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O N T H E R O A D — S o u th – E ast Q u eens l and
Quilting It Up
In Queensland
Map by Susan Cadzow
By Jeannette Vermeulen
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Follow the needle and thread, button by button, as we make our way around south-east Queensland.
ummer is finally here and as nobody does sun and surf
quite like the folks in south-east Queensland, we set off to
uncover some of the region’s finest craft shops in this instalment of
On The Road.
We begin our tour on the Sunshine Coast in Bundaberg, home to
The Quilters Shack and The Fabric Palette. From there it’s on to the
whale-watching capital of Hervey Bay, where we call in at Dewdrop
Inn Patchwork & Craft.
We find the delightful Patchwork on Pallas in Maryborough,
before moving on to Gympie Patchwork Factory in, you guessed
it, Gympie!
The Patchwork Angel in tranquil Forest Glen is our next port of
call and then we head into the Moreton Bay region where we visit
Sew This & That in Morayfield; Country Beginnings in Bellmere;
and QuiltEssentials in Eatons Hill.
Heading in to the outskirts of Brisbane, we call in at Faeries in
My Garden in Shorncliffe, followed by a browse at The Quilters
Corner in Keperra. We find our next stop, The Patchwork Tree, 7km
outside of the Brisbane CBD and move ever closer to the city centre
as we visit Peppermint Stitches in Toowong next. Our final stop in
the Brisbane area is at the charming Patches Indooroopilly.
A lazy sojourn along the coast is next on the agenda, where
we call in at Bayside StitchCraft in the vibrant coastal village of
Cleveland. We shimmy on down south to say hi to the lovely girls
at Thread & Ginger Patchwork in Victoria Point before stopping by
Buttons and Bows Fabric in Beenleigh for a browse.
Heading further inland, Sewers Delight in Browns Plains is in
our sights next, followed by The Country Quilt Co in Ipswich on
the Bremer River. Next, our trip takes us just north of Toowoomba,
situated on the Great Dividing Range, to The Quilters Angel in
Highfields. Finally, our tour ends in the Darling Downs regional
town of Millmerran, home to the darling Pattycake Patchwork where
we can take a break, catch our breath and marvel at the wonderful
treasures south-east Queensland lays claim to.
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O N T H E R O A D — S o u th – E ast Q u eens l and
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The Quilters Shack
riginally, SueEllen Lammi’s
business was a general
craft shop but, as all
dedicated patchworkers
know, fabric has a
way of taking over.
Within four years, the
patchwork side of things
had expanded so much
that it had to be moved
to its own space, The
Quilters Shack. The
shop has a huge variety
of patterns for patchwork and stitchery
as well as fabric, buttons, trims and
threads. There’s a distinct old-world
feel about the shop, emphasised by
the high ceilings, that creates the
perfect setting to showcase the many
stunning quilts, bags and cushions.
There is even a variety of teddies and
giftware on offer, including a large
range of both Bearington and Settler
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Bears. The shop is managed by Debbie
Amos and has friendly, experienced
staff on hand who are always happy to
go out of their way to help you find that
perfect piece of fabric. Many classes
for beginners to advanced stitchers are
available so be sure to check in-store.
Local knowledge:
There are many national parks, creeks
and river estuaries nearby, which
The Fabric Palette
hen Julie Morgan says
she got into the business
“for the love of sewing”, you know she
means that wholeheartedly. That passion
and dedication is obvious everywhere
in The Fabric Palette, from the talented
staff with an extraordinary breadth of
knowledge, to the regular customers
who come to learn and have fun.
The shop takes its name quite
literally, stocking 5000 fabrics as a full
colour palette. A real rainbow room
of potential, The Fabric Palette hosts
Bundaberg
Address: 51 Bourbong Street,
Bundaberg Qld 4670
Phone: (07) 4154 4486
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thequiltersshack.com
Bundaberg
a social gathering sewing group on
Monday and Friday mornings, while
the rest of the week features a variety
of well-supported patchwork and
textile classes for all skill levels.
Walking into the shop, you are sure
to be greeted with a friendly hello
and the tinkle of laughter. The Fabric
Palette hosts a club day on the first
Thursday of every month, a cheerful
event featuring prizes, a show and tell of
quilts, and fun challenges.
As the Hungry Caterpillar quilt at
the front of the store suggests, kids and
young people are an important part
of the shop, with after-school classes
proving popular. “It is great to see
that the young ones want to learn the
craft in this day and age,” Julie says,
“And the best bit is seeing their faces
brimming with achievement when the
project is complete.”
