It's quiet around here

 It has been a little while since I have posted here. So you may think not a lot is happening. In reality it is the opposite, so much is happening that I haven't had time to write any post. Something had to be dropped while other stuff needed to be done. I wish I could keep up with everything, but it is just not possible. 

The biggest project happening at the moment is the upgrade to the website. A whole new look, new features, easy to use for all I hope and a lot more features for the future. Basically it will be a new home for Cynthia's Ark.

Plus there should be room for us to grow with the new site. Another big learning curve for me.

Along with that going on in the background we are have Christmas in July through the whole month with some in store specials and workshop program. Sorry to my online followers with the website out of action theses specials are in store only, but I am happy to take phone orders within Australia. If you see something over the month and can't get to the shop, don't hesitate to call me and place an order. The big special for July is all Christmas fabric is 20% off including the new arrivals. This special runs for the whole month of July.

On top of the fabric special each week we will have another special running to tempt you even more to visit the shop in person. This week we have a favourite of mine. I love running it and I probably should run it more often. It is the Panel Special.  Buy 3 panels for the price of 2. Select 3 panels and the cheapest panel is free.   We have a good variety of panels. As you can see the panel section is full and I still have more to hang that have arrived recently. Our variety of Australian themed panels have  double recently with map panels,  more animals and landscape views being added to current panel stock.

Don't forget our panel competition too. That is running until November. Purchase one of the specially marked panel pack, make a quilt following the rules and submit your finished project by November to go into the draw to win a Cynthia's Ark gift voucher. There is 3 vouchers to winner.

 Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Under the Pressure Foot #13.

What have I been up to? You may guess what this post will be about if you have seen some of my Instagram posts and my post of More animals are moving in.
That's right I have been making up the shop samples  from the new Ric Rac, Melly & Me and Funky Friends Factory patterns that arrived. The patterns are all available to purchase now at Cynthia's Ark. By making up the samples this allows me to create kits with the fabric we have in stock. Sometimes it is just easier to purchase a kit to make up especially if there is a sample of the finished items.

Hedgehog Circus is the first one I tried. This is the first time I have make a project by Ric Rac and I do like to try a pattern from a new designer when I start to stock their patterns to get me a feel on how their patterns works. It helps me help the customer if they get stuck or need help choosing a pattern to their skill level.
Hedgehog Circus was a clear winner. With good clear instructions (as long as you remember to follow them). They were easy to make and you could have lots of fun with the body fabric, like I did. These two were finished in no time. I still need to sew their little noses on but I couldn't wait to show you.

The second pattern I tackled was the Plattie the Platypus from Funky Friends Factory. It took me an evening to make Plattie and is an easy pattern to make if you are new to making soft toys. I can see him in lots of fun colours. After I made him I thought he would look great will some on my hand made felt for his bill and feet. I might have to make some more felt to have a go. Plattie is available to purchase in kit form now using the Riley Blake Design fabrics pictured.

If you are in Australia there is a special offer in the current issues Patchwork & Stitching and Handmade magazines from us when you order any of our soft toy kits until the 31st October 2015.
There is 3 more soft toy samples still to be made so tune in again to see how I go making Melly & Me Black Sheep, White Sheep, Funky Friends Factory Diggles the Dragon and Ric Rac newest pattern Elliot the guinea pig.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Hot Bolt of the Week #7

After last weekend events it is time for a new Hot Bolt of the Week. This week we have Katagami Floral Web fabric for $15 per metre.

 It is available online at Cynthia's Ark, by phone or pop into the shop to buy some. The shop is open on Saturday 10am-3.30pm or give me a call to arrange a time. Now I always like to share something being made from the fabric to inspire you how how you could use it. This one really screams English paper piecing to me for it's fussy cutting potential and it is not the only one in the range you could fussy cut with. Here is what I have been making with this fabric. For more details here is the last post I made on this project.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia 

Hot Bolt of the Week #4

This week's Hot Bolt of the Week is Sue Daley Designs To Norway with Love Floral Diamond fabric. It is only $12.00 a metre for this week. It is a bargain at this price and with 3 other bolts from the range still stock. There is possibilities for this fabric.

This fabric is strongly featured in my Inklingo Star quilt which I have been quilting this week.  So be quick to take advantage of this price. Visit Cynthia's Ark to purchase some.  My star quilt ready for quilting.

Until Next Time 

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

A New Hot Special on Offer.

If you have visited my shop or my Facebook page over the last couple of days you might of seen a new feature special and if you haven't let me tell everyone about it.

It is my

Each week I am going to select a bolt of fabric from the shop and it will be on special for just that week or until it sells out whichever comes first. You just never know what bolt will be on special. It may be a fabric that has been here for a while, maybe one I am working with or a new fabric that has just arrive.

This week's bolt is Civil War Times Daisy fabric from Penny Rose Fabrics and you can purchase now at www.cynthiasark.com.au  at a special price but I'm not going to tell you what the special price is. You need to visit the website to find that out.  This special is also available in my shop in Mallala so if you want to visit just me me a call.

On Thursday over at Penny Rose Fabrics blog they have their Traditional Block Thursday and this week they featured the Ohio Star block which I am currently working on a quilt featuring this block so I thought would make a block up with this week's fabric.
I paired it up with Riley Blake Designs Cream on Cream Floral which is also in stock and whipped this block up in no time.

Here is the link to the Penny Rose Fabrics post on the block if you need the instructions to make the block. It's not a hard block to make. This is my block made up. My block is a 6 inch block.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia