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.

Quiltaway Weekend: 7-9 September @ Jamberoo

The Weekend Away in 2007 will be at Jamberoo Lodge from 7-9 September. Arrive early Friday, depart late Sunday, only 90 minutes from Sydney. The weekend is restricted to Guild members of the Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc. Full payment is due by 20 July.

Indulge yourself with almost three days of nothing but quilting, eating, drinking, laughing and shopping with other Guild members. The Weekend Away is very casual and presents an opportunity to visit local quilt and craft shops in Berry. The weekend affords opportunities to make new friends, see others' quilts and techniques and join in with chatting and laughter amongst those who have a common interest in patchwork and quilting. There's a pool and also a tennis court for those who are exercise-minded.

Friday to Sunday, two nights and all meals for: Twin $375 or Single $435

Bring your ugliest quilt...the disaster you wish you had never made. There's a prize for the worst. The voting is by secret ballot. Pam Curtis will be bringing her prize-winning quilts and talking about her frustrations and inspirations.

Remembering Auntie Green by Pam Curtis
1st Place - Traditional (Amateur) Sydney Quilt Show 2006

Saturday in the City: 14 July 2007

In order to take advantage of our office, there is a new event in the calendar which we envisage taking place monthly or bi monthly based on interest. The first Saturday sewing group will take place on 14 July. This will be a group that evolves into whatever the participants want but will start as an opportunity to get together on a weekend. This is in response to many requests from those members who work during the week. Bring along your sewing, take advantage of the library, or just come to look at the showcase (our first Saturday showcase is scheduled for 4 August). Volunteers are required to run these sessions so please contact me if you are interested.

Quilting in Cyberspace: Memory Quilts

Quilting in Cyberspace in the June issue of The Template is about Memory Quilts, and recommends the following sites:

• Book sources: Booktopia and Seekbooks
  
• Information on Blankets of Love: Ballarat Quilters
• Margie's Quilts of Hope
• Legacy Quilts
• Photo Memory Quilts and products: Quilting 101
• Instructions on how to use photo products in quilts: Just Patchwork

Vice President Position Description

The position of Vice President is one of several committee positions that will be vacated at the Guild's Annual General Meeting in October. Duties of the Vice President are:

• Assist and deputise for the president when necessary
• Arrange Workshops or Special Lectures
• Manage the Scholarship Program
• Compere the social part of the Guild bi-monthly meetings
• Assist with organising country meetings
• Help with preparation and management of the annual Quilt Show
• Prepare reports for the Template

Outgoing Vice President, Pamela, comments as follows:

During the past 3 years I have enjoyed this role and found it immensely rewarding. Believe me, it is not as daunting as it may appear....and there is all the support available that you may feel you need.

By stepping into this position, the activities have allowed me to meet a spectrum of people in the quilting culture. Before I took on the VP role I hardly knew anyone. Now I feel lucky enough to know a large group of diversified quilters as well as those in the industry. Personally I have developed many strengths as a result of speaking to members at our bi-monthly meetings, as well as conducting workshops with local, interstate, and overseas tutors. You also get to see all the winning quilts before they are displayed at the June Show.

The two main functions of this role are the workshops and the scholarship program and the workload can be spead throughout the year, depending to some extent on your availability. Nov-Feb can be a busier time when the bulk of workshop bookings are arranged. You are in control of the work you undertake and this can be paced according to your availability.

Personal computer skills are necessary, and you would need to access a PC with internet facility either at home or the office, to conduct your duties. To express your interest or learn more about this position, please leave a message at the Guild office and Pamela will contact you.

Calendar Quilt Corner

One of my favourite parts of the Sydney Quilt Show 2007 was this corner display of entries into the calendar quilt challenge:





Don't forget that you can purchase a 2008 Guild Calendar for $15 from the Guild office. The Calendar Challenge Quilts are also available as a travelling suitcase exhibition. Contact the office for more information.

6 July Friday Showcase: Gillian Hand

Textile artist Gillian Hand is the presenter of Friday Showcase this Friday, 6 July at 10am at the Guild's office. Gillian won 3rd prize in the Pictorial Quilt category in Quilt Show 2006 with her King Parrot quilt:

Announcement of Viewers' Choice

The votes are in and counted. Here are the results:

• Viewers' Choice, First Prize - Kay Haerland
• Viewers' Choice, Second Prize - Rhonda Pearce
  

Other prize winning quilts from the Sydney Quilt Show 2007 can be viewed on the Guild's website gallery.

A Different View, 153 x 123cm by Kay Haerland
A forest walk made me wonder how things look to a tiny forest floor creature. I love mushrooms and, after untold "crawling" photos, it all came together. Maybe we should try to see the world from someone else's perspective more often?


Insanity, 200x 220cm by Rhonda Pearce
This quilt began as therapy and ended up as insanity. It contains 10,650 half inch hexagons, put together the traditional way and quilted by hand.

A word about Quilt Show Photography

If you are fortunate enough to be able to join the Sydney Quilt Show festivities at Darling Harbour, please remember to bring along your camera. Due to lack of access to relevant expertise, the Guild will not be producing a CD of quilt show images for sale this year. However, images of prize winning quilts are available on the Guild's website gallery.

Bundanoon Past & Present by Needles and Natter
First prize, Group/Collaborative Quilt

Sydney Quilt Show 2007 Awards

The Guild's 25th Anniversary member's exhibition opened at Darling Harbour today and it is my great pleasure to announce that Best of Show (sponsored by Bernina) was awarded to Mariya Waters for her magnificent quilt Renaissance Revival:

A gallery of prize winning quilts has been posted on the guild's website. I hope you can join us at the Sydney Quilt Show - don't forget to purchase a catalogue to get your voting slip for Viewer's Choice. Alternatively, you are welcome to leave a comment on this blog.

25th Anniversary Silver Thimble Pin

While the photographer was taking photos of the prize winning quilts at judging day yesterday (my lips are sealed!), he kindly took this photo of the 25th Anniversary Silver Thimble pin that will for sale at the Quilt Show:

$4 each or three for $10

Special Edition Pins & Badges

Only a few more sleeps until Sydney Quilt Show 2007 opens and the 25th Anniversary celebrations begin. To mark this occasion, this special enamel badge will be for sale for $5.00:

In addition, you can purchase a special edition silver thimble pin - $4 each or 3 for $10.

Tumbarumba Fruit Cake

This recipe was requested by the Tumbarumba 2007 Away Meeting trippers and kindly provided by Margaret Stephenson (who got it from Lynette Thrift, who found it in New Idea).

Ingredients:
1 kg mixed fruit
2 cups orange juice
2 cups self raising flour
1 teaspoon dried ginger
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla

Method:
*Soak fruit in orange overnight
*Add flour, spices and vanilla
*Line a 9 inch square tin or 2 loaf tins with paper and bake at 170C for 1 ½ hours

Notes:
* May be topped with almonds before baking.
* When taken out of the oven, gently pour over sherry.

Pe-ac- ed with Love Quilt Show Talk

The Sydney Quilt Study Group has arranged for a special guided talk of the Pe-ac-ed with Love exhibition at the Sydney Quilt Show. See the SQSG blog for more details.

And don't forget that 20 June is D-day for delivering your exhibition quilts to your Drop Off Lady!

Kidskills at Quilt Show 2007

The Sydney Quilt Show is a source of inspiration for many a would-be quiltmaker including children. The weekend "Kidskills" program is a free activity aimed at introducing children to the delights of colour, fabric and block designs.

Kidskills:
Saturday 30 June 10am and 1pm
Sunday 1 July 10am and 1pm

Junior quiltmaker Taylor Brown participated in Kidskills at a previous quilt show and has gone on to make prize winning quilts.

Ladybug, ladybug where are you? by Taylor Brown
3rd Prize, Junior Member A (up to 12 years) 2006

Vacancies in Forthcoming Workshops

Vacancies still exist for the following workshops -

• Dogs Down with Sue Dennis: Sunday 19 August - $66 + kit if required; FULL
• Leaf it Alone with Sue Dennis: Monday 20 August - $66 + kit ($30) if required; and
• Winding Ways with Lynn Hewitt: Sunday 18 November - $66 + $20 for set of acrylic templates if required.
  

