SEEKING DESCENDENTS OF IRISH IMMIGRANTS

Seeking descendents of Irish Immigrants who were passengers on the ship Abyssinian in 1862 .

I am from Gartan, County Donegal, Ireland. I have been asked by An Taisce, a conservation organisation, to enquire re the possibility of making a commemorative quilt to illustrate the connections between the Gartan area and Sydney. Most of the people who emigrated to Sydney on the Abyssinian in 1862 had been evicted from their homes in Gartan and this land is now in the Glenveagh National Park. Perhaps some Guild members who have Irish connections might consider being involved. As this project is only in the initial stages, I would welcome a response by email to establish contact.

Yours sincerely,
Ann Quinn
Email anncmquinn@gmail.com
Or write to Ann Quinn, Lacknacoo, Gartan, Church Hill, County Donegal, Ireland.

December 2010 Newsletter - Available Now!

Here's what's inside the latest issue of the Guild newsletter:

• President’s Report
• Friday Showcase
• Vale Narelle Grieve
• Jamberoo Weekend Away
• Community Exhibitions & Challenges
• The New Quilt 2010
• Quilt Study Group Report
• Patchwork in Paradise
• “What Tickles My Fancy” Challenge
• Pam Priday Workshop & QSG Events
• Notification of Sydney Quilt Show 2010 categories
• Splinters & Nelson Bay Group Reports
• Librarian Report
• Teacher Accreditation
• Wagga Wagga Away Weekend
• Block of the Quarter
• Community Quilts & Campbelltown Report

Don't forget that the newsletter is only sent to members. Is your membership up to date?! If not, complete and send in a membership form.

The deadline for contributions for the March newsletter is 22 January 2010. The newsletter editor always welcomes articles, letters and calendar items.

Please contact the publicity & sponsorship officer if you wish to place an advertisement. (Click here for more information about advertising.)

2010 Guild Exhibitions Entry Closing Dates

The Guild has a busy exhibition program for 2010. Here's a reminder of the relevant closing dates for entries:

• Art to Wear 2010 - the theme is "Classic Oz Rocks" with a designated palette of ochre 70%, teal 15% & indigo 10% your choice 5%”. Entry is open to all individual Guild members. Download an entry form for Art to Wear 2010. Completed entry forms and associated materials must be received by 31 December 2009.
  
• Sydney Quilt Show 2010 - entry forms will be posted to members in late January. Entries close on 1 March. See the December issue of the newsletter for details of categories; and
  
• The New Quilt 2010 - entries close on 18 March 2010. Entry is open to all quiltmakers. Download The New Quilt 2010 Entry Form (84KB). For more information, Pamela Fitzsimons - pamela.fitzsimons@gmail.com
  

Sydney Quilt Show 2010 New Award - Best Use of Dyes & Pigments

Planning for the Sydney Quilt Show 2010 is well under way. A full listing of categories is set out in the forthcoming December newsletter. Please ensure that your category and quilt size are correct when planning your entry. In addition, there are two new exciting special awards:

• “Best Use of Dyes and Pigments” sponsored by Lynne Britten of Batik Oetoro with a $250 product voucher as a prize. This award will be open to any entrant where they have dyed, coloured or discharged the fabric themselves and this hand dyed fabric forms at least 20% of the quilt top. Again, entrants wishing to be considered for this award must tick the relevant box on the entry form. Entrants are also encouraged to write about the dyeing/colouring/discharge process in their quilt description.

• 'Best Reproduction Inspired by an Antique Quilt' with a prize of $500 is jointly sponsored by Dr Annette Gero of Historic Australian Quilts & Melinda Smith of Quiltsmith.

Sydney Royal Easter Show - Postal Entries close 9 December

Postal entries for the Royal Easter Show close on WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2009 at 5pm but online entries are accepted up to 5pm on Wednesday 3 February 2010. You can lodge your entry online at:
https://www.rasnsw.com.au/OnlineShowEntries/ArtDefault.aspx
PATCHWORK, APPLIQUÉ AND QUILTING
ENTRY FEE: $10 PER CLASS. ONE ENTRY ONLY PER CLASS.
JUDGING: 31 MARCH & 1 APRIL 2009 AT 11AM
Cash Prize for the best Exhibit in Patchwork, Appliqué and Quilting Classes 70 to 75, supported by the Quilters’ Guild of NSW Inc. Prize $200

• CLASS 70 - Bed Quilt, Traditional, hand quilted. Prize 1st $50
  Cash Prize for the first prize-winning Exhibit in Class 70, supported by Mrs Prudence Charles. Prize $100
• CLASS 71 - Bed Quilt, machine quilted. Prize 1st $50
• CLASS 72 - Wall Hanging, Traditional. Must have loops or a
  sleeve for hanging. Prize 1st $50
• CLASS 73 - Wall Hanging, Innovative. Must have loops or a
  sleeve for hanging. Prize 1st $50
• CLASS 74 - Miniature Quilt, less than 45cm x 45cm.
  Prize 1st $50 Cash Prize for the first prize-winning Exhibit in Class 74, supported by Threads and Things. Prize $100
• CLASS 75 - Creative Article. Prize 1st $50