Thorpe and Co Workshop

It is with great pleasure that I bring to my blog a few photos taken during a very wonderful workshop at Thorpe and Co in Boolaroo in May. It was a full house - with loads of creativity against the background of  gently purring sewing machines.

Here is just a small sample of the lovely work done throughout the day. I am sorry that I don't have photos of everyone's work. 

Elizabeth made beautiful panels for her Sewmiriam Tote  using a Cath Kidson print.

It is always wonderful to see traditional and modern prints working together like here 

 and here.

Fully lined zipper pockets were added too!

Pam worked some Tula Pink magic. Love those stripes

Lesley used these gentle, classic fabrics to make  beautiful blue panels

These vibrant  reds will make a stunning bag 

Cindy is using self printed and embellished prints to great effect here 

and here to make great front and back bag panels.

I always love to see special fabrics showcased and these batik prints are stunning

as are these tropical prints 

Who doesn't love a puppy or two?

Margaret's panel speaks for itself!

Congratulations to all the ladies who attended this great day. Your Sewmiriam Handy Zip Top bags and Totes are going to be gorgeous! Thank you to Janette, Maarten and Chris for making us all so welcome in your lovely shop. 

Taking the time to stitch and get lost in the process of creating something special is always a joy, and sharing it with others just makes it even better. Friendships form and grow too. Bliss!

Happy sewing, love Miriamx 

Kiama Quilters Retreat

It was my immense pleasure to work with the Kiama Quilters at their Annual Retreat. What a great time we had. These ladies really know how to sew and they made great progress working on their Sewmiriam Handy Zip Top Bags and their Sewmiriam Totes. Thank you to Anne and Phyll for organising such a terrific event.

With our any further ado let's take a look at the sewing action. 

Here is Robyn's bag. Her choice of Tula Pink fabrics worked a treat! This is the front

and here is the back. What a great bag Robyn. Well done!

There was a definite Japanese theme going on in one corner. I love Japanese fabrics, having lived in Tokyo  for 7 years, so I am always thrilled to see special pieces being made into Sewmiriam bags.

Just look at Annette's beautiful work 

and Willi's stunning panel

and Anne's owl and fish panels below. 

On the other side of the room Anne was also using a Japanese focus fabric but with a fantastic, funky twist.

French influences were also at play at the Retreat. How exquisite is this bag by Clare 

Pam 's bag is gorgeous with a beautiful bird focus fabric, surrounded by reproduction prints. 

Modern fabrics were not neglected. Here is Georgie's stunning panel. 

and here is  Phyll's beautiful bag panel, with a sewing theme.

Colleen used a teal and gold colour theme to make this modern, graphic panel.

Kathy used a striking and bold colour  palate to make this vibrant, beautiful panel.

Soft pastels also make great Sewmiriam bags, and the butterfly panel made by Diedre demonstrates this 

and so does Joy's gentle hydrangea panel.

Congratulations ladies on such gorgeous creative work!

OH, and did I mention the beautiful food that we had? Here is the cake.

Jealous?

Happy sewing to you all! Love Miriam

Thorpe and Co Magic

On Saturday 3rd February I had the great pleasure of running a Sewmiriam Tote Bag making workshop at Thorpe and Co in Boolaroo. Maarten, Chris and Janette made me feel so welcome.

It was such a fun day with a wonderfully talented group of ladies. Some faces I recognised from a previous workshop. These ladies had come back for more! No pressure - LOL.  When I arrived there was a lovely display set amongst divine fabrics. Janette had made a sample Sewmiriam Tote using a vintage tapestry - gorgeous!

Let's see what these clever ladies produced in the class. First up is Olga's delightful Anna Maria Horner bag front. I love that large  raspberry spot !

Janelle used this beautiful poppy print as her focus fabric  and framed it with a superb vibrant gingham.

Rachelle had an enviable collection of Cotton and Steel fabrics and made this panel, which is destined to make a stunning bag.

Candy used bold quilting to make this cat panel go from fantastic to FABULOUS.

Deb did a great job by fussy cutting an Anna Maria Horner fabric to perfection and enhancing it with quilting.

Who wouldn't want this bag for their travelling adventures! Panel perfectly done by Trish during class.

Narelle had a safari theme going on. Look at that ric rack fabric!

Chris coordinated these fabrics, and fussy cut the focus fabric to showcase the birds, trees and the house. I love this combination.

Di put together a striking combination of fabrics. I love the way she has used her focus fabric to create a lace looking side frame.

We even had time to make a professional zippered pocket in our linings on the day.

Cathie loves reproductions and framed them beautifully in class with vibrant colours. Clever!

Who doesn't like an aqua and raspberry combination with a Jennifer Paganelli focus! Tiff put this stunner together .

Debbie framed this beautiful butterfly panel with a vibrant tomato coloured print. 

And last but not least look at  Kay's Sewmiriam Handy Ziptop bag that she was working on in class. It features a Tula Pink tiger print.  This will make a very special bag indeed.

As you have seen, magic was happening in the Thorpe and Co sewing space! Thank you ladies.

Thank you for stopping by and reading this blogpost. You are always welcome. Come visit again soon.

Happy sewing, love Miriamx