w w w fo .co r mp Vi s m fe o lete it at re cra ur tr ft.c es av om . el .a u O N T H E R O A D вЂ“ W estern A u stralia Wayward In WA By Jeannette Vermeulen et off the beaten path with a visit to AustraliaвЂ™s largest state, Western Australia. From breathtaking scenery and friendly locals to fascinating historical areas and wonderful shopping, Western Australia has it all. Like much of the country, the region is marked by diverse landscapes, stretching out from AustraliaвЂ™s sunniest capital, Perth, all the way to the awe-inspiring Kimberley region in the north-west and the worldclass wineries of Margaret River in the south-west. Pack your sense of adventure and indulge your curiosity, because the Golden State offers many extraordinary experiences that will stay with you long after your holiday has come to an end. One must-visit region is, of course, The Kimberley, one of the worldвЂ™s last great wilderness areas. This is a location of staggering natural beauty, capturing a true sense of AustraliaвЂ™s wild spirit. Not only is it home to some of the worldвЂ™s oldest art, but the only horizontal waterfalls on earth as well. ItвЂ™s the perfect place to escape the everyday grind and simply appreciate the majesty of nature. While in the region, visit Cable Beach; the 22-kilometre stretch of pure white beach along the breathtaking blue ocean will no doubt instil a new appreciation for serenity. For a unique experience, why not ride a camel along the beach and catch a stunning sunset? WA has plenty to offer nature lovers, both on the land and in the ocean. The state offers a staggering variety of wildflowers, with the Golden Outback region bursting into brilliant colour from June to November. Around 12,000 plant species carpet the state over the six months, reportedly the largest collection of wildflowers on earth. A number of organised tours are available during this time to help you make the most of your visit, or do some research and explore on your own. If you love the water, the Coral Coast is the place to be. Get up close and personal with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef or swim with dolphins for a magical holiday memory. Whichever part of Western Australia you decide to visit, youвЂ™ll be amazed by the breathtaking scenery, friendly locals and wealth of activities on offer. It is truly a destination with something for everyone! Make sure to leave time as you travel through the state to explore all the fabulous craft shops along the way. WeвЂ™ve rounded up some of the best that WA has to offer. 110 Map by Susan Cadzow G Follow the needle and thread, button by button, as we discover Western AustraliaвЂ™s best craft shops. WhatвЂ™s On February 10вЂ“March 3 Perth International Arts Festival, various venues, Perth. www.perthfestival.com.au February 25вЂ“26 South West Beer Craft Festival, Palandri Winery, Bussell Highway, Cowaramup. www.swbeerfest.com.au February 29 Margaret River Wine Festival, various venues, Margaret River region. www.margaretriverfestival.com March 1вЂ“19 Sculpture By The Sea, Cottesloe Beach, Cottesloe, Perth. www.sculpturebythesea.com May 4вЂ“6 Mandurah Stretch Festival вЂ” Community Arts and Cultural Festival, Festival Square, James Service Place, Mandurah. www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/stretchfestival.htm May 25вЂ“June 3 Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, various locations around the east Kimberley. www.ordvalleymuster.com.au June 2вЂ“3 York Gourmet Food and Wine Festival, The York Town Hall, 81 Avon Terrace, York. www.yorkwa.org August 4вЂ“5 Act Belong Commit Avon Descent, Northam to Bayswater. www.avondescent.com.au O N T H E R O A D вЂ“ W estern A u stralia N Norwest Craft Supplies orwest Craft Supplies, the sister store to Handcrafters House in Midland, is located in the Pilbara town of Karratha. Owner Gail Dods describes her store as an вЂњextensive crafterвЂ™s paradiseвЂќ and here youвЂ™ll find a diverse range of products covering all aspects of art and craft. Norwest Craft Supplies stocks a great range of patchwork and quilting fabrics (with new fabrics arriving monthly), tools and accessories, as well as scrapbooking and cardmaking, beading, embroidery, leatherwork, knitting, crochet, stainedglass, art and general craft supplies. This store is simply packed with almost every craft item imaginable, so thereвЂ™s something to suit absolutely everyoneвЂ™s tastes. T Karratha After taking a break from classes a few