Bookings can be made by telephone and credit card payment. Alternatively, complete your workshop booking form and send to the office by fax or mail. Workshops are available to members only so why don't you join today?!


Leaf it Alone by Sue Dennis

Calendar Update

The Events Calendar in the side bar has recently been updated. Remember, if there is a quilting event that you would like to have added to the calendar, or included in the Guild newsletter, please send the details for the Guild Webmaster or Template Editor for consideration.

Burwood Meeting: 16 June 2007

The next general meeting is at Burwood RSL (96 Shaftsbury Avenue, Burwood), this Saturday, 16 June 2007:

11am: Antique watch/braclet demonstration by Fiona Gye
1pm: General meeting with guest speaker, Mary Transom from New Zealand
Shop: Sakura Moon

Come along for a sneak preview of the prize winning calendar quilts. New and prospective members welcome!

Poppies by Mary Transom

2007/2008 Membership Fees

Membership fees be rising on 1 August 2007. Pay your renewal by 31 July 2007 and only pay the current fees. Fees can be paid at the Quilt Show or through the Guild office and you can download a membership form from the Guild website. Payment can be made by cheque, money order, Mastercard or Visa. Please add $1.50 if paying by credit card.

The new membership fees (inclusive of GST) applying with effect from 1 August 2007 will be as follows:

• Individual $55
• Junior $22 (18 years and under)
• Family $77 (for children and up to 2 adults all residing at the same address)
• Group $88

Update on Quilt Show 2007 Gala Dinner

If you've been thinking about joining the festivities at the Guild's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, it's not too late! The deadline for registration and payment has been extended to Friday 22 June 2007. Contemporary quiltmaker, June Brown from ZIG ZAG, is the guest speaker and here is the menu to whet your appetite:

Starters:

• Balsamic Roasted Tomato Tart with South Cape Goats Cheese, Herb Salad and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Tiger Prawn Salad with Avocado & Tomato Flan, Mango and Ginger Dressing
• Chicken & Vegetable Roulade with Mesclun Leaves and Lemon Pepper Dressing

Mains:

• Pan-fried Barramundi Fillet crusted with Parsley and Zest & crushed Herbed Potatoes and Lemon
• Salt Roasted Beef Sirloin with Honey Roasted Root Vegetables and Onion Gravy
• Orange Marinated Duck Breast with Potato and Bundled Vegetables and Madeira Jus

Desserts:

• Mini Pavlova Bomb with Whole Berry Compote and Chantilly Cream
• Tiramisu with Espresso Anglaise
• Australian Cheese Plate with Dried and Fresh Fruits

Freshly Baked Bread Rolls and Tea & Coffee are included.

The price of the three course menu is $55 (not including beverages). Click here for the payment form that can be faxed or mailed to the Guild Office.

Guild Calendar 2008

In 2008 you can have a quilt brighten every single day with the Guild's special calendar. The following winning quilts were selected from the entries in last year's calendar challenge:

• Cover: Christmas Bells – Merelyn Pearce
• January: A Little Beauty – Maree Witney
• February: Pennsylvania Dutch – Karen Malone
• March: Shimmers – Sandy Corry
• April: Hitomi's Flower – Alan Tremain
• May: Garden Pathways – Stephanie Knudson
• June: Antique Wrought Iron – Julie Woods
• July: Feathers & Flowers – Judy Day
• August: A Walk in the Mist - Kay Haerland
• September: Seven Daisies – Sue Rowles
• October: Chicken Stir Fry – Deb Nichol
• November: Spring Carnival – Liz Imrie
• December: Natures Flambé – Denise Sargo

Smaller images of the remaining 45 entries also feature in the calendar. Calendars will be available for sale at the Sydney Quilt Show or from the Guild Office.

Price: $15+ postage (if applicable)
Add $1.50 per transaction if paying by credit card

ALL calendar challenge quilts will be on display at the Sydney Quilt Show.

