A Little Rest Time

After 4 long days it was time to put the shop back together after the Sewing Stitching and Handcraft Show. It was a great event and all that were involved did a great except for the coffees that took 40 minutes to get and they were barely warm and my Subway sandwich that was disgusting.

Some shots of my Stand. Now I can't share any from the quilt show which is ashamed but when I asked if it was ok I could only take photo for personal use and not to publish any photos anywhere but thanks to Jeannie Gregory I am able to share a couple of her pieces as she granted me permission. It is very important to get the permission before hand.

It still amaze me it only takes me a couple of hours to pack and load the car for a big event and it takes me at least half a day to unload and put the stock back in the shop.

I did get some English paper piecing shapes prepared and stitched together during my Demos which is great. I need to remember to think what I need for upcoming projects and work with them during my demos. I think it would help greatly with my progress.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

First day of the Sewing Stitching and Handcraft Show

After a busy afternoon yesterday setting up for the Sewing Stitching and Handcraft Show. The hard work no glamour here set up day.

Kate was with me today as we helped the customers with all their needs. It was a good and we didn't venture far. Hopefully I will get a few more shots around the fair tomorrow. We back on to the Festival of Quilts exhibition and only have had a few glimpses so far

So all I managed was a few shots of my Stand today.

It was good having a spot displaying some of the up coming workshops we have planned. There's a double wedding ring quilt, English paper piecing Star Cushion, Piping and zipper Cushion, Bargello table runner and I have a Stash Bash Sewing Party mystery quilt on often. Plus there has been some workshop requests which I will be working on. If you have any thoughts for workshops let me know.
Until Next Time
Keep Stitching
Cynthia

The Stitches & Craft Show Round up

In a blink of an eye the Stitches and Craft Show is over for this year.

The view of the stand as you brought your ticket to get in.

Some close up of the stand.

It was an interesting event with lots of different crafts. It was great to team up with Kate from A Quilter's Odyssey to help her clear some of her excess stock and she helped me so I wasn't manning the stand by myself.

Also we have nearly fill our block of the month which starts next month so be quick if you want to join us sewing the stunning Pemberley quilt. Pop over to Cynthia's Ark to sign up.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Barossa Craft Fair & Market Round Up

Yesterday we were trading at the Barossa Craft Fair & Market. This is an annual event and generally our last event of the year. So we like to go out with a bang. We have a good spot so you can't miss us as you enter. It was a day filled with fun, shopping, learning and socializing, topped with lots of sales. I was doing some Inklingo demo's introducing everyone to printing their shapes onto their fabrics, eliminating the need for templates. I will need to do some new samples for next year's events program. Ideas were running through my head on how I can do it better for next time and what else I can show them.  We had a some new products to share. Mainly our new Quick Quilts range, 4 designs to choose from to start with. There is Thomas the Tank Engine, Busy Builders, Surprise Birthday and Polka Dot Pond Friends. They come with all the fabric and basic instructions.

Di and her team of helpers did a stunning job arranging and organising the event. People don't realise how much goes into running an event like this. Everyone need to pitch in and help and do their part to make an event like this successful.  So a big thank you to them from us.

These lights are a curse to me. I bought these lights 3 years ago for this event. That year I forgot them completely, left them on my desk. Last year I remembered to take them but forget the batteries for them so I got 1 set out and then realised what I had done. Well this year I made sure I had them with the batteries in my bag. Guess what I totally forgot them and it wasn't until Sunday morning that it hit me that I forget these lights. I can't believe I did that.  Maybe next year I will use them. I alway forget something but normally I forget to bring it, not have it in my bag and not use it.

I might have to hang them in the shop, just to use them.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia 

The Adelaide Sewing, Stitching and Handicraft Show Round Up

Between 17th-19th July I was at the Adelaide Sewing, Stitching and Handicraft Show trading. These show are a lot of work and without my help I won't achieve what I do. So a big thank you to Ian, Maureen and Cathy for all their help over the 4 days.
We had some new friends join the Ark team for this event. There was Larry's friend Lionel, Piper the penguin, Raffe the Giraffe and our naughty dolphin friend Dee Dee who stayed home on Saturday. They were very well received and there will be a few more animals created in the future.

The big sellers for the weekend turned out to be the panels and the  Riley Blake 10" stacker pack (only a few left they are back on the webshop if you are interest) still at the special price and of course our pre-cut fabrics we cut from the shop stock.

It was the first time we have the Sue Daley English Paper Piecing products on the stand and they received a lot of attention. So much so I have a list of other shapes the customers want that I didn't have, so I will have to place a new order in the coming week so if you need something just ask and I can add it the order if I don't have it. Plus some testing homework of my own after talking to Christine on Friday.All very exciting if not a little scary. These product will also be add to the webshop shortly.

The other exciting thing about these events is seeing interest new products that have become available since the last event. It looks like we'll be seeing some new products in the very near future. So stay tuned to see what is new. Some I will be testing over the next few weeks so we will see how easy they are to use.

Until Next Time
Keep Stitching
Cynthia

Salisbury Craft & Hobby Fair 2015 Round Up

I can't believe the Salisbury Craft & Hobby Fair is finished for another year. Time flies when you are with good company. We had lovely weather this time, it was still cool but at least there was no rain. I can't believe how many years we have been doing this event, it is over 15 years. Things have changed over that time, some good, some bad but that just like life isn't it.
Saturday was my best day.  It was a little bit quiet for me sales wise on the Sunday and Monday but that meant I could spend a little more time with the customers I did have and catch up with some of my market friends I don't see as often as I would like. Plus I did some work on my Inklingo black and white hexagon quilt which is starting to come along nicely except I seem to be missing 1 black hexagon flower. I will find it, I don't need it at the moment so it's ok.
Anyway back to the craft fair there was a good crowd each day with lots on offer over a wide selection of crafts, maybe a few too many jewellery stalls but who's counting.

As you have seen over the last few months I have had a few new animal friends arrive here at Cynthia's Ark and they were really popular at the fair. Having them sitting on the stall in a few different places sure did attract people attention, along with The Quilted Fish Pigs in Blanket slippers which I made up in Noosa at Cotton Carnivale early this year. So if you missed out because the patterns sold out they will be back in stock shortly. I know Larry the Lion will be back in stock in the next day or two as they are in an order on it way to me. I think there will be a few more new arrivals come soon to join their friends in store. I will keep you posted on their arrivals.

Now I have four weeks to restock the craft fair boxes for the Adelaide Sewing, Stitching & Handcraft Show starting on the 17th July to 19th July. I know there will be some more new stock arriving just in time for this event. It is alway good to have new stock for people to see.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

The Stitches & Craft Show 2015

We are already at the last day of The Stitches & Craft Show. We have had a great event, lots of sales, lots of talking to regular customers and our new customers. We have had a great response to my latest quilt design Scrappy Roads with me nearly selling out of the first batch of patterns and the latest member of our animal family Larry the Lion (pattern and kit). At least Oliver has a friend to hang out with in the shop and at event. There may be some hi jinx with those two around.
So if you are in Adelaide South Australia and haven't been to The Stitches & Craft Show pop in today. I have a free gift with any kit purchased and a special of charm square packs to tempting to resist.

Until Next Time

                                            Keep Stitching
                                               Cynthia

Laura Folk Fair 2015 Round Up

Once again we were in Laura trading at the Laura Folk Fair over the weekend. This is one of our favourite events of the year. We get 2 days trading out in the fresh air and it is an overnight stay in the neighbouring town of Gladstone. So it is like a mini break. As always we had perfect weather for the weekend and it was a busy weekend with lots of great crafts, good food and entertainment for the whole family.

This year when we got there we noticed there had been some road works since last year's event and the organisers had to realign our end of the fair which turned out to be a blessing for us, as we have the afternoon sun in our eyes normally. So no more sun in our eyes and as we are outside under hessian tents the sun now didn't reach the back of our stall so we could get out of the sun when needed.

The 2 new Kids Strip Quilts kit Furry Friends and Too Cute were popular with the crowds, along with the Melly and Me patterns (I think that was down to Oliver Hoot being our special guest on the stall). A number of customers wanted to take him home but I couldn't part with him. So they had to buy a pattern and make their own. Am I a mean person? I don't think so.

Of course fabric was the most popular selling item on the stall. I make sure all the fabric boxes are topped up plus extras for such event as we only get out that way once a year. I don't want anyone to miss out. This year the modern fabrics and novelty fabrics were the big movers. I love see what fabrics people buy it helps me select what to order in and I often see interesting mixes that have the wow factor. There was 1 fabric that has been in stock for over 12 months and not move all that well but I had a customer mix it with a different range from a different company and I thought wow that could easily mixed together to create a great quilt. I may have to play around with them and see what happens. It was another great weekend in Laura. We look forward to next year's event.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Barossa Craft Fair & Market