Last year, Julie and company made
over 250 quilts for children affected by
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provide ideal spots to drop a line and
fish, while the lovely Lady Elliott and
Lady Musgrave islands are only a short
boat ride away.
the Victorian bush fires. Cassandra, who
teaches weekend classes, quilted the
majority of these for free, which shows
how much passion the staff have.
The Fabric Palette also has a store in
Gladstone, so drop in to either shop and
say hello.
Local knowledge:
While in the area, be sure to stop by
Mon Repos Beach, home to the Flatback
Turtle, Green Turtle, Leatherback Turtle
and Logger Turtle. Located just 15km
east of central Bundaberg, Mon Repos
supports the largest concentration of
nesting marine turtles on the Eastern
Australian mainland. Nesting season is
between November and January, with
births between January and March.
Address: 38a Targo Street,
Bundaberg Qld 4670
Phone: (07) 4153 3909
Email: [email protected]
O N T H E R O A D — S o u th – E ast Q u eens l and
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Dewdrop Inn Patchwork & Craft
hen travelling to Hervey
Bay, the whale–watching
capital of Queensland, dropping by the
spectacular Dewdrop Inn Patchwork &
Craft is a must. Centrally located just
off the main esplanade in the suburb of
Torquay, you are sure to have a whale
of a time at this big, bright and beautiful
shop, which is currently celebrating its
12th year in business.
You can get lost in this Aladdin’s
cave packed with inspiring samples
and 7000 bolts of fabulous fabrics from
all the leading manufacturers — it’s
a treasure trove of goodies! Dewdrop
Inn Patchwork & Craft also carries a
large range of dress fabrics, beads and
jewellery, wool, and now a beautiful
range of modern giftware.
The friendly staff — Amanda, Liz
and Linda — are all experienced
patchworkers who are always ready with
helpful advice. Having sewing machine
trouble? Not a problem! Rodney has
been trained by
Husqvarana Viking
to solve just such
problems and he has
years of experience
in the field.
If you’re in the
area, why not
join in on one of the many patchwork
classes on offer for beginners through to
advanced stitchers? If you can’t make it
to Hervey Bay, be sure to at least explore
the Dewdrop Inn Patchwork & Craft
online store.
Patchwork on Pallas
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Local knowledge:
There are many interesting
tours and cruises operating
out of Hervey Bay, from
islands and shipwreck tours
to scuba diving and whalewatching cruises.
Address: 4–6 Bideford Street,
Torquay, Hervey Bay Qld 4655
Phone: (07) 4124 9320
Fax: (07) 4128 9866
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dewdropinn.com.au
Mar yborough
atchwork on Pallas can be found
in a quaint building that was
built as a butcher’s shop in the 1880s.
Owner Leanne Greenhalgh has taught
patchwork ever since she received her
teacher’s accreditation with Queensland
Quilters in 1989. Today she continues
imparting her quilting knowledge from
her very own shop.
Patchwork on Pallas carries a
great selection of giftware, teddies,
haberdashery, furniture and homewares,
including hand-made quilts
and throws. You’ll also find an
extraordinary range of craft supplies,
including more than 5000 bolts of
patchwork fabric, batting, backings,
embroidery and quilting patterns,
threads, buttons, rulers, tools,
scrapbooking and card making
supplies and more! Patchwork on
Pallas offers sales, servicing and
training in Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking,
Brother, Janome and Bernina sewing
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Hervey Bay
and embroidery machines. Leanne has
also recently expanded into producing
an exclusive pattern range. You’ll easily
lose yourself in this store — from the
sweet lavender-scented ambience to the
phenomenal range of products.
Local knowledge:
Maryborough was the original port
for Queensland (on the Mary River).
“It is an historical town featuring
traditional Queenslander homes,”
Leanne says. “There are historical tours
of local architecture, the Bond Store
Museum, ghost tours and the Brennan
& Geraghty’s store. Steam trains run
through the park each Thursday, on the
local market day.”
Address: 204 Pallas Street,
Maryborough Qld 4650
Phone: (07) 4121 2480
Email:
[email protected]
Website: www.patchworkonpallas.com
O N T H E R O A D — S o u th – E ast Q u eens l and
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Gympie Patchwork
ocated in the heritage and
cultural centre of the Cooloola
region, Gympie Patchwork is a
wonderful patchwork shop with a fun,
welcoming atmosphere and charming
community spirit.