Cover Christmas Bells – Merelyn Pearce

Sydney Quilt Show 2007 Gala Dinner

Come along for great company, and a sumptuous dinner as well as interesting words from our guest speaker, June Brown. June is a member of the ZIG ZAG group of textile artists and the group's tripARTite exhibition will be a highlight of the Sydney Quilt Show 2007. Artist journals from this exhibit will be available for review at the Gala Dinner and you'll also be able to view up close the 13 winning quilts from the Guild's 2008 calendar challenge.

Date: Friday 29 June 2007
Time: 6.00pm for 6.45pm dinner
Venue: Novotel Rockford, Little Pier Street, Darling Harbour
Cost: $55 per person for a 3 course menu

Bookings with payment must received by Friday 15 June 2007 at the Guild office.

1 June Friday Showcase: Deborah Louie

Talented machine quilter and Guild accredited teacher, Deborah Louie, is the presenter of the Friday Showcase this Friday, 1 June 2007 (10am at the Guild office). Deborah was awarded the Home Domestic Machine Quilting prizes at Quilt Show 2005 and Quilt Show 2006. Look out for her entry in 2007!

When You Wish Upon A Latte Star by Deborah Louie

Swansea Quilt Show: 1-3 June 2007

There will be a wonderful range of quilts – some for sale – some treasures for display only. A wide range of craft associated items, including patchwork, embroidery & much more will be for sale. A Patchwork Quilt will be raffled. The quilting ladies will be demonstrating their skills each day.
St. Peter’s Church Guild
4^th Annual Quilt Show
28 Josephson Street, Swansea
Friday 1^st, Saturday 2^nd, Sunday 3^rd June,
10.00am to 4.00pm daily
Opening Night this year will be hosted by “Telina of Kibukui of Belmont” who will be presenting a parade of Kimino’s and other related items.Tickets are $5.00 each and available from Lynette 4971 3700 or Jenny 4971 3853. Tickets are limited so please book early

St Peter's Church Guild Raffle Quilt

Hanging Offences

In just over a month, the Sydney Quilt Show will be in full swing. That means NOW would be a really good time to finish your quilt entry, and I mean really finish it.

A label stating the name and address of the entrant must be securely sewn to the back of the quilt. The same name must be clearly marked on the bag in which the quilt is sent. (You will find a pattern for a simple quilt bag here - scroll to the bottom of the page - but a pillow case works too.)

All quilts more than 120cm wide must be submitted with a 6cm rod pocket/sleeve to facilitate hanging. All quilts less than 120cm wide require velcro strips top and bottom. Also, to prevent damage, it is essential that the velcro is "sealed" when you post or deliver your quilt. Check the instructions for exhibitors included in your acceptance letter for more details.

Guild member, Maggie, has posted a tutorial on her blog showing how to make a velcro casing strip so that you can easily remove the velcro after the show if you wish. This technique has the added bonus of keeping the hook and smooth velcro strips together with the quilt so nothing goes astray in the hanging process.

Remember, failure to comply with the quilt show hanging instructions may result in your quilt not being displayed as the organisers do not have time to sew on sleeves and velcro for you!

Block of the Quarter - June 2007

The Block of the Quarter for the June meeting at Burwood is Carrie Nation in autumn colours. All the instructions are in the Template, but here's a colour image to help you choose your fabrics:

The block is 12 1/2in unfinished. Bring your blocks to the Burwood meeting on 16 June or post them to reach the Guild office by 12 June.

Quilt & Book Talk @ Kincumber: 22 May

Copacabana quiltmaker, Brenda Smith is presenting a "quilt and book" at:

Kincumber Library (behind the Shell service station)
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
10.30 - 11.30 am
Free admission - all welcome!

Since making her first quilt in 2000, patchwork, quilting and textiles have developed into a compelling avocation for Brenda. She delights in colour, experimentation and making her own contemporary designs. The quilts on display will include baby quilts, wall hangings and larger bed quilts. Brenda will also discuss some of her favourite patchwork and quilting books - a wonderful source of inspiration!

Art to Wear: Feature Artist Trudy Billingsley

The spectacular Art to Wear exhibition is always a popular feature of the Sydney Quilt Show. Each year about 22 garments are selected from those submitted by Guild members. To be selected the garment should be an original design and concept, demonstrate craftsmanship and skill, with finish and presentation being of great importance. The very best of textile artists participate in this exhibition. It is also an opportunity for students and novices to participate.

