Closed for the Holidays

This is a quick post to remind members that the Guild office will close for the holidays at 3.3opm on Friday 14 December and reopen on Monday 14 January 2008. Library loans will be automatically extended for the period. (Please do not attempt to return any library books over the office holiday as the mail hold sometimes doesn't work for parcels.)

On a related note, this blog will be taking a short break too. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season. Do come back and visit in the New Year when there are lots of Guild activities in store including The New Quilt Contemporary Textiles Exhibition at Manly starting on 25 January.

Invisible Landscapes ..domesticity 2006
by Rosie White will feature in The New Quilt 2008
(Photograph by Mark Marriott)

First Blog Anniversary

This week marks the first anniversary since this Guild blog was officially launched.

As you will see from the counter at the bottom of the sidebar, the blog has had over 10,000 visitors in that time. As far as we know, this is the first and only blog by a major Australian quilting guild. The Committee hopes that members (and prospective members!) have found the blog a valuable resource to catch up on all the latest Guild happenings and other quilting related events. To ensure that you don't miss out, we encourage you to electronically subscribe to blog updates by either of these methods:

Enter your email address to receive new postings to this blog via e-mail
(Remember - you can unsubscribe at any time)


Powered by FeedBlitz
OR

If you subscribe with Bloglines, this allows you to set up a list of your favourite blogs on your computer. Then you can simply go to the list to see if a new article has been added to any of the blogs. This is much more efficient than manually checking the blogs one by one and means that you can quickly get back to quilting or other activities:-)

You can also subscribe to the Comments feed:

http://quiltersguildnsw.blogspot.com/feeds/comments/default/

Comment moderation has been set up on this blog which means any comments will be reviewed and approved before they show up but most messages are cleared promptly. While we have received only a handful of comments in the first year, we hope that more comments will be made in 2008 as this is all part of the fun of blogging and blog reading. Alternatively, if you have a news item that you think might be suitable for posting on the blog, you can e-mail details to the Guild Webmaster.

Christmas Meeting @ Burwood - 1 December 2007

The final general meeting of the year is at at Burwood RSL (96 Shaftsbury Avenue, Burwood), this Saturday, 1 December 200:

Shop: Anne's Glory Box
1pm: Balance of the AGM to present financial statements (adjourned from October meeting) + General meeting
Guest Speaker: Gloria MacKinnon on her travels, crazy quilts and antique quilts

Bring something yummy to share for afternoon tea. Those inspired to make Artist Trading Cards, following Erica's demonstration at the October meeting, are also encouraged to bring ONE ATC (3 1/2" x 2 1/2") to go into a draw to swap with other participants.

Quilt Show 2008 Entrant Information

In 2008, the Guild hopes that as many members as possible will take up the opportunity to exhibit their quilts at the Sydney Quilt Show. A complete listing of categories is set out on the Guild website (or download 50 KB pdf version). Please ensure that your category and quilt size are correct when planning your entry. The Guild highlights the following changes:

• Commercially Machine Quilted Quilts – this popular category has been split into two categories, amateur and professional, based on the status of the quiltmaker. The prize is only awarded to the quiltmaker entrant but your quilter will receive acknowledgment, a rosette and a certificate. If you are an amateur and your quilt has been commercially quilted, you should enter Category 5. If you are a professional and your quilt has been quilted by another person, you may either enter your quilt in Category 11 in your own name or enter another professional category in your joint names.
• Pictorial Quilts– the definition for Category 14 has been expanded to clarify that quilts must be representation of a person, place or thing.
• Domestic Machine Quilted Quilts – this category has been deleted due to lack of participation. However, the overarching special award of Excellence in Domestic Machine Quilting continues and you may nominate your quilt for this award by ticking the relevant box on the entry form.
• Machine Embroidered Quilts – a new category 16 has been introduced on a trial basis. See below for details.

In addition, subject to sponsorship, there will be a new special award for Excellence in Long Arm Quilting. As special awards are given to individual entrants, quilts entered into Categories 5 and 11 are NOT eligible for the Excellence in Long Arm Quilting award.

Important Quilt Show 2008 dates to note on your calendar include:

• 1 February Entry forms posted out to members by this date
• 29 February Entry closing date – this will be strictly applied
• 1 May Acceptance letters posted out by this date
• 4 June Deliver quilts to “Drop Off Ladies” by this date
• 8 June Judging Day
• 10 June Set Up Day
• 11 June Opening Day and Awards Ceremony
• 15 June Final Day and Take Down

Remember, you don’t have to be a star quilter – the Guild welcomes entries from the full spectrum of its membership from beginners to experienced quilters and from traditional to contemporary designs. Join the Guild and start planning your entry today!

Please direct any queries to the Exhibition Secretary.

Judy Hooworth Exhibition until 1 December

The Ewart Gallery & Sculpture Yard in Willoughby is currently holding an exhibition of contemporary quilts by Judy Hooworth:

16 November - 1 December 2007
33 Laurel St, Willoughby, Sydney
Tel: 9958 6540
Hours: 9.30 - 4.00 Monday to Friday
10.00 - 3.00 Saturday. Entry is free


Impressions of Dora Creek #11
© Judy Hooworth

Vale Alysoun Ryves

Longstanding Guild Member, Alysoun Ryves passed away on Saturday worn out by a very brave battle with cancer. Alysoun generously contributed to the quilting community at all levels: as a driving force behind Hunters' Hill quilters; active participant of the Guild and Sydney Quilt Study Group; and as a contributor and technical advisor to Australian Patchwork & Quilting magazine. Alysoun has influenced many people and will not be forgotten.

There will be a service on Friday the 16th of November at 1:30pm at the Camellia Room, Macquarie Park, Plassey Rd North Ryde. This will be followed by a big party back at the the family house in Woolwich, everyone welcome. Wear whatever you think appropriate however Alysoun's family is encouraging people to wear bright colours and a flower.

