Fairholme Quilters

Tuesday evening group 2012

2012-02-03T09:42:00.001+11:00

The evening group had plenty of sewing going on (and just a little chat ... it seems many of us have been decluttering), but not so much ready to show and tell about. However, Janet has finished a top from a 'one-fabric' workshop with Margaret Cormack some time ago (could it be five years?). She found the blocks over the holidays, was delight to remember that she had actually bought the coordinating background and border/sashing fabrics from the same range, and her stash produced those very slender sashing strips in just the right colours, so she was able to put it all together in this large and beautiful top:

Lisa Walton's Jewel Pearce exhibition at Houston 2011 ...

2012-02-01T15:45:00.003+11:00

... and a little tutorial.
Fairholme members registered for our workshop with Lisa Walton on 31st March might be particularly interested in this vidcast (cool talk for video on the internet):

Back in business

2012-01-31T12:35:00.000+11:00

Fairholme Quilters is back in business this week, after our summer recess. Not that no sewing and quilting has been happening over this coolish summer, as show and tell yesterday revealed ...

Janice has made this beauty for a friend's birthday.

Miriam's Christmas quilt was finished on Boxing Day!

The community quilts collection grew significantly

Lynette put these folded stars together and quilted them into a community quilt. The blocks were made by evening group members a couple of years ago.

Elaine made this quilt from start to finish, for the community collection.

Maureen made this top, and Lynette quilted and finished the quilt.

These two quilts (above and below) were put together, quilted and bound by Lynette, from blocks cut at the last meeting in 2011, and pieced by various members.

Obviously Lynette has kept herself busy while awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild (any day now) ... that's a great load of work Lynette - thank you from all of us.

Cleaned your machine lately, or had it serviced?

2012-01-31T10:54:00.001+11:00

Mined from other people's blogs:

This post from Bear Hugs All Round will discourage you from using compressed 'canned' air (or anything else to blow sewing machine lint out of sight (and into the inside of your machine), should you ever be tempted. The photos will have reaching for the lint brush ...

A Dog Named Banjo has an excellent series of tutorials on the basics of the Bernina 440 QE (Aurora), with very clear and detailed photos for some processes (cleaning, attaching the walking foot and using the BSR, for example). Recipes such as vanilla extract made with a vodka base, and soft pretzels are just a nice extra, really.

Fairholme Quilters' Quilt Show 2012

2012-01-25T18:24:00.004+11:00

The Fairhome Quilters' two yearly exhibition will be held over three days:

Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd April 2012

at the Thornleigh Community Centre

Click here for a larger image of the flyer

We look forward to seeing you there!

Berrima Patchwork: Airing of the Quilts

2012-01-18T15:41:00.004+11:00

Our last bus trip took us to the southern highlands, where one of the most popular stops was Berrima Patchwork. They have just released their workshop program for 2012, and announced the date of their annual Airing of the Quilts: Saturday,4th February

This events coincides with a sale of fabric, patterns and books ... all details are on the website, under the link to 'current newsletter'.

The events include Quilting in the Highlands, a four day program of classes with a number of well known local and international teachers in late July (you can sign up for fewer than four days).

'Being, Nothingness' and 1000 quilt blocks

2012-01-18T15:22:00.001+11:00

Helen, a Brisbane quilter, started a blog in late 2012 to document the two challenges was about to embark upon:

Where to start… I might as well get straight to the point. I have set myself two challenges for the year ahead. Challenge one is to make all 1000 quilt blocks in Maggi McCormick Gordon’s 1000 great quilt blocks. Challenge two is to read Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre.

... and on 13th January 2012, she announced that she had completed both. Her blog, Being, Nothingness includes a gallery of all 1000 blocks!

100 Days of Modern Quilting

2012-01-05T09:59:00.000+11:00

For those interested in Modern Quilting, here is a real online treat:

Get ready for a lot of beautiful modern quilts coming your way. Starting tomorrow and for the following 14 weeks we’ll be posting every single day right here on The Modern Quilt Guild blog! Here’s what you get to look forward to:

Shapes
Colors
Blocks
Improvisation
Inspiration
Composition
Prints
Solids
Using What You Have
Techniques
Collaboration
Participation
Tools
Machine Quilting

Each week will feature 7 different modern quilts that represent the topic. We’ll also include tutorials from around the web on each topic, and a brand new tutorial each and every week!

This series of posts will educate, inform and inspire. We hope that after 100 days of posting you’ll have learned a lot about modern quilting!

This link will bring up all the 100 days posts - the most recent will appear at the top, so scroll through to start at the beginning (that's just how blogs work). The button in the right hand column will also take you there as this post disappears off your screen.

Free Motion Quilting 'Quilt Along'

2012-01-05T09:33:00.002+11:00

Leah Day reached her goal of 365 days of free motion filler designs recently (see the link in our blogroll - right hand column). Her blog series has been hugely popular around the world. What will she do next?

Well, this week she has started a new series of blog posts that promises to be really useful for those of us still developing our free motion technique - a 'quilt along' that provides virtual lessons, breaking free motion quilting into small steps, with strategies for practising and incorporating them into quilts. New posts will be published weekly.

Leah uses close-up video, static images, diagrams and very clear explanations.

Quilt Along #1 - Let's Wiggle! starts here.

Fabulous for beginners, for anyone not able to get to classes, or to augment your practice sessions in your own time.

2012 Colour of the Year

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000+11:00

The PANTONE name is known worldwide as the standard language for accurate color communication, from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer, across a variety of industries.

Since 2000, Pantone has selected a colour of the year, that has wide influence on colour trends and all kinds of products ... including fabrics, of course.

Pantone's colour of 2012 is Tangerine Tango.

Tangerine Tango Quilt Challenge ...is an online challenge (you make an item according to the challenge criteria, and post photos of your entry to a Flickr group) that celebrates the 2012 colour of the year in a quilted item. It runs for two months, until 2nd march 2012.

Could be fun - anyone who has a tangerine paint chip for the current Fairholme Quilters' challenge would be streets ahead.

Australian Quilt Study Group in 2012

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000+11:00

The NSW Quilt Study Group has published its calendar of events for 2012 - there are some very interesting looking offerings.

The AQSG blog also features updates and reports about 2011 events, including a series on antique quilts, with excellent images and some video. A link has been added to our 'blogroll' - right hand column.