To celebrate the Quilters Guild 25th Birthday, and to acknowledge the textile art and instigator of the Wearable Art Exhibition, Trudy Billingsley is this year’s feature artist.

Trudy has been a practising artist for 28 years, exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, Spain and New Zealand. Her work is included in the Powerhouse Museum collection. Come to the Sydney Quilt Show in June to see some more of Trudy's textile art.

Positions [soon to be] Vacant

In accordance with the Guild's constitution, the following positions will be vacated at the October Annual General Meeting as the relevant volunteers complete three years of service on the Guild's committee:

• Vice President
• Membership Secretary
• Meeting Coordinator
• Exhibition Secretary

In coming weeks, further details about these positions will be posted on this blog and in the Guild newsletter. Being on committee is a fabulous opportunity to join an enthusiastic team that is passionate about quiltmaking and promoting events and services available to Guild members. Please contact President Lorraine if you would like more information.

Arcadian Quilters Quilt Show: 11-13 May

If you missed the Sutherland and Eastwood quilt shows last weekend, never fear! There's another fabulous quilt show on this Mother's Day weekend:
Arcadian Quilters Quilt Show
11th, 12th, 13th (Mothers Day) May 2007
Swanes Nursery, Galston Road, DURAL 2158
Admission: $5, children free
Raffle Quilt - all proceeds to Cancer Research and Local Charities

Sydney Quilt Study Group

The Sydney Quilt Study Group currently manages The Quilt Study Group of Australia.The QSGA exists to promote interest and research into quilting in Australia. Members are committed to the study of quilts, both past and present. This study also encompasses the social and historic context in which the quilts are made. Further the group is committed to the recognition of contemporary quilt making, acknowledging its role in Australia's continuing heritage of quilts and quilt making. The committee organises meetings and activities for Members in accordance with these aims.

The Sydney Quilt Study Group has set up a blog which includes a calendar of forthcoming events. Check out: www.sydneyquiltstudygroup.blogspot.com

It's in the mail

Quilt show acceptance letters were dispatched today together with special edition, 25th anniversary exhibitor ribbons for all individual entrants. Please contact the Exhibition Secretary if you do not receive your notification by 7 May.

      

The office ladies are currently preparing the volunteer roster for Quilt Show 2007. Every volunteer will receive a specially minted Quilt Show 2007 badge and we will have a daily prize draw for volunteers. If you have entered a quilt we would hope that you could give up to 4 hours of your time to help during the period of the show. If you have not entered a quilt, we would still appreciate your help so we may present The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc. in the best possible way and ensure that the show runs smoothly. If you have not already done so, please complete and return your Volunteer Form as soon as possible.

Chatelaine Quilt Show: 4 & 5 May

Chatelaine Quilters is holding a quilt exhibition in "the Shire" next week:

Chatelaine Quilt Show
Friday 4th May and Saturday 5th May
Sutherland Uniting Church
Flora Street,Sutherland
10am-4pm
Admission $5.00 (Proceeds to the Cord Blood Bank)

Chatelaine Quilters Raffle Quilt

Pe-ac-ed with Love

On this Anzac Day, it is timely to highlight the exhibition Pe-ac-ed with Love - Story Quilts by War Veteran Families that will be on display at the Sydney Quilt Show in June.

Maree Gebhardt received a $3000 Guild Scholarship in October 2005 and used this funding to coordinate the Partners of Veterans Association quilt exhibition United in Love We Create Peace that was held in Canberra in August 2006. Family members of war veterans were invited to "record their life journeys in textiles through the design and creation of individual quilts and an accompanying written story."

Forty seven quilts were featured in the exhibition. 90% of the participants had never made a quilt before and 50% had no sewing experience.

Expertise Events have selected this exhibition, renamed Pe-ac-ed with Love, to be a major touring exhibition for 2007. Maree Gebhardt and Margaret Rehorn, National Project Coordinator from the PVA, urge all Australians to see these historical quilts and consider the trans-generational cost of war to veterans, their families and the wider community.

