Illawarra Quilters' Quiltaway 15-18 Nov 2013

The bi-annual "Quiltaway" being organised by Illawarra Quilters is fast approaching, and there are still vacancies for those who wish to join this 'not-for-profit' Workshop Long Weekend.

Guest Tutors are all well known for their creative and fun classes, and attendees will not only learn new techniques and produce 'take-home' items, as well they will have their creative energies inspired for future projects. 

Brenda Gael Smith (teaching Strata Various and Shibori Serendipity),
Katrina Hadjimichael (teaching Spikes and Specks and Sherherazade Table Runner), and, 
Jennifer Corkish (teaching The Fruits of Life and printing and stencilling) all still have places in their classes.

Final numbers are needed by November 1st for all the 1, 2 and 3 day workshops being offered.

All Tutors, shared accommodation and meals are included in the varying price structure:
One Day : $170
Two Day:  $340
Three Day : $550

The Quiltaway is being held at The Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops NSW.
Attendees are to arrive after 5pm on the 15th and departure is 4pm on Monday 18th November.

It is recommended that contact be made directly with the organiser Glenda Wise in the first instance  at
glendawise14@hotmail.com 
Phone : 0242856454

A $50 Deposit will be required if a place is to be reserved until a Registration Form has been posted.

Nothing to do except sew, learn and relax in good company!

All Welcome.

A Stolen Quilt

During the Awards Ceremony at the recent Queensland Quilters Inc Show, one of the prize winning quilts was brazenly removed from display prior to ribbon pinning.

Titled " Feathers Unfolden" and created by Brenda Wood, this quilt measures 73cm x 43cm.

If anyone recognises this quilt and knows anything about its theft, then please contact the President of Queensland Quilters Inc Lyn Crump , or Expertise Events.

Unfortunately, Security Cameras at the event missed recording removal from display.

Any detail or clue about the perpetrators will be treated with diplomacy. 

Please publicise this theft amongst your groups and quilting friends.

Two gals at the Spring Quilt Shows

Those Curlewis Quilters, Good ol' Merle and Miss Shirl, have been touring the recent Spring Quilt Shows . . . .

Shirl :   OOooooo, I like that one . . . 

Merle (muttering) :  . . no surprises there . .

            . . . . . Shirl . . . doesnt matter whether you like it, does it fit the criteria?

Shirl :      Par. Don. mwa?

Merle :    Criteria. Judging criteria. An informative list of pointers that will help steer a Judge 

            towards a winning quilt. 

           Just look at this Mariners Compass quilt Shirl, and do try to use a more critical eye. 

Shirl :    Hmmmmm . . . I suppose the seams are a bit wonky .. 

Merle :   Exactly. Any more wonky and we'd be seasick.

            And here's some other criteria to think about . . The Judges are looking for all 

            techniques to be faultless. Piecing, Applique . . . just look at this quilting . . not 

            enough on the borders compared with the body . . . see . . it doesn't hang straight! 

Shirl :    Gosh, didn't notice.

Merle :   And then there's colour and design: all sorts of arty criteria, and even, is the quilt 

             entered into the correct category!

Shirl :     Hell Merle, Curlewis one week, Houston the next . . . how do you know all this?

Merle :   The August Guild Meeting. Super presentation by some members who are Judges. 

            Got us all thinking. Even had to do some pretend judging. 

            Told you to come.

Shirl :     Sorry . . . sorry! . . . what else did you learn?

Merle :   Well, Judges apparently give low marks to quilts with any stains: they get 

             sidetracked by stray threads, stray pins, pencil lines, careless sleeves, and, 

             especially . .  low and behold if your binding is buckling, bulging, bursting 

             or anorexic! And you'd better make sure there's no shadowing, no stretching,

             no inappropriate thread colours, no points cut off, no sports logos, no fading, no

             colour running, no puckering, no lipstick, blood spots and . . . no fluff!

Shirl :      "Fluff"! . .  Fluff ? . . But I've seen Art Quilts with more fluff than Bruce's nosstraws!

Merle :    SHIRL! I think you mean "Mixed Techniques" . . . see . . wrong category. 

             What they mean is, keep Minxy off your quilt.

Shirl :      Oooo yes . . . I know that catoffstrophe . . . 

             Apparently there was a Judge who had an Anna Flattery action to cat fur on a quilt

             . . ghastly . . . . died, didnt she?

Merle :    Shhh  . . Shirl, you're a shocker . . that is SUCH an urban myth . . 

             Seriously, you must come to the next Guild Meeting on Saturday, and use proper 

             Judging Criteria to cast a 'Viewers Choice' in the Hexy Challenge.

Shirl :      But what if I don't like any of them?

Merle :    You haven't heard a word I've said, have you?

             . . . . C'mon . . time to find the tea and scones.

© 2013 Guild Blog Editor

AGM : This Saturday

All members are advised that the Annual General Meeting of The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc will be held this Saturday.
Please  remember to forward any Criss Cross Blocks to the front desk upon arrival for the subsequent "winner - takes - all" BOQ raffle.

Criss Cross Patch : 10 inch block : Block of the Quarter

All Guild Management Committee positions will be declared vacant on this day, and a new committee will be elected.

An AGM highlight will be the display of 2013 Challenge Quilts - 'Hexagon Hype'.

62 Challenge Entries have been received this year, and Judging is complete. 

However, be sure to cast your "Viewers Choice" vote, at the Guild AGM.

Which of these Challenge Quilts will be awarded First and Second place?

As always there is the added pleasure of a Guest Speaker, and at this AGM, Catherine Butterworth will share her recent quilts and talk about her passion for design and colour.