New Quilt Show Category: Machine Embroidered Quilts

Did you notice the prize-winning quilts in Computer Aided Machine Embroidery section at Houston? The Guild is introducing a Machine Embroidered Quilt category for the Sydney Quilt Show on a trial basis. New category 16 is defined as follows:

16. MACHINE EMBROIDERED QUILT (OPEN)
Embroidered quilt made using computer embroidery design software or designs created for computerised embroidery systems including original, digitised design cards or discs. At least 25% of the surface must be embroidered.
Minimum size 150cm x 150cm. Maximum size 290 x 290cm.

If you have a computerised embroidery system on your sewing machine, this is a great opportunity for you to make and exhibit a quilt utilising its features. Quilt show entries close on Friday, 29 February 2008 so join the Guild (if you are not already a member) start planning your entry now!

Quilt Show Calendar

As a service to our members, the Guild endeavours to maintain an online calendar of New South Wales quilting events in addition to the calendar contained in the quarterly newsletter, The Template. If you organise a quilt show in New South Wales and would like the event to be included in the calendar, please e-mail the details to the Guild Webmaster and/or the Template Editor.*

Another very useful resource is the comprehensive listing of Australian quilt shows produced by Sydney Quilt Show sponsor, Down Under Quilts. If you are looking for a quilt show anywhere in the country (plus there are a few shows in New Zealand listed too), visit the Diary Dates section of the website. It is handy if you are planning a trip and want to check if there are any quilt shows on in the vicinity.

*The Guild still seeks an editor for the quarterly newsletter.
Please see the Position Description for more details.

The Airing of the Quilts @ Junee: 9-11 November

THE AIRING OF THE QUILTS is at:

The Broadway Museum in Junee from 9-11 November.
Street stalls 10-11 November. only.
Opening hours: 10am – 4pm.
Entry $5, Concession $3, Children $1.

Enjoy the Junee Heritage Lolly Shoppe & Coffee Bar. Participate in the Brian Beasley bushcraft woodwork workshop. See the Going to Pieces, Guild 2006 theme challenge quilts.

Enquiries: Dawn Lindsay (02- 6924 1146) or Peter Morris (02 -6922 9337).

Heritage Lost by Val Duncan

Conservation Know How for Quilters

This Saturday, the Sydney Quilt Study Group will have a textile conservator coming to talk to members and non-members about how to look after their textiles and quilts. Christine McKenna is a costume maker, and most recently has been specializing in reproduction historical clothing for house museums and historical societies in the Parramatta and Liverpool areas. This presentation will be held at:

Conservation Know How for Quilters,
2pm, Saturday, 10 October
Burwood RSL,
96 Shaftesbury Road,
Burwood.

Please bring along any textiles, including quilts, you have that you would like advice on looking after.

Selection for The New Quilt 2008

Selection for The New Quilt 2008 took place at the Manly Art Gallery on 22 October. Christina Sumner, Principal Curator, Design and Society at the Powerhouse Museum, and Therese Kenyon, Director of the Manly Art Gallery had the difficult task of jurying 28 quilts from the 74 entries. This year for the first time, selection was made from digital images provided by the artists. Successful applicants are:

Kerrie Bowles, Susan Cunningham, Helen Ducker, Michele Eastwood, Dianne Firth, Cherry Johnston, Camille Lord, Glenys Mann, Barbara Macey, Deborah McArdle, Thelma McGough, Alison Muir, John Parkes, Cath Phillips, Clare Plug, Gail Putz, Beth and Trevor Reid, Elizabeth Rose, Alison Schwabe, Carolyn Sullivan, Sarah Tucker, and Rosie White.

Congratulations to everyone and, if you missed out this time, don’t give up! Keep working on what you are doing and next time you may be successful. Remember that non-selection is not a criticism of your work; all chosen pieces are considered in the context of the entire exhibition. It will always happen that good work misses out, and largely because of restrictions in the number of quilts that can be hung.

The New Quilt exhibition at Manly Art Gallery will run from 25th January to 24th February 2008. This will be the 12th show, an initiative of the Guild in collaboration with the gallery in which many of our country’s finest quiltmakers have shown their work since 1991. As part of the programme, curator Christina Sumner will give a floor talk on Sunday 3rd February at 3pm.

Concurrently in the small gallery there will be an exhibition of quilts of former guild member, the late Judy McDermott, curated by Sarah Tucker, titled Judy McDermott: Speaking for Themselves. Sarah will deliver a lecture during the exhibitions tracing the development of Judy’s unique work in relation to the work of other Guild members in the period 1989-2004.The lecture is scheduled for Sunday 10th February at 3pm.

Houston Success

The International Quilt Association has announced the winners of the 2007 World of Beauty exhibition and has put up this splendid gallery of prize winners. Successful Guild members include:

• Mariya Waters - The Founders Award ($7500)
  
• Margaret McDonald & Susan Campbell - Judges Choice
  
• Jocelyne Leath - Art Painted Surface - Second Prize
  
• Helen Godden - Group Quilt - First Prize
  
• Linda Steele - Mixed Technique - First Prize & Traditional Applique - Second Prize

Congratulations to our talented Guild members.

Guild Member Success @ Houston

As noted in earlier posts on 15 August and 15 October, several Guild members have been selected as finalists at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. Even if you can't be there in person, you can view a webcast of the glorious quilts and celebrations from Thursday 1 November (Houston time).

2 November Friday Showcase: The Material Girls

Christine Kontratenko, Denise Sargo, Marilyn Lowder, Kerry Sterns and Sandra Lyons are members of the award winning quilting collaborative - The Materials Girls. The Material Girls are presenting the Friday Showcase, this Friday 2 November 2007 (10am at the Guild office). Join us for the final showcase for 2007!