Peaced at Last by
Margaret Rowe-Keys, Melbourne
Peaced at last is a play on words indicative of the peace I have found at the end of my long journey as a daughter affected by the Vietnam War. The tree is symbolic of my life. When I was sixteen my father left home and that broke my heart. The tree branches off in different directions - one going straight up showing how I believed my father's life was heading; the other is my life veering violently sideways, losing direction.

Eastwood Patchwork Quilters Exhibition: 4-6 May

Eastwood Patchwork Quilters will be having their 2007 Quilt Exhibition on the first weekend in May. Over 100 quilts will be on display together with a craft stall and quilt shops. Morning and afternoon tea with light luncheon available.

Where: St. Alban's Church Hall
3 Pembroke Street, Epping
(2 minutes easy walk from Epping railway station)

When: Friday 4th - Sunday 6th May
Time: 10am - 4.30pm
Admission: $ 6.00
Enquiries: eastwoodpq@hotmail.com


An Amethyst Garden by Lois Cook
Best of Show at Eastwood 2005
2nd Prize, Predominantly Applique (Amateur) Sydney Quilt Show 2005

4 May Friday Showcase: Elizabeth Rose

On Friday, 4 May 2007 the guest presenter of Friday Showcase will be Elizabeth Rose from Queanbeyan. Elizabeth won first prize in the Mixed Techniques -Anything Goes! (Amateur) category at the Sydney Quilt Show 2006 with her quilt Avantgarden:

Don't forget Friday showcase starts at 10am at the Guild office - be early to get a seat at this ever popular guild event!

Quilt Show Acceptance Letters

Acceptance letters for the Sydney Quilt Show 2007 will be posted out to entrants at the beginning of May. We received over 370 complying entries and ALL have been accepted. If you are one of our entrants, you will need a suitable bag for carrying your quilt(s) to your Drop Off Lady. For smaller quilts, a pillow case will do the trick but, for larger quilts, you will need something more roomy. You will find a pattern for a simple quilt bag here (scroll to the bottom of the page). Don't leave it until the last minute or you may find yourself going to pieces - arrgh!

Going to Pieces by Tanya Coxsedge

Don't forget that all of the Going to Pieces challenge quilts will be on display at the Sydney Quilt Show 2007.

Away Meeting at Tumbarumba - Saturday 14 April

The "Away Meeting" in 2007 will be at the Tumbarumba Golf Club in southern New South Wales this Saturday afternoon, 14 April 2007. Reknown applique artist, Val Moore, is the guest speaker and all members are welcome to attend.

Sydney members travelling to Tumbarumba by coach will take in many attractions en route including visits with Gundagai Quilters and Adelong Quilters and an excursion to the Pioneer Women's Hut - home of the National Quilt Register.

Meanwhile, if you are heading off to the Sydney Royal Easter Show at Homebush this week, please sure to say hello to the Guild team that is demonstrating patchwork and quilting near the craft displays.

Last Days of tACTile Exhibition at Gosford

tACTile is a group of six Canberra based textile artists comprising of Jenny Bowker, Dianne Firth, Helen Gray, Beth Miller and Beth & Trevor Reid working together in partnership. Five Squared is an exhibition of art quilts that explores both the individual and collaborative opportunities of the square. Each artist has created a quilt which has then been responded to by the other four artists in the group. The exhibition continues in the foyer gallery of the Gosford Regional Art Gallery until Wednesday, 11 April 2007:

Gosford Regional Gallery & Arts Centre
36 Webb Street, East Gosford, NSW 2250
Open 7 days a week The Gallery 10am - 4pm
Please check for public holiday opening hours
Tel: +61 02 4325-0056

Quilt Show Catalogue Advertising

Are you looking for a highly specialised advertising print medium to promote your quilting business and associated quilting services? Each year in preparation for the largest quilt show in the southern Hemisphere, The Quilters Guild of NSW Inc, currently celebrating its 25th Year, offers exclusive advertising in its highly sought after Sydney Quilt Show catalogue.