Stash and Treasurer Recyclers' Market: Marrickville, 14 January

2012-01-03T07:59:00.000+11:00

Lisa Walton from Dyed and Gone to Heaven will be at this market at Marrickville Town Hall in January. Who else might be there to pick up a treasure from? Fabric and notions appear in lots of the publicity photos! Or you might have some de-stashing to do ...

Information from Stash and Treasure Market blog, and on Facebook:

Start 2012 by decluttering your studio, your sewing basket, your art and craft cupboard or work space, your book shelves, your magazine racks of your art and craft stash and treasure excess!!! Pack it up, book a table, bring it along to Marrickville Town Hall on January 14 2012 to recycle / sell for dollars. Book and pay for a table - Early birds before 31 December $40 - January 1-14 $45 or share a table with a friend ... easy ramp access to the Town Hall ... no stairs! Supporting Miracle Babies Foundation. Contact: stashandtreasure@gmail.com.

An online challenge with a great prize!

2012-01-02T08:06:00.000+11:00

To kick off your quilting year, here is an opportunity to win an excellent fabric prize, and you don't even have to sew anything - just play with virtual fabric, and put together a combination that you like. Just like starting a quilt - what fun!

Laura at Quokka Quilts explains it all clearly, and several examples are already posted. The deadline is 15th January ... so you might need to get onto it sooner rather than later, to enjoy maximum playing time.

Thanks to Sue C from the Fairholme Monday group for the link.

Play isn’t just for children

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000+11:00

Alfie Kohn's essay for The Big Think (3rd December 2011) on children and play is not about quilting, but this paragraph easily could be ... not that we need justify what we do, of course!

Play isn’t just for children. The idea of play is closely related to imagination, inventiveness, and that state of deep absorption that Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi dubbed “flow.” Read virtually any account of creativity, in the humanities or the sciences, and you’ll find mentions of the relevance of daydreaming, fooling around with possibilities, looking at one thing and seeing another, embracing the joy of pure discovery, asking “What if….?” The argument here isn’t just that we need to let little kids play so they’ll be creative when they’re older, but that play, or something quite close to it, should be part of a teenager’s or adult’s life, too.[4]

The Point of Play is That it Has No Point

Egyptian Tentmaker as historian

2011-12-30T11:00:00.001+11:00

If you enjoyed this post about the tentmakers of Cairo, you might also be interested in this recent post from Jenny Bowker, telling the story of an unusually political piece very recently completed, and its sale to The Oriental Museum at the University of Durham (UK), where it will have a wide audience and protection.

In the tradition of the Bayeux Tapestry (link to Wikipedia entry includes an image of its full length) and other histories told through textiles?

Celebrate Hand Quilting: a new(ish) blog

2011-12-28T08:39:00.000+11:00

As a complement to the modern Christmas tree quilts flagged here, Celebrate Hand Quilting has recently posted some more traditional Christmas quilts, including a very fine Christmas Baltimore.

This relatively new blog (dates from mid-November 2011) explores all aspects of hand quilting, across a range of quilt styles. An invitation to participate is open. At least a couple of Australian contributors are listed already.

A static link is now added to the blogroll (right hand column).

Country Pickin's: Boxing Day sale

2011-12-27T09:48:00.002+11:00

Country Pickin's at the Corner (at Dural) is having a Boxing Day Sale from Wednesday 28th to Saturday 31st December.

Opening hours during the sale period:

Wednesday 28th December 9-30am—5pm

Thursday 29th December 9-30am—5pm

Friday 30th December 9-30am—5pm

Saturday 31st December 9am—4pm

(closed Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd January, regular business hours resume Tuesday 3rd)

30% off all bolted fabric and fat quarters.

Modern Christmas tree quilts

2011-12-23T14:00:00.000+11:00

Here are some Christmas tree quilts, in a modern style, just to enjoy looking at for now ... it's a bit late to start making one for this year!

Nettaquilts Christmas Tree (FITF = Film in the Fridge, the well known blog of a modern quilter)

Christmas cushion by Elsie's Girl (could easily be translated into a quilt ...)

EschHouse quilt appliqued Christmas tree

Moda Bake Shop Christmas Tree Quilt (the wondrously versatile half-square triangle ...)

Basting a quilt on a small(ish) surface

2011-12-08T22:30:00.000+11:00

Access to large trestle tables (and the assistance of willing friends) for pin or thread-basting quilts is a great perk of belonging to Fairholme Quilters ... but do you struggle to layer and secure your quilts that just have to managed at home? Maybe this blog will help:

MG Quilts posted this useful picture-tutorial a few weeks ago, showing an ingenious set-up for table-basting quilts at home without access to a large table, and without damaging a tabletop with basting pins or needles. Beats kneeling on the floor and crawling (and trying to get up again ...)!

Tentmakers of Cairo - interview and demonstration

2011-12-01T22:59:00.001+11:00

Bonnie McCaffrey interviews Jenny Bowker and two of the Cairo tentmakers whose exhibition and sale of work Jenny organised at the Birmingham Quilt Festival earier this year. Includes some footage of the men demonstrating their applique techniques, and lots of examples of the beautiful work. Jenny gives valuable background information. 14 m 6 sec video.

You Tube link in case you have any difficulty with the embedded video.

(Thanks to Lisa Walton for the link)

A finish

2011-12-01T21:14:00.001+11:00

Pam made her spicy X block top 2 years ago ...

... pieced a coordinating back, and has been carefully hand-quilting it. And on Tuesday evening this week, it was finished. The borders are constructed from the off cuts of the x-blocks.

Congratulations Pam - it's a beauty.

Earlier posts on X block quilts are here and here.

A blog for the 'fabric obsessed'

2011-11-29T17:02:00.001+11:00

If you would like to see a preview of many new fabric lines revealed to the industry at the recent Fall Quilt Market in Houston, Kim at True Up has a blog series just for you, here.

Another service that Kim provides via her blog is weekly 'sales alerts', usually published on Fridays, giving notice of fabric sales by independent fabric stores world-wide.

tACTile online exhibtion

2011-11-29T16:44:00.001+11:00

tACTile was founded in 2001 by a group of ACT-based textile artists to advance contemporary quiltmaking in Australia by exploring the opportunities of the art quilt.
tACTile comprises six members: Jenny Bowker, Dianne Firth, Helen Gray and Beth Miller, with Beth and Trevor Reid working together in partnership. All the artists are individually acknowledged as leaders in the field of contemporary quiltmaking at local, national and international levels.

tACTile home page

Their latest exhibition, elements is now online here. Several past series are also available to be viewed on the website.

