Exploring Blue Mountains

Quilt (or Guilt) Tripping No#2

(13 April 2011)

Well on the way to meeting our 12 step program (5 shops down, 7 to go) we launched on a trip to the Blue Mountains following guidance on The Western Quilt Trail.  April was great, not too cold and not too hot.  Again we travelled in the footsteps of our forefathers; searching for new and fertile territory.  But our search was for inspiration - to either start new projects or finish old ones…..any good excuse really to buy new fabrics!

We met for breakfast in coolish Blackheath.  After a satisfying coffee or two (we’re rather needy that early in the morning) we waited for Ribbons & Rainbows to open.  Sadly, this classic patchwork shop is now closed for good – but bargains were to be had that day, so we warmed the plastic for early use.  Our little group had grown somewhat with three others joining us for the day’s adventure.

Ribbons & Rainbows, Blackheath

Katoomba was slightly warmer, and we enjoyed the equally warm hospitality at The Stitching Post.  This labyrinth is home to an extensive collection of needlecrafts, guaranteed to please even the fussiest of visitor.  We had 3 cars this trip – don’t you just know that we would make use of all that boot space!

We were on schedule for lunch in Leura; not a good day with lots of work going on in town to get a new Woolworths ready for its opening the following day.  Still, we worked around the chaos managing to spend a little time in Picklemouse Corner before hitting the road again down for Springwood.

 
There was quite a nice collection of modern fabrics in Sew & Save and an extensive selection of sewing supplies to replenish our dwindling haberdashery stocks.  A nearby second-hand bookstore temporarily side-tracked us with bargains but our hectic schedule (and bossy tour organiser) demanded we move on downhill to Post Office Patchwork at Glenbrook where we made a few interesting purchases.  Isn’t it amazing that no two stores are ever the same.  We were in need of a break and sipped a coffee in a nearby café.  The homemade cakes were too good to miss too!!

Finally, we scooted off the M4 just in time to catch the last 20 minutes at Penrith store PatchworkHeart owned by Michelle Marvig.  (Sadly that store has also closed.)  Our day was over in no time, our bags heavy with goodies and quite a few bargains. We had a great day and can recommend the Western Quilt Trail to anyone looking for a textile treat or two.

(Ed Update: I've been told that Blackheath's Ribbon and Rainbows has since re-opened.  That's good news!)