Covering all aspects and information of the Sydney Quilt Show, this publication is certainly the way to go!

You can feature your new business, special show items or if you are a current Template supporter, add extra punch to your profile by extending your presence in the market through this special publication. New advertisers, who wish to take advantage of the 20% discount for four consecutive advertisements in the Template, can have their first advertisement diverted to the Sydney Quilt Show catalogue with the three remaining advertisements appearing in the next three issues of the Template.

Advertising rates start from $82.50 for an eighth of a page ad, with discounts for ads running over four consecutive issues - see our advertising brochure for more details.

For your ‘no-obligation’ advertising quote or any further information, contact the Guild's Publicity Officer, Alan R Tremain before the advertising closing date, Friday 27th April 2007.

Gilgandra Quilt Exhibition

Hidden Works by Gilgandra Alive!'s Wednesday Quilters and the Mini Marvels Challenge Quilts by The Quilters' Guild of NSW are on exhibition:

5 April 2007 - 1 May 2007
Official Opening 2.30pm, Saturday 7 April 2007
Exhibition open daily 9am – 5pm,
Cooee Heritage Centre, Newell Highway, Gilgandra NSW
Libby Carr, Cooee Heritage Centre Manager Tel: 02-6847 2045
www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au
Entry is free

A fun and interesting collection of quilts and other items by local quilters and friends. Some items will be for sale.

earthwaterfire (Mini Marvel Challenge Quilts)
3 x 30cm x 30cm ©2006
Brenda Gael Smith

Quilting in Cyberspace: Tessellations

One of the regular features in The Template is Quilting in Cyberspace, and in issue 25/2 Rowena has found some wonderful links about tessellations. Read her full column in The Template March issue, and you'll know why she chose these. Here are the links, live, for you to click and enjoy:

• Investigating Patterns
  
• Tessellations
• Maths, Art and Fun
  
• Planet Patchwork

(Note: the internet is an ever-changing medium: we've done our best to provide and check these links, but do be aware that sites can change/vanish overnight).

Poppies Quilt Workshop with Mary Transom - 17 & 18 June

Gorgeous poppies in a garden setting. The poppies are machine embroidered on a vilene base before being added to the whole cloth background. You can use a blanket stitch, satin stitch, or free machining to attach the flowers and leaves to the background. Beads can then be added to the centres of the flowers, adding a special touch to the quilt especially when shown in a lighted room. The sawtooth border is appliqued, not pieced, to the border strips. If you wish, you can have fun embellishing your border with beading and metallic threads.

This two day workshop is at Epping Creative Centre on Sunday and Monday 17 and 18 June 2007. It is suitable for all levels. Some experience with free machine stitching, while not essential, would be helpful.

Workshops are available only to current financial members of the Guild and you must complete and lodge a workshop booking form.

Template 25/2 - almost here!

As part of the process of bringing The Template to you, the printers send colour proofs of the magazine to be approved by the Template Editor (that would be me!). Volunteer proof readers have reviewed the edition before the printers see it (I always hope there won't be too much for them to catch).

The colour proofs, as you can see from the picture, have four pages to each (large) sheet, and are of course printed as is logical for the printing process - so it's lots of fun hunting out page by page to check them (now on which sheet did I see that page?). That was this afternoon's work, so the printers can go ahead tomorrow.

The cover of 25/2 is the raffle quilt, this year a wonderful medallion from the St Ives Quilters (you'll receive raffle tickets with your issue).

The other double page spread you can see is more of the "Going to Pieces" challenge quilts (can you see yours there?).

We're hoping to get the magazines posted to you very soon.

Creative Beading Workshop

Have you ever wanted to embellish your quilts with a bead or two but didn't know how? This workshop could be just for you:

Creative Beading with Lisa Walton
Saturday, 12 May 2007
9.30am to 4pm at the Guild's office in the city

NOW FULLY BOOKED!

In this class Lisa Walton will teach a selection of bead embellishment techniques and stitches to start creating a small sampler which can grow to become a wonderful tactile masterpiece. No sewing machines are required.

You will be learning to use a selection of beads, sequins and cabachons. Workshop notes will be supplied and Lisa can provide a kit ($20) which will contain all the beads, threads and needles required for your class. Only a few additional items including fabric will be required.