years ago, recent interest has led Gail and her staff to get workshops running again. The Norwest Craft SuppliesвЂ™ team is now in the process of organising basic sewing and patchwork classes, just in time for the 2012 tourist season. Gail says the many visiting tourists bring loads of new ideas and fresh perspectives from their travels to the local crafting community, so drop on by and share your own ideas. Presenting the new Singer 160 Limited Edition. It features One-Touch stitches, a SwiftSmart threading system, 374mm sewing area and so much more. RRP $659. Save $160 trade-in on any machine that will then be given to charity. ThatвЂ™s a special price of $499! Offer available for a limited time while stocks last. Avon Valley Sewing & Patchwork hereвЂ™s so much to explore at this charming store located in DowerinвЂ™s Old Newsagency Shop. With 190 square metres of shopping space available, plus two other rooms for crafting goodness, youвЂ™re sure to find just what you need to make your next project extra special. Owner Carol Ann McCarroll prides herself on offering an excellent range of stock for all tastes and certainly delivers. Avon Valley Sewing & Patchwork carries a variety of threads including GГјtermann, Mettler, Rasant sewing threads, DMC, Madiera and Cottage Garden; a huge selection of patchwork notions and haberdashery; Aida cloth; wool; patterns; BOMs and more than 2000 bolts of fabric, with new ranges arriving all the time. As if thatвЂ™s not enough, thereвЂ™s also a huge range of wide backs, Settler Bears, giftware, Miss Rose Sister Violet flowers, ribbons, lace, and sewing machines and overlockers from Janome, Elna and Bernina. A wonderful selection of kits is offered and some gorgeous new patterns will be arriving in late April by a talented designer, ZakвЂ™s Paks вЂ” these are exclusively available at Avon Valley Sewing & Patchwork. The shop also stocks Ott-Lites, sewing 111 Address: 3/5 Warrambie Road, Karratha WA 6714 Phone: (08) 9144 4059 Email: [email protected] Website: www.norwestcraft.com.au Dowerin baskets, buttons, quilt hangers, cloth dolls, wool and acrylic felt, doll shoes, doll wigs, German glass doll eyes, braids and battings. ThereвЂ™s something for everyone! Also offered is a sewing-machine and overlocker repair service, long-arm quilting service and for the bride-to-be who wants a personal touch, the shop offers a do-it-yourself or hire service to get things organised for the special day. In February and March, Carol is offering 20 per cent off the recommended retail price of a great range of wide backs. Simply mention this editorial to be eligible for the discount. Address: 30 Stewart Street, Dowerin WA 6461 Phone: (08) 9631 1000 Email: avonvalleysewingandpatchwork@ hotmail.com Website: www. avonvalleysewingandpatchwork.com.au O N T H E R O A D вЂ“ W estern A u stralia W Carols of Midland ell established and successful are two ways to describe Carols of Midland, and friendly and inspiring are others. Now in a new location, this wonderful shop has so much variety to offer eager stitchers. It has been in business for more than 25 years and was originally owned by Carol and Robert Warren and managed by their daughter, Michelle Pisano. Michelle has since taken over the business and is now the sole owner. When you visit Carols of Midland, you are always greeted with a warm welcome from the friendly staff. The shop features 400 square metres of colour and design with bolts of fabrics and trims on all sides, beautifully displayed in coordinated patterns and colours. A fantastic range of Pfaff, Brother and Janome machines are available, including sewing machines, F embroidery machines and overlockers. Gary, the full-time machine technician, is on hand Mondays to Fridays to solve any of your machine woes. You could lose yourself in the variety of haberdashery, patchwork and quilting kits and the abundance of fabrics on offer вЂ” not to mention all the threads, rulers, cutters, patterns, books and quilting accessories. Carols of Midland also offers exciting patchwork and quilting classes. Handcrafters House or award-winning service and advice, you canвЂ™t go past this fantastic shop. Owned by Gail Dods and managed by her daughter Michelle Pearson, Handcrafters House has been servicing a keen crafting community for nine years with a proactive attitude and a resolve to always put the customer first. This friendly, innovative shop won the very prestigious International Handi Quilter