Warrang Forseeing Sydney Cover by The Material Girls
1st Prize, Group/Collaborative Category
Sydney Quilt Show 2006

The Cat Did It by The Material Girls
4th Prize, Group/Collaborative Category
Sydney Quilt Show 2007

Position STILL Vacant: Template Editor

I am delighted to report that most committee positions were filled at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday. However, we are still looking for a new person to take on the important communications role of Template Editor. The duties of the Template Editor include:

• receive, organise, edit and layout copy for the quarterly newsletter - The Template;
• gather information and write articles; take photos for use in The Template;
• liaise with contributors and proofreaders;
• liaise with the Guild's publicity officer, who provides advertising information and files;
• liaise with and check colour proofs from the printer;
• liaise with the Office Manager re printing, packing and distribution;
• provide content for the Guild website and blog;
• attend Guild and committee meetings; and
• promotion of the Guild's activities and services through The Template.

The position involves the following skills and resources:

• working with Microsoft publisher and photo editing software (both can be learned and are not difficult to master);
• access to e-mail and the internet - preferably broadband as some files are large - home would be better than work unless you have an understanding employer;
• the Guild provides a laptop computer with software; and
• an eye for design (as most quilters have!) and logical organisation of information.

The Template has undergone a revamp and redesign over the past year and the handover to the new editor includes useful files, documents and training as needed. There is about a month between the closing date for copy and sending of files to the printer, so you would have four busier months in the year. Preparation of the December issue is well advanced and many people have offered to assist by preparing articles and reporting on Guild activities.

This is a really way positive way in which you can contribute to the Guild's progress. Our newsletter remains a valuable communication to members and record of events. If you're interested and would like more information, please contact me - President Lorraine.

A Little Housekeeping

As a general housekeeping and spam reduction measure, the "enquiries" and "admin" Guild e-mail addresses are being phased out and have been consolidated into a NEW office e-mail address as shown below. Please update your records accordingly:

As a further attempt to reduce junk e-mails, this e-mail listing has not been hotlinked. Please type the relevant e-mail address onto your computer.

The Office Manager also highlights the following matters:

• Guild office e-mails are checked regularly but not every day. If a matter requires urgent attention or a fast response, it is preferable for you to telephone the office on (02) 9283 3737;


• email may be answered by different people during the course of a week. It would help our office volunteers if you could give a little more information about who your contact is and the subject of the email; and


• if requesting forms or information please include a postal address, as not all the forms are available to the office volunteers as attachments for email. (You might also first check the "Forms to Download" section in the side bar of this blog.)

Looking Forward, Looking Back Prize Winners

Congratulations to Amanda Daly, Helen Godden and Janine Dixon who were awarded the first three prizes in the Guild's 25th anniversary theme challenge - Looking Forward, Looking Back. You can view all of the imaginative entries in the challenge gallery on the Guild's website or by clicking on this slideshow.


The challenge theme for 2008 is Coast and Country. Focus either theme element or both!

Winning Flair

Congratulations to Guild member, Clare Fairless who has been awarded:

• First place Wholecloth - at the Innovations 2007 Quilt Show in the United States for Snickle Dippinlips; and
• Second place, Best of Country (Australia) at the World Quilt Competition 2007 for her quilt Tintaglia- see the prize winners gallery

Snickle Dippinlips
Clare Fairless

Looking Forward, Looking Back @ the AGM

There were 37 entries in the Guild's 25th Anniversary Theme Challenge - Looking Forward, Looking Back. All the challenge quilts will be on display at the Annual General Meeting at Burwood RSL this Saturday, 20 October 2007. Come along and put your vote in for the Viewer's Choice!

While you're at it, you might like to join the committee in GOING PINK for October and wear something pink to the AGM.

Houston Update

Further to the 15 August post about International Quilt Association Houston finalists, there is more exciting news. Guild member, Helen Godden from Canberra and Annette M Hendricks from Chicago IL USA, Gail E Thomas from Vernon BC Canada have combined their strengths and passion for colour, design and textiles to create an award winning Tri-Nation Collaborative quilt.

The THREE SISTERS will be world premiered during the Winner’s Circle Celebration at the International Quilt Festival 2007 at Houston (30 October to 4 November). Congratulations Helen!

Artist Trading Cards with Erica Spinks

Erica Spinks will be demonstrating how to make Artist Trading Cards at 11am at the Burwood meeting on Saturday, 20 October 2007:

Citrus Fling
Erica Spinks

Block of the Quarter: December 2007

The last Block of the Quarter for 2007 is simple and classic and will make a fresh summer quilt. All the instructions for this 6 1/2in Puss in the Corner block are in the current issue of The Template newsletter but here is a colour image to help you choose your blue and cream fabrics:

Please note that the Block of the Quarter will be drawn at the Burwood meeting on 1 December 2007 rather than the October meeting. You can participate in the Block of the Quarter by bring your TWO blocks along to Burwood or posting them into the Guild office by no later than Tuesday, 24 November 2007.

Do Your Christmas Shopping Early!

It's not too late to purchase your copy of a 2008 calendar featuring stunning quilts from the Guild's 25th Anniversary challenge. You can purchase them from the Guild office or using the Calendar Order Form. The calendars are $15 each (plus credit card fee and postage & handling if applicable). Orders of 10 or more calendars in Australia are post-free!

Northbridge Quilters Exhibition:11-13 October

Northbridge Quilters are staging an exhibition this weekend at:

Uniting Church Hall
Gunyah Street, Northbridge
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm
Entry $5
11-13 October

French Quilts Presentation: 6 October @ 1.30pm

The Sydney Quilt Study Group has arranged for Brigitte Giblin to give a presentation of some old French quilts and her own quilts this Saturday. Brigitte will talk about how English, French and Australian quilts have influenced her quilt designs. The SQSG will also have 4 French quilts and a jupon ( wedding skirt) from their committee members' collections on hand for viewing. There will be a raffle, afternoon tea and non-members are welcome.

