At last year’s Sydney Quilt Show we won first prize for our quilt ‘A Map of Memories and Imagination’ in the Group category. Fourteen of us contributed to the quilt, so we decided to use the prize package for further group projects. The prize was in two parts, both donated by sponsors: batting from Mini Jumbuck that has been used in our raffle quilt for our own quilt show in May this year, and a $300 voucher from quilt shop Down Patchwork Lane in Penrith.
This week Hilary and Jill took on the task of visiting the delightful Penrith shop and choosing fabric - tough work, but someone had to do it! We were warmly welcomed by Gail, and had no trouble finding fabric we loved for the community stash. We chose half to one meter cuts of a selection of low volumes, and some brighter colours that will appeal to children. When we told Gail that we were planning to use much of the fabric for children’s quilts she generously donated an extra bundle of five Alexander Henry prints.
The shop is packed with high quality fabric, obviously chosen by experienced and enthusiastic quilters. We could hear a happy class happening in the next room (Gail and Tamara run a full program of classes most days), and the quilts decorating the walls were an excellent reflection of the fabrics on offer and the kits and patterns available. Look at the Down Patchwork Lane website to see all of their services. And if you are visiting the Blue Mountains Quilt Show next weekend (17 - 19 April), visit the Down Patchwork Lane stall, say hello from us, and support a local business.
For new visitors to the shop, it is easy to find in an arcade in one of Penrith’s main streets, there is a parking area directly opposite, it’s also not far from the train station, and Gail will direct to an excellent cafe nearby.
Instagram: @down_patchwork_lane and @down_patchwork_lane_destash
Facebook: Down Patchwork Lane
Many thanks to Gail and Tamara for your generous prize donation, and for an excellent fabric shopping experience.