Dealer of the Year award Midvale If you canвЂ™t make it to the shop, stop by the comprehensive website and stay up to date with the latest products, news and special offers. Address: 47 Farrall Road, Midvale WA 6056 Phone: (08) 9250 2722 Fax: (02) 9250 2721 Email: [email protected] Website: www.carolsofmidland.com.au Midland вЂ” chosen out of 10 countries and 750 locations! The shop also won the 2011 National Dealer of the Year award across all their brands. YouвЂ™re greeted by the whirr of sewing machines upon arrival, along with a huge selection of stunning fabrics in all colours. Inspirational quilts adorn the walls while the aroma of coffee wafts from the classroom. In this welcoming atmosphere, youвЂ™re free to browse the variety of patchwork and quilting tools, accessories, threads, kits and books on offer. Along with Handi Quilter longarm and sit-down quilting machines, you will also find Husqvarna Viking and Singer sewing, embroidery and overlocking machines in store. You can count on excellent service when you visit as the highly-trained staff are on hand to offer backup knowledge and support to all customers. Along with five weekly general patchwork and quilting classes, Handcrafters House regularly hosts quilting retreats, in-store workshops and special events with renowned tutors вЂ” В check the website for the latest details. Address: 7/401 Great Eastern Highway, Midland WA 6056 Phone: (08) 9274 4955 Fax: (08) 9274 4977 Email: [email protected] Website: www.handcraftershouse.com.au 112 O N T H E R O A D вЂ“ W estern A u stralia S Quintessential Quilts ue Drill loved her job teaching in a local quilt shop so much that she simply had to get her own shop. SheвЂ™s been the proud owner of Quintessential Quilts for two-and-a-half years now, enjoying every second of it. This bright, welcoming shop 10 kilometres from PerthвЂ™s CBD is a delight for the eager stitcher, with friendly service and advice never far away. As you step into the shop, you are greeted by a beautiful display of kits for sale, the class quilts being taught that term and a friendly hello from the staff, all of whom are quilters and quilting teachers. Quintessential Quilts carries complete ranges of fabrics, including The Jinny Beyer Palette, Fossil Ferns, Hands Spray, A Morley Shadow Play, Fairy Frost, and HoffmanвЂ™s 1895s Hand Dyed Watercolour Bali Batiks. The shop also has an extensive range of toneon-tone fabrics available, with more than 100 white or cream background fabrics. New fabrics are arriving all the time, so be sure to visit regularly to see whatвЂ™s new. A range of classes is offered over four terms throughout the year, in all aspects of hand and machine work for beginners through to the more experienced stitcher. Current BOM Kaleidoscope of Kolour is available for $29.95, plus p&h, over 12 months. Americana Modern BOM (pictured) is available for $27.95, plus p&h, over 10 months. Crossways Wool & Fabrics Subiaco s you enter Crossways Wool & Fabrics, you enter another world where colour and texture rules. This wonderful store has all the knitting, crochet, haberdashery and embroidery supplies you need. Pauline Denton took over the running of this craftersвЂ™ wonderland 10-and-ahalf years ago and her love of the industry is as strong as ever. The shop is managed by Leslie and Joan, and they make a talented team taking pride in offering old-fashioned 113 Address: 1/8 Dewar Street, Morley WA 6062 Phone: (08) 9276 2201 Website: www.quintessentialquilts.com.au service and an amazing range of products. Along with the extensive range of knitting yarns, crochet yarns and patterns, thereвЂ™s also a good range of dress fabric available. YouвЂ™ll also find cross stitch, as well as Kollage square knitting needles amongst the many other supplies. Whether you want a ball of yarn, a button, a metre of elastic or just help with your project, the friendly, knowledgeable staff at Crossways Wool & Fabrics are always on hand to help. Call in today and put them to the test вЂ” thereвЂ™s no problem too big or too small and you will always receive the very best advice. Address: Shop 15, 180 Rokeby Road, Subiaco WA 6008 Phone: (08) 9381 4286 Email: [email protected] Website: www.woolshop.com.au O N T H E R O A D вЂ“ W estern A u stralia C ontemporary design and certain sophistication go hand-in-hand at the enchanting Materialise. Sophie StrohmeierвЂ™s shop has been open for nearly four years, bringing fresh fabrics and inspiring ideas for