Newsletter September 2021

Hello Lovely Ladies
Well who would have thought when I wrote the August newsletter that we would be in lockdown the following week? I hope that you have all had plenty of projects to do!
I must admit I was secretly quite happy to have a couple of weeks at home, as I always struggle to find uninterrupted time to make samples during work time, so I have managed to make myself a new dress as well as work every day on a stunning interactive playmat. It’s almost complete, but has taken a lot longer than I originally thought it would.
With the imminent arrival of the grandchild next week, it’s not likely this playmat will be in use before Christmas – so I am going to hold on to it for now and use it as a sample. I plan to introduce this playmat as a monthly class next year. It has heaps of applique and quirky hiding places for little things, and it’s been lots of fun to make – so if you’re keen, please come and have a look in store. It should be finished by the end of this week!

We have been waiting until today’s announcement from the government before we could make a decision on how to proceed with classes at Level 2.
Obviously this is not an ideal situation for us. As much as we love having you all in store, and we love full classes, firstly I have a duty to protect my staff. Because we are required to wear face masks whenever a customer is in the store, having classes means Carol, David and I need to keep our face masks on all day – and so will you for the duration of the class should you choose to attend. I think we are all realizing how uncomfortable this can be, especially if you wear glasses!
I know there will be some of you who will simply decide to flag classes for the remainder of Level 2, and I completely respect your decision. 
There are others of you who enjoy the weekly socialization of classes, and can’t wait to come back. We will resume classes tomorrow (Tuesday morning, and night class Tuesday night) and we will continue with our normal classes during the week BUT I must insist that we practice 2 metre social distancing rules AND face masks will be compulsory for the duration of all classes (except while you are drinking coffee).
The shop has been very busy since we moved to Level 2, so I also need to consider the safety and well being of other customers. Sometimes as women, we simply forget the ‘rules’ when we are pleased to see someone, and this is where it becomes a little bit difficult to police social distancing. I am asking you – if you wish to return to class this week to be very considerate of other people who come in to the shop.
For those who choose not to return this term, the weeks you miss from THIS WEEK until the end of term will be credited to Term 4 fees (3 weeks). This does NOT include the weeks we were in compulsory lock down. If you wish to take this option, could you please just let me know, so that I can adjust my records accordingly.
If by some miracle we go to Level 1 before the end of term, then I will reassess the face mask rules and let you know as we go along.
 

With Auckland still being at Level 4, it is very difficult for us to get stock as most of our supplier’s warehouses are north of the Bombay Hills and unless it is an essential item (i.e. face mask materials), they cannot be sent until Auckland moves to Level 3.
I still have a small supply of elastic and have plenty more coming when it can be shipped, and we have a good supply of ready made face masks in store.
Unfortunately fabric supplies are even slower to come through so until Auckland moves down a level, there won’t be much NEW to show you. I know there are two huge Moda shipments sitting outside the warehouse, and can’t be touched this week, which is so frustrating for our suppliers. I’m sure it will be worth waiting for as there is a new range of French General and some Grunge in that container that I am looking forward to getting my hands on!!

There has been quite a bit of interest in the Stoneleigh BOM due to start early next year. ‘Stoneleigh’ by Australian designer Susan Smith (Instagram- notjuzahuswife) has a combination of needle turn, flying geese, English paper pieced hexagons, and several other techniques, in soft taupes and creamy backgrounds – although you will be able to choose your own fabrics for a lot of the blocks.
I am taking expressions of interest to do this quilt as a BOM next year, and I will be ordering patterns shortly. 
If you are keen to undertake this BOM, please let me know in the first instance by replying to this newsletter. I still need to do costings; once I have a better idea of what is involved I will come back to you with a firm date and price for what will be a year- long project

Because our Fabric Collage Class was postponed during lock down, we have been able to secure the hall for the class to resume this coming Friday and Saturday. The alternative was to wait until next year to get the hall, so I had to move fast! The patterns have all arrived, and I do have a couple of spare ones, so if the dates didn’t suit you last time, but this weekend does, I will take some late comers if you let me know by end of the day on Wednesday.

I am still looking for an ANGEL (OR 2) to man the kitchen! Constable’s Catering are providing morning & afternoon teas and lunch both days, so there is no cooking involved; I just need someone to put out the food, do a few dishes, pour tea and clean up after breaks. If you would like to volunteer for one or both days between 10am and 3pm, and be my ‘gopher’, then I would LOVE to hear from you ASAP please!

This is just a short newsletter tonight to keep you all in the loop. I will be in touch again as soon as circumstances change, so watch this space and check our Facebook page for opening hours and new fabric arriving.
Please take care out there and stay safe everyone!