Road

Sensational
North Queensland
By Emma Bradstock
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he northern region of Australia’s sunshine state,
Queensland, is the ideal destination for exploring some
of the country’s most pristine beaches and unique ecosystems. This
stunning part of Queensland will reward you with one of the most
memorable and spectacular holidays you’ll ever have.
Starting in the tropical far north of the state, you will find some
of Australia’s Top 10-rated beaches. One place you simply must
visit is the 135-million-year-old World Heritage-listed Daintree
rainforest. It has seen dinosaurs come and go and changes in the
global weather pattern, yet little has changed in this spectacular
rainforest. It is home to the largest range of flora and fauna in the
world, with 13 species of animals unique to the area. There is no
other place on earth like it.
The Townsville area has a lot to offer the visitor, such as the
Wallaman Falls in the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. These falls
comprise the highest, most permanent, single-drop waterfall in
Australia, and are surrounded by some beautiful rainforests where
you can spot the endangered cassowary and Musky rat-kangaroo.
A visit to the Townsville region wouldn’t be complete without a
trip to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many ways you can explore
this amazing World Heritage-listed reef, both in the water and out,
so you don’t have to be a diving enthusiast to be captivated by the
world’s largest coral reef. It is also one of the Seven Wonders of the
Natural World and home to an incredible range of marine wildlife,
such as the endangered dugong. Magnetic Island is another popular
destination in the area, with koalas and other wildlife.
Yet another breathtaking region of North Queensland is The
Whitsundays, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. With 74 islands
What’s On
18–26 May Port Douglas Carnivale, various locations, Port
Douglas, www.carnivale.com.au
25–27 May Opera in the Caves, 30 Olsen Caves Road, The
Caves, www.undergroundopera.com.au
8–11 June Palm Creek Folk Festival, Mountain View Lake
Eco Park, Giru, www.palmcreek.com.au
24–30 June Wrapt in Rocky, Rockhampton,
http://wraptinrocky.com.au/
6–7 July The 25th Annual Art Whitsunday Exhibition,
Jubilee Pocket, www.artwhitsunday.asn.au
27 July–4 August Australian Festival of Chamber Music,
various venues, Townsville, www.afcm.com.au
15–19 August Cultural Fest, Strand Park, Townsville,
www.culturalfest.org
16 September Tastes of the Tablelands, 86 Herberton Rd,
Atherton, www.tastesofthetablelands.com
Map by Susan Cadzow
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O n T h e R oad — N O R T H Q u e e ns l and
Follow the needle and thread, button by button, as we discover North
Queensland’s best craft shops.
dotted throughout the Coral Sea, it is a truly incredible sight. You
can fly over the water in a sea plane or helicopter to get the best
view of the islands, or travel in style on the water in a professional
racing yacht, or even experience how Captain Cook would have
seen the area on a Tall Ship voyage. Once you have your feet back
on dry land, sample some of the freshest, most delicious seafood
from this area.
Further south is the region of Mackay. The city of Mackay itself
has some beautiful Art Deco buildings, which you can see on a
Heritage Walk. West of Mackay is the Eungella National Park,
situated amid mist-shrouded mountains with 860 plant species
from both sub-tropical and tropical rainforests, as well as being
home to the Eungella honeyeater, which was only discovered in the
last 50 years. Trek down to the Broken River viewing platform to see
platypus diving for food in their natural environment.
The stunning Capricorn region, which includes the beef capital
of Australia, Rockhampton, and the nearby Capricorn Caves, has a
fascinating history of mining, especially in sapphires. While you’re
in the area, you simply must try fossicking for sapphires.
With so many stunning World Heritage-listed areas and unique
ecosystems, North Queensland is the ideal location to explore all
the incredible natural beauty this state has to offer.
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R&C Fabrics and Linen
Mossman
omona and Cathy Verri
opened R&C Fabrics and
Linen 31 years ago after having worked
in the original Jack & Newell and
Marshes Drapery stores in Mossman
during the ’60s and ’70s. Since then,
the once-typical drapery store has
evolved into a much-loved patchwork
and quilting shop, definitely a great
move! Nonetheless, there are still
some standard drapery lines, dress
materials, curtaining and a small range
of manchester available.
There are classes on offer throughout
the week, along with evening and
Saturday quilting workshops. Visit the store after 3pm and you’ll find it is a hive of activity, with
up to six primary school-age children attending after-school sewing classes. As agents for Pfaff sewing machines, the store allows
junior sewing students to purchase a machine to work on from day one.
