The Village Haberdashery was the place to be on Saturday as Pat Bravo, founder and owner of Art Gallery Fabrics, was visiting to show case their upcoming fabric collections.

Pat showing some of the fabrics from the forthcoming Geometric Bliss collection.

Of the many new collections coming out soon, my favourite is Cherie.

It is a romantic collection of greys, pinks and pale turquoise that is just lovely.  This one is definitely on my shopping list.

In addition to the fabulous quilting fabrics, Art Gallery Fabrics also includes some knit fabrics and voiles in each collection.

The knit fabrics are a good weight and include a small amount of spandex to prevent bagging.  The designs are gorgeous too and would make fabulous t-shirts, children’s clothes and dresses.

Rather than being sheer, the voiles resemble a lawn fabric and combine a soft, silky feel with the easy care of cotton.  They are just prefect for summer dresses and pyjamas.

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet Pat and to see at first hand the lovely collections that are due later in the year.

Many thanks to Pat for an inspirational presentation and to Annie from The Village Haberdashery for organising the event.

I am fortunate to know Sam Molloy, the lucky recipient of this latest batch of my scraps.  Sam makes the most amazing free motion embroidered works of art and can make use of some of the smallest fabric scraps.

Here is just one of her beautiful creations.  I just love the gold embroidery around the rim of this cup and saucer.   You can find more of her lovely pictures on her Folksy shop.  Her technique includes not only embroidery and appliqué but also painting to emphasise details that really make the pictures come to life.   They really are gorgeous!  

Those of you who attended the Sewcial last week will have seen Sam demonstrating her technique whilst creating a fabric cupcake.   Tasty and no calories!  Sam has a detailed tutorial if you weren’t able to make the Sewcial and would like to have a go making your own textile work of art.

The next Sewcial will be held on 1 July at St Anne’s Hall in Wendover.  It is a great opportunity to work on your own project whilst meeting and learning from other local crafters.  Contact Fabric HQ to book your place.

Rather than making ANZAC biscuits, my sister suggested that I should make some poppies for the 5000 poppies project.  Next ANZAC Day will be the 100 year anniversary since the ANZAC Gallipoli landing and there are a number of activities in Australia planned to commemorate this event.

The 5000 poppies community art project is a tribute of respect and remembrance for all Australian servicemen and women who have served over the past 100 years.   On ANZAC Day 2015 they plan to display a field of over 5000 poppies in Federation Square, Melbourne.  To date they have received over 10,000 poppies from crafters from different parts of the world and are now working toward 25,000 poppies for the display.  I have no doubt that they will make this target and the poppies will make a stunning and very moving tribute.

Here are the first poppies that I have made using a wet felt technique.  

Instructions for how to make them, as well as patterns for crocheted and knitted poppies, can be found on the 5000 poppies blog under the poppy patterns section.  Mine will be winging their way to Australia next week and will hopefully find a place in the display next year.