A little tidying ...

2011-11-19T16:40:00.001+11:00

... has been visited on the blog list in the right hand column, mostly additions:

The Color Collective provides examples of colour schemes that work, and would be useful for fabric choices, based on colour photographs.

Quiltville's Quips and Snips is Bonnie Hunter's blog - she is famous for her scrap quilts, annual mystery quilts (the 2011 event has just started!) and teaching across America.

Sydney Modern Quilt Guild is a new online group that has held one meeting, and is planning more. Lists more than 25 members' blogs for further reading and looking.

And if you've been following Leah Day's 365 Days of Free Motion Quilting Filler Designs blog, note that she is currently up to filler pattern no 344 - so just a few weeks from her goal! Her post from yesterday (18th November) gives her take on the Modern Quilt movement, and an opportunity to see and display modern quilts.

Suggestions for additional entries in the blogroll are welcome!

Fabric sale alert: Country Pickin's at the Corner

2011-11-19T16:09:00.001+11:00

Apologies for the late notice - Country Pickin's at Dural is having a three day sale from today (Saturday 19th November).

30% off full priced fabric from the bolt and fat quarters. 20% off kits.

Location: Corner Q Business Centre, Shop 9/829 Old Northern Road DURAL NSW

Speaking of apps ...

2011-11-12T18:30:00.001+11:00

... (as we were), there is as yet a small number of apps that come up on a search of the Apple App Store (part of iTunes) for 'quilting' - but that will change.

The Robert Kaufman Fabrics 'QuiltingCalc' app ('The Quilter's Little Helper') looks like a useful place to start. It allows you to calculate fabric requirements for eight steps of the quilt-making process, including top fabric, batting, backing fabric and binding yardage, converting between imperial and metric measurements, and calculating setting triangle sizes. It is free for both iPhone and iPad from the App Store, so definitely worth a look if you use an honeod or iPad. Preview here.

V and A quilts online and an exhibition app

2011-11-07T09:44:00.002+11:00

You might recall that a very significant and well-received exhibition of quilts from 1700 to 2010 was held by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London last year. Here is the V & A's page about quilting - lots to see and read (photos, videos, articles, online exhibitions), and many interesting links, including this one to an iPhone/iPad app of the 1700-2010 exhibition, that gives a spoken commnetary, some background video and close-up views (one blogger noted that the close-ups were better than the view she had at the actual exhibition, given the crowds it attracted, and the limited time for viewing it).

November exhibitions

2011-11-06T17:36:00.002+11:00

If you are up for a day/weekend on the beautiful south coast, the Gerringong Quilt Show is on next weekend, 11th - 13th November 2011. Details on Template Free.

The 17th Annual Braidwood Quilt Event includes the Airing of the Quilts on Saturday 26th November (one day only), and a two day exhibition on 26th and 27th November 2011.

On the same weekend (26th and 27th November), Bungendore Quilters hold their exhibition, just up the road from Braidwood, so you could make a weekend of it.

Added Monday 7th November:
Campbelltown Quilters Show is also next weekend, 12-13th November, details here.

re Potato chip quilt, aka 1600 quilt: video

2011-11-06T17:18:00.001+11:00

Here are two short videos showing how the initial long (1600 inches if you use a whole jelly roll) strip becomes a quilt top ... in one instance, in 35 minutes (it was a race):

The second video shows the result when a spacer strip is used for a different overall effect:

Thanks to Dee on SCQuilters for the links.

International Quilt Festival, Houston: award winners

2011-11-03T11:04:00.003+11:00

The International Quilt Festival in Houston is in full swing (3 - 6 November). The prizes have been awarded - the winning quilts can be seen online here. Stunning quilts, as expected in a juried show of this calibre.

A 10 min video 'virtual tour' is here. On the this page's side menu you will find links to other features, like the special exhibition - so much to see!

Among the Australian quilters attending and exhibiting are Lisa Walton from Dyed and Gone to Heaven (her blog is Fibre Inspirations) and Brenda Smith from Serendipity and the Art of the Quilt (and Twelve by Twelve), who will provide ongoing commentary through their blogs.

The Fall Quilt Market (an industry only event) has been in the same venue over the last few days - lots of blogging about new fabrics, new designs and gadgets are all over the 'blogoshpere'.

This is the description of the International Quilt Festival from their Facebook page, to give an idea of the scale of the event:

The world's largest annual quilt show, sale, and quiltmaking academy.

	Founded in 1974, the fall edition of International Quilt Festival is the largest annual quilt show, sale, and quiltmaking academy in the world. Dubbed "The World's Fair of Quilts," by Southern Living Magazine, the show attracts more than 55,000 people from around the globe to Houston, Texas each year. Several thousand people participate in more than 350 classes, lectures, and special events, while close to 2,000 quilts, original cloth dolls, and art garments are featured in Festival's special exhibits. Retailers set up more than 1,000 merchant booths at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Founded in 1974, the fall edition of International Quilt Festival is the largest annual quilt show, sale, and quiltmaking academy in the world. Dubbed "The World's Fair of Quilts," by Southern Living Magazine, the show attracts more than 55,000 people from around the globe to Houston, Texas each year.

Several thousand people participate in more than 350 classes, lectures, and special events, while close to 2,000 quilts, original cloth dolls, and art garments are featured in Festival's special exhibits. Retailers set up more than 1,000 merchant booths at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Pens for marking quilts

2011-11-01T16:46:00.000+11:00

A couple of our members have recently used these pens for marking quilting patterns on finished tops, and were pleased with the results. The brand is Pilot FriXion Ball, and they have the words “remove by friction” on them. After making marks on fabric and sewing you just hold the steam iron about an inch away and shoot steam on them to make them disappear. Available in a range of colours, and cost about $5.50 each.

Pilot Pens Australia says they are available from Woolworths, Coles, Officeworks, Newsagent or through your corporate stationery supplier. There is even one that supports breast cancer research.

The website includes a warning not to use the pens for signing cheques and other important documents ...

(Thanks Elaine and Dina for the information)

New quilt shop opened in Mona Vale

2011-10-30T13:35:00.003+11:00

It's always good to know where the new shops are. Here's a new one on the Northern Beaches.