To celebrate 31 years of trading, there are lots of specials in store, like the Ladies Passion fabrics and block of the month packs,
now 30 per cent and 20 per cent off store-wide. Mention this magazine for your discount! They also have a wide range of Pfaff
sewing machines and regular workshops. All travelling quilting groups are welcome and on July 5 and 6, Cathy Miller, the singing
quilter, will be in store. Phone for enquiries.
Address: 3/22 Front Street, Mossman Qld 4873 Phone/fax: (07) 4098 1563 Email: [email protected]
Kay’s Fabrics
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Cairns
he family owned and run Kay’s Fabrics has been operating
in sunny Cairns for more than 25 years. Current owners
Sandra and Kevin took over the running of this wonderful shop from
Sandra’s parents, Kay and Allan, in January, 2006.
You’ll be delighted the minute you step inside the shop, with its
variety of gorgeous products sure to inspire and entice. The shop
stocks more than 8000 bolts of patchwork fabrics and starting at just
$10.95 per metre, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste and
price range.
Kay’s Fabrics also stocks a large range of embroidery designs by
Jenny Haskins, Sue Box and more. There’s an embroidery service for
uniforms and sports clothing, and a digitising service is also available.
The shop is an authorised dealer and service centre of Janome,
Husqvarna Viking and Baby Lock sewing and embroidery machines,
with free lessons offered on all machines purchased.
Sandra and Kay run a variety of classes in everything from
patchwork quilts and table runners to bag making and more. The
shop’s comprehensive website showcases the variety of this great
shop and if you can’t find what you’re after, Sandra will be happy
to help.
Address: 475 Mulgrave Road, Earlville Cairns Qld 4870
Phone: (07) 4054 1455 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kaysfabrics.com.au
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Cairns Craft Centre
Cairns
he Cairns Craft Centre began as a labour of love for
owners Peter and Frances Leate when Frances had
trouble finding the things she needed for her craft. The idea of
a little needlecraft shop has taken on huge proportions in the
intervening 14 years.
The shop is divided into nine major departments, each
acting as a specialist shop with expert staff on hand to
assist with each particular craft. It stocks more than 80,000
products, including supplies for art, beading, paper crafts,
haberdashery, cake decorating, knitting and crochet,
embroidery and hardanger, patchwork and quilting.
The patchwork and quilting department has 8000 bolts of
quality fabrics, often said by visitors to be “the best selection
I have seen in my travels around the country”. The shop is
also the home base for three published quilt designers who
can offer support as you choose from a complete selection of
Matilda’s Own batting, notions and tools, and all the major
sewing-thread brands.
Address: Showground Shopping Centre, 157 Mulgrave Road,
Cairns Qld 4870 Phone: 1300 881 833 or (07) 4031 3024
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cairnscraftcentre.com.au
The Tinkers Cart
A
Townsville
picture of optimism, Tracy Edwards started The Tinkers Cart over five years ago.
“I love fabric and decided there was no time like the present,” Tracy says. That
sense of can-do infuses the shop with an infectious, upbeat mood.
This outlet has day and night classes in dressmaking and patchwork, and every year
there is a quilt raffle for cancer research. It’s the place to go for your sewing-machine
needs as the shop is Townsville’s only Janome dealer and repairer. A diverse range
of stock is on offer, including a large range of fabric, Cosmo threads, Cottage Garden
threads, patterns and quilting accessories, beautiful BOMs and kits for our Project of the
Month luggage feature running from issue 13.3 to 13.12.
This year, The Tinkers Cart will be holding the When Friends Gather retreat, on
July 28 in Townsville, with guests Bronwyn
Hayes from Red Brolly and Natalie Lymer
from Cinderberry Stitches. It will cost $130
for the day, with a $50 non-refundable
deposit to be paid on registration. Fresh,
new designs and a starter kit for each lady,
morning tea, lunch with champagne and
afternoon tea are included. Too much fun
to miss!
Address: 3/277 Charters Towers Road,
Townsville Qld 4810
Phone: (07) 4755 2336
Email: [email protected]
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The Quilter’s Blessing
Townsville
wner Jo Johnson and her team are well known for their helpful service
and customers love the shop’s variety of patterns, fat-quarter packs and
spectacular fabric combinations. Now in a new location, The Quilter’s Blessing has
a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where having a cuppa and chat with customers
is an everyday occurrence.
