Oh Goodies!

Yesterday, I popped over to the Mad Quilters' Gathering in Penrith.  Mad Quilters' is a craft show specifically aimed at the quilting market. It's held three times a year around Australia. Each show features nearby and rural shops which gives you a chance to 'see' stores you might not get a chance to drive to.  The Penrith show features many rural NSW shops which makes it a nice way to support our local fabric market.

I wanted to post sooner about it, but I like to talk about events that I've been to so I can give you the honest feedback that you've come to expect from me. "You don't hold back", I've been recently told. It's a great show. It's still on today and tomorrow. If you live out west, pop in and have a look.

I had such a great day yesterday. While the show itself is a fair bit smaller than Darling Harbour, the density of "good stuff" is quite high. There were so many shops with modern patterns. There was a great mix of fabric styles available including some new Chicopee tucked among some period prints. The prices at the show varied a bit. I did see some great bargains including $8/m Day in the Country fabric and some $15 Amy Butler, if that's your thing. Craft Depot Pennant Hills brought most of their $7.98 clearance aisle as well. Blueberries and My Place both had great prints and patterns on their stand. You can find the full exhibitor list and their blog links on the Mad Quilters' Gathering site.

My coffers went to Lyn's who had the range of Town Country prints that I'd been eyeing up. Three prints spoke to me. They said "take me home, kiddo."  Who am I to argue?

I also picked up a set of Studio Mio bag handles for my giant floppy quilted tote bag. I plan to use this bag to carry about quilt tops and big piles of goodies to our local Modern Quilt Guild.  I've got a little over two weeks to get them sewed on. Do you think I'll make it?

The real reason that I popped in was to pick up Sizzix dies from the Annie stand. Tara and Tracey are always a hoot at the shows, so even though they post I like to go in and say hello. When I arrived Tara was on her own, so I happily pitched in and demoed the Sizzix machines. I must have looked a fright as I hadn't dressed for demoing anything. Sorry Penrith, I hope I didn't scare you!

I picked up three dies. including the longer 3" finished HST die for my Spin Spin block. (Yes, technically I should use QSTs for the project, but I like the visual effect of bias rotated blocks.)

I also picked up one of the leaves dies. I'm still working on my applique skills and they seem the perfect fit for my lollipop flowers.  I've already started playing with them last night testing both paper cuts and fabric cuts. It looks like I'll be able to use the die and and the same technique that I used for my circles tutorial.

I had a great time helping at the Annie's stand. They practically had to throw me out!  As I mentioned the show is smaller than Darling Harbour, but I quite enjoyed it. I wish I had brought my camera yesterday, as there was a great collection of vintage sewing machines and vintage sewing cabinets set up along the back wall. I hope I get a chance to sneak back to the show this weekend. I need to wait for the snoring man to wake up and tell me if he needs the car.

If you are local and have time pop by the show. My food tip for the show is to pop over to the Harry's Cafe De Wheels just outside. They have no lines and Tiger Pie. Yum.