Patchwork on Pittwater at Mona Vale was officially opened with a cocktail party last week:

Suite 28, 4th Floor 1 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale 2103

Tue - Sat: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Quilting and general sewing classes
Fabrics including Moda, Kaffe Fassett, Saffron Craig, Amy Butler Michael Miller
Distributor for Aurifil Threads

Email: robyn@quilts.net.au
Phone 02 9999 6159

www.patchworkonpittwater.com.au

Also on Facebook - just search for 'patchwork on Pittwater'

Fabric sales next week (month)

2011-10-30T10:57:00.001+11:00

Did you notice this on Quiltsmith's blog?

As ... Melinda is in Houston for about 4 weeks, with her blessing, we have put our 'Value Fabrics' on sale. For those of you who don't know, they are all the bolts of fabric in the cardboard boxes in our second room. The bolts are all unpinned and marked with a star sticker. Normally $13.50 per metre, starting today they are $8.00 per metre !!!! For two weeks only, ending on Saturday 5th November. Minimum cut 0.5m (same as usual) and the sale is IN-STORE ONLY.

Come and pay us a visit and grab a bargain while you're at it. Go on ...you know you want to.

And of course Tuesday is 1st November, so not only is it Melbourne Cup Day, but Craft Depot usually has a sale for all of November ...

Laments from a Quilter's Husband

2011-10-30T10:49:00.000+11:00

You might (or might not) want to pass on this tongue-in-cheek (isn't it?) perspective ...

There Will Be Pins: How to be a Quilter's Husband
Patrick Cook
So your wife is a quilter. That doesn't seem so bad, does it? It's a nice quiet hobby, conjuring up images of our sturdy pioneer mothers, keeping their families warm and creating beauty out of old shirts and printed feedbags. You think of plump grannies in rocking chairs, piecing a Log Cabin block by firelight, cat asleep at her feet. An idyllic picture, right?

... read the whole article from Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting

A Disappearing 4 Patch demonstration

2011-10-30T08:41:00.000+11:00

Speaking of the Disappearing 4 patch ... Lynette produced this top from a selection of donated fabric in the Community Quilts stash in quick time, and is now in the process of quilting it. She started with 6 1/2 inch squares, that readily produced a lap sized quilt. The background is actually a dark green, and the prints are range of greens, bluish greens and blues. The overall effect is of mellow, quiet comfort.

Potato chip quilt (try to stop at one ...)

2011-10-15T10:09:00.003+11:00

Other quilt designs are also sometimes called 'Potato Chip' (for the same reason), but this one seems to be the most common around the internet. Break out a jelly roll, or those 'spare' strips that have accumulated, choose a contrast fabric, and you'll have this quilt top ready in an afternoon.

Kay Sorenson of Quilts + Color shows a number of examples, and provides a tutorial here, under the title Sunrise-Sunset Quilt Tutorial.

Kay Sorenson's Sunrise-Sunset quilt top from her tutorial

(used with her kind permission - thanks Kay)

Disappearing 4 patch

2011-10-15T10:08:00.004+11:00

Yes, you read that right, Disappearing 4 patch - different from a Disappearing 9 patch, but just as quick and interesting, and it gives a different block to work with. Also called 4-to-9 patch. Sally, at SewWonderful provides an excellent tutorial, and Joe Tulips has some nice blocks on display in this post.

Sample of the finished block from Sally's online tutorial

And the size of both the starting squares and the distance from the middle seams for the cross cuts can be varied for different effects, and to finish with different sized blocks, just like the Disappearing 9 patch. You'll find lots of examples if you just Google "disappearing 4 patch".

Eastwood Patchwork Quilters

2011-10-14T20:32:00.001+11:00

Annual Show and Tell

7.30 pm, Wednesday 26th October 2011

Baptist Church Hall
First Ave, Eastwood

Admission: $2 donation to the Cancer Council

Enquiries: 9874 6749

Members' show and tell

2011-10-14T19:47:00.002+11:00

Louise designed and made a bright and beautiful wall hanging for a departing colleague - the border was cut with a wavy ruler and needle turn appliqued to the background.

Some of the flowers have embroidered detail

Jo made roll-up blackboard quilts for two colleagues' little girls - she even provided big chalk sticks in the pockets on the left, and a felt eraser on the right. The blackboad section is fabric.

Dina's rich chocelate brown and cream is all pieced from half-square triangles - the interlinks are all in the placement and tonal value.

The border fabric gives the appearance of suede (it isn't!), and the quilting adds subtle texture.

For a complete change, Dina put her yo-yo maker to good use for this appealing doll for her little granddaughter who has been in hospital.

More from Tuesday nighters

2011-10-05T22:05:00.001+11:00

Marijke's niece is expecting boy-girl twins in a couple of weeks - their quilts are ready, made to Robyn's pineapple log cabin pattern. Machine quilted by Marijke.

And in her spare time, Marijke whipped up this elegant bag (If you look very closely you will see that the centres of some of the flowers are beaded).

Jill bought the green-with-black dots fabric about four years ago ... bit of a slow burner, machine quilted by Christy Wang, Quilting Treasures at Pymble.

Dina pieced the top of this very large quilt (the large compass like centres of the blocks are a print), took it the US on her recent holiday, where it was custom quilted (detail below). It is for her own bed.

After looking at all those quilts, we helped Dina decide on a quilting strategy for her next top, which has to be ready for her grandson's birthday very soon ...

Sydney Modern Quilt Guild

2011-10-03T23:02:00.003+11:00

A new blog has recently been established as the home base of the new Sydney chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild.

It is the very early stages of its development, but if you are interested in the modern quilting movement, this could be a good way of getting more involved. A face-to-face meeting is planned for later this month, date and venue to be confirmed.

Here is an example of a Modern Quilt Guild challenge (from Ann Arbor, Michigan), using solid coloured fabrics only.

Two quilt shows next weekend

2011-10-03T22:52:00.001+11:00

Template Free, the Quilters Guild of NSW blog has information about two quilt shows next weekend 7th - 9th October, one in Newcastle, and one in the Sutherland Shire.

Click here for details of the shows.

Free clip art from: http://dlstewart.com/clipart.htm

Tuesday night group show and tell, from September

2011-10-03T19:48:00.001+11:00

Pam is just finishing the binding on a quilt with lots of 'boy appeal' for her grandson. She used fabrics from her stash that were all sorts of sizes and convinced them to play nicely together with a rich blue sashing. lots of fabrics for little boys to like, including a fabulous backing that didn't get itself in the photos!

Dina's recent trip to the US to visit her quilting sister Cindy involved lots of quilting activity. She actually took the fabrics for this quilt with her! She had it quilted there, with a dragonfly design in places to echo the fabrics.

