Australasian Quilt Convention - Gala Dinner announcements

We are absolutely thrilled to congratulate Jane Gibson and Lynn Hewitt (pictured left to right with Gary Fitz-Roy, MD of Expertise Events) on their success at the Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) last weekend.

By way of background, Expertise Events runs AQC each April in Melbourne with quilt displays, workshops, lectures, demonstrations, a multitude of shopping opportunities and a gala dinner -- a veritable feast for the passionate quilter. The gala dinner (sponsored by BERNINA Australia) is a chance to catch up with fellow quilters and enjoy some entertainment ... but it is also an awards night celebrating excellence in and contributions to quilting in Australia.

First up, was the announcement of the Australian National Quilt Award winner for 2016 (sponsored by BERNINA Australia) and the winner was Rachelle Denneny with her quilt 'Modern Movement'. Congratulations to Rachelle!!

Next up, Expertise Events recognises Australian quilters with three special awards and I can proudly say that two QuiltNSW nominations won!! The first of these was Jane Gibson, who was awarded the Lut-da Award (along with Marie Lee from Victoria), which is to recognise an outstanding contribution to their community through quilting. Jane has been involved with QuiltNSW for many years and has volunteered in numerous capacities over that time. She has been a source of knowledge and counsel to many committee members and is instrumental in the smooth running of the QuiltNSW administration. Congratulations Jane!!

Then it was the announcement of the Rajah Award winner for 2017. This award acknowledges an outstanding contribution to quilting in Australia and we were all delighted that Lynn Hewitt was announced as the 13th recipient of the Rajah Award. Lynn's contributions have been as quilt teacher, quilt judge, Quilt NSW committee member and volunteer and international quilt tour host. Beyond that, Lynn is a genuine ambassador of quilting, generously sharing her knowledge, encouraging others and celebrating their success. Congratulations Lynn!!

More details in our upcoming Template newsletter.

Quilt Study Group 2017: Excursion to Hambledon Cottage, Parramatta

Starting at 11am on the 2^nd of May 2017, the QSG of NSW has arranged for a tour of the textiles and the building at Hambledon Cottage in Hassall Street, Parramatta.  Hambledon Cottage gives you a view of colonial life style and the Exhibition in the Lucas Gallery currently is on the Parramatta Female Factory & some of the women who lived there.

Amongst the textiles that will be on display especially for us are two quilts donated by locals. On seeing the poor condition of their Wood 1865 crazy quilt, a group of Guild and non-Guild quilters decided to get together to replace it with a more appropriate Medallion quilt (now known as the Hambledon Quilt) and Lyn Shayler will tell us how her group put the replacement quilt together.

You must book your place on the tour via the Guild office (9283 3737) so enough Hambledon Cottage volunteers can be organized beforehand to cope with our visit. Please let us know if you have any mobility or other requirements. Payment is $6 per person on entry to the Cottage. Happily both Guild and non-Guild members are welcome on this tour and we have no limit on numbers. We will tour the building in groups of 10 starting at 11am and later view all their textiles up close, including both of the quilts.

Upcoming quilt events in the Blue Mountains and beyond

With the long weekend almost over, our minds are turning to upcoming quilt and textile events. As luck would have it, three such events coincide in late April in the Blue Mountains and further west. A perfect time to gather a few friends, car pool and head out for a day or two ... and with the autumn leaves turning earlier than in Sydney, it's a beautiful time of year to visit.

First up, is Textiles Out of Context. This is an exhibition showcasing contemporary textile artists residing in the Blue Mountains. The show includes weaving, felt works, costume design, dress making and, of course, quilts.

QuiltNSW members Petal Davies and Rachaeldaisy are amongst the 26 artists represented.

The exhibition is on now at Braemar House and Gallery, 104 Macquarie Road, Springwood until 30 April. The Gallery is open from 10 - 4 pm Thursday - Sunday. Entry by gold coin donation.

Next up, is the Springwood Quilt Show.  This is an annual event that runs over the last weekend in April and showcases the work of quilters who live in the Blue Mountains, including a number of QuiltNSW members.

As well as over 150 quilts, there will be a display of Anne Sommerlad's quilts, pop up shops, including Sew Can I and Post Office Patchwork, to name but two, and a cafe serving delicious homemade lunches, refreshments and snacks.

The Springwood Quilt Show is on from Friday 28 April to Sunday 30 April (10 - 4 pm each day) at the Springwood High School Hall, Grose Rd, Faulconbridge. More details available here.

Finally, a little further west beyond the Blue Mountains is Quilts in the Shearing Shed. This is an exhibition of up to 100 quilts from Brigitte Giblin and her students. Having taught in and around Sydney for many years, this promises to be an inspiring show with paper piecing and applique styles sure to be featured.

The quilts will be displayed in a rustic shearing shed at O'Connell, which is about 3 hours drive from Sydney.

Pop up shops run by Cottage Quiltworks in Warriewood and The Home Patch in Bathurst will be there and many handmade items will be available for purchase. The exhibition is on Friday and Saturday 28 and 29 April at 9 Bloom Hill Road, O'Connell. More details available here.

Friday Showcase - Daiva Ceicys

Our next Friday Showcase is 7 April and we are delighted to welcome Daiva Ceicys, who will share her quilting journey.

Daiva is a QuiltNSW Accredited Teacher and tutors in the Far South Coast, sharing skills developed over thirty years with quilters’ groups and patchwork stores in both coastal and more remote country areas. 

Daiva combines modern and traditional techniques in a wide variety of quilts.   

Friday Showcase is held at our office (Level 5, 276 Pitt Street, Sydney) and starts at 10 am. Visitors are most welcome so bring a friend along. $5 for members and $10 for visitors.