Margaret Sanderson has owned and
managed the shop for twelve and a
half yeara. As a keen patchworker for
eighteen years, she has a wealth of
knowledge and passion to share with
customers and you will always find
sound advice and helpful suggestions
when needed.
Gympie Patchwork carries a
remarkable range of quality 100% cotton
fabrics, as well as stocking batting
and every sewing necessity you could
possibly need.
Classes are held daily, ranging from
beginner classes to those for the more
experienced stitcher. Occasional one-day
workshops are also offered, so keep an
eye out and join in the next one!
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The shop has a proud community
spirit that creates an instant welcoming
atmosphere. Gympie Patchwork holds
a yearly fundraising quilt display and
auction to raise funds for a local respite
centre. The shop also donates quilts for
raffles as needed.
During January the shop is open
every day from 10am–3pm, except for
public holidays.
Local knowledge:
“We are near the Mary Valley Heritage
The Patchwork Angel
oused in a former church,
just off the Bruce Highway,
The Patchwork Angel opened in March
1996. Current owners Penny and David
Hornbuckle took over in June 2006 after
the previous owner and Penny became
friends when their sons, now 21, were in
the Under Sevens soccer team together.
Gympie
Gympie Patchwork offers great variety. A kit
of this gorgeous quilt can be prepared in any
size and colour of choice.
Railway which is popular with tourists,”
Margaret says. “It’s an easy drive to
Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach, the Mary
Valley and the Sunshine Coast.”
Address: 2 Ray Street, Gympie Qld 4570
Phone: (07) 5483 7557
Forest Glen
The shop specialises in patchwork
and stitching supplies, incorporating
not only quilts but also bags, soft toys,
cushions and clothing, such as some
very trendy aprons! Along with the large
range of current fabrics available, there
is an astounding range of patterns on
offer, including all of Lynette Anderson’s
designs. “Our customers delight
in something new arriving all the
time,” Penny says.
Being in the church gives a
stately air to the shop and the high
ceiling means that there are lots
of lovely samples on display at
all times. The old church hall at
the back of the building makes a
fabulous area for displays and classes.
The Patchwork Angel has a wide range
of classes, including machine quilting,
basic cutting, clever techniques and
UFO classes from in-house and guest
tutors. The shop also hosts exquisite
morning teas with guest speakers that
have become well known.
Local knowledge:
An hour north of Brisbane, Forest Glen
offers easy access to many Sunshine
Coast attractions such as Australia Zoo,
the Eumundi markets, and Bellingham
Maze, to just name a few.
Address: 343 Mons Road,
Forest Glen Qld 4556
Phone: (07) 5477 0700
Fax: (07) 5477 0082
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.patchworkangel.com.au
Blog: www.patchworkangel.typepad.com
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Sew This & That
ake a short detour off the
Bruce Highway half way
between Brisbane and the Sunshine
Coast, and you will find Sew This
& That – a colourful and vibrant
patchwork store with much more
than quality fabric. Well known for
over two decades as Caboolture Sewing
Machines & Patchwork, owners Danielle
Brown and Joanne Wearing have grown
this business into a thriving hive of
activity in the past four years and part of
that growth has meant a name change to
reflect their fresh approach to sewing.
Stroll around the roomy store and be
inspired by their beautiful patchwork
pieces, innovative machine embroidery
samples, brightly coloured handbags,
unique embellishment art, home decor
creations and appliquéd wall decorations.
With a huge variety of classes for
various skill levels, lots of different
sewing and embroidery clubs, Palmer
Pletsch workshops and software lessons,
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the shop offers something for
everyone. Visitors are always
made to feel welcome, including
shy beginners.
As a sewing machine centre,
Sew This & That also features
a great cross section of five big sewing
brands: Janome, Husqvarna Viking,
Brother, Baby Lock and the newly
introduced Bernina, and they proudly
display the Avante HQ18 quilter and
Studio Frame.
Local knowledge:
Sew This & That hosts two big charity
days every year: the Biggest Morning
Tea Auction, where a shop full of
sewing enthusiasts bid on items made
Country Beginnings
ituated in the gorgeous Morton
Bay area, Country Beginnings has
been owned by Jodie and Denise since
2008. The pair purchased an existing
business with a focus on country fabrics
and turned it into the bright, fresh shop
it is today.
