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)


Powered by FeedBlitz
OR
(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.

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