CRAFTy STOP-OFFS IN EASTERN VICTORIA TOUR

On the road
crafty stop-offs in
EASTERN VICTORIA
canberra
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MELBOURNE
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TOUR GUIDE
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1 Wodonga 2 Ky Valley 3 Wandin North
4 Pakenham 5 Frankston
6 Baxter 7 Rosebud 8 Tyabb
9 Glen Alvie 10Traralgon
11 Rosedale 12 Sale
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1. Wodonga
Carolyn Konig Designs
Where’s Wodonga: Situated on the scenic Murray River, close
to the beautiful winery regions of Victoria, Wodonga is the perfect
spot for a quiet weekend away.
Where in Wodonga: 85 Brewer Drive. We’re a bit off the beaten
track, south of the Hume Freeway.
Who plays host: Carolyn Konig
Worth visiting because: My name is Carolyn Konig, and
I am an international tutor and patchwork quilt designer – I've been
patchworking for more than 30 years. When you step into my
gorgeous shop in Wodonga, you’ll see we specialise in reproduction
and vintage-style fabrics, notions, batting, silk threads (for appliqué),
YLI thread (great for hand piecing) and a large range of Shepherds
Bush cross-stitch patterns and kits. You can expect expert advice:
whether you need help for a few minutes or a couple of hours, my staff
and I are always bubbling with enthusiasm and keen to offer any
assistance. We run a range of classes, including Sit & Sew days, where
you can bring along your hand or machine sewing and stitch the day
away in store on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Beginners’
classes are held Saturday and Tuesday mornings and Tuesday
evenings. While you’re visiting, don’t forget to take a look at my many
award-winning quilts on display. These quilts are all available
as patterns or block of the month projects. Open Tuesday to Friday,
10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
What we recommend: If you’re looking for a bit of sewing motivation,
then why not come along to our monthly PHD (Projects Half Done)
2. Ky Valley
Catharina’s Vintage Stitches
Where’s Ky Valley: Ky Valley is a suburb of Kyabram, half way between
Shepparton and Echuca and about two and a half hours from Melbourne.
Where in Ky Valley: 41 Roberts Lane. Go straight through the town
of Kyabram, heading towards Echuca. When you get to the T section,
turn right, then keep going. Go around the big bend. When you see
Palmer Road, turn right. Go over the railway line, then turn right into
Roberts Lane, where you’ll come to our old farmhouse.
Who plays host: Catharina Sudholz
Worth visiting because: Our quaint little shop is always a pleasure
to visit, and we have a lot of different fabric ranges to choose from,
but mainly vintage-style fabrics, which give that charming antique
look. We also have different embroidery threads and hanky linen.
Most of the quilts hanging in the shop are my designs, but we also
carry some from Rosalie Quinlan. We hold many different classes for
enthusiastic stitchers, and we’re going to have a selection of tutors
coming in to conduct these classes; you can find out more by visiting
the website (see address below). When you join our classes, you can
enjoy high teas, and we also offer Vintage High Tea Stitching Retreats,
with 15 to 20 people in the appliqué and hand-embroidery classes
and six to eight people for the machine classes. Alternatively, you can
book your own group and have a UFO weekend, which is lots of fun.
What we recommend: My latest design, 1950s Vintage Couture, has
proven to be very popular. Stitched on black hanky linen, there are
14 stitcheries in total, with antique florals as surrounding fabrics.
Address: 41 Roberts Lane, Ky Valley, Vic 3621
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weekends, where you will find lots of laughter, chatting and a bit of
sewing happening? Our Reproduction Fabric Club and Vintage Fabric
Club are great ways to build up your fabric stash. All Fabric Club
members receive a 10% discount on fabrics.
Address: 85 Brewer Drive, Wodonga, Vic 3690
Phone: (02) 6059 1702
Email: carolyn@carolynkonigdesigns.com
Website: www.carolynkonigdesigns.com
Phone: 0409 700 385
Email: catharinas48@gmail.com
Website: www.catharinasvintagestitches.com.au
3. Wandin North
Catharina’s Country Collection
Where’s Wandin North: On the fringes of the beautiful Yarra
Valley, amongst the vineyards. When coming from Melbourne
down the Maroondah Highway, going through Lilydale, head right
on Warburton Highway. We are about 8km up the road on the right.