new, creative ways to use it all to discerning crafters. The intimate studio-based shop is filled to the brim with an eclectic selection of high-quality fabrics in a wide variety of styles to suit all sorts of different tastes and projects. The modern patchworker is well-catered for as the shop carries an excellent selection of contemporary prints from Liberty, Kokka, Westminster, Michael Miller and Alexander Henry, as well as many gorgeous one-off vintage finds. Materialise caters directly to customer needs and the fun and friendly staff are really focussed on the little details that truly make a project unique. вЂњItвЂ™s not just about the fabrics here,вЂќ Sophie says. вЂњWe pay much attention to styling the fabrics J Nedlands Materialise together as a whole, precision cutting and grouping them together to give each project a story and personality.вЂќ Sophie and her talented staff are also in the process of developing a bespoke range of patterns made from their own designs. Materialise offers a unique teaching experience that is customised to customer needs and covers all aspects from project conception through to project completion, so customers are given the knowledge, skills and confidence to finish their own beautifully crafted project. Gorgeous Geisha is designed and made by Sophie Strohmeier and Janine Kingston. Patterns $24.95, fabric sold separately. Patchwork at Homespun acqui Smalley and Jody Watkins have owned the delightful Patchwork at Homespun for the past nine years. вЂњWe saw an opportunity for teaching friends and sharing our addiction of patchwork,вЂќ Jacqui says Address: 2/51 Aberdare Road Nedlands WA 6009 Phone: (08) 9388 2858 Email: [email protected] Website: www.materialiseyourlife.com Willagee when explaining how they began in the industry. вЂњItвЂ™s about being excited about patchwork as a whole.вЂќ The pair originally started teaching in one shop but had to expand into the premises next door three years later, resulting in the fabulous, airy facility you can find today. Recently refurbished, it is a wonderfully inspiring space filled with a marvellous selection of fabrics, patterns and books. Patchwork At Homespun stocks a variety of pretty florals, Japanese, batik, civil war, 1930s, and Amy Butler fabrics to name but a few. There is a variety of styles on offer, from baby and toddler to fresh, bright and antique. The shop is also a Janome dealer. Patchwork at Homespun offers a day and night class every day in a spacious workshop fully equipped for small or large projects. вЂњWe provide a fun and caring atmosphere for ladies to work in,вЂќ Jacqui says. With country trips to Cunderdin, Guilderton and Dwellingup, Patchwork At Homespun captures the true spirit of taking crafting on the road. Address: Shop 6вЂ“8, 6 Harrison Street, Willagee WA 6156 Phone: (08) 9337 7182 Fax: (08) 9337 7180 Email: [email protected] Website: www.homespunworkshops.com.au 114 O N T H E R O A D вЂ“ W estern A u stralia S Kraft Daze Sewing World ix-and-a-half years ago, Jenny and Andrew Clements set about creating a beautiful shop filled with beautiful fabric in Maddington. Kraft Daze Sewing World lives up to its name, as you will find yourself dazed and amazed by the beautiful range of patchwork fabrics and pre-cuts on offer, as well as the welcoming and friendly service. When entering the shop, customers are greeted by a riot of colour from all the great fabrics and gorgeous quilts hanging on the walls. Fabrics available include Moda, Northcott, Maywood, Thimbleberries, Marcus Fabrics and Bali prints. Inspiration is easy to find and with so much choice the perfect fabric for your C next project is waiting to be discovered. Kraft Daze has one of the largest ranges of flannels and backings youвЂ™re likely to find, and the shop carries Janome Sewing Machines. There is a great selection of threads, haberdashery, quilting rulers and supplies as well. The helpful staff can assist with any queries and because the shop offers classes six days a week, thereвЂ™s always a teacher on hand to offer advice. Classes range from beginners to advanced and include Scrap, Christmas, Book Club, Borders and Rulers, Machine Quilting, Thrifty 30вЂ™s, AppliquГ©, Hand Work and Machine Embroidery, to name just a few. When you call in, be sure to ask about the excellent customer-loyalty program as well. This gorgeous sampler is used in one of the shopвЂ™s classes. ItвЂ™s an excellent way to develop patchwork technique while enjoying the