Video of UK Festival of Quilts, Birmingham

2011-09-13T15:37:00.000+10:00

Didn't get to Birmingham in August for the Festival of Quilts?

Bonnie McCaffrey has posted 2 You Tube videos showcasing the exhibition ... not the same as being there, but a visual feast nonetheless!

Each video is about 9 minutes, and quite fast-paced. Bonnie talks to visitors and exhibitors, as well as showing the exhibits, with lots of close-ups.

Stunners!

2011-08-31T20:38:00.005+10:00

To finish off the winter, here are three stunning pieces from our members!

Pegasus is Susan's very FIRST attempt at foundation piecing!

Can you see how tiny some of the pieces are?

What will she be producing when she's a had a bit of experience?

Georgie's beautiful Cranes are also foundation pieced, with many tiny pieces.

Great perspective, and sense of flight..

Jo's Paris Street is based on a photo taken by her son when he was on a student exchange a couple of years ago. It is finished just in time for his 21st birthday.

Can't you just see them all in our exhibition in April 2012?

Slow burners ...

2011-08-31T20:09:00.001+10:00

Life in the slower lane has much to recommend it.

These community quilts have been slowly developing to their full maturity ...

The garden version of our 2008 fabric challenge has been the work of many hands, and will now go to its home through one of our community quilts recipients. Some close ups of blocks in this quilt can be seen here. Its companion piece, the beach quilt was donated to the Far West Centre at Manly.

The four quilts below have been made over the last year, again by many hands, for Down Syndrome NSW, where they will be used in several of its programs for babies born with Down syndrome, and to make their families feel at home.

Each one measures about 45" square. They will be handed over to their new owners next week, where they will be used and washed often, and much appreciated.

The origins of this collection are described in this post.

Thanks to everyone who works on all our community quilts, donates fabric, and encourages our efforts.

Canberra Quilters Exhibition: award winners

2011-08-17T13:11:00.000+10:00

Photos of the 63 award winners from the 2011 Canberra Quilters Exhibition (held 11th - 14th August) can now be viewed on their website here. Click on the photos to see an enlargement.

Congratulations to the winners - beautiful quilts.

BIG finish!

2011-08-03T22:48:00.001+10:00

Jo's black, cream and vermilion quilt reaches the floor over a queen size bed - it's big! And the blocks are proportionately large.

They are set straight, not on point, and Jo used a quilt-as-you-go method to manage it's size. She has quilted an original design in a black and white variegated thread (which does not show up in the photo).

Crafty Monday show and tell

2011-08-03T22:31:00.002+10:00

Miriam taught the Monday quilters how to make button bouquets that will be for sale on the craft stall at the 2012 Fairholme Quilters Exhibition

And there were quilts ...

Val said she had to think hard about how to tilt these log cabin blocks ... how did she do it? This quilt will be raffled for World Vision.

One of Loraine's grandchildren will have fun 'decoding' this quilt ... bunnies for Rabbitoh's fans, tartan for a Scottish connection, a Dutchman's Puzzle for a Dutch link... there's a little block of soccer balls, and rocket ship in a star ... and other messages. Cryptic!

Click on the photos for a closer view.

Thanks for the photos Sue!

Victorian Quilter's Inc Showcase 2011

2011-07-30T22:16:00.001+10:00

The Victorian state show is on this week and weekend. Photos of the Best of Show and other award winners are here.

You can see more close-ups of the Best of Show quilt here on the winner, Desley Maisano's blog, Addicted to Quilts.

The winner of the 'Fabric of Society' Challenge was Linda White, of Gum Valley Patchwork in coutnry Victoria, for her Dear Prudence replica quilt ... definitely one for the hexagon lovers! Linda has blogged about the quilt's making and the excitement of the win too (lots of pictures and hexagon stats along the way).

Thanks to Brenda Smith, Serendipity and the Art of the Quilt for the links.

Where I sew ... other people's sewing spaces

2011-07-24T17:33:00.000+10:00

Pink Chalk Studio is running Where I sew, a month long series of blog posts throughout July allowing readers to see where other people sew, and to post a photo of your own sewing room or studio if you want to share it. Spaces range from an end of a dining room table to elaborate bespoke studios.

Some well known quilters, designers and fabric designers are featured. Who knows what ideas we might pick up?

Sisters Outdoor Quiltshow 2011

2011-07-14T22:45:00.000+10:00

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is famous as the largest outdoor Quilt Show in the world, held on the second Saturday of July in Sisters, Oregon. If you didn't get there this year and would like to see just a few of the 1300 (!) quilts, including a Gees Bend display, click here for one visitor's photos on Flickr Photostream. You can click a button for an automated slide show, at the top right of the screen. The set includes some shots of the actual hanging of the quilts by the local fire department. Settle in with cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy ... thanks Anita from RhubarbPatch for posting your terrific photos.

Monday group show and tell with a Japanese flavour

2011-07-14T16:42:00.002+10:00

Helen has complemented her Japanese prints with tone on tones that yield up the glowing four patches where her Aunt Sukey's Choice blocks meet ...

and Ros's lanterns are made with all Japanese fabrics giving a very oriental feel.

Thanks to Sue for the photos.

Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA): online exhibitions

2011-07-13T22:41:00.000+10:00

If you are interested in art quilts, the Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) website has much to look at and delight you. SAQA is the professional organisation for art quilters. Online galleries are arranged by themes. It is an international organisation, based in the USA, and includes some well known Australian members.

Of course there are quilts for sale, news about art quilts, audio interviews with a number of artists, and an international calendar of actual exhibitions.

Well worth a bookmark and checking in every now and again - new online galleries are posted several times a year.

Small quilts, big techniques

2011-07-09T15:16:00.002+10:00

No-one likes a workshop on quilting and embellishing techniques more than Jo S ...

A recent workshop with Gloria Loughman resulted in this striking "Lava Flow"

... and this landscape emerged from multiple techniques learned from Kay Haerland.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

NSW Quilt Study Group

2011-07-09T15:05:00.000+10:00

The NSW Quilt Study Group is a sub-committee of the Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc. It exists to promote interest and research into quilting in New South Wales in particular. Members are committed to the study of quilts past and present, this study encompassing the social and historical context in which quilts were made. Each year the NSW QSG committee organises meetings and activities which further the aims of the organization. Members receive notification of these functions via the Guild's Template magazine, the Quilters' Group of NSW blog and our own blog.

Heavy Metal Quilts

2011-07-09T14:12:00.002+10:00

Is there a heavy metal rock fan lurking under your quilter's exterior (or even an actual heavy metal rocker)?

