the shop for a sneak preview. The Seasonal Table Runner and Traditional in Wool Wallhanging are on our last post . . . now because I'm not too good at the 'blog thing' the photos are a little over the place - sorry !!! I'm still learning . . . a couple of them are even sideways - clever aren't I !!??

Until next time,

Leonie & Deirdre

The Quilted Crow

Quote of the Week:

May all of your ups and downs in life be with a needle and thread . . .

Well today we had the pleasure of a visit by Lynette Anderson-O'Rourke and her husband Vince who were on holiday here in beautiful Tasmania. As you know, Lynette is going to be part of our 'Autumn Gathering' next year in April, so it was nice for her to see what we at The Quilted Crow are all about.

We were thrilled to have her here and look forward to catching up again with her, as no doubt, all of you will be. At the same time as Lynette was here, Helen Stubbings from Hugs n Kisses also popped in for a visit so it was a good chance for everyone to catch up and say hi.

For those of you who are attending our 'Christmas Gathering' in Campania on the 6th October, you'll be happy to know that all of the projects are now in the shop for you to view. I've taken some photos of them, two of which are at the top of the page above and I will post the rest on Friday. You will receive patterns for each of the projects (11 in total) in your goody bag on the day along with some other little treasures!! If anyone is interested in ordering a kit, give us a call at the shop or complete the form that we have mailed today and return back to us.

Until next time,

Leonie & Deirdre

The Quilted Crow

Quote of the Week:

"Asking a quilter to mend is like asking Picasso to paint your garage"

Goodness, it has nearly been two weeks since we last wrote - where does the time go?

We have been working madly here, preparing for our 'Christmas Gathering' which is now only four weeks away!! All of the projects are now complete and we will have them in the shop next Monday (17th Sept) for everyone to have a sneek peek. There is an enormous assortment to choose from and we are sure that there will be something for everyone. Bookings are just about full with only a few spaces left remaining so if you are thinking about coming along, you'd better be quick!! We would hate for you to be disappointed . . .

The couple who commissioned us to make them a King Size quilt came in on Friday to collect it - they absolutely loved it (phew!!). It was made from Judie Rothermel's 'Regency' collection and it looked stunning - really beautiful - (. . .it would have looked nice on my bed . . . oh well . . . .) The only day I forgot to bring my camera but they have promised to send us a photo to post on our blog so you can also enjoy it.

At the moment Deirdre is out on the longarm, 'Big Mal', quilting another beauty for a customer - it is just so satisfying when you finish quilting a quilt and see the end result. The quilt really does seem to come alive and then when you see the look of excitement on the customers face, it gives you goosebumps!! We feel very privileged to be given the task of taking someones quilt to the final stage . . .

The weekend saw me here at the shop on Saturday then off to the airport to collect my in-laws who are here for the school holidays. I truly am blessed to have such lovely people as my in-laws. The weather for their arrival was just awesome and yesterday even better. We spent the day outside enjoying the sun and catching up on months gone by since we last saw one another.

Deirdre had a class here on Saturday then headed home to help shear the sheep on their property on Sunday - she even got some time afterwards to do a bit of sewing!! She finished her last project for our Gathering - it's a 'Storytime' Quilt for that special little someone to snuggle under whilst reading their favourtie book - I saw it this morning and it is just so cute!!

There should be some new fabric arriving here shortly - it's like Christmas opening up all of those boxes - you don't know which one to open first . . and then the squeals of delight as you pull each one out . . . we have so much fun here !!

Well time has come for me to start getting ready for our Prairie Children Quilt class on Saturday - I have 14 kits to pre-cut so that it going to keep me busy for the next day . . . or two.

Until next time.

Leonie and Deirdre

The Quilted Crow