On Saturday we spent the day in Tanunda, South Australia at the Barossa Craft Fair & Market. At this time of the year there is alway a good chance of hot weather. That is what we had this year 35 degree and in the show hall I think it was a touch warmer. It is basically a tin shed.
This is an event we have traded at for a long time and I have seen a lot of changes over the years but Di and her team do a brilliant job behind the scenes to keep this event marching on since they took over the running of this event. This year I agree to do some demonstrating on the English Paper piecing technique which was the technique I used in my Cynthia's Flower Garden Quilt. I think I was a little shaky at the start but by the afternoon I was going great (I hope). There is a few things I need to work on next time I do this.  It was a shame we forgot the rod for the frame so I could hang My Cynthia's Flower Garden quilt up behind the demo area we did improvise with my other  smaller hexagon quilt hanging over the uprights and my flower garden went over the table.

Sorry I didn't take more photos as I was busy with the demonstrating ( in other words talking.). 

Until next time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

What is new at Cynthia's Ark

Over at Cynthia's Ark we have some new batik fabrics and we have released 2 new patterns and 1 new kit. They are now available in our webshop.
There is 7 new batik fabrics to choose from at $23.00 a metre

The is 2 new English paper piecing patterns Cynthia's Flower Garden Quilt pattern at $14.00

Our English Paper piecing starter coaster pattern which is also available as a mystery kit. You can add a colour preference in the comment box as you go through the checkout if you want. No colour added we will pick a kit at random.

To celebrate the launch of the coaster pattern and kit. They will be on special for a week

 Pattern $6.50($9.50) and the Kit $9.50($12.50)

We will have these patterns and kits available to purchase at the Barossa Craft Fair & Market on Saturday the 29th November at the Tanunda Show Hall, Tanunda, South Australia, and I will be demonstrating the English Paper Piecing technique if you want to learn it. It will be great fun.

Until next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Australian Machine Quilting Festival 2014 Round Up

Wow! What an event! Of course there was plenty of work done but there was fun along the way too. Now after the event there is even more work to be done. This was the first time we have traded at this event and at a venue we haven't dealt with before.  I am always nervous how things are going to work out. Setup went smoothly besides some silly woman (me) who forgot to put the ladder in when she loaded the car. Whoops but I always forget something and we always manage. My LSH (long suffering husband) won't let me live that down for a few events. 

Is that a sneak peak of one of the Batik Rainbow Sampler blocks on the wall? 

There was a full six days of classes and three and bit days of trading in the vendors hall. I did manage to sit in on a Squedge ruler demo from Joy's Craftworx and yes I did purchase one with a book. I have some ideas using batik fabrics I want to play with. I will share them when I get to it. That is why I got the book because it may be a few months before I get to play with it. If you saw my last post you would know I got to meet Jenny Doan from Missouri Star Quilt Co who was here teaching. I wish I had done one of her classes but it just wasn't possible.  I have promised myself I will do a class next time.

Of course, at an event like this, you must have a quilt show featuring Machine Quilting. I just love looking at all the work that went into creating these quilts. Even my LSH had a favourite.

My LSH favourite one. 
 Some of the quilts on display in the Quilt show.

Also at this event we launched our Aurifil Batik Bright Thread Club (starting December) which is now available to sign up for in the web shop. Here is the link to the post on the club.

October has started with a bang. With our Batik Rainbow Fabric Club launched on the 1st and now our Aurifil Thread Club launched, 2015 is shaping up to be a big year for us and to top things off I know there are some very exciting patterns using batik fabrics, more batik fabrics coming and some new tools I think as well.

Until next time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

What is going on here!

I have been busy preparing for our big launch on the 1st October. It is a surprise so you will have to pop over to www.cynthiasark.com.au  and sign up for our newsletter to be one of the first people to learn what we are launching. It is limited offer.

Also I  have been doing lots of fabric cutting for the Australian Machine Quilting Festival which starts on the 1st October with classes then from the 3rd-6th everyone is welcome at the Adelaide Convention Centre, North Tce Adelaide South Australia. This is the first time we have done this event so it is exciting to see what happens. I am looking forward to setting up on Friday.

I did take Saturday morning off and we went to the Balaklava Show which is 35 km (about 20 miles) up the road from us.  It is an agricultural show, so lots of animals, sideshow alley full of rides and games, a range of displays, food and of course handicrafts of all sorts on show. You all know what I wanted to see the quilts but we had to look at every else first as the hall was closed for judging in the morning. I got there after an early lunch. There was lovely a display of cakes, home brew, vegetables, photos, knitting, quilting and so on. I love looking at the quilts and I was wondering about entering one of my quilts in to a competition just once for the experience. I am not much into competing so maybe that is why I haven't done it before. I decided to ask about how to enter. So I visited the show secretary to get the details and she took my details so when they send out the details for next year event I will receive them. This will give me some time to think about it a bit more and what to enter if I choose to take on this challenge. I didn't see any batik quilts in this year’s display so I think that will be my starting point. How you entered a quilt show? I would to hear your experience on entering quilts in a show. Was it easy or stressful?

