List of retailers

I was not near my computer either Monday or Tuesday to post a list of retailers as promised. Instead, I took up an impromptu (and generous)invitation to to join a friend and her two daughters for two nights at the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage at Seal Rocks. Above is the view from the front veranda, just as we saw it when we arrived on Sunday evening.

Here are some more photos... what a beautiful spot.

This is a (edited) photo of the blow hole, which is to the north of the headland where the lighthouse is.

Eloise and her friend, braved the (cool) wind at the top of the lighthouse steps.

Mmm, I do so like those up and skewed photo angles ...

This view is to the south-east of the lighthouse. The far clump of rocks are where the seals like to sit and sun-bake - hence the area's name.

Now back to my promise, these are the retailers who will stock the brand new, fabulous (if I do say so myself) textile magazine.

The Quilter's Rest
Gone Rustic
Handcrafters House
Essential Textile Art
Dragonfly Fabrics
Sew Bright Alpine Quilting
Punch with Judy
Silksational
Sewco Sewing & Patchwork Centre
Coastal Quilting Service
Sunspun
The Thread Studio
Honeysuckle Patchwork
Pompom rouge

Answers to comments ...

I will post a list of businesses that will stock the new Down Under Textiles magazine on Monday. (I remember some of them, but it would be unfair to miss any out of the list ... so stay tuned.)

This new title is a little too obscure for most newsagents, so rather than put my energies into a less than satisfactory response I decided to them in to securing coverage through your local specialist stores. They are, after all, the specialists ... and I am keen to support them, in this fresh, hot market.

Although ... stores are not used to stocking magazines, so please give me a hand by putting pressure on YOUR local supplier - or send me their info - I'll work on them! ;-).

Sarah Ann, I will contact you early next week :-).

The magazine cover price is $9.95. Postage in Australia - as per Aust Post - is $2.75. For those outside Australia, the international postage is $6(aus).

The magazine is at this stage*, a biennial magazine - released January and June. (yes, yes I know, the first one is running late, I am so hoping you think the wait is worth it!!)

xxdls

*put pressure on me if you want it more regularly, I'm easily influenced!

Down Under Textiles has touched down

The very first shipment has arrived on Australian docks (we print offshore). God (and wharfies) willing it will be delivered to us within a week. Then all those textile lovers who have ordered a copy will get theirs within a few days more. Only a handful of businesses have, at this stage, ordered copies. I will post a list on Monday - so you can track it down.

The magazine will not be sold through newsagents, so put pressure on your local specialist retailer to contact us and order some copies.

This is a great technique shared by Erica Spinks ...

And a great tutorial from Dijanne Cevaal on how to make linocut prints ...

Sue Dennis shows us her great techniques using oil sticks from Shiva PaintStiks.

Dijanne Cevaal also shows us one of the many techniques on how to use Lutradur ...



And Samantha Pope shares step by step instructions on stitching a lacy delicate scarf, using Solvy as the base ...

We invited talented tutors from around the world to comment on their opinion on COLOUR ...

Plus, see some great journals to inspire you ... some of the best textile artists use journals to record their design sources and inspirations ... you can too ...



This is one of the fantastic artworks that Felicity Clarke shares with you ...

And much, much more... out soon.


I love it, I hope you do too! xxdls

A new magazine ...

After visiting the inaugural Textile Art Festival in Brisbane mid-year I was convinced! Convinced this is the most exciting time in textiles-related crafts and hobbies that I have seen for at least ten years.

The way the interest has burgeoned and spread laterally to incorporate so many expressions and techniques - from a simple (but funky) apron to a prize-winning textile art piece. The TAF was an amazing array of all these things, from the simple to the extraordinary, that were so motivating and inspirational.

I have been monitoring the 'textile' space for some time. With increasing interest and excitement I have witnessed the emergence of felting, knitting, embellishing, surface techniques by hand and machine, products for colouring and altering surfaces and much much more. The Textile Arts Festival put it all together so eloquently that it made sense for many.

This magazine is for beginners to learn new skills, and to polsih up already learnt skills, plus be introduced to brand new techniques and products.

Are you like me? Thrilled by what you see, and seduced enough to want to know more? This magazine will make sense of all the stimuli, and present it in easy-to-achieve step-by-step workshops.

Sometimes you will produce a 'sample' piece, simply to 'get' the technique or how to use the product, other times the end result will be a gorgeous and practical item - scarf, bag, etc.

The magazine launches in December 2009 and it's called

Down Under Textiles.

I am right in the midst of preparing the content; organising the projects and workshops and articles. So far, it's all GREAT - I can't wait to share it with you in December - stand by I'll even share some snippets along the way!

Additionally I have been sourcing BOOKS that I believe contain good advice, technique and motivation. Here are two that arrived in my office today (distributed by Capricorn Link). I couldn't wait to get home and flick through them - wow! Now, I cant wait to really trawl through them ... will share my thoughts (aka Review) with you in a few days...

I watched, with great interest, Kim Thittichai demonstrate techniques at the Birmingham Festival of Quilts recently. She is visiting Australia in April 2010 to present workshops in Victoria and Orange .. don't miss the opportunity to embrace her exciting approach.

It is time for a NEW MAGAZINE TO SHARE ALL THAT and more. Do you agree? tell me your thoughts, there is still time to 'influence' the content - I love feedback.
dls