Aussie Aurifil and Kona Clubs

Do you ever read blog posts where the blogger is sharing a bundle they’ve curated at a fabric store, and they’re all cool about it and meanwhile you’re sitting there thinking, “Geez, if someone asked me to do something like that, I’d freak out!”? No? Well, maybe that’s just me, in which case, please don’t mind me getting rather excited about August 2015. Because not only is it my birthday month *cough13cough*, but my mailbox is going to be pretty darn happy. And Aussies, you should start getting excited now too, because… Australian-based bundle clubs are starting up! And I’m helping curate a month for each!

Why Bundle Clubs?

As I’m sure you know, quilting is not a cheap hobby. But by signing up for bundle clubs, you are able to build up your supply of basics like solids and thread without sinking massive amounts of money at a time. Plus the costs are lower than if you were to buy each item individually, saving you more money! And why am I so excited about these two clubs in particular, other than the fact that I get the honour of choosing a month’s bundle? Because they’re both Australian!

For those outside Australia (and New Zealand), and let’s admit it, anyone outside the US, most clubs are US-based. Which means expensive shipping, gambling on currency exchange rates (currently shocking), and longer delivery waits. But not anymore! Now we can get our threads and solids locally, helping not only our wallets but also supporting our local gals.

Ms Midge has started an Aussie Aurifil Club! Every month, you will receive 4 spools of thread, in your chosen size and weight! So you could choose small 40w to get a little boost of quilting thread options, or go for large 12w to build up the hand sewing stash, or any other combination. Have a hint of what you’ll find in my Aurifil bundle…

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Other bloggers helping to build up your stash of quality thread are:

May – Angie @ Gnome Angel

June – Anorina @ Samelia’s Mum

July – Gemma @ Pretty Bobbins 

August – Alyce @ Blossom Heart Quilts

September – Molli @ Molli Sparkles

The list will continue to grow with other Aussie (and Kiwi) bloggers choosing a selection of unique Aurifil colours each month!

Perhaps one burning question on your mind is why Aurifil? I need to tell you now that I would not be working with this club if I didn’t believe in Aurifil thread. I took a long time to first try Aurifil, because I thought it must’ve just been social media hype. But I now kick myself for not starting earlier! The thread quality is fantastic, I definitely get a lot less thread lint when I use it, not to mention the huge range of colours in every weight. I almost always use a 50w for piecing, as it’s finer and means a flatter seam. Likewise, I almost always use a 40w for quilting, as the thicker thread helps the quilting stand out more, which equals more detail and more texture!

The other big news for Aussies is the start of the Australian Kona Bundle Club from Handmade By Emily. Each month, a selection of 5 Kona solids will be sent to your mailbox, in your choice of fat quarter, half metre or full metre. Chosen by bloggers and Emily, you can be guaranteed to get a wide range of solids! Here’s a hint of what I used for inspiration for my Kona bundle in August, which may just play nicely with the Aurifil selection…

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It can be hard to know what size of fabric to choose with solids, so have a think about how you use solids. Beyond neutrals, I tend to use small snippets of solids on a block-by-block basis or for a mini quilt. If I’m planning on getting a solid for a full quilt, I will buy enough of the solid I want specifically for that project so that I know it’s all come from one bolt/dye lot. So with my kind of usage, a fat quarter subscription would be enough. If you don’t really know how you’ll use it, then maybe a half metre would be better suited so you can be sure to have enough for whatever project you come up with!

So Aussies and fellow Oceanic folks, go check out the Aussie Aurifil Club and Kona Club! You won’t regret it!