About Me

My name is Gillian Williams.
January 2016:
Ron and I are now clearing out our property, prepareing to sell up and live on the road full time for a few years. We love this Nomad lifestyle having tried it for the last 5 years, it just seems right for us. Clearing out the sewing room is proving to be the most difficult part of it all!
I have a sewing maching in the van to keep me going. It's just having to do without some of the everyday items that we take for granted that makes it hard. But I guess I am one of the lucky ones, so I won't complain any more. I have actually taken up Crocheting again and loving it - especially on the long road trips - Ron says I am missing out on the beautiful countryside with my eyes down, but I rely on him to tell me if I must look up and not miss anything.
UPDATE July 2013:
Ron & myself retired in September 2011.
Due to a lack of response when we tried to sell our wonderful & very successful business, we decided to close the doors forever. Life is too short and when you are ready it's the right time to retire.
We went on our first "Grey Nomad" trip last year in 2012. Spent 5 1/2 months travelling Queensland. Our dear old Butch went with us and stayed with our son and family while we travelled around, that was such a big help as he had to be lifted in and out of car and caravan. We arrived home in November 2012, when the pain got too much for him we had to be kind and put him to sleep on 22nd November 2012 at 14 1/2 years old.
We are currently on another trip with our caravan trying to chase the warmer weather.
Apart from missing our family & butch very much, we are enjoying the lifestyle.
Now I am busy trying to keep everyone up to date with all the sewing/quilting hints and tips I can think of as I travel around this wonderful wide brown land of ours.

I grew up in a little town called Murchison Victoria Australia.
My husband Ron & myself have 3 sons who are married - they have given us 7 beautiful grandchildren between them.
I just love all things about dogs . Ever since I was a young girl I have had a special dog to care for. And I still have one very special dog in my life at the moment. Butch has just turned 13 years old and has pretty bad arthritis in his legs - not good for a big lab. Medication is helping a little.
My passion in life has always been sewing.
My sewing passion has turned into a Quilting passion since about 15 years ago. It started when I was teaching stretch knit sewing, craft & dressmaking in my shop in Melton Victoria - then called "Rainbow Fabric Centre".
Patchwork & Quilting was becoming a very popular past time for many sewing enthusiasts. So I went off to a couple of training sessions for some guidance & some hints and tips for this new craft that was taking the country by storm. My background in dressmaking has been a great asset in getting me started.
In 2001 I moved my business to a larger premises to accommodate the many classes and the fabric & supplies that this engaging craft required. The business name was changed to "Melton Sewing Centre."
There are currently 56 students attending my classes on a regular basis.
I started doing Mystery Quilt Retreats in the year 2000. There has been one each year since. I have started to name them after members of my family since 2005 when my first granddaughter was born. Each grandchild will receive their Quilt on their 21st birthday. I have never had a present ready so early!!!