challenge. Colours Downunder olours Downunder is owned by Jo Bright, an experienced stitcher who only took over the business a few months ago. The business was originally established by Janine Smith, and Jo is looking forward to putting her own stamp on it and sharing her passion with others. The tinkling of the antique shop bell that heralds your arrival is just a first taste of the enchanting atmosphere, while the delightful displays at the entrance, complete with a large variety Maddington Address: Shop 7, 80 Attfield Street, Maddington WA 6109 Phone: (08) 9459 7843 Email: [email protected] Armadale of stitched models, is sure to captivate your imagination. Colours Downunder has an excellent reputation for counted cross-stitch sampler designs and its wide selection of stunning threads. Imported sampler designs are a specialty and thereвЂ™s an astounding variety of quality hand-dyed stranded silks and cottons. The shop is situated in a lovely historic village setting and Jo makes everyone very welcome. The friendly atmosphere is great for learning and the studio room is always buzzing with activity. There are social classes, introductory classes, kidsвЂ™ classes, group sessions and specialty classes held regularly, and the studio is also for hire for small groups. If youвЂ™re addicted to gorgeous threads, sign up for the Thread CollectorsвЂ™ Club and collect a full set of your favourite threads. Jo will send out two threads each month at 10% off the normal retail price and free postage. Choose from Gloriana Silks Threads, DMC Stranded or PerlГ© 5, Weeks Dye Works, Crescent Colours, Gentle Arts or ThreadworX floss. Simply let Jo know what you already have and sheвЂ™ll take care of the rest. Address: Shop 12, Pioneer Village, cnr Albany and Southwest Highway, Armadale WA 6112 Phone: (08) 9498 0073 Email: [email protected] Website: www.coloursdownunder.com.au 115 O N T H E R O A D вЂ“ W estern A u stralia V Craft Collections isiting the charming Craft Collections situated in the heart of WAвЂ™s Geographe region is like visiting a good friend. Glenys Keegan and her fabulous staff are always ready to greet you with a smile as you step inside, and you will feel right at home amongst the pleasing displays of stunning fabric and myriad colours. The happy chattering of customers provides a cheerful soundtrack while the smell of brewing coffee truly makes a visit to Craft Collections a feast for the senses. Craft Collections has been around for 10 years and at its current location for five. Glenys has been a patchworker for many years and loves sharing her passion with others. вЂњThere are so many talented patchworkers and itвЂ™s wonderful to be part of the process,вЂќ she says. Her staff are all talented individuals who bring something different to the shopвЂ™s excellent customer service, ensuring you always get the best personalised service. F Bunbur y fabrics and associated products,вЂќ Glenys says. вЂњI display fabrics in their ranges and this seems very popular with my customers as it makes choosing fabrics easier.вЂќ The shop has a huge, fully airвЂ“ conditioned classroom and runs regular classes in all aspects of patchwork. Craft Collections sells everything relating to patchwork that you could possibly need such as books, patterns, rulers and fabrics. вЂњI have a specialty patchwork shop, selling just patchwork Patch вЂ�NвЂ™ Paint for Pleasure or fabulous kits and a huge selection of cotton and flannel fabrics, look no further than Patch вЂ�NвЂ™ Paint for Pleasure. The delightful store in the thriving town of Narrogin first opened in October 2003 in partnership and transferred to the sole control of Margaret Paternoster in December 2009. The well-stocked shop carries jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm squares and everything you may need for patchwork, along with a full range of Jo Sonja paints and a selected range of Americana paints, plus wood products suitable for Patch вЂ�NвЂ™ Paint for Pleasure loves to support Australian painting. Pfaff and Singer designers. The gorgeous Created with Love pattern from sewing machines are also Teddlywinks is one of the great local projects you can expect to find in store. carried. There are many 116 Address: 1/13 Mummery Crescent, Bunbury WA 6230 Phone: 0419 616 714 Narrogin wonderful block of the month programs running, and a great range of books and patterns are available. The shop is a keen supporter of Australian designers and you can find lots