Where in Wandin North: 382 Warburton Highway. You can find
us between the bakery and florist.
Who plays host: Howard van Egmond
Worth visiting because: We have a great array of craft supplies,
with a huge collection of fabrics, including Moda, antique florals,
a growing number of batiks and bright fabrics and many more.
We also have a great selection of patterns in store from Judy
Niemeyer foundation piecing, Pacific Rim Quilt Company, Nancy
Lee Chong and Janice Lee Baehr (with two-fabric appliqué
quilts to die for), Wattlebird Designs and many more. Knitters
and crocheters will find a fabulous selection of wool from Patons,
Panda, Shepherd and Cleckheaton. We stock Pfaff, Singer and
Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen and longarm machines. There
is an Avante 12ft longarm machine set up in the store, and we offer
a quilting service with a short waiting time, or we can teach you
how to do your own quilting with an edge-to-edge design, run
by computer. Larger groups and bus tours are welcome, so don’t
forget to contact us before you arrive so we can organise a group
discount. We also offer a variety of classes and workshops, with
tutors teaching foundation piecing, needleturn appliqué as well
as crazy patch. Our studio classes are great to finish off your
4. Pakenham
UFOs, especially when you’re confused about where you’re
at with it; these are particularly good for beginners.
What we recommend: The Pacific Rim Quilt Company patterns are
easy and versatile, with a great selection of Hawaiian quilts. They’re
visually complex but very easy to make. They also have a number
of two-fabric appliqué quilts, which are elegantly simple. And
you can’t go past the wonderful patterns from Wattlebird Designs,
which feature some beautiful appliqué and stitchery projects.
We know that you’re going to fall in love with them.
Address: 382 Warburton Highway, Wandin North, Vic 3139
Phone: (03) 5964 3592
Email: sales@cccpatchwork.com.au
Website: www.cccpatchwork.com.au
Sewing Connection
Where’s Pakenham: Pakenham is 60km east of Melbourne
on the Princes Highway, and you can explore either East or South
Gippsland from here.
Where in Pakenham: 115 Main Street. We are located in the Australia
Post Arcade in the main street of Pakenham, which is easy to locate.
There is a great parking area behind the store, so you can visit
for as long as you want.
Who plays host: Owned and operated by Sandra Dodd and Sue
Rasmussen for 27 years, with the help of the wonderful and creative
team of Gel, Jenny, Janene, Val, Karen and Chebbie.
Worth visiting because: We are jam packed with the latest quilting
fabrics, patterns and books around – a treasure trove of ideas and
samples to inspire you. We stock some of the most popular fabrics,
from Moda, Stof, Hoffman, Riley Blake, Kaufman, Michael Miller and
a fantastic selection of batiks. As a well-known Bernina and Brother
dealer, we stock all the machines for you to try, and have a large range
of feet and accessories as well as wonderful embroidery designs from
Bernina Design Studio, Anita Goodesigns and a huge range of stabilisers,
including the Floriani range. During a trip to the USA in 2012, we sourced
many of the interesting gadgets that you see online, including binding
tools, strip sticks for easy pressing of long seams, Quick Point rulers for
prairie points and scallops, quilting pounces and bendable bright lights
as well as Whims Watercolour kits and Happy Hollow Christmas kits.
We welcome pre-booked bus tours and groups at all times.
What we recommend: Our large and bright classroom plays host to
a variety of classes, including Bernina and Brother Clubs, the Machine
Embroidery Club, patchwork and quilting classes, basic sewing and also
guest tutors Caroline Sharkey, Deb Louie and, in 2015, Gloria Loughman.
So why not join in and learn something new at one of our classes?
Address: 115 Main Street, Pakenham, Vic 3810
Phone: (03) 5941 2244
Email: sewcon@bigpond.com
Website: www.sewingconnection.com.au
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5. Frankston Patchwork Pumpkin
Where’s Frankston: South of Melbourne, on the Mornington Peninsula.