VENUE: 1.30pm @ Quiltsmith shop at 75 Nelson Street, Annandale. The shop is situated between Parramatta Road and Booth Street - get off the 470 bus to Lilyfield at the corner of Nelson Street and Booth Street or take a bus along Parramatta Road and get off at Nelson Street. ($5 entry fee - SQSG members attend free.)

For further information Contact Liz Bonner at (02) 9692 8853 or lizbonner@ozemail.com.au

5 October Friday Showcase: Lynn Hewitt.

Guild accredited teacher, and former President, Lynn Hewitt is the presenter of Friday Showcase, this Friday 5 October 2007 (10am at the Guild office). Lynn is also teaching her Winding Ways workshop on 18 November 2007. Click here for the workshop booking form.

Gum Leaves by Lynn Hewitt
85 x 67 cm

Going Pink

As you can see, as part of an international initiative to support breast cancer awareness, the Guild blog is Going Pink for October. One in eleven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 75 (and men get breast cancer too). Early detection significantly improves survival rates so it's important to be aware of detection methods such as:

• self examination;
  
• medical examination; and
  
• screening mammography - this is done on an asymptomatic basis (no sign of changes) free of charge for women who are 40 years of age and above at Breast Screen Australia on 13 20 50.

This October, the Guild encourages you to educate yourself about the multiple issues related to breast cancer, then take that newfound knowledge and tell someone else what you’ve learned.

St Ives Quilters Exhibition: 5-7 October 2007

St Ives High School Auditorium,Yarrabung Rd, St Ives.
Opening hours: Friday/Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sunday 10am - 3pm
Entry: $5 (Children under 12 free)
Renowned artists' works and other members' quilts on display, trading tables, free daily demonstrations, raffle quilt prizes, light refreshments, proceeds to go to MS Society Friendship Group/St Ives
Enquiries: Louise Binney, President (02-9416 7765)

Quilts on The Collectors on ABC

Quilts will feature on the ABC program The Collectors this Friday, 5 October at 8pm:

"Dr Annette Gero, has an immense collection of antique quilts from around the world, but it is her Australian quilt collection that is a National Treasure. The quilts range from the utilitarian 'waggas' made out of necessity during the Great Depression, to highly decorative crazy patchwork made for trade or agricultural exhibitions."

Beginner Quiltmaker Show Category

If you are new to quiltmaking or have had the delight of introducing someone else to this creative endeavour, don't forget that the Guild has a special "Beginner Quiltmaker" category in its annual member's exhibition - the Sydney Quilt Show.

If your first quilt was completed since January 2007, and you are a member of The Quilters Guild of NSW Inc, you may enter that quilt in the "Beginner Quiltmaker" category at the Sydney Quilt Show in June 2008 which has a great prize of 20 metres of fabric!


Autumn to Winter by Malika Weerackoon
Winner: Beginner Quiltmaker Category
Sydney Quilt Show 2007

September Newsletter Out this Week!

Features of the Template 25/4 include:

• over 125 Show quilts illustrated, most in colour;
• a comprehensive list of Quilt Show prize winners;
• Art quilts - how to begin;
• Teacher Accreditation - special feature on Jan T. Urquhart Baillie; and
• More Guild committee opportunities.

In addition, many regular features including:

• President's message
• Guild calendar
• Welcome to new members
• Block of the quarter

Late September Quilt Shows

Saturday 22nd - Sunday 23rd September 2007
Cherrybrook Quilters
Uniting Church new hall, New Line Rd, Cherrybrook

Saturday 29th - Sunday 30th September 2007
Novacastrian Quilters Exhibition
New Lambton Community Centre, 14 Alma Road, New Lambton
Enquiries: Joyce Taylor, phone 02 4929 3386

Upcoming Closing Dates

This is a reminder of some upcoming deadlines:

• the preliminary closing date for nominations for Committee positions is Monday, 1 October 2007;
  
• the closing date for entries in the Looking Forward, Looking Back theme challenge is Friday, 28 September 2007; and
• the [revised] closing date for entries in The New Quilt 2008 is Friday 5 October 2007.
  

The nomination form and relevant entry forms can be downloaded the side bar to this blog.

Wagga Wagga Quilt Exhibition

Wagga Wagga Patchwork & Quilters Group Exhibition
28th - 30th September 2007
ARCC Hall Tarcutta St, Wagga Wagga
Friday and Saturday 10am -5pm
Sunday 10am -4pm.
Enquires: Carol Allwright 02 69 264572

Wagga Wagga Raffle Quilt 2007

Treasures of Yesteryear:Singleton Quilters

Singleton Quilters is holding its Treasures of Yesteryear exhibition this weekend.

Singleton Quilters
74 George Street, Singleton
14-16 September 2007
Opening Hours:10am to 4pm
Entry Fee: $5 per person

Display of antique sewing machines, members’ quilts and handiwork.
Raffle quilt—proceeds toWestpac Rescue Helicopter Appeal

Quilted One Block Marvels Exhibition

An exhibition of the quilts from Quilted One Block Marvels, a new book by Carolyn Sullivan:

13th September—4th October 2007
Bou-saada Winery, Kells Creek Road, Mittagong.
Open Thursdays-Sundays


Carolyn will also be making a short presentation about her book before the Annual General Meeting at Burwood on 20 October 2007.

Meeting Coordinator Position Description

The MEETING CO-ORDINATOR :

• Books Burwood RSL each July for the following year;
• Organises and liaises with the guest speaker, demonstrator and shop for each general meeting;
• Prior to each meeting confirms the configuration of tables, equipment (any special needs of the guest speaker) etc with Burwood RSL:
• Organises lucky door prizes, block of the quarter, market day etc for each meeting:
• Assists with the Darling Harbour show – judging day, set up, take down – as well as the actual show days; and
  
• Attends committee meetings each month.