of beautiful patterns from local talent in store. Better yet, Margaret and her talented assistants Jenny and Barbara are always willing to make up a kit for any pattern they have in stock. ThereвЂ™s always something happening in this cheerful shop. Friendship Fridays, casual stitching events complete with morning tea and lunch, are a hit and there are also regular workshops with visiting tutors, mystery weekends and folk art classes. Drop by to join in the fun when you next pass through town. Address: 100 Federal Street, Narrogin WA 6312 Phone: (08) 9881 5044 Email: [email protected] O N T H E R O A D вЂ“ W estern A u stralia L A QuilterвЂ™s Studio ocated in the picturesque farming district three hours south of Perth is the beautiful township of Kojonup, where you will find the charming A QuilterвЂ™s Studio. Owner and manager Frankie Trouchet first opened the doors to this lovely shop in 2001, turning her life-long passion for craft into something she could share with others. ItвЂ™s all about colour and texture at A QuilterвЂ™s Studio, and the shop stocks a great range of fabrics, specialising in the entire stunning range of Fossil Ferns. вЂњWe have the full 100 fabrics in the range,вЂќ Frankie says. вЂњI love them; they are so versatile for appliquГ© or piecing.вЂќ The shop also stocks wool and cotton battings, YLI variegated sewing threads, patterns and much more. A QuilterвЂ™s Studio is a favourite shopping destination among the locals and you canвЂ™t help but notice the warm community atmosphere as soon as you enter. Frankie loves Kojonup getting involved in all levels in the community, from driving the school bus and contributing to local fundraising to supporting the creativity by offering lessons and popular sewing nights. Whether youвЂ™re after a cuppa and a chat, help with calculations and design or even a one-minute colour lesson, A QuilterвЂ™s Studio is the place to go. Visitors from far and wide are sure to find this cosy store and its friendly regulars simply delightful. Address: 108 Albany Highway, Kojonup WA 6395 Phone: (08) 9831 0101 Email: [email protected] O N T H E R O A D вЂ“ W estern A u stralia Patches вЂ�NвЂ™ Things T his bright, airy store situated in the picturesque township of Esperance is sure to delight you. Owned and operated by Deb Bogert, Patches вЂ�NвЂ™ Things is a friendly place to visit, with a great selection of patchwork supplies to peruse. When you first enter Patches вЂ�NвЂ™ Things you are greeted with a rainbow of colourful fabrics. The store carries patchwork ranges by XLN, Jinny Beyer, Benartex, Michel Miller, Robert Kaufman and many more. Patches вЂ�NвЂ™ Things also stocks knitting yarns, cross stitches, latch-hook yarns and Janome sewing machines. There is so much on offer that customers have often told owner Deb that Patches вЂ�NвЂ™ Things is like a box of chocolates, or a hardware store for ladies! Patches вЂ�NвЂ™ Things runs sewing gettogethers, which anyone is welcome to attend, on Wednesday and Friday evenings and on Friday mornings from ChezвЂ™s Crafty Affair C hezвЂ™s Crafty Affair is a wonderful store located on historical Burt Street in Boulder, the centre of Western AustraliaвЂ™s gold fields. This store carries a diverse range of stock including patchwork fabrics, laces, ribbons, braid, cross stitch, long stitch, embroidery threads, haberdashery, wool, crochet cotton, crochet needles, knitting needles, beads and scrapbooking items. Esperance Address: Suite 6, 120 Dempster Street, Esperance WA 6450 Phone: (08) 9072 1760 Email: [email protected] Boulder ChezвЂ™s Crafty Affair is also a stockist of Singer and Bernina sewing machines and overlockers. Owner and manager Cheryl Holtum runs fun patchwork classes from her shop and has recently introduced a handy machine-quilting service, making the store a one-stop shop for all your quilting needs. At ChezвЂ™s Crafty Affair youвЂ™ll always be greeted with a friendly 118 10am. The store also offers some repair and mending services. вЂњWe have to be all-rounders with Esperance being quite a distance from anywhere!вЂќ Deb says. If you are lucky enough to be travelling through this part of the country, Patches вЂ�NвЂ™ Things is not to be missed. hello and a wonderful range of stock that you simply wonвЂ™t find anywhere else near by. вЂњMy business is one of the only shops of its type in the KalgoorlieBoulder area,вЂќ Cheryl says. Address: 36 Burt Street, Boulder WA 6432. Phone: (08) 9093 2305 Email: [email protected]