Then you might like Ben Venom's quilts. You can learn more about him in this well illustrated interview with Meighan O'Toole, who blogs about contemporary art. For example ...

Can you tell us about how you educate yourself around the craft?

I have recently made some contacts within the quilt world and have learned a whole bunch of new techniques and shortcuts from a couple of nice ladies. Old ladies love me! Every time I go to a sewing/fabric store I ask a ton of questions and go home and try out what I learned.

August: a busy month for quilters

2011-07-09T14:05:00.002+10:00

CAMDEN COUNTRY QUILTERS GUILD 22nd ANNUAL EXHIBITION

“Everything Old is New Again”

6 - 7 August 2011

Open 9.30am–4pm daily. Entry $6

Agriculture Hall, Camden Showgrounds, Argyle Street, Camden NSW

Stall holders, café serving morning/afternoon tea and lunches, and Guild Sales Table with quality handmade items on offer.

For more information, phone Susan on (02) 4655 8234 email iansue@bigpond.net.au

* * * * *

MAD QUILTERS' GATHERING EXPO

Celebrate the Launch of the latest retail quilting and patchwork craft event to hit Australia for 2011, one that solely targets the Patchwork and Quilting market. Visitors come along and grab a bargain, browse new products, learn the latest techniques.

August 5th 6th and 7th 2011

Exhibition Marquee Penrith

For more information contact

Dekoda Marketing Pty Ltd.

Email proz@optusnet.com.au

Phone 02 9682 4418

* * * * *

CANBERRA QUILTERS ANNUAL EXHIBITION

11 - 14 August 2011

Exhibition Park, Flemington Road, Mitchell, Canberra

In conjunction with the Canberra Craft and Quilt Fair

200–250 items on display

Raffle quilt, challenge items, a continuous demonstration run by volunteers from Quilts for Others, and a sales room with quality handmade, quilt-related goods.

For more information, phone Kristine Banks on (02) 6291 4601

Sydney Quilt Show 2011 award winners

2011-06-22T19:16:00.001+10:00

Sydney Quilt Show prize and award winners were announced today, the first day of the 2011 event. The winners web pages are already up for viewing. Make sure you click on the Best of Show photo for a closer-up view of the very finely detailed applique.

Why quilting improves your health in ways even exercise can't manage

2011-06-15T10:55:00.000+10:00

We all knew this, didn't we? Still, the scientific evidence might be useful .... the (UK) Daily Mail reports on a Glasgow University study that found that quilting is better than exercise!

The article concludes that "the craft industry contributes around £3 billion a year to the UK economy", and Anne from Ware commented "3 Billion spent on crafts in the UK? Don't tell my husband - he would be convinced most of it was me!"

Click here to read the article

Thanks to Brenda Smith for the link (via Facebook)

Monday group show and tell

2011-06-14T10:25:00.001+10:00

Two quilts in nice contrast ...

One patch, many fabrics (a beautifully scrappy community quilt) ...

.... one fabric, many blocks (Lorraine K's fabric must have been pretty spectacular to produce this rich collection).

Beth Miller's new web-based business

2011-06-14T10:17:00.003+10:00

Many of us are familiar with Canberra quilter Beth Miller's award winning work. She retired from teaching last year, and has set up an online business with her daughter, Quilts by Pattern, selling her quilt patterns.

You can still see galleries of Beth's work at www.bethmillerquilts.com

55 best quilt blogs ...

2011-06-14T09:59:00.000+10:00

Quilter's Home magazine (a US publication) has recently published a list of its top 55 blogs about (mostly) quilting. The article, with all 55 links, is available online here.

A good source of reading for these wintery indoors days ... or a potential occupier of much time ...?

The link is also posted over in the right hand column under 'Quilting related links' in case you want to come back to it.

Kay Haerland Showcase at Quilters Guild of NSW

2011-05-29T19:14:00.002+10:00

From the Guild's calendar:

1 July 10-11.30am Friday Showcase at City Office: Kay Haerland

and a reminder of the Sydney Quilt Show dates for 2011:

A visitor ...

2011-05-29T19:10:00.000+10:00

Former Fairholme Quilter, Patrice Bullen who now lives several hours to our north, was a welcome visitor to a recent Tuesday evening. She brought her grandson's Aliens quilt to stitch while we caught up.

And some weeks ago Robyn T demonstrated how to make this "controlled scrappy" pineapple block - Robyn's top is constructed from four 17 inch blocks and five borders.

Monday show and tell, 9th May

2011-05-15T19:56:00.000+10:00

Robyn is pinting out an ingenious solution to having run out of her chosen border fabric - it's so well done that it really can't be seen. What beautifully rich complementary colours.

Another lucky grandchild will love Lyn's appliqued fairies - fabulous wings!

This beauty is to celebrate Ros's daughter's graduation from uni.

Thanks to Sue Crowe for the pictures and descriptions.

Reece Scannell colour workshop, 30th April

2011-05-15T19:53:00.001+10:00

Ten of us had fun and learned a lot about colour with Reece Scannell a couple of Saturdays ago. We played with boxes and boxes of his luminous shot cotton fabrics, colour samples, and even fruit and vegetables while we examined our responses to colours and colour combinations.

We were able to handle, look closely at and discuss fifteen quilts made to his design with his fabrics, and to analyse what we liked (or not), and how we felt about them.

Reece challenged us to look beyond our usual choices, and encouraged us not to just buy "more of the same", but to look for the colours lacking in our stashes to give life to our quilts.

These are just a few of the exercises - other participants photos will be completely different.

If you get the opportunity to attend one of Reeces' presentations, take it and your thinking about colour will expand!

Thanks to Noelle for organising the day.

Paducah 2011 winners

2011-04-27T20:08:00.000+10:00

Winners at the American Quilter's Society 27th Annual Quilt Show & Contest , being held this week in Paducah, Kentucky have been posted on the American Quilter's Society website, with photos.

Pam Hill from Brisbane has taken out a major award for workmanship.

A cup of tea and a good bit of time is in order to look at them all. Thanks to Lisa Walton for the link.

Springwood Community Quilt Show

2011-04-23T08:18:00.000+10:00

Friday 29th April - Sunday 1st May 2011
9-5pm Friday and Saturday, 10-4 Sunday

Springwood High School Hall, off Grose Road, Faulconbridge

Visit the Springwood Community Quilters show blog to see the raffle quilt, and read about the range of traders who will be at the show.