Entering the shop is an aromatic
experience, with the intoxicating
fragrance of candles, sprays and smellies
immediately setting the scene for a
Morayfield
and donated by each other to raise
money for cancer research, and Sewing
For Cancer, where volunteers make
cancer aide items to donate to the local
hospital.
Address: Shop 9, 177 Morayfield Road,
Morayfield Qld 4506
Phone: (07) 5495 5381
Website: www.cabsew.com
Bellmere
relaxing shopping experience. In this
calm atmosphere, you are free to browse
the variety of fabrics on offer in bright,
oriental, and shabby pastel colours.
Country Beginnings can also help you
find that perfect present, with a wide
range of gorgeous giftware available for
every occasion. Other services such as
machine quilting, scissor sharpening,
and sewing machine repairs with weekly
turnaround are also offered.
Both day and evening classes are
offered at beginner to advanced levels.
There is also a quilt-and-chat class every
Friday, so you can take advantage of that
lovely social aspect that sets patchwork
and quilting apart from other hobbies.
The shop is available online, as
well, to cater for those who may not
have a quilt shop nearby. It features
secure check-out facilities and has a
cheerful selection of block of the month
programs, patterns, kits and giftware
on offer.
Local knowledge:
Located just 25km from the Brisbane
CBD, Moreton Bay and surrounding
islands are considered to be one of the
world’s best whale-watching spots.
Address: Shop 6, Bellmere Road,
Bellmere Qld 4510
Phone: (07) 5499 3233
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.countrybeginnings.com.au
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QuiltEssentials
laudia U’Prichard has owned
QuiltEssentials, north of Brisbane,
for the past seven years. Claudia’s passion
for patchworking developed from a
love of creation across various crafts,
from art and dressmaking to gardening
and cooking. “Patchwork and quilting
enabled me to create beautiful and useful
furnishings,” Claudia says.
Vibrant colours and the classroom
buzz of happy crafters first greet you as
you enter, and regular QuiltEssentials
customers describe a visit to the store as
“like visiting a close friend”. Claudia and
her staff are friendly, caring and extremely
knowledgeable in all things patchwork
and quilting. The shop carries a large
range of contemporary fabrics including
Asian, Kaffe Fassett, batiks, black and
whites, Heather Bailey, Laurel Burch
and many, many more. QuiltEssentials
supports and encourages many local
designers and, as a result, you will find
many exclusive patterns here.
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Eatons Hill
Every Thursday, QuiltEssentials
hosts a Chat ’n’ Sew group, where
an enthusiastic crowd of stitchers
meets to share both sewing and life
experiences. The shop provides
beginners with an achievable
project to learn the basics of
patchwork and follows this
up with classes for all levels
and tastes.
Local knowledge:
QuiltEssentials is a founding
member of the Quilters’ Trail, a
shop hop event held in April each
year. Build your travel plans to
Queensland around this time and
join in the fun and prizes.
Address: Shop 7, Eaton Central,
8 Bunya Park Drive,
Eatons Hill Qld 4037
Phone: (07) 3264 6444
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.quiltessentials.com.au
Faeries in My Garden
he owners of Faeries in My
Garden, Lesley and Kevin
McConnell, say as you walk up the
paved walkway to their lovely store you
might just catch a glimpse of a fairy or
sprite hiding in the surrounding gardens.
But it is inside their romantically
decorated shop that real magic happens.
Shorncliffe
From the French furniture and lacecurtained dressers piled high with
patterns and kits to the walls lined with
quilts, bags and cushions and rows of
sumptuous fabrics, there is magic in
every inch of Faeries in My Garden.
The store stocks a beautiful range of
exclusive designs by Lesley, who was
one of the first designers to seriously
incorporate embroidery embellishment
in her piecing and appliqué projects.
Left: A kit for Catherine the Crinoline Lady is available
for $89, plus $10 p&h, or as part of the Gift of the
Month club, which is just $39 plus $3 p&h to join.
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The California Dreamin’ quilt kit by Marsha
Evans Moore for FreeSpirit is available from
QuiltEssentials for $159.95, plus p&h. The
finished quilt measures 46½in square.
Also available is a wonderful range
of premium-quality Quilt Gate fabrics
and gorgeous children’s and babies’
fabrics and designs. What’s more, the
shop carries a large range of block of the
month programs designed by Lesley and
many are not available anywhere else.