Sorry there is no photos I forgot the camera and my phone isn't a smart phone.

Until next time

Keep stitching

Cynthia

Salisbury Craft & Hobby Fair 2014

What a blast I had at the Salisbury Craft & Hobby Fair over the June long weekend. I didn't realise how many people I had to catch up with, so in between sales I was catching up with all the news from stall holders and friends I haven't seen in a while. Over 3 days there was a lot to do with promoting my products, demonstrating English paper piecing,  giving my opinion on a variety of topics, answering lots of questions, some were very interesting. At least they were all easy enough to answer on my part. I don't like it when I get that really curly question that I can't answer.  I had empty boxes when I packed up and that is always a good feeling as I must have sold plenty. I would love to sell out just once but I know that will never happen. I'm just too well prepared. Here is a couple pictures of my stall.

  The only problem with having such a good weekend was I got no sewing done. I'm itching to get behind the sewing machine and start on June's blocks that are waiting to be done. 

Until next time 

Keep Stitching

 Cynthia

What has been happening this week.

 Not a lot of sewing has been happening this week, but that doesn't mean I haven't been playing with fabric. This week has been spent cutting fabric into 30cm (12 inch) strips for my fabric boxes that I take to craft fairs, exhibitions, special events and more. I have the Salisbury Craft and Hobby Fair on the first weekend of June. It is held at The Gardens Recreation Centre, Corner Kings & Martins Rd, Parafield Gardens, South Australia. So if you are in Adelaide over the long weekend I would love to see you there. There are over 80 stalls with a wide selection of goods on offer, food and entertainment, so why not join us.

 I am planning some specials for the weekend, at the moment I am thinking charm square packs will be on special and maybe a fabric freebie offer.  Here is a preview of the delicious fabrics for sale.  

Until next time 

Keep stitching

Cynthia

Angaston Craft Fair 2014

On Easter Saturday we traded at the Angaston Craft Fair. A early start was needed as we always pop in to the Barossa Farmers Markets first as it is on the way. We got there right at opening time and it was already packed. It is worth a visit if you are around Angaston on a Saturday morning, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and breakfast cooking is just a delight to the senses. Back to the car with our purchases and 5 minutes later we were at the Angaston Town Hall setting up for the 10am opening. I have been trading at this event for the last 8 years so I couldn't  believe it when I realised I didn't bring enough tables but we manage with the loan of a spare table from a friend also trading there. It is a lovely event with a variety of crafts stalls and good food on offer from the Lions club who run the event. We caught up with friends and previous customers,some we had not seen for a couple of years so that is always nice. My kids panels and strip quilt kits got the most attention.

Some pictures of my stall I am thinking next year I do need to bring my hanging frame that bolts to the back of the tables and hang a quilt. It is amazing the different perspective you get when you see some pictures. The stall is lacking some height I think.

 

Until next time

Keep stitches

Cynthia

A new situation for me.

Something happened at Laura Folk Fair that has never happened before that I am aware of. As you can see I had some of my quilts hanging in the stall, some were advertising kits I have for sale and a large hexagon quilt (Grandma flower garden) to demostrate what can be achieved with batik fabrics and possible upcoming pattern. Now we had a couple stop just outside the stall and the gentleman started snapping photos using his camera. I called out Excuse me! How about asking permission before taken photos? They didn't respond at first so I repeated myself louder and the gentleman just walk off and I said to the lady You should of asked first before taking photos of someone hand work. She just muttered something under her breath and walked off. I would of let them take some photos if they had asked first I just found them very rude to take the liberty they did. LSH (my long suffering husband) who saw this has suggested I make a sign up for future events. Not sure what to write or what I need to put in the sign. Has this happen to anyone else  and what have you done about it. Would a simply sign stating "Please ask for permission first before taking any photos" be of any use or do I need to be firmer and state " Please don't take any photos if you like what you see buy a pattern or kit" I would love some feedback on this topic as I have a number of events coming up and I don't want  a repeat of this incident.   Please share your thoughts in the comments section below as I would love to hear from you.

Until next time

Keep stitching

Cynthia