The shop hosts some fantastic social
groups and classes, including the cheekily
named Fabric Play Group days. The shop
also runs a children’s class, which has
earned growing interest.
The team here love helping travellers and
have cutting facilities available if you need
to do some cutting preparation while you’re
on the road. Tourists are also welcome to
join the class days for some company. They
have a quilt-pinning day and tea and coffee is
always available in this friendly store.
These beautiful Australian bags are very
popular and extremely easy to whip up.
Pattern is $16 plus p&h, kits with fabric
and pattern are $50 plus p&h.
Address: Shop 5, 44 Anne Street, Aitkenvale,
Townsville Qld 4814
Phone: (07) 4728 8933
Email: [email protected]
Blog: http://quiltersblessing.blogspot.com.au
Needleworx
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Mackay
ith more than 20 years’ experience in the business, Chris and Ray Cross
know their craft. It began with a small shop called Criss-Cross Craft Supplies,
which kept growing and being updated to accommodate changing customer needs, until it
became Needleworx, the one-stop shop for all craft and needlework supplies.
The store carries a huge amount of stock that will leave any craft enthusiast spoilt
for choice. “That’s why our catchphrase is ‘The Hardware Store for Ladies’,” says Ray.
Fabrics range from dressmaking
to patchwork and quilting, and
there is also an extensive range of
haberdashery and notions. Combined
with its selection of prepacked
patchwork fabrics, selecting
complementary colours and patterns
has never been easier.
When entering the store, keep an
eye out for the display wall featuring
items made by the shop’s dedicated
staff, a source of inspiration for many. There is a spirit of community at Needleworx
and it is the customer focus that truly sets the store apart. “We do pride ourselves on
customer service,” says Ray. “We’re here to help and advise.”
Address: Shop 4, Oasis Plaza, cnr Sams and Willetts Roads, Mackay Qld 4740
Phone: (07) 4942 1644 or 1800 631 644 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.needleworx.com.au
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The Fabric Palette
Gladstone
ust as the name suggests, The Fabric Palette
is a well-organised, rainbow lolly shop
of fabrics. For five years Julie Morgan has had
the pleasure of running this store, dedicated to
supplying everything for your sewing needs.
When you step inside, you will be greeted with
a full fabric palette of colour, hints of delicious
soap smells, an old-world delight of laces
and trims, and the sound of sewing machines
mingling with the laughter and chatter from
classes that run three days per week producing
some incredible projects and techniques.
They specialise in Riley Blake designs and
fabrics in fat quarters and eighths, children’s
fabrics, patchwork fabrics, and about 4500 bolts
of a mix of RJR, Robert Kaufmann, Henry Glass,
Shaggy Rose quilt pattern is
Fabri-Quilt and more. The selection of old-world
$10. Kits also available and you
can select your own colours.
laces and trims is simply beautiful, and they also
stock Husqvarna and Bernina sewing machines
as well as doing servicing and repairs. With countless visitors and compliments
from home and abroad, The Fabric Palette is simply a must-see store.
Address: 164 Auckland Street, Gladstone Qld 4680 and 38 Targo Street, Bundaberg
Qld 4670 Phone: (07) 4972 9309 Website: www.fabricpaletteaustralia.com
Patchwork Paradise
I
Rockhampton
n the six years since Margaret Olive took over Patchwork Paradise,
it has evolved into a vibrant and exciting place to visit and shop.
Everything you need for patchwork can be found in the charming terrace
shop and the courteous staff of Debbie, Suellen, Heather and Eve are more
than happy to give a hand, offer assistance when required or just have a
friendly chat.
There is a wide range of fabrics (over 5000 bolts) on offer, from brights,
batiks, traditional, the full Jinny Beyer and Maywood Studio Shadowplay
palettes to children’s and country prints. There is also a large range of
jelly rolls, layer cakes, BOMs, kits and beautiful quilts on display. “We
understand that everyone likes different things and we just love it all!”
Margaret says. There is also a large selection of Aurifil, Gütermann and
Signature threads, especially the variegates, which are wonderful
for quilting.
Classes with local and visiting tutors are held on most Saturdays in
the newly renovated classroom area for up to 14 ladies. Four friendship
groups meet every week and visitors are more than welcome to join in.