Faeries in My Garden was the first
to introduce a Gift of the Month club,
where members receive a new surprise
gift project every month. This concept
has proved to be very popular, with
many members continuing from last year
and many more set to renew for 2011.
Local knowledge:
Shorncliffe is an historic area of
Brisbane featuring grand old homes,
parks and picnic areas fronting the bay.
Address: 70 Park Parade,
Shorncliffe Qld 4017
Phone: (07) 3869 0808
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.faeriesinmygarden.com.au
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The Quilters Corner
quaint little corner store in
Keperra that once housed a
butcher and an antique store is now
thriving as The Quilters Corner. As soon
as you enter this shop you’ll notice the
vibrant colours and displays of beautiful
quilts — it is a feast for the eyes.
At The Quilters Corner there are
plenty of quality patchwork fabrics in
store, as well as patterns and books
from leading Australian and overseas
designers. Owner Liisa Dawson loves
her fabrics and says you just never know
what will take your fancy next. “It may
be funky retro prints, soft and pretty
florals, the new Moda range or even that
too-cute cat print we have to have!”
The Quilters Corner is continually
developing to meet customer needs and
interests by offering BOM and strip club
programs, as well as a variety of classes.
“We like to offer new classes that
showcase new designs or techniques,”
says Liisa. “We cater from absolute
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Down in the Garden BOM available from The
Quilters Corner for $30 a month, plus p&h.
beginners onwards. The most recent
newsletter can also be viewed online at
our new website.”
Local knowledge:
“We are located adjacent to the Grovely
railway station for easy access from the
Brisbane CBD,” Liisa says.
The Patchwork Tree
lison James and her husband
purchased The Patchwork Tree
six years ago after returning from living
overseas. The shop has a proud history
as one of the first in Brisbane and has
now been established 23 years in the
century-old building.
There is fabric as far as the eye can
see as you step into The Patchwork
Keperra
Address: 269 Blaker Road,
Keperra Qld 4054
Phone: (07) 3855 2222
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thequilterscorner.com.au
Alderley
Tree. There is an overall country feel,
but a variety of other styles are stocked
including, batiks, novelty, children’s,
Japanese, Kaffe Fassett and, of course,
Christmas. There are also lots of Moda
fabrics including all the pre-cuts: jelly
rolls, charm packs and layer cakes.
The Patchwork Tree loves Art to
Heart fabrics, carrying the full range as
well as books, buttons and tea towels
to complement the projects. Patterns
and books from many of the Australian
designers are also stocked, including
Hatched and Patched, Red Brolly,
Cinderberry Stitches, Lynette Anderson,
and Natalie Bird, to name a few.
Alison, Roxanne and Jenny work
together to provide excellent service and
the trio run a variety of classes ranging
from the Beginner Machine to lap and
large bed quilts, as well as smaller
projects that can be completed in one or
two classes, like bags. The Patchwork
Tree is open Monday to Saturday,
8.30am to 5pm.
Local knowledge:
Alderley is one of the older suburbs of
Brisbane, having had a post office since
1878 and a train station since 1899.
Address: 43 Denman Street,
Alderley Qld 4051
Phone: (07) 3356 3866
Fax: (07) 3856 2822
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thepatchworktree.com.au
Above: Books from shop favourite Art to
Heart are available from $25 each.
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Peppermint Stitches
tacey Lowe has owned the cheerful
Peppermint Stitches since May
2008. The shop specialises in modern,
funky fabrics and while all craft interests
are catered for, it has a strong following
among quilters and cross stitchers,
thanks to the extensive range of products
on offer.
When stepping inside, customers are
greeted with the latest ranges of fabrics,
friendly staff and a relaxed, creative
atmosphere. Peppermint Stitches is
awash with bright, fresh, contemporary
fabrics from the likes of Amy Butler,
Anna Maria Horner, Moda, FreeSpirit,
Kaffe Fassett, Tanya Whelan, Anna
Griffin and others. Kokka and whimsical
fabrics from Japan are stocked and
there is a smattering of reproduction
and more traditional ranges available.
Quilting patterns and books are also
carried, along with an extensive range of
specialty threads for embroidery, handdyed cross stitch fabric, cross stitch
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patterns and a
boutique range
of quality wool.
Various
classes for all
skill levels
are offered
throughout the
year, from hand
and machine
appliqué to
cross stitch
and knitting —
sock knitting
is Stacey’s
specialty!
