Black Sheep Wools & Fabrics

Last week I finished making this bag, made from the range of fabrics designed by Tim Holtz.

I'd almost finished this table runner which will be converted to a craft seat cover for a friend, just like the one I made for my friend, Neet, recently. (See my earlier post) 

I had heard that my favourite yarn shop had started selling Coats fabrics, so I checked, and amazingly they stocked it so off we toddled to

Black Sheep Wools Craft Barn in Culcheth.

As I walked in to the new fabric room I had one of those moments when you see someone you know, and I said "Hello, What are you doing here?"!!!  I then realised it was Stuart Hillard who won the Great British Sewing Bee last year on BBC TV. He was so lovely and we had a good chat together by which time I felt as if I really DID know him. He showed me a photo on his iphone of a super  patchwork hanging he's made with dress form shapes die cut from the Tim Holtz Sizzix die, appliqued onto the panels. Really effective.

He was there on a promotional visit in advance of the courses he will soon be giving in the store.

I stocked up on my Tim Holtz fabrics.....

and I also loved the Kaffe Fassett range and this one was perfect to fit in with my Japanese Folded hand stitched squares.

Close up of this "Paperweight" design... I love it.

 My favourite wool shop is now heaven to me now that it also sells such super fabric and haberdashery.

The staff are always so friendly and helpful and they now have an excellent cafe. Their range of quality main brand yarns are all far cheaper than other retailers. 

Perfect for a trip out from further afield, if you are close enough, and there's an ideal parking ground/creche for partners and DH's in the cafe whilst you shop. 

My one and only, long suffering DH (and the best chauffeur I know), sat with a coffee and read his Kindle quite happily.

 I forgot to take more pics but here's the new fabric room....

The eclectic Tim Holtz range in the corner beyond the white post... the stack of bolts I selected are on the cutting table and kept Stacey, in the middle, busy for a while cutting for me!

 The vibrant Kaffe Fassett range in the left corner, below....