This position on the guild committee gives you a great chance to expand your horizons, get to know many more fellow quilters and supplement your talents.

Membership Secretary Position Description

The position for Membership Secretary will be vacated at the October Annual General Meeting. Key tasks of this position include:

• Keep all members records updated
• Print Labels for envelopes every three months for Template to be sent and make sure labels are on envelopes.
• Make sure Membership List is kept updated in Office
• Send Information Letters and Templates to all new Members
• Keep filing under control
• Attend all Committee Meetings and Burwood Meetings and be organised to give report
• Keep the week of the quilt show clear as with the Office Manager you are responsible to run the Membership Desk
• Also be available to help with Quilt Show Judging Day, Set up Day and the Take Down.

Please contact the President if you are interested in this position. (Click here to download a Committee Nomination Form).

The Template 25/4

Look for your copy towards the end of September. It will have a complete list of show winners, lots of images and of course Guild reports and activities.

Your Guild Needs You!

The following positions will be vacated at the AGM:

• Vice President
• Template Editor
• Minutes Secretary (currently vacant)
• Membership Secretary
• Meeting Coordinator
• Exhibition Secretary

This is an ideal opportunity for you to directly contribute to the administration and activities of the Guild. If you are interested, please complete and return a Committee Nomination Form. The closing date for nominations is 1 October 2007.

Stitching a Legacy Exhibition: Epping Quilters

Epping Quilters Inc. will be holding their exhibition "Stitching a Legacy" celebrating their 25th Anniversary, this Friday 31st August and Saturday 1st September at St. Alban's Church Hall, 3 Pembroke St, Epping (please note new venue).

As well as quilts, there will be a craft stall, fabric shop, antique quilts, raffle quilts and cafe. Raffle proceeds will go to the Patricia Ritchie Centre for Cancer Care and Research at the Mater Hospital, North Sydney.

Contemporary Quilts

A selection of contemporary quilts from the 2007 Sydney Quilt Show can be viewed in Issue 7 of online quilting magazine www.iquilt.com.au


Landforms #4 by Anna Brown
(3rd Prize Art Quilt, Quilt Show 2007)

If you enjoy making contemporary quilts or experimenting with unusual design or construction techniques, please consider submitting an entry to Guild's forthcoming exhibition The New Quilt 2008:Contemporary Quilt Textiles.

Entry is open to all quiltmakers (including non Guild members and non-Australian residents). Work must not have been previously exhibited in New South Wales and must have been completed since January 2006. Entries close on 5 October 2007 (new closing date).

Special 25th Anniversary Partner

The Quilters' Guild of NSW has selected Interface Pty Limited as their special 25th anniversary partner to help the Guild raise funds for the Community Quilts project.

Every year Guild members make and donate "Community Quilts" quilts for a number of charities including The Smith Family, the Salvation Army, Blankets of Love and for foster children.

Interface Australia, and its rural Australian workforce of men and women with disabilities, make the "Fitz Like a Glove" ironing board cover, Best Boy ironing cloth, thick felt underlay and many other fine products. For the year ending 30 June 2008, if you quote the code "QG 25" when purchasing Interface Australia products, they will donate 20% of the sale (excluding postage) to the Guild's Community Quilts project. For your assistance, here is an Order Form.

Dyed Heaven Exhibition

You are invited to any exhibition of textile art by Quilt Show 2007 prize winner, Lisa Walton:

Chrissie Cotter Gallery
Pidock Street, Camperdown NSW 2007
29 August - 9 September 2007
Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-4pm

Exhibition opening: 6-8pm, Wednesday 29 August 2007
To be opened by quilt historian and author, Annette Gero

Birmingham Success

Congratulations to Guild members Judy Day and Nicole Bridges on their success in the Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, England. Judy was awarded first place for her small traditional Hawaiian quilt and Nicole and Gay Jenkins received second prize for a quilt that Nicole machine quilted.

Hawaiian Quilt by Judy Day
2nd Prize, Miniature Category, Sydney Quilt Show 2006
1st Prize, Small Quilt, Festival of Quilts, Birmingham 2007

Exhibition: And there was also a golden glow

Warm to the joy of textiles and see the vision of what makes a golden glow - a pear ripening, a field of daisies, coins, sunlight, moonlight, love...and the techniques! So many! Large and small! Ecstasy! Curated by Helen Lancaster.

Fairfield City Museum and Gallery
26 August - 7 October 2007
Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm (Closed Mondays)
Corner Oxford Street and The Horsley Drive, Smithfield
Tel: (02) 9725 0222

25th Anniversary Challenge

To celebrate the Guild's 25th Anniversary, the theme challenge for 2007 is "Looking Forward: Looking Back". The quilts are displayed at the Guild's Annual General Meeting in October and the winners and Viewers' Choice are announced. After the Annual General Meeting, the quilts become a touring suitcase exhibition travelling all over Australia for up to two years. They are returned to the makers at the end of the tour.

The deadline for entries is 28 September 2007. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, there are some special prizes for the challenge this year:

• First – Singer Featherweight sewing machine donated by BrimBin Farms (Quilts and Crafts Shop 14 Centerpoint Arcade Victoria Street TAREE NSW)

• Second – Decorative wooden chest containing full range of Madeira threads donated by SSS Pty Ltd

• Third - $100 gift voucher donated by Interface Australia Pty Ltd

The challenge is open to all Guild members and entry is free. Quilt size 50cm x 70cm - portrait or landscape with hanging sleeve. Quilts may be made using any technique or material. However, they should conform to the definition of a quilt, i.e. three layers. More information and entry forms can be obtained from the guild office.