Peppermint
Stitches also provides information for
those wanting professional machine
quilting once their project is completed.
Local knowledge:
Peppermint Stitches is affectionately
known as “The Red Store on the
Corner”, making it easy to spot when
Patches Indooroopilly
atches Indooroopilly is one of
Australia’s largest and oldest
patchwork and quilting shops, stocking
more than 4000 bolts of fabric and
a large range of quilting books and
supplies. First opening as a general arts
and crafts shop in 1986, the shop is
located in air-conditioned premises on
Toowong
travelling past. Toowong
is five minutes from the
Brisbane CBD and located
near the major arterials
from the Gold Coast,
Toowoomba region, and
the Sunshine Coast.
Address: 133 Sylvan Road,
Toowong Qld 4066
Phone: (07) 3161 6606
Email: [email protected]
Website:
www.peppermintstitches.com.au
Indooroopilly
Moggill Road, within walking distance
of Indooroopilly Shoppingtown and the
railway station.
In addition to rows of fabric lining
the walls of the shop and samples
for classes, many of the completed
quilts and wallhangings on display are
available as kits. The atmosphere is
friendly and welcoming, with Patches
Indooroopilly’s experienced helpful staff
on hand to assist with fabric selection.
The shop has an inspiring wall of colour
on offer, making it easy to select the
perfect coordinating fabric.
Patches Indooroopilly is a Bernina
dealer and offers a large range of classes
and clubs for all levels of patchwork,
quilting, sewing, embroidery and
smocking. Classes are held at the shop,
with day, evening and weekend times to
suit customers.
Local knowledge:
Patches Indooroopilly has a fantastic
in-shop Patchwork Extravaganza each
year with great prizes on offer for
participants. For the month of July,
customers are invited to participate in
30-minute mini-sessions exploring all
aspects of patchwork and quilting.
Address: 273 Moggill Road,
Indooroopilly Qld 4068
Phone: (07) 3878 1228
Fax: (07) 3378 9177
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.patches.com.au
The eye-catching Santorini quilt is
available as a kit for $125, plus p&h.
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Bayside StitchCraft
argaret and Michael Vose
have been the proud
owners of Bayside StitchCraft since
2000. Margaret, the in-store manager,
has been an enthusiastic quilter all her
life and has spent much of her working
life in the industry. She was aware
that there wasn’t a shop catering to the
needs of local stitchers and the rest, as
they say, is history.
A dazzling shop of open space and
stunning displays, Bayside StitchCraft
provides a large variety of goods and
services, including more than 4000
bolts of 100% cotton patchwork fabrics.
The shop is an authorised dealer for six
major sewing and embroidery machine
brands: Janome, Husqvarna Viking,
Pfaff, Bernina, Brother and Baby Lock.
An enormous range of embroidery
threads, haberdashery, and quilting and
embroidery accessories is also stocked.
Bayside StitchCraft’s experienced,
helpful staff consists of Gail, Maria,
I
Cleveland
Bayside StitchCraft staff from left to right: Jo,
Margaret, Maria, Carrie, Peter and Gail
Jo, Carrie and Peter, the on-site sewing
machine master technician qualified to
service and repair all stocked sewing
machine brands. “Creative sewing
is their passion and they have an
enormous range of combined knowledge
to assist you,” Michael says of the staff.
The shop offers a wide variety
of classes and clubs catering for all
interests and skill levels.
Local knowledge:
“Cleveland is a lovely spot with a village
Thread & Ginger Patchwork
f charm and grace is something you
look for in a craft shop, you can’t
go past Thread & Ginger Patchwork.
This delightful shop, owned by Natalie
Bird and Caryn Shotbolt, has been open
for almost five years as an extension of
Address: Shop 2, 140 Ross Court,
Cleveland Qld 4163
Phone: (07) 1300 SEWING
(1300 739 464)
Fax: (07) 3821 1687
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.baystitch.com.au
Victoria Point
Natalie’s wholesale business,
The Birdhouse.
Famed for the huge range of
wonderful stitchery and appliqué books
and patterns, Thread & Ginger also has
many gorgeous samples on show from
The Birdhouse,
Hatched and Patched,
Melly & me, Lynette
Anderson, and other
Australian designers.