Reminder: Berry Quilt and Craft Show is also on this weekend.

Beyond the square .....

2011-04-13T12:35:00.001+10:00

Maureen made a pieced background, and appliqued some 'paper pieced bits and bobs from her stash' in a clever way ... we look forward to seeing how she quilts it.

Jo took a class with Kay Haerland, in more radical techniques for embellishment to produce an organic landscape - there's a chocolate wrapper in there, threads, improvised lace .... photo coming of the landscape she made last weekend in a workshop with Gloria Loughman.

Charity quilts 3 - dates for sewing days

2011-04-13T12:22:00.000+10:00

The next Sewing Day for our community quilts project is on Thursday, April 21
at Pennant Hjills Learning and Leisure Centre, Warne St, Pennant Hills.

Dates for the rest of 2011 are as follows 3rd Thursday of the month, from 10.00 am:

April 21
May 19
June 16
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 20
November 17

Charity quilts 2

2011-04-13T12:16:00.000+10:00

Another excellent use of small(ish) strips of any width from the stash or scrap basket, these three top were put together by Georgie from blocks contributed by members. The strips are attached to an 11 1/2 inch foundation, and those who've made them have been enjoying digging strips out of the stash.

More blocks would be welcome!

These quilts are earmarked for donation to a 'grandparents who are parents again' support organisation.

Charity quilts 1

2011-04-13T12:07:00.000+10:00

We have a good list of charities to make quilts for this year - here are some in various stages of completion:

These two drunkard's paths are made with gorgeous colour saturated fabrics

More saturated colour for a playful quilt for a child ....

..... and this scrap beauty that emerged from stash fabrics collected during Robyn's 'purple phase .... a wonderful idea for all those little bits and pieces that are just too good to throw away!

(Thanks for the photos, Sue)

Grandchildren's show and tell

2011-04-12T18:36:00.000+10:00

Our grandchildren have beautiful quilts - and here are some of the latest

Heather's granddaughter in Canada will love these bugs in bottles with lolly pop coloured sashings and bindings

Sharon's eldest grandson is into space, stars and rockets. Aren't the rocket blocks cleverly simple and effective?

Berry Quilt and Craft Show

2011-04-12T17:40:00.003+10:00

9.30am- 4pm
Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May 2011 School of Arts, Alexandra Street, Berry
(on the NSW South Coast).

$5 entry fee for adults and free entry for children.

Come and hear about Antique Embroidery Tools

2011-03-08T17:56:00.001+11:00

A reminder to all about the Antique Embroidery Tools talk and showing by Kerry Easton this coming Monday 14 March at 10.30 am.

Kerry will bring a selection of antique tools and give a short talk on this interesting subject. She has stressed however for the tools not to be handled in any way as although they may look altogether, they are very fragile and pieces break off them too easily.

Kerry is the NSW Convenor for the Needlework Tool Collectors Society of Australia and they meet at Beecroft . Her knowledge is extraordinary as is her passion. She is happy for you to bring along any 'old' tools for her to have a look at.

Day and night group members all welcome.

There will be coffee and cake after the talk and a lucky door prize.

Busy weekend 11th -13th March

2011-03-08T17:53:00.001+11:00

Lots on in the local (well, NSW) quilting world this coming weekend 11-13th March - visit the Quilters Guild of NSW's blog, Template Free for details about

A quilt exhibition in the cathedral at Goulburn
A Quilt Study Group meeting at Burwood
Eastwood Quilters' Exhibition at Brush Farm, just down the road from us

That should keep us busy if there's not enough going on at home!

And don't forget that entires for the Sydney Quilt Show in June close on Friday - 11th March.

Esther Aliu free mystery block-of-the-month

2011-02-27T16:04:00.000+11:00

Well-known Melbourne quilter, teacher and award winner, Esther Aliu runs a block of the month project from time to time, offering each block pattern as a free dowload for the initial period of its release (each pattern can be purchased after the free period expires). The current one is:

Hearts Desire free mystery block of the month

Victoria's 18th birthday quilt

2011-02-27T15:59:00.005+11:00

Victoria has been one of our junior members for some years. She's just turned 18 (congratulations Vic!), and been presented with this beauty, made by her Mum, Janet .... (and yes, it was bound in time!)

Embroideries are featured in the outermost vertical rows ....

Janet bought the Bronwyn Hayes pattern on our Southern Highlands shopping day in November.

How Jane filled in her time over the holidays ...

2011-02-27T15:41:00.001+11:00

Dina's sister Cindy visited from the US for Christmas and New Year, and brought lots of ideas with her ....

These centre blocks are constructed with a weaving technique from free-cut strips ... and below is a detail of the free-floating shapes in the border ....

The lucky recipient of this beautiful kaleidoscope quilt will only have to look at it to feel warm! Look at it for a while to discover all the patterns your eyes will find.

Batik pinwheels with a beautifully integrated pieced border.

2011-02-27T15:23:00.001+11:00

You should be able to click on any of these images for a larger view.

Lorraine's granddaughter likes frogs - she's going to love this quilt!

Elaine made this very effective quilt for her cousin, from Aboriginal fabrics that she had bought while they were travelling together.

Memories of Japan

2011-02-27T15:06:00.000+11:00

Lorraine (above) and Lyn (below) recently showed us the small quilts they each made to remember their trip to Japan in 2009, on a quilting tour.

Christmas star challenge quilt top - first of two?

2011-02-27T14:58:00.000+11:00

Elaine has already put some of the blocks from the Christmas challenge into this bright and cheery top, with some pretty lilac starry sashing donated by Maureen ... there's another one to come.

Christmas Star Challenge, 2010

2011-02-19T20:08:00.001+11:00

The block challenge was won by Miriam for her 'Wish Upon a Star' block (bottom left)

(Click on the image for a larger view, then again for an even larger view)

Thanks to Sue for the photos.

A little quilt movie

2011-02-16T21:17:00.000+11:00

Here's something to keep you amused while the latest pics of members' quilts get themselves organised - a very nice animation from Gayle Thomas, produced by the National Film Board of Canada:
A tribute to the unique and long-established art form of patchwork quilting, this abstract animated film uses computer and experimental techniques to choreograph quilt motifs and designs to music.

Or click here - guaranteed to make you smile and tap your feet.

Quilters are everywhere ...

2011-02-12T15:52:00.000+11:00

..... is this as far from the stereotypical quilter as you can imagine?