IQA Houston Finalists - Quilts: A World of Beauty

The finalists in the International Quilt Association judged show at Houston, Quilts: A World of Beauty, are now listed on the web site at www.quilts.org. Amongst the 409 finalists, selected from 835 entrants, are the following talented Guild members:

• Kim Bradley - Feather Fantasy;
• Linda Crouch - Petite Bouquet;
• Judy Day - Autumn Leaves;
• Narelle Grieve - Silk Caprice;
• Julie Haddrick - Fragments in Time;
  
• Jocelyne Leath - Where the Water Flows;
• Margaret McDonald and Susan Campbell - Entwined: True Lovers Knot; and
  
• Mariya Waters - Renaissance Revival.

Fragments in Time by Julie Haddrick
115cm x 130cm
Judges' Commendation, Art Quilt (Open) Category
Sydney Quilt Show 2007

Gosford Art Prize

Congratulations to Guild members and Quilt Show 2007 prize winners, Kay Haerland and Jenni Munday, whose textile works were selected from over 500 entries to be part of the Gosford Art Prize Exhibition which continues at the Gosford Regional Gallery until 30 September:

Gosford Art Prize: 10am - 4pm Daily
36 Webb Street, East Gosford, NSW 2250
Tel: +61 02 4325-0056
Email: gallery@gosford.nsw.gov.au

A Different View, 153 x 123cm by Kay Haerland


Barbed Boundaries by Jenni Munday

Introduction of New Quilt Show Category?

As part of our review of Quilt Show 2007 and preparation for next year's show, the quilt show subcommittee has been asked to consider the introduction of a new open specialised category as follows:

Embroidered quilts made using designs created for computerized embroidery systems. Use original, digitized design cards or discs. Computer embroidery design software may also be used. Entrant will need to document on entry form source of designs and/or their degree of manipulation. Embroidery must cover more than 25% of quilt surface.Minimum size 150 x 150cm Maximum size 290 x 290 cm

Please e-mail your support or other feedback on this proposal to the Exhibition Secretary. (Note that quilts incorporating hooped embroidery may currently be entered into a number of general amateur and professional categories including: traditional quilt, small or wall quilt and mixed techniques.)

Canberra Quilters' Exhibition

The annual exhibition of Canberra Quilters opens today as part of:

Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair
August 9 - 12, 2007
Thursday to Sunday: 10am – 5pm daily
Exhibition Park in Canberra
Budawang Building, Flemington Road
MITCHELL ACT

For some reason, there seems to be a high concentration of talented quiltmakers in the Canberra area so the exhibition is sure to delight and thrill. And while you are in the national capital this week, catch a viewing of the Rajah Quilt at the National Gallery and also see the Eyeline Exhibition by the tACTile group at the Australian National Capital Artists Gallery.

New Beginnings

Blogging is a powerful social networking tool and enables people all over the world to share their passions and interests. Former Guild committee member, Chrissy Sheed, now resides in New Zealand and has recently ventured into Blogland with her aptly named new blog: Chrissy - New Beginnings.

Chrissy also enjoyed success in the Guild's 25th anniversary exhibition, Sydney Quilt Show 2007, and was awarded first and second prize in the Miniature Category with her delightful quilts Waltz of the Flowers (left) and Erica's Hearts:
    
If you are a Guild member, and have a quilting-related blog, contact the Guild Webmaster to have your blog added to the Guild's blog roll in the side bar (see right).

Keeping up with this blog

Since this blog was officially launched nine months ago, readership has steadily grown. The Committee hopes that members (and prospective members!) are finding this blog a valuable resource to catch up on all the latest Guild happenings and other quilting-related activities. To ensure that you don't miss out, we encourage you to electronically subscribe to blog updates by either of these methods:

(1) Enter your email address to receive new postings to this blog via e-mail
(Remember - you can unsubscribe at any time)


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(2) Signing up with an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Service such as:
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If you subscribe with Bloglines or Google Reader, these services allow you to set up a list of your favourite blogs on your computer. Then you can simply go to the list to see if a new article has been added to any of the blogs. Remember, if you have a news item that you think might be suitable for posting on the Guild's official blog, you can e-mail details to the Guild Webmaster.

The Art of Needle & Thread Exhbition: August 2007

Reflections on a Golden Journey – the First 50 Years of the Embroiderers’ Guild. Exhibition of Contemporary and Traditional Embroidery:
THE ART OF NEEDLE & THREAD: 1-31 August 2007
Fountain Court NSW Parliament House. Open weekdays only.
Includes pieces from the Embroider's Guild’s permanent Ccllection.

Looking Forward, Looking Back

In 2007, the Guild's 25th anniversary year, the challenge quilt theme is Looking Forward, Looking Back. Entry is limited to individual members of the Guild. The size of the finished quilt must be 50cm x 70cm which may be hung in portrait or landscape mode with a 6cm deep hanging sleeve attached to the back. Entries close on 28 September 2007 and must be accompanied by a completed entry form.

The Ozone - Going to Pieces by Caroline Sharkey (left)
Organised Chaos by Denise Griffiths
Going to Pieces Challenge 2006

Template Editor: Position Description

The position of Template Editor will be vacated at the 20 October Annual General Meeting so we are looking for a new person to take on this important communications role. The duties of the Template Editor include:

• receive, organise, edit and layout copy for quarterly The Template newsletter;
• gather information and write articles; take photos for use in The Template;
• liaise with contributors and proofreaders;
• liaise with the Guild's publicity officer, who provides advertising information and files;
• liaise with and check colour proofs from the printer;
• liaise with the Office Manager re printing, packing and distribution;
• provide content for the Guild website and blog;
• attend Guild and committee meetings; and
• promotion of the Guild's activities and services through The Template.

The position involves the following skills and resources:

• working with Microsoft publisher and photo editing software (both can be learned and are not difficult to master);
• access to e-mail and the internet - preferably broadband as some files are large - home would be better than work unless you have an understanding employer;
• the Guild provides a laptop computer with software; and
• an eye for design (as most quilters have!) and logical organisation of information.