Giftware and
French homewares are
scattered throughout
the shop, displaying
beautifully against
the lovely shabby
chic furniture and old
wares. It’s the perfect
charming setting to
peruse the inspirational
Thread & Ginger stocks Tilda fabrics and accessories,
range of books and
and all the Tilda books, including Sew Pretty Homestyle,
patterns. Along with
available for $36.30. Kits for the house quilt featured in
Caryn and Natalie,
the book are available for $110.
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atmosphere,” Michael says. “There’s our
museum, three art galleries, numerous
historic buildings and our lovely
Harbourside and restaurants to visit.”
Monica and Linda make up the Thread
& Ginger staff. Linda is the talented
main tutor, with a knack for explaining
techniques, while Monica is an excellent
doll tutor and also helps in the shop.
Thread & Ginger offers a number of
classes, the most popular being small
Free Choice classes where people can
work on projects of their own choice.
There are also doll classes, small gift
classes and patchwork technique classes.
Local knowledge:
Victoria Point is the gateway to
Moreton Bay’s Coochiemudlo Island,
boasting more than 4km of beautiful,
unspoiled beaches.
Address: Shop L5, Victoria Point
Lakeside, 11-13 Bunker Road, Victoria
Point Qld 4165
Phone: (07) 3820 9052
Fax: (07) 3820 9053
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.threadandginger.com.au
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Buttons and Bows Fabric
he enchanting Buttons and
Bows Fabric has been Chris
Hellier’s pride and joy since 2004.
Chris, having been interested in fabric
from a very young age, was a founding
member of the Beenleigh Quilters and
has been teaching and sharing her love
of patchwork for over 20 years.
The first thing you notice at this shop
is the sheer variety of beautiful fabrics
on offer, followed by the excellent range
of haberdashery and helpful personal
customer service. Along with the latest
and greatest range of patchwork fabrics
and patterns, Buttons and Bows Fabric
also stocks Janome sewing machines and
services sewing machines.
For social butterflies and eager
stitchers, Buttons and Bows Fabrics
holds regular beginners to advanced
patchwork classes, and an advanced
tapestry group meets once a month. The
shop also hosts several “Patch ’n’ Chat”
groups — weekly meetings that allow
I
customers to bring along their
latest projects to receive advice
and enjoy a friendly chat.
In fact, Buttons and Bows Fabric
is all about community. The shop
offers discounts for school groups
on machine servicing and fabrics,
and supports school charities
through regular donations and
supporting fundraisers.
Local knowledge:
Located halfway between the Gold Coast
and Brisbane, Beenleigh is a unique
town with rich historical roots in the
sugar cane industry and is an ideal stop
on your journey south.
Address: Shop 3, 102 York Street,
Beenleigh Qld 4027
Phone: (07) 3807 8641
Fax: (07) 3807 8639
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sewing.net.au
Sewers Delight
n 2003 Angela Moore bought
a small sewing machine shop
at Browns Plains and in just a few
short years has managed to transform
the business, making it an absolute
paradise for sewers, embroiderers and
quilters. Angela recently purchased new
Beenleigh
New to Button
and Bows Fabric
is the Adelaide
Collection,
inspired by
Michele Hill in
William Morris
fabrics. The
Michele Hill
book, full range
of fabrics,
classes and
kits available.
Please contact
Chris for more
information.
Browns Plains
premises, so the store will be relocating
to a bigger and better location.
Sewers Delight stocks Brother,
Janome, Singer and Husqvarna Viking
sewing machines and Horn sewing
cabinets. The store also carries a great
range of fabrics including Australiana,
Aboriginal, Balinese, Oriental
and children’s prints as well as
blenders, fat quarter packs, jelly rolls,
and charm square packs. A great range of
embroidery threads, books, magazines,
patterns and haberdashery is also
available. Sewers Delight offers a
variety of classes in beginner and
intermediate quilting, software and
computing, dressmaking and specialty
quilting workshops.
Local knowledge:
Browns Plains is located just 15 minutes
from the Brisbane CBD. While you are
in Brisbane, make time to stop at the
city’s popular tourist spots, such as the
beaches, restaurants and picnic spots of
South Bank, the My Coot-tha lookout,
the Brisbane River and the Lone Park
Koala Sanctuary.
Address: 2/6 Webber Drive,
Browns Plains Qld 4118
Phone: (07) 3806 9600
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sewersdelight.com.au
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The Country Quilt Co
ocated approximately 40 minutes
from Brisbane and one hour
from Toowoomba is the city of Ipswich,
home to Suzanne Controy’s charming
shop. The Country Quilt Co is set in
a renovated house originally built in
1926 as a miner’s cottage, and served
as a post office for almost 30 years. The
shop is an exceptionally cosy place to
visit, decorated with polished timber
furnishings and often filled with the
lingering smell of delicious baked goods.
