A Bottle of 'More Time in the Day' Please

For the last few years, I have had two businesses to run... my design business, The Birdhouse, and a shop, Thread & Ginger. I also have 3 beautiful daughters who are teenagers, and about-to-be-teenagers (and a fairly low-maintenance husband). Like everyone else these days it seems, we set so many goals for ourselves and our children, that we are running ourselves ragged. So at the end of last year, my shop partner & friend, Caryn and I, made the decision that our lives needed to be a bit simpler... a bit less busy and stressful, and closed our beloved shop. It was a difficult decision, as we both enjoyed so many things about the shop, our lovely customers, many of whom have become friends, playing with fabric, and having lots of laughs together.

For me, this means I can concentrate on my first loves... my family and designing. There are always more things swimming round in my head, than I can keep up with, and I have lots of plans for exciting new things I want to do with The Birdhouse this year.

Thread & Ginger Patchwork Boutique

In my last post I gave a sneak peak of a few new things I was working on...

This is the latest Christmas pre-printed stitchery, available in stores now, so you can get busy stitching for next Christmas. It's called 'Snow Buddies'.

Also, a small wallhanging applique quilt, Harvest Time, uses cotton fabric and woven wools together.

As we have a bit more time now, we have delved into screenprinting our own pre-printed stitcheries. We find these are great for time-poor people, no tracing, just pick it up and start stitching (sigh!) So... here are a couple more pre-printed designs, also available now. This is 'Angels Danced Cushion'.

Lastly, I have used a couple of gorgeous 'Theodora Cleave' buttons in this stitchery design, 'Friendship Tree'. The pattern comes with the pre-printed design and the two buttons inclusive. Some stores are stocking the distressed white frames for this also, or it can be made into a wallhanging or anything else you dream up!

I will be at the Brisbane Craft & Sewing Show in March. Stand Number E21. Please come and say Hi, if you're there! Our stand is Thread & Ginger.

*To Mrs A, who was asking about the Angel Project Tote pattern... sorry, I couldn't find an email address to reply to you... if you haven't located the pattern yet, please email me and I will put you on to a shop who stocks it.

Happy Stitching everyone!

Comments

[A Facebook User]

Natalie, so sad about you having to close your shop but totally understandable. Sometimes things do get really busy and we have to prioritise things BUT I am so thrilled you are still designing and I adore your latest patterns, so gorgeous. I feel a spending spree coming on already!!

[D]

Oh how sad for us - I always enjoyed my visits out to Vic Point. Lucky I read this before I next ventured out there! But its good you are still designing for us. All the best for your new direction.

[SandyN]

Hello Natalie....

LOVE your new designs... just so cute...

Will we still see your happy face at the Sydney Craft show at Darling Harbour.

Hope you get to enjoy life a bit more and have more time for yourself.

Sandyn

[Penny Hornbuckle]

Can you please send me a bottle of time with our next order of your lovely patterns! No make it a dozen bottles please!!!!!
Penny
The Patchwork Angel

[Chookyblue .]

Goodluck with your future plans......I am sure some will miss calling into your shop........hope your coming to Sydney.........
Do you know who has the frame and kits for the bottom design?

[Chookyblue .]

my email
[email protected]

[D]

I miss you girls and being able to pop in bu your new plans sound great!