Lisa will bring a selection of reference books and quilts to inspire you.

Workshops are available only to current financial members of the Guild and you must complete and lodge a workshop booking form.

Pojagi and beyond– a shared inheritance

An initiative of The Australian Forum for Textile Arts, this exhibition evolved from a master class in 2002 by Korean textile artist, Chunghie Lee, for Australian textile artists. Lee shared the processes and ethos of the making of the Chogakpo pojagi, traditional patchwork Korean wrapping cloths. Presenting works by Lee and her students, Pojagi and beyond translates a Korean tradition into a contemporary Australian context.

Goulburn Regional Art Gallery until Saturday, 17 March.
Bourke Street, Goulburn (cnr Church St)
Hours: 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 1 to 4 pm Saturdays
(or by appointment - phone (02) 4823 4443)
Free entry

Contributors include: Rosalie Duffield, Jenny Evelyn, Pamela Fitzsimons, Cherry Johnston, Chungie Lee, Wendy Lugg, Janine Matthews, Judy McDermott, Wendy Muir, Barbara Mullan, Marli Popple, Barbara Rogers, Elizabeth Rose, Julie Ryder, Carolyn Sullivan, Beverley Thomas, and Sarah Tucker

Changing Places Exhibition @ Lake Macquarie Gallery

Aspects of landscape have long informed the work of contemporary quilt artists Judy Hooworth and Pamela Fitzsimons. Changing Places investigates in intimate detail, the artists’ understanding and responses to their ‘place’ within their (new) landscape, through a collection of inspiring fibre works.

Changing Places Exhibition
Lake Macquarie Gallery
1A First Street Booragul NSW 2284
Tel: (02) 4965 8260
9 March 2007 to 15 April 2007
Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Sunday- 10am to 5pm

On Sunday, 18 March the gallery is having a Cross Cultural day which includes talks by Judy and Pamela at 11 am and an official opening at 2 pm. Judy will be giving a workshop on Sunday, 1 April and Pamela will be doing a Kantha workshop on Sunday, 25 March. (Both workshops are fully booked but you can contact the gallery to go on a waiting list.)

Walking Werakata 4
© Pamela Fitzsimons

Shift: Series two #18
© Judy Hooworth

Quilt Show Entries Have Closed

The deadline for submission of entries for Sydney Quilt Show 2007 was Thursday, 1 March 2007. While we have received and processed a handful of late entries, no further entries will be accepted. If your entry form is still sitting on your sewing table, it really is too late!

I can promise you that there will be many wonderful quilts for you to enjoy at Darling Harbour this year. Approximately 370 entries have come into the Guild office and the next challenge for the Quilt Show sub-committee will be to work out whether and how we can display all of the quilts in the exhibition space available. As noted in the conditions of entry, a member may submit up to two entries but only one may be selected. Acceptance letters will be sent out to entrants at the beginning of May together with contact details for your "Drop Off Lady" who will help deliver your quilt for judging. Acceptance of entry doesn't automatically guarantee display but we will be making every effort to ensure that as many member quilts as possible are included in the Guild's 25th Anniversary exhibition.

This means we will need a full contingent of white glove personnel and people to sell catalogues. While entries may have closed for the Quilt Show, it is never too late for members to volunteer - complete and send in your volunteer form now!

Member Semi-Finalists at Paducah

Congratulations to Guild members Belinda Betts and Ann Visman from Orange who have each had quilts accepted as semi-finalists for further judging at the 2007 AQS Show in Paducah, Kentucky in April.

Belinda's Floral Star of 2006 was made when her husband was undergoing chemo and radiation therapy last year, and has been quilted with all her favourite feather designs:



Definitely Floored by Ann Visman was also machine quilted by Belinda. The design was inspired by a photo of a parquetry floor, and Ann's exquisite designing and patching skills have resulted in this beauty. It has radiating lines, feathers and heavy background fillers as the quilting designs.



Ann is a Guild-accredited patchwork teacher and is available for teaching anywhere in Australia. You can e-mail Ann for further information.