Community quilts in series

Sometimes we do plan community quilts more than others. The first two here are part of a series of three made from a very generous donation of a coordinated range of bright, playful fabrics. The third is the first of a series of four Noelle is planning from her collection of French General fabrics. We are very grateful for such generosity from so many, as the quilts’ new owners will be.

‘Playball’ is a clever pattern by Emily Bailey that lends
itself to fabrics that appeal to children. Several members made
up the four patches starter blocks, then Sue C attached
the corner triangles and trimmed them, ready for three 
quilts to be put together.

Low volume sashing was added, and Laura quilted all
three on her long arm machine.

The fun backing and binding for this one came from Susan K 

who big-stitched the binding down by hand.

This cute backing was bought on sale, and Sue C found
the co-ordinating stripe for the binding. 

Ann stitched the binding down and put some
fancy stitches into the label.

Noelle loves her French General fabrics, and has made
several quilts from her collection. She says it’s time to trim
her stash and she estimated that she has enough left for
 four French General community quilts!

Laura’s quilting again adds to this beautiful quilt.

 

New quilt finishes

 

Miriam’s own description of her quilt:
‘My dreamy, blousy bloom version of the brilliant 
@brigittegiblinquilts ‘Hexagon I Spy’ quilt pattern,finished
at last! Hand pieced, hand appliquéd and hand quilted.’

Detail of Miriam’s quilt, by Sue Crowe.

‘Windmill Picnic’ is a Kathy Dougherty design,
 made in Kathy’s fabrics by Marilyn.

Quilted by Cathie Calvert of Lakeside Quilting.

Lee made this quilt for a little boy, featuring his name.

Jeni’s description of her first finish for the year:
‘2025 started with me making this single quilt for
9 year old Olivia whose gorgeous mother passed away last year.
Olivia’s favourite colours are pink and purple and she loves unicorns
(like most 9 year olds!) which is the backing fabric … I’ve stitched
phrases on the quilt that Olivia’s mum said to her.
Heartbreaking to make but also cathartic.
Hugs and kisses is the pattern. Love always.’
🩷💜💟💝🦄

Laura’s bags and more …

Laura generously quilts many of our community quilts on her longarm, and she is also an ace bag maker! She’s working her way through the ByAnnie Designs catalogue.

Laura’s By Annie collection so far:
Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0
Easy Does It (free at ByAnnie.com under By Annie Basics
‘Stash and Dash’ (rolled organiser)

‘Easy Does it’

Interior of ‘Easy Does It’

Interior of ‘Stash and Dash’

Even Laura’s KitchenAid has a very stylish ‘In the Mix’
cover, a ByAnnie pattern made in Tula Pink fabric!

 

March events

Timeless Textiles
Fibre Arts Gallery
90 Hunter Street
Newcastle East NSW

Gallery76 by the Embroiderers' Guild NSW

76 Queen St, Concord West, NSW, 2138

Weekdays 9-4 / Weekends 10-2

Instagram: gallery76_queenst

www.embroiderersguildnsw.org.au

Sydney's only dedicated textile and fibre art gallery,

showcasing the work of Australian and international artists 

through a dynamic program of exhibitions and events. 

TEXStyle showcase of top HSC Textiles and Design.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR TEACHERS

In addition to fantastic school excursion options, there

 are professional development days just for you on 

7, 8, 28 and 29 March.

 

New community quilts

A collection of fabrics from a single range generously
donated to the community stash spoke to Susan Mack
who sewed them into this beautifully whimsical 
quilt for a child.

The backing fabric.

Pieced backing.

Also made by Susan Mack - another quilt that will
 appeal to a child.

Miriam’s ‘Unallocated’ quilt (designed by Michelle McKillop)
includes fabrics from many of Miriam’s previous quilts
and some recent generous donations.

Backing fabric also from the community stash.

Elaine G’s crisp blue and white palette, is further enhanced
by the addition of a green highlights. The almost triangular
pieces are added to the centre squares by sewing another
square over the top, and making four cuts from the centre
to each corner along the diagonals - no triangles to cut,
 less fabric waste.

A busy weekend …

We held a ‘Double Trouble’ workshop day for members at the weekend, with two bag making workshops led by members Susan and Susan. Others of us sat, sewed and cheered from the sidelines - a very enjoyable day. Thanks to Carol and Jim for finding us such a good venue, and for your help in setting up and packing up at the end of the day - very much appreciated.

Susan K taught the making of her 2009 design for the ‘Double Zip No-bind Box Pouch’

- most were finished finished on the day

Close attention being paid to Susan’s explanation
of the magic to be wrought on the zip.

A zipper magic close-up …

There was quilting of the outer layers

Hilary cleverly used pre-made blocks to
produce a two colour pouch.

Grace’s narive flower pouch

Angelique’s pouch really is box shaped

Alison was nervous about putting in the zip,
 but was first finished!

Susan made an error with her first attempt,
so started again, then corrected the first one so
she ended up with two by Monday morning.

Alison’s pouch, and Susan M’s second pouch.

Susan Mack’s parallel class was on making her version of a practical project bag with a clear plastic front panel that will give a good view of the contents. All of the makings were available from Spotlight:

Pat quilted her cat print back panel along
the lines in the print.

Some very fancy zippers were added.

Long continuous zips were cut, trimmed to size and secured.

Elaine chose pinks, purples and blues, and a very jazzy zipper.
Binding clips came in handy.

Marilyn chose two beautiful blue and white prints.

There was some careful cutting of foam stabilizer …

Front and back panels of the four finished bags we saw
on Monday - there are several more not quite done yet,
These belong to Elaine, Pat, Jeni and Sharron