Crafty Barter: April 2011

It seems to be a bit of a tradition, when we have visitors in town, we have a girlie day. Due to lots going on in the past year or so we haven't had many. So it was lovely to spend a girlie day with my sister and Mum today. We started off in Bowral and ended up in Mittagong. There is something about the Southern Highlands at the moment. It is just beautiful. The trees have all changed and leaves are falling everywhere, crunching under foot. It has rained off and on all day and the crisp mountain air. I just love the shop front to this Patchwork shop in Mittagong. It is such an inviting shop. The cats curled up in front of the heater. Following us around the shop for a pat. The quilts themselves, as the owner herself said, there is something quirky in each of them. Just to grab one's attention.

This is out the back in the courtyard. You could seriously be anywhere in the world, Italy, or France. Sipping coffee ... reading papers.

The back wall to the building reminds me of being in the South of France for their Autumn. The colours of the plants creeping up the wall. And the soft light on the sandstone highlighting the deep red of the leaves.

There is another picture but it isn't happening for me. I might share it on another day.

One that had to come home with me. Just till my maple turns and its leaves drop... in my courtyard.

We did the round of the op shops throughout Bowral. We had fun. Between the 3 of us we all managed to find some little bids and bobs to bring home with us. Part of mine, vintage Ric Rac.

Did you know? Did you know that old Ric Rac (that our Nanna's used to buy) was made of 100% cotton? I'm under the impression that the stuff available now isn't? That it is made with polyester...

I remember this book as a child. It still made me smile and giggle today....

I know an old lady who swallowed a dog.

My what a hog, to swallow a dog!

She swallowed the dog to catch the cat.

She swallowed the cat to catch the bird.

She swallowed the bird to catch the spider.

That wriggled and wriggled and tickled inside her.

She swallowed the spider to catch the fly,

But NO ONE knows why she swallowed the fly!

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There was another patchwork shop that we went to today in Mittagong, near the park and church. It looks like it might be on it's last legs. I was surprised to see the shelves half stacked. A fraction of the supplies that had been in there 2 years ago since my last visit. The lady/assistant mentioned that due to the dollar and fabric being so cheap on line la la la. The owner hasn't kept it up... I'm not sure about all the details.....

But I wanted to give a shout out to all sewers, crafters and patchworkers. If you want your local shops patchwork or not. Maybe your favorite book shop. Now is the time, to make sure you put your money where your mouth is. Support your local shops that you love or they just may not be there in the future.

As much as we all love saving some money and buying on line. Beware..... If you just want to pop down to the local to grab some thread, needles or inspiration... they may not be there.

Business is changing, small business needs to ensure they diversify. If not making money from fabric, hold tight. Look for opportunities to capitalise in other areas.

For me. I pledge to support my local shops where I can and I hope you do to.

Happy sewing, crafting and whatever else.....

K x