Like the name suggests, Patchword Paradise is really a patchworker’s
paradise with everything you need in this great store!
Address: 128 William Street, Rockhampton Qld 4700
Phone: (07) 4927 6628 Email: [email protected]
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Needlework Cottage
F
Rockhampton
or Dianne Jeha, embroidery and sewing have been
lifetime passions, which she has channelled into her
shop for the last seven years or so. There is a sense of fun
and fascination in the air at Needlework Cottage, a dreamlike
treasure trove in a simply stunning riverfront heritage-listed
building. It has all the wonder of Aladdin’s Cave, as one
customer rightly remarked.
The shop has enough products to match that title, including
a large range of embroidery linens, lugana, trigger cloth, huck
fabric, and quirky patchwork fabric. There is also an extensive
range of threads and crochet cottons, a large range of crewel
wool, and a selection of silks and silk ribbons.
The unique store is staffed by a sociable crew who share
a love of beautiful things. “We enjoy people bringing back
the beautiful things they create from our fabrics and threads
and sharing their joy with us,” Dianne says. Laughter is everpresent in the store and you can be sure to be welcomed with
open arms.
Address: 194 Quay Street, Rockhampton Qld 4700
Phone: (07) 4922 2150 Email: [email protected]
Lyn Jelle Crafts
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Wowan
anelle Boto’s successful business has been running for
18 years. What started as a hobby soon expanded to a
full-time job when people began to admire and order
Janelle’s work.
Janelle runs Lyn Jelle Crafts with no staff, so when
you enter her store you are guaranteed experienced and
personalised service. The store stocks a good range of fabrics,
a haby section and a wide range of Janelle’s own
handmade creations, including quilts, towels,
tea towels, table runners and bags. The quilting
machine never stands idle out the back, with
many customers choosing Janelle to finish
their quilts.
Lots of inspiration and crafty fun happens on
Wednesdays in the shop as local ladies meet for a
full day of creativity. Janelle also travels to remote
areas to visit and sew with women who do not
have access to lessons and workshops.
Address: 12 Railway Avenue, Wowan Qld 4702
Phone: (07) 4937 1387 Fax: (07) 4937 1417
Email: [email protected]
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Emerald Fabric Boutique
Emerald
ell into her eighth year of owning Emerald Fabric Boutique,
Jenita Black, with the help of her sister Fran and daughter
Gitana, prides herself on running a store with great country hospitality, a
friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a fantastic range of stock.
On display you’ll find fabulous patchwork and fashion fabrics, bags,
patterns and much more. Among the great variety of fabrics you will find
Moda, including jelly rolls and charm squares, Michael Miller, Robert
Kaufman, children’s flannels and heaps of fat quarters always cut. There are
patterns from Melly and me, Calico Farm, Simplicity and McCalls, as well
as a great range of fancy wools for knitting.
They also supply Elna sewing machines
and overlockers, as well as offering a
sewing-machine repair service. There is
a variety of classes on Wednesdays and
Saturdays, including dressmaking, where
lots of fun projects are made. With such a
great range of products, there is something
for everyone in store, so go in and see
for yourself.
Address: Shop 3/107 Clermont Street,
Emerald Qld 4720
Phone: (07) 4982 4286 Fax: (07) 4987 7574
Email: [email protected]
The Silver Thimble
F
Barcaldine
or almost 15 years, Sandy Gray has been the proud owner of
The Silver Thimble and seen her business grow into a thriving
craft store with a fantastic range of stock, and a dedication to personal,
friendly service because “every customer is important”.
With a welcoming greeting as you come inside, you will find a
diverse range of quality products at competitive prices. They have an
exciting range of fabrics including Moda,
Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler, Northcott, as well
as brights, modern, reproductions, novelties,
co-ordinates, batiks and plains — the list goes
on! They are also stocking the Amy Butler
Lark fabrics as featured in our Homespun
Project of the Month (issues 13.3 to 13.12).
Sandy’s love of helping people doesn’t
stop with fabric selection and advice. The
Silver Thimble plays host to some fun-filled
classes held on Tuesday and Thursday nights,
and Saturday afternoons. They also hold four
weekend retreats each year.
Address: 113 Oak Street, Barcaldine Qld 4725
Phone: (07) 4651 1999 Email: [email protected]
Blog: www.thesilverthimble.typepad.com
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