Where in Frankston: Shop 2/61 Kareela Road. We are located in a little
strip of shops in an area of Frankston called Karingal. Kareela Road
is about halfway between Peninsula Link Freeway and Mornington
Peninsula Freeway. It’s on the north side of Cranbourne Road, but
you need to be in the service road to turn into it.
Who plays host: Therese Hylton
Worth visiting because: We opened our doors in July 2000 and we have
just as much fun helping our customers as we did when we first started.
You’ll find a diverse range of fabrics in store, to ensure customers of all
tastes can find something to suit their needs. As much as we love fabric,
our real speciality is teaching. We recently moved the classroom area
to the back of the shop, so now we can teach classes on just about any
technique you might want to learn. I have been teaching patchwork and
quilting for over 15 years, so you’ll be in the right hands when you join one
of my classes. I’ve also designed some really nice scrappy quilts, with the
philosophy that the more fabrics, the better! So why not pick up one
of my original patterns and try something different?
What we recommend: We are totally addicted to hexagons and English
paper piecing, and let’s face it, who isn’t? We like to keep a good stock
of papers in the most popular shapes and sizes for all of your EPP
needs. One of the blocks in our Summer Sampler features hexies
in a Grandmother’s Flower style, so I decided to whip up some sweet
little pincushions for the students in the class (pictured at right).
So, if you love EPP as much as us, you’re in the right store!
Address: Shop 2/61 Kareela Road, Frankston, Vic 3199.
Phone: (03) 9775 5920
Email: orders@patchworkpumpkin.com.au
Website: www.pumpkinmamas.blogspot.com.au
6. Baxter Sewing Bee Café
Where’s Baxter: Baxter is near Frankston, about 45 minutes’ drive
from Melbourne. Take the Somerville exit when using Peninsula
Link. There is public transport available; just catch the Stony Point
train from Frankston.
Where in Baxter: 80 Baxter Tooradin Road. We’re just near the
post office.
Who plays host: Debbie Roberts and Sonia McCann
Worth visiting because: We just opened in 2013, and we are steadily
growing, thanks to our friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Our
preference for bright and fresh colours, which are undoubtedly popular
at the moment, is evident in our fabric selection. We specialise in
helping beginners learn in a fun and encouraging environment and
offer affordable small-group classes or private lessons in patchwork,
dressmaking, softie and bag making. If you don’t have your own sewing
machine, we provide on-site machine hire. We also have a popular
school-holiday program and young sewers’ group. Sonia specialises
in patchwork and bag making and Deb is a qualified dressmaker who
enjoys paper piecing, so we have plenty of expertise to share! We also
offer alterations and longarm quilting. Sewing Bee Café welcomes
everyone, and we pride ourselves on customer service and support.
What we recommend: We are passionate about supporting our talented
Australian designers, so we stock a vast range of patterns and products.
There are four different block of the month options available in 2014,
to suit all levels of experience. Pictured is the Flower Fairies Block of the
Month by The Red Boot Quilt Company, which includes bonus patterns.
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Address: 80 Baxter Tooradin Road, Baxter, Vic 3911
Phone: (03) 5971 5737
Email: sewingbeecafe@gmail.com
Website: www.sewingbeecafe.com.au
7. Rosebud Sewing ’N’ Beyond
Where’s Rosebud: The beautiful seaside town of Rosebud is on the
Mornington Peninsula. Any time of the year is good to take an easy
one-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD.
Where in Rosebud: Shop 1B, Rosebud Parade. Just off the main
road, Point Nepean Road, the CBD of Rosebud. There is plenty
of shopping around, and it’s a beautiful area to visit.
Who plays host: Julianne Whinney
Worth visiting because: I have been serving the community of
the peninsula for 16 years. My staff, tutors and I all have extensive
knowledge of the sewing industry and are more than happy to share
tips and advice with locals and visitors to Sewing ’N’ Beyond. Our store
is truly a sewer’s dream, with plenty of fabrics, knitting yarns, patterns,
notions, buttons and bows and everything in between. If you’re in the
market for a new machine to create with, we stock Brother and Elna, and
we also offer a machine service for all makes and models. We’re happy
to have the largest ranges of Tilda, Liberty, Buddies Corner and Kokka
on the Mornington Peninsula, so there is plenty to choose from if you
love one or all of these fabrics. We also run Tilda Tea Parties so, if you’d
like to join us for one of these, just email us your details. With so much
on offer, Sewing ‘N’ Beyond is your one-stop sewing shop. You can
also find us on Facebook.