The Template has undergone a revamp and redesign over the past year and the handover to the new editor will include useful files, documents and training as needed. There is about a month between the closing date for copy and sending of files to the printer, so you would have four busier months in the year.

This is a really way positive way in which you can contribute to the Guild's progress. Our newsletter remains a valuable communication to members and record of events. If you're interested and would like more information, please contact Editor Ruth.

The New Quilt: Revised Closing Date 5 October

Due to factors outside of the Guild's control, the closing date for entries in The New Quilt 2008: Contemporary Quilt Textiles has been brought forward to 5 OCTOBER 2007

For more information, please see the entry form.

Winding Ways Workshop: 18 November 2007

The last workshop for 2007 will be with Guild accredited teacher and past-President, Lynn Hewitt:

Winding Ways Workshop
Epping Creative Centre
9.30-4pm, Sunday 18 November 2007

Curved piecing by machine.A traditional block given a new technique. Learn how to rotary cut pieces using templates provided, and sew them quickly on the sewing machine. Try dark and light, positive and negative or just scrappy light and dark fabrics. The plan for one day is to make a 9 block quilt, but you may prefer to make a larger quilt later. Acrylic templates will be for sale in class ($20 to the tutor). Click here for the workshop booking form.

Minutes Secretary Position Description

The committee position of Minutes Secretary is CURRENTLY VACANT and must be filled at the Annual General Meeting, if not before. Please contact the President if you are interested. The role of Minutes Secretary is to:

• collate and distribute all relevant reports and minutes to committee members before meetings in a timely manner;
• assist President in preparing and delivering agendas prior to each meeting;
• record minutes at committee and member meetings, listing matters which require further action and assigned respoonsibilities;
• distribute minutes to committee prior to meetings, and to members at members meetings; and
• make an extract of policy matters passed by the committee, showing date of meeting and decision, and maintain these extracts in a file held by the Minutes Secretary.
  

This position is pivotal to the committee's decision making capacity. The main function is to support committee and members with provision of clear and concise information in a timely fashion and set the committee's agenda so that essential issues are actioned by committee.

This role does require the use of e-mail and a personal computer, particularly at times prior to and after committee and member meetings. Communication with committee members accesses information about the work performed by members, thereby giving the Minutes Secretary much knowledge about the Guild's management and activites undertaken for the benefit of members. Importantly, this role assists the committee's focus on their target priorities. Whilst it is a great opportunity to learn about the Guild's role, it also allows you to get to know members more intimately.

August Showcases

Showcase attendees in August are in for a triple treat. First of all, Marianne Roberts (Editor of Australian Patchwork & Quilting Magazine) will be presenting an array of quilts from her personal collection at:

• 10am, Friday 3 August 2007; and
• 10am, Saturday 4 August 2007.

This is the Guild's first Saturday showcase and bookings are essential. Please telephone the Guild office (02 9283 3737) to reserve your place.

Marianne Roberts, Editor of Australian Patchwork & Quilting

Due to the forthcoming APEC summit, the September showcase has been rescheduled to Friday, 31 August 2007 at 10am with professional machine quilter Kaye Brown from the Finishing Touch. Kaye specialises in heirloom, freehand machine quilting and teaching long arm machine quilting techniques.

Kaye Brown from the Finishing Touch

See the Guild website for more information about the Showcase program.

Update of Library Listing

The Guild library is one of the major benefits of belonging to the Guild and it is available to all members. Three books may be borrowed at one time (3 magazines count as one book). The Guild pays for the outward postage and the member pays the return postage. Books may be kept for one month, the due date is shown in the pocket at the front of the book. Please ensure that books are returned on time in good condition.

When borrowing books by mail, fax, phone or e-mail, please give at least six tiles so that we can be sure of filling your request.

The list of titles held by the library was updated last week and can be viewed online. Alternatively, you can download the listing as a 105KB pdf document.

The latest issue of the Template newsletter contains book reviews of the following new titles:

• Mosaic Applique by Lorraine Carthew
• Wheel of Mystery Quilts by Helen Marshall
• Art Quilts: A Celebration - 400 stunning contemporary designs
• Luminous Landscapes by Gloria Loughman
• The 1776 Quilt - heartache, heritage and happiness by Pam Holland

Suggestions from Guild members for new titles are always welcome.

 
  

The Rajah Quilt

A rare treat for quilt-lovers will be the annual public showing of the historic Rajah quilt. This amazing example of early colonial craftsmanship was made by convict women en-route to Hobart Town, Australia, in 1841 on board the ship Rajah.

Due to its size, fragility and light sensitive nature, the quilt is only available for viewing once a year. See it for a limited time only from August 8 – 29 at the National Gallery of Australia. It will be on display daily from 10am – 5pm, and it will coincide with the Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair and a selection of special lectures and events. For more details, visit the website www.nga.gov.au/calendar or phone (02) 6240 6502.