A message from NSW Quilters Guild: quilters and flood relief

2011-01-28T10:17:00.000+11:00

NSW Quilters Guild President, Maree Gebhardt has posted a message about the Guild's activities in flood relief, and how members can contribute, in Template Free, the Guild's blog.

Civil War Quilts: a new blog from Barbara Brackman

2011-01-22T08:40:00.000+11:00

Are you drawn to Civil War quilts and fabrics? Quilt historian Barbara Brackman has started the Civil War Quilts blog to mark the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. She posts about both quilts and fabrics from the time, reproductions (including her own fabric line), and a block of the week, fleshed out with stories, history and historical photos. It is well researched, and a great way for those of us with little knowledge of American history to learn more through an interest in quilting.

Barbara Brackman's Material Culture blog - her post from January 21 is about Michele Hill's new book, More William Morris Applique, which looks gorgeous.

Quilters supporting the flood appeal

2011-01-14T08:32:00.001+11:00

Toni Coward from Make it Perfect and her friends have come up with the great idea of an on-line auction of quilts to support the fundraising appeal to support the flood recovery. Anyone can donate auction items, and anyone can buy. The campaign is taking off around the 'blogosphere! Click on the button above for details.

Bags, bags ....

2010-12-01T12:25:00.002+11:00

Elle had a textiles assignment involving tie-dyeing that evovled into a nifty bag .....

..... with great lining!

Jo S whipped up this trapuntoed bag from a panel she picked up from the $5 table in the Craft Depot November sale, lined with fabric from the same table.

What a great bargain.

Quilters Newsletter contest supporting Alzheimer Art Quilt Initiative - vote online until 3rd December

2010-12-01T12:06:00.001+11:00

If you have a connaction with someone who has Alzheimer's disease, you might be interested in this quilt contest being run by Quilters Newsletters magazine. You can vote until 3rd December for your three favourites (that probably gives us here in Australia until 4th December).

The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) is a US program that raises awareness and funds research through art.

Events

2010-11-30T18:05:00.001+11:00

Dr Annette Gero will be at the Quilters Guild of NSW on Saturday 4th December - details here

Do you like red and white quilts? Will you be in New york between 25th and 30th March 2011? Then you might want to pencil in the free exhibition presented by the American Folk Art Museum of 650 red and white quilts from a single private historical collection - details here.

Registration for the 2011 Be Creative by the Sea retreat at Coffs Harbour, 1 - 7 May 2011 are open from 1st December.

Show and tell - for some lucky grandchildren

2010-11-30T17:54:00.001+11:00

Pam's alphabet quilt will live at her house, for Lily to use when she visits. Love the backing and binding fabric (below).

Georgie's granddaughter also has a new quilt - pretty summery colours for a little girl.

Aren't quilting Grandmas fabulous?

Houston winners

2010-11-06T22:51:00.000+11:00

Prize winning quilts from the 2010 International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas this week are now available for viewing online:

www.quilts.org/winners.html

A number of Australian quilters are amongst them.

Very enjoyable bus trip ...

2010-11-06T22:47:00.000+11:00

Thanks Robyn for organising such an enjoyable day in the beautiful Southern Highlands today - John and Kerry (On Course Tours) were excellent tour operators, a great selection of shops, and beautiful surroundings. It certainly looked as though everyone found something to their liking to bring home. We should do it again sometime ......

P.S. Did anyone take any photos they'd care to share on the blog? A little fabric flaunting, perhaps?

Index of Antique Geomteric Quilt Blocks: free online

2010-11-06T22:43:00.000+11:00

The quilt section of the Early Women Masters website offers

130 Free Antique Geometric Quilt Designs and Sample Patchwork Blocks
Quilt Notes, History, Vintage Patterns
Ideas for Fabric Choices
Grid Sizing, Full Quilt Tiling
Background Tiles
Free Downloads
Links to More Illustrations

There are several sections to the site, each related to women as artists or as the subjects of various artforms, including this one about quilts. The site home page describes www.earlywomenmasters.net as a non-profit, educational website.

Exhibitions and a new shop opening in December

2010-11-02T18:57:00.000+11:00

Ozquilt Network Inc.'s travelling exhibition Australia Wide Two will be launched at the at Fairfield City Museum and Gallery 22 October to 5 December 2010 and will travel to the following venues:

14 to 17 April 2011: Australasian Quilt Convention and Expo, Melbourne VIC
22 April to 1 May 2011: Artisans Trail – Stawell VIC
6 to 28 August 2011: Gallery 159, Brisbane QLD
3 to 27 September 2011: Cooee Heritage Cottage, Gilgandra NSW

The Gerringong Quilt Show is on 12 - 14th November, at Gerringong Town Hall.

Calico and Ivy is a well known quilt and handcrafts shop in Western Australia. They have just announced that they are opening a Sydney branch in Balmain in early December. An excursion for the New Year? It's not far from Logans .... that could be an afternoon usefully filled.

Houston; Fall Quilt Bloggers Festival

2010-11-02T18:26:00.000+11:00

The Fall Quilters Market and International Quilt Festival are now on in Houston, Texas. A number of bloggers are filing frequent reports, includng quilt and fabric historian Barbara Brackman, and several Australians, such as Lisa Walton and Sarah Fielke.

The Blogger’s Quilt Festival – Fall 2010 allows blogging quilters (or is that quilting bloggers?) to have their own international "show and tell". You might see some familiar names there too. There are certainly plenty of quilts to see.

No blogging, but there has been sewing

2010-11-02T17:30:00.000+11:00

Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging, and October was one of those times. Who can believe it is November already? Time to buy next year's diary .....

Thanks to Sue Crowe for photos - good to have you back!

Marilyn's bag 1

Marilyn's bag 2 - reversible, loop handles closed ....

...... and open

Jo S's little quilt top - those hand-pieced blocks are just 4 inches!

Stephanie's bag

Janet's crazy-patched back-pack 1. We have seen No 2, but it does not appear to have taken a picture of itself.

There are meant to be pictures of Noelle's stunning hand appliqued beauty quilted by Jo P, but the ones taken recently do not do the quilt justice - we'll get better ones soon.

St Ives Quilters 2010 Exhibition

2010-09-26T20:02:00.000+10:00

Friday 8th and Saturday 9th October 2010

10.00 am - 4.00 pm each day

St Ives Community Church Hall
32 Horace Street ( Link Road)
St Ives
Featured quilter, the late Narelle Grieve

Craft stall and 2 quilt shops, refrshments