We recommend: We specialise in machine embroidery with
a difference, Tilda creatures and original art dolls, so be sure to see
what we have on offer when you visit. And who knows, you might
find that perfect next project you’ve been looking for!
Address: Shop 1b, Rosebud Parade, Rosebud, Vic 3939
Phone: (03) 5981 2020
Fax: (03) 5982 1820
Email: sewingnbeyond@hotkey.net.au
8. Tyabb Magic Patch Quilting
Where’s Tyabb: In the popular tourist region of the Mornington
Peninsula, Tyabb is approximately one hour south of Melbourne.
Where in Tyabb: 1525 Frankston-Flinders Road. We’re on the left side
of the main road of Tyabb when travelling from Melbourne; we’re just
a few doors up from the post office.
Who plays host: Carol Lewis
Worth visiting because: Whether it’s fabrics or a pattern for that new
project you’re itching to start, there’s something for everyone at Magic
Patch Quilting. The shop is full of reproduction, oriental and kids’ fabrics
as well as an exclusive range of patterns that include everything from
a weekend project to a masterpiece. Our friendly staff will welcome you
with a smile, and we are more than willing to help with any questions
you might have. You can book into one of our classes or workshops,
where you can sew in a relaxed and friendly environment.
What we recommend: We just love making quilts, so our shop is full
of enticing samples and patterns to inspire you. Whether you are
a beginner quilter, someone after your next challenge or just like to look,
if you love quilts, you will love Magic Patch Quilting from the moment
you step through the door. For bag lovers, we have a beautiful Woven
Bag (pictured at right), which is $15 for the pattern plus p&h.
Address: 1525 Frankston-Flinders Road, Tyabb, Vic 3913
Phone: (03) 5977 3332
Fax: (03) 5977 3332
Email: query@magicpatchquilting.com.au
Website: www.magicpatchquilting.com.au
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9. Glen Alvie Patchwork Maze
Where’s Glen Alvie: 14km north of Wonthaggi.
Where in Glen Alvie: 470 Glen Alvie Road. Take the road
to Korumburra, go straight across the cross roads and you’ll find
Patchwork Maze 4.5kms on the right.
Who plays host: Jeanette Clark
Worth visiting because: After recently moving Patchwork Maze
to my beautiful one-acre garden on my dairy farm, I have created
a store that is now surrounded by 400 colourful roses, annuals,
camellias and shelter trees. You’re welcome to wander around and
enjoy the beauty of the garden and the panoramic view of nearby
farmland and Bass Strait. You may even see our 300 Holsteins wander
by at milking time. We have a large range of fabric and all patchwork
supplies, so not only can you enjoy our stunning garden, but you get
to enjoy fabric shopping, too!
What we recommend: We sell and recommend Husqvarna Viking
sewing machines, Singer sewing machine products, Babylock
overlockers and our specialty machines, the Handiquilter Avante,
Prostitcher and Sweet Sixteen. Also on offer is our machine-quilting
service, and we teach a wide range of patchwork, quilting, sewing
machine and overlocker knowledge classes, as well as machine
embroidery and 6D software.
Address: 470 Glen Alvie Road, Glen Alvie, Vic 3979
Phone: (03) 5672 4777
Email: patchworkmaze@bigpond.com
Website: www.patchworkmaze.com.au
10. Traralgon Maggie Robertson Design
Where’s Traralgon: Traralgon is the largest city in the Latrobe
Valley, situated in the stunning Gippsland region.
Where in Traralgon: 132 Princes Street. Located in a pretty cottage
with beautiful rose garden to match, on the approach to Traralgon
CBD from Melbourne (on the Princes Highway). Once you pass the
CFA Fire Station, it’s halfway down the next block.
Who plays host: Carole McLennan
Worth visiting because: A visit to Maggie Robertson Design is
a unique experience, not only because of our pretty store and garden,
but also because my original designs cram the store. We ensure kits
are available for all currently displayed quilts and accessories.