The Rajah quilt c. 1840s
cotton sheeting and cotton, chintz silk thread
National Gallery of Australia collection
Gift of Les Hollings and the Australian Textiles Fund 1989

Eyeline Exhibition @ Canberra: 8 - 12 August

If you are planning to attend the Canberra Quilters' Exhibition in Canberra next month, be sure to also see the Eyeline Exhibition featuring new works by the tACTile quilt goup: Jenny Bowker, Dianne Firth, Helen Grey, Beth Miller, Trevor and Beth Reid:

Eyeline Exhibition by tACTile
12pm - 5pm
8-12 August 2007
Australian National Capital Artists Gallery
1 Rosevear Place, Dickson ACT 2602
Tel: 02 6247 8736

For more details, visit www.anca.canberra.net.au

Exhibition Secretary Position Description

A number of committee positions will be vacated at the forthcoming annual general meeting including that of Exhibition Secretary. The role of the Exhibition Secretary is to attend to the correspondence and other paperwork associated with staging the annual members' exhibition at Darling Harbour including the following key tasks:

• preparation and distribution of quilt show entry forms and volunteer forms in late January;
• review of completed entry forms in conjunction with the Exhibition Organiser in March;
• design and order of raffle tickets, exhibitor ribbons, enamel badges and rosettes;
• data entry of entrant and quilt details into a master spreadsheet in March;
• preparation and distribution of acceptance letters in late April;
• forwarding quilt and entrant details to the catalogue team;
• preparation of Drop Off Lady package for the Exhibition Organiser in May;
• preparation of various lists and documents for judging day;
• preparation of prize certificates and other signs & labels for the Quilt Show;
• preparation of prize listing and liaison with photographer and webmaster regarding publication of quilt show results and circulation of CDs to magazines;
• preparation of quilt show entrant thank you letters;
• post-quilt show review of categories;
• regular reporting for the Guild newsletter, website and blog; and
• attendance at monthly committee meetings and ongoing liaison with the President, Exhibition Organiser and layout designer, Drop Off Ladies, Publicity/Sponsorship officer, and Quilt Show subcommittee and proof readers.

A home computer and knowledge of (or a willingness to learn!) word processing, spreadsheet and mail merge programs is essential as is familiarity with sending and receiving e-mails. A detailed time line is available for review - the March-June period is particularly busy and exciting as you get a sneak preview of all the wonderful quilts that will be on display and get to see how everyone's hard work comes together for the Guild's premier event. A comprehensive package of precedent documents will be delivered on handover and the outgoing Exhibition Secretary is willing to provide guidance as required.

The New Quilt 2008

The New Quilt: Contemporary Quilt Textiles is a juried biennial exhibition organised by The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc in conjunction with the Manly Art Gallery & Museum. The next exhibition is set for 25 January - 24 February 2008.

Entry is open to all quiltmakers. Work must not have been previously exhibited in NSW and must have been completed since January 2006. The closing date for the return of the completed entry form is 5 October 2007. Please direct any queries to Pamela Fitzsimons.

Here is the code if you would like to add The New Quilt 2008 button to your website or blog:

<a href="http://www.quiltersguildnsw.com/events.html#newquilt"><img src= "http://www.quiltersguildnsw.com/newquilt2008button.jpg" alt="The New Quilt 2008: Contemporary Quilt Textiles"></a>

Market Day @ Burwood - 18 August 2007

Our next general meeting is at Burwood RSL on Saturday, 18 August 2007. This is market day and sales start at 11am. Whether you are a fully fledged quilting business or simply want to clear out your stash (or somewhere in between), if you are a current Guild member you can book a sales table for $5. Contact the Guild office to make a booking now.

2007 Guild Scholarship Program

The Guild’s scholarship program has provision to distribute financial support to one or more members during 2007/08. A maximum of $5,000 per annum is available, to be shared between two or more successful applicants, or a maximum of $3,000 to one applicant.

Consideration will be given to submissions from individuals or groups with continuous Guild membership of at least three (3) years. Written applications need to be sent (hard copy) to the Vice President at the Guild office by 30 August 2007. Submissions must include details of the project such as:

• goals of scholarship as it relates to applicant’s needs;
• plan of action and steps to be taken to achieve scholarship goals;
• time frame for completion;
• the anticipated outcome to be achieved;
• how applicant would contribute to members knowledge and skill;
• details of anticipated expenses involved in completing the proposed program;
  
• specific amount requested from scholarship scheme and a breakdown of how this would be used for scholarship purposes; and
  
• dates when progress report, final report and receipts/expenses incurred, would be provided to the Guild.

The scholarship requires applicants to develop new skills and make a significant contribution to the members of the Guild. Whilst there are creative ways to do this, some examples are:

• add to the general knowledge and expertise of members by giving a presentation of what you have learned;
• compose a story for Template and delivery to members at a Burwood meeting, about their journey and learning undertaken during the scholarship program;
• conduct a workshop teaching a particular technique to members;
• organize a selective exhibition; and/or
  
• be a guest speaker or demonstrator at a Burwood meeting.

Examples of projects that may be favourably considered by the Guild include:

• fund materials required for a special project produced for exhibition or donated to an external community body;
• contribute to the cost of producing a book or publication that is a component of a special project targeting the community;
• support (wholly or partially) attendance at a specialist workshop located interstate or overseas, that is not available in a closer location. Transport costs, workshop fees and/or accommodation, may be contributed to by scholarship funding; or
  
• funding country travel and accommodation expenses whilst developing community interest and expertise in quilting, as part of a non-profit making exercise.

The closing date for submissions is 30th August 2007. Announcements will be made at the AGM in October 2007 . For further information contact the Vice President through the Guild office.

Block of the Quarter

Participating in the Block of the Quarter drawn at the August Guild meeting at Burwood couldn't be simpler - if you win just three sets, you'll have enough blocks for a lovely Japanese bag. All instructions are in the June issue of The Template.

Above you will see examples of the blocks (you have to make one of each ninepatch to make a set for entering the draw) and below an example of the layout of six blocks which forms the basis of the bag (shown here flat).

You'll notice that each block is composed of nine different fabrics - not two. The variety is part of the final bag's charm, so please do follow this requirement. You can use the same nine fabrics for each block (although the more the merrier - maybe it's time to do some swapping with quilter friends?), but please do have nine per block, to play fair with other participants.

At the Guild committee meeting this evening, I spotted some blocks that had already come in (you can bring them to Burwood on 18 August or post them to reach the Guild offices by 14 August). They looked yummy! Don't miss out on this BOQ, which was suggested by a Guild member (thank you!). Please feel free to send your BOQ suggestions to the Template Editor via email or snail mail.