A fun Morning in Breezy Ballarat

Hi everyone. We are here in Ballarat and I have to say it is decidedly chillier. We nearly got blown to Kingdom Come yesterday when we arrived. We did venture out in the afternoon after a shower of rain to visit the famous Eureka Site where disgruntled miners on the 3rd December 1851 clashed with dire consequences with Soldiers and Police over unfair mining licenses which were 30 shillings per month a Kings ransom in those days.

Allegedly 3 miners wives constructed and stitched a flag which is known as The Southern Cross flag. They pledged allegiance to the Southern Cross and each other. We visited the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka and found it very interesting. We especially loved seeing the remnants of the original flag. I tried to take a photo but it was not very successful so I have borrowed this one from the Government Heritage site.

I did however get a close up of the star.

The stitching was so neat and tiny and amazing when you think it was all stitched by hand.

M.A.D.E was well worth the visit to help understand this important event in our history.

Now on a less serious note but seriously fun note, today I was able to meet long time blogging friend Shez...picked up at my door almost. What a beautiful fun girl she is and I was so touched that even though she has had serious illness in her family she still insisted on sharing some of her favourite places with me. We first visited a shop which is closing down. Such a shame as it was a sweet shop but as they were having a sale 30% off I bought some lovely background fabrics, felt and buttons...very happy here.
The next place was a darling little coffee and gift shop Such & Such where we had a good look around before settling down with a nice cuppa and exchanged gifts. Look at this gorgeous little bag Shez has made for me....I just love it! It has sweet little birdies on the fabric and the stitchery has other favs like cupcakes and a teacup. Beautifully stitched too...

I gave Shez some sewing charms, knitting wool and my new Birdie in a Teacup tote bag pattern ( you would have seen my sneaky peeks) which I will be releasing when I get home...Shez seemed very pleased to have her own copy.

Next we were off to Gail's Patchwork Emporium Oh my goodness! I was in love when we drove up the drive...I had always wanted to go there!!!!

What an adorable place. I just loved every square inch of it. The fabrics and notions, not to mention gorgeous braids and laces...did I mention buttons and threads and beautiful gift line objects sprinkled so loving amongst all the other gorgeousness. Vintage china and clothes, I also found a new piece of Cranberry & White china ( a lidded butter dish) to bring home...needless to say a donation was definitely made here....

Every time Shez and I walked around it we found something else to wonder at. If you are ever in Sebastapol  near Ballarat you just have to visit. You will walk out smiling and with a little package or three...
Gail the owner is a delightful person and I was thrilled to have a piccie with her.

And I just had to have a photo with my lovely friend Shez too.

Thank you Shez for a very special morning and for showing me your town...loved every minute!
Off now to do a little stitching...I have been doing a bit of redwork and a little work on my French General Dresdens but not anything to take a piccie of just yet.
Blessings Michelle xxx