“As soon as you step inside, the sounds
from outside disappear,” Suzanne
says. “It feels like you have stepped
into someone’s home that is filled with
treasures that you’re allowed to touch!”
Owned by self-confessed fabric addict
Suzanne, The Country Quilt Co carries an
enormous range of patterns and fabrics
for patchwork, quilting and embroidery.
The store also stocks a great selection of
books, notions, gadgets and haberdashery,
plus embroidery threads by ThreadworX,
M
Cottage Garden Threads, Madeira and
DMC. “I got into this business because
I was passionate about patchwork and
quilting and just could not walk past
beautiful fabric without ‘needing’ it,”
Suzanne says. If you share Suzanne’s
fabric addiction, chances are you won’t
be able to visit her store without finding
many things you “need” too.
Local knowledge:
“We are just up the road from the
The Quilters Angel
arion Marshall had a
long-term dream to open
a quilt shop and create a place where
her customers could come to escape,
relax, and be inspired. By opening The
Quilters Angel in September 2004, she
turned her dream into a reality.
Approaching the entrance, you can feel
the excitement brewing as you survey
all the goodies on display on the large
covered verandah. Finally, stepping
Ipswich
Railway Workshops Museum and there
is a fabulous heritage trail around our
city. Ipswich is rich with the history of
south-east Queensland,” Suzanne says.
Address: 2 Pine Mountain Road,
North Ipswich Qld 4305
Phone: (07) 3294 7000
Fax: (07) 3294 7780
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.countryquiltco.com.au
Highfields
inside, you feel transported to another
time as dark polished timber floors
and high ceilings provide an old-world
backdrop to this treasure trove of content.
Hundreds of bolts of fabric line the
walls while old-fashioned cabinets
house laces, braids and trimmings, with
racks of patterns and kits as well as an
array of haberdashery. Marion has made
sure there’s something for everyone
including lots of delightful giftware.
Marion hosts two annual events
each year, The Girls’ Stitch-In in
March and the Stitchers’ Dream Day
Out in September. Both events are
held in a beautifully decorated
marquee overlooking breathtaking
views and include new designers
each year who create brand new
projects for the event, a wonderful
gift bag, lunch and a kit to begin hand
stitching on the day. Visit The Quilters
Angel website for more information
on these events.
Local knowledge:
The Village Green is a picturesque spot
overlooking the escarpment and is an
idyllic setting for The Quilters Angel
and other specialty shops.
Address: 10475 New England Highway,
Highfields Qld 4352
Phone: (07) 4630 8062
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.quiltersangel.com.au
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Pattycake Patchwork
he gorgeous Pattycake
Patchwork in Millmerran is
a little slice of craft heaven for owners
Jolanda and Stephen Webb. “We came
to Millmerran six years ago, I had my
first patchwork lesson and was hooked!”
Jolanda says.
The large, airy shop is full of colourful
items that you can’t resist examining
and the helpful, friendly service adds to
the cheerful atmosphere.
The excellent range of stock consists
of fabrics in a variety of styles, including
country, kids, panels, Michael Miller
Krystals, and a large range of homespun
colours. Also available is an extensive
selection of haberdashery, lace, trims,
ricracs and ribbons, beads and findings,
Mettler sewing threads, crochet cottons,
a full range of Magnum 8-ply and
Magnum Baby Soft 4-ply knitting yarn, a
massive range of buttons including loads
of novelty buttons, DMC embroidery
thread, and so much more!
Millmerran
The shop has an ideal, large, well-lit
classroom that hosts a variety of classes
throughout the year including beginners
and intermediate sampler, mystery
quilts, quilt as you go, jelly roll quilts,
and paper piecing amongst others. There
is also a Fabric Club for $33 a year that
entitles members to a 10% discount on
all patchwork fabrics, patterns and craft
books all year round.
Local knowledge:
Millmerran has plenty to offer tourists
throughout the year including the
Hot Rod Run, sheep races, Chisholm
Trail, beautiful murals, and the biennial
Camp Oven Festival.
Address: 34–36 Campbell Street,
Millmerran Qld 4357
Phone: (07) 4695 1566
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.pattycakepatchwork.com.au