It’s been a little over seven years since Ann Weller and her husband David took on Gympie Patchwork and every day, virtually, she’s sewing.
Her friend, also named Anne, comes in to conduct classes at the comfortable little store six days a week.
At the moment, the flavour of the month is some amazing bags that Anne is teaching the class to make and they are the perfect travelling accessory.
There are lots of different designs, with overnight totes, and weekend bags, as well as crossover body bags and matching wrist-band bags, or even basic lightweight shopping bags to make.
Anne the teacher admits she’s a bit of a sucker for tulip pink, so a lot of the display bags have that hot pink flare.
Anyone keen to learn to sew, no matter what level of experience, can find everything they need to get started and get going, from the sewing machines and overlookers, right down to all the accessories like tailor’s chalk and crimping shears and everything in between.
Owner Ann says every day is a sewing day.
“We have groups come every day,” she said.
“Aside from the group we have today (Monday), Tuesday mornings we have the Tuesday girls and then the group do their class in the afternoon.
“Wednesday is bag class, Thursday, there’s quite a big group that comes, Friday there’s about five or six that come and Saturday morning’s they come!” said Ann with a laugh.
“Everyday we sew, we never get tired of it!”
The beginner’s course is a great one to give anyone who’s wanted to try something new, the chance to make something really impressive, without being too technically difficult, because the beginners are making quilts.
“If you can sew a straight line, you can do quilting – it’s only straight stitches, that’s all it is,” said Ann.
The bag courses are little more involved but once you know all the tips and tricks, which Anne the teacher will teach you, then making them is a snap.
Ahead of Christmas Ann wanted to express some holiday greetings.
“I would like to thank all our customers for their support throughout the year and wish them a happy and blessed Christmas,” she said.
Gympie Patchwork is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4pm and Saturday mornings.
A sewing machine repairman visits the store once a month to do repairs.
So, why not look a trying something new, learn a new skill that you will treasure forever, and make some new friends along the way?
“You’re getting ready for the future when you learn to sew,” said Ann.
“It’s quite easy to make all that,” she said, indicating the display bags and quilts.
“You just need a little creativity and be good with colours,” she said.