We have a full range of Cottage Garden Stranded Threads, Brenda
Ryan, Teddlywinks and Brandy Gully patterns and plenty of beautiful
fabrics and backings. Groups and bus tours are always very welcome.
I teach patchwork classes and workshops and have an annual
weekend away in September, with a new format in 2014. We are open
weekdays from 10am to 5pm, Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and we are
closed on Wednesdays and Sundays (see the website for more.)
What we recommend: Pictured is my own gorgeous design, Kimko’s
Kimonos. A kit for this quilt, using pictured fabrics and appliqué
designs, is $97.50.
Address: 132 Princes Street, Traralgon, Vic 3844
Phone: (03) 5175 0725
Email: sales@maggier.com
Website: www.maggier.com
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11. Rosedale Lily Lane
Where’s Rosedale: Pleasant two-hour drive east along Princes
Highway from Melbourne, or Princes Highway heading south from
Sydney, along the beautiful East Gippsland coastline.
Where in Rosedale: 26-28 Prince Street. You’ll find us in a stately
building known as London House, which was built in 1882 and is right
in the heart of our beautiful town of Rosedale. There are plenty
of classy eateries, antique shops and a big public car park a few
paces away, so there’s lots to do when you visit us.
Who plays host: Jennifer McMillan, who has operated the
business for seven years.
Worth visiting because: “Wow” is the first impression our customers
have. We have stacks of inspirational ideas for projects scattered
throughout the shop, with quilt samples adorning the high walls
– a selection of these are for sale. There are plenty of kits, patterns,
fabric packs, pre-cuts, wool, books and haberdashery. We also have
lots of patchwork fabrics from top-name designers to suit most tastes.
We have friendship sewing and specialist classes available and we are
more than happy to host large tour groups, but a prior booking will
help us organise things well for you. When you come to visit us, you’ll
agree we have the most beautiful front door in the street, and the
store is wonderfully warm in winter and cool in summer. What we recommend: The ever-so-popular French General
fabrics are always kept in stock and current, with bolts and pre-cuts
to suit every need. We also have plenty of shabby chic, children’s
novelties, Orientals and flannels, along with a generous selection
of extra-wide backing fabrics. Cottage Garden hand-dyed threads
are also available to suit your stitching passion, and we are well
stocked with a wide selection of background fabrics and stabilisers
to help perfect your piece. Address: 26 Prince Street, Rosedale, Vic 3847
Phone: (03) 5199 2777
Email: jennifer@lilylane.com.au
Website: www.lilylane.com.au
12. Sale Jennifer Bee
Where’s Sale: Situated in the beautiful Gippsland region, with
access to the stunning lakes region.
Where in Sale: 14 Back Maffra Road. To get there, travel through Sale,
and turn left at the Maffra Road and Princes Highway intersection
(just before the United Fuel), travel 2km down Maffra Road, turn left
after the Sale Cemetery. We are located on the right – the cream house
with studio behind the cream wrought-iron gates.
Who plays host: Jennifer Bennett
Worth visiting because: I’ve been in the business for 21 years, and now
operate from a studio in the beautiful garden that surrounds my home.
We carry a full range of DMC cottons, and stock Gumnut threads, Colour
Streams Silks, Threadworx, Appleton wools, Paternayan wool, Rajmahal,
Seasons stranded cotton and Sajou, Au ver a Soie silk, just to name
a few. Browse through our selection of books, kits, patterns and silk
prints, which are also in stock. I also have my own range of stumpwork,
embroidery and ribbon kits, and I’m always busy creating new designs.
Eftpos and Paypal are availablem, and mail order is most welcome.
You can also find us on Facebook.
What we recommend: We offer a full range of classes in all types
of embroidery; these are held on Monday evenings, Tuesday afternoons
and Thursday and Friday mornings. I also teach embroidery and
patchwork to adults with disabilities twice a week. Visitors are always
welcome to pop in to see what the students are working on.
Address: 14 Back Maffra Road, Sale, Vic 3850 Phone: (03) 5143 2899
Email: jenniferbee@bigpond.com
Website: www.jenniferbee.com.au
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