Date : Saturday 19 October

Programme : 

                    11 am : Annual General Meeting

                      1 pm : General Meeting

Venue : "The Dome",

               Burwood RSL, 

               Shaftsbury Rd, Burwood.

All Welcome!

Spring Quilt Show in Mosman

A band of enthusiastic quilters in Mosman have been busily working towards their 3rd Quilt Show.

Calling themselves the Barn Quilters, and meeting monthly in The Scots Kirk, Belmont Road, Mosman, their exhibition this year will have all proceeds being donated to The Bear Cottage in Manly.

Their exhibition will be held in the historic Community and Scout Hall : The Barn, just near the ferry wharf; ideally placed for those who wish to include a harbour journey with a quilt show! A bus service also runs past the venue.
This quilt show is being held in conjunction with the Festival of Mosman.

A Raffle Quilt, "Potting Shed", will have tickets available for purchase, and other delights will be a retail shop, as well as a wonderful Morning and Afternoon Tea facility.
Please do come along and support Bear Cottage and view the quilting creativity of the Barn Quilters.

Dates :  Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October 2013
Times :  9am - 5pm
Entry :   $2 adults,
              Children Free

Urgent Notice : Workshop : Chris Jurd

All Guild members are no doubt familiar with the fabulously graphic "Lots of Dots" quilt created by well known designer and teacher Chris Jurd.

This quilt won its category at the 2011 Sydney Quilt Show and has previously been exhibited at the 2012 Australian Quilt Convention as one of the 5 "Best of the Best" from The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc.

Chris will be teaching a 2 day workshop this month for the Guild, whereby members can learn the intricacies of constructing two of the blocks from the quilt. As a maestro of Foundation Piecing and Applique, Chris is bound to be able to help all attendees make these blocks appear dynamic and professional.

Complete "Lots of Dots" quilt instructions will be available for purchase for those inspired to take their workshop results further, and thus construct the other 24 different circle blocks.

If you would like to attend this exciting workshop then please phone the Guild Office to register. Further details about the workshop and a Workshop Application Form can be found on page 29 of the August Template.

Dates : Tuesday - Wednesday, 29-30 October, 2013

Times : 9.30am for a 10am start until 4pm

Venue : Epping Creative Centre

             Dence Park

             26 Stanley Road, Epping 

Cost : $130  Members

          $200  Non-members

Living Colour! Call for Entries

Guild member Brenda Gael Smith is curating another travelling textile art exhibition in 2014/2015 that will premiere at the Australasian Quilt Convention in 2014 and will also be on display at the Creative Textile Show in Canberra.  All textile artists are invited to submit an entry exploring the theme Living Colour! Each work will be in a 100x40cm (L x W) vertical format and up to 30 works may be selected. To submit an entry, please review the Conditions of Entry and complete the Online Entry Form. The closing date for entries is 31 January 2014. International entries are welcome.

Ozquilt Network Conference Gala Invitation

You are invited to join  the Ozquilt Network Conference Gala (29 October – 3 November 2013) in Canberra. My Art Quilt 2013 is a professional development and network day for all members of Ozquilt Network.  Non-members are also very welcome.  My Art Quilt 2013 is the main focus of a 6-day Conference Gala program (and includes a short Ozquilt Network annual general meeting).  The Conference Gala program incorporates exclusive delegates-only optional pre-conference and post-conference events, plus free public events related to the program including the official exhibition openings of Australia Wide Three and Art Quilt Australia 2013:  People Place & Nation that include the works of many Guild members.

For more detailed information (including accommodation ideas):
Download: Conference Gala 2013 Information Pack (Word)
Download: Conference Gala 2013 Information Pack (PDF)

All activities must be pre-booked on the conference booking form, including public events. 

Bookings close on Wednesday, 23 October 2013.  Submit the booking form from the information pack by mail or e-mail or complete the Conference Gala 2013 Online Registration Form..

Please direct any queries to conference@ozquiltnetwork.org.au

President published!

Australian Quilters Companion recently published  Issue No.4 of Great Australian Quilts.
This particular issue includes interviews and quilts to make from not only quilters well known to members of The NSW Quilters' Guild Inc, but also a quilt by our current President, Cath Babidge.

Cath has her original quilt "Boab Tree" showcased, with piecing and applique instructions included.

Further news of Cath's quilting prowess is that she has "Red Centre" included in the SAQA Benefit Auction 2013

As a member of SAQA Oceania, Cath has donated a quilt that pays homage to the Australian Wagga, and this will be auctioned at The International Quilt Festival in Houston.

Congratulations Cath!

However, Cath, after three busy and productive years,  will be going off Guild Management Committee at the October General Meeting of The NSW Quilters' Guild Inc on 19th October. 

This means the President's role will be vacant.

All committee positions will be declared vacant, thus should you be interested in nominating for a position, then please contact the President if you would like further details.   

October 2013 Friday Showcase

Time to share your quilts!
Our next Friday Showcase will involve the sharing and appreciation of quilts by any members who may have finished a recent quilt, or even those wishing to a review an oldie with us all!

Quilt sizes, styles and stories will be a "Lucky Dip" for all those in attendance. Please don't be shy about joining in, as we all love to hear about, and see a new (to us) quilt.

I'm nearly 30 and really faded . . . can I still come?

Of course!

Date : Friday October 4
Time : 10am start
Venue : Guild Office

Quilt Study Group : Friendship Quilts

Members of the Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc who are fascinated by the history and concept of Friendship Quilts will be enthused by the upcoming meeting to be held by the Quilt Study Group.

Karen Fail, author of Between Friends - Quilts to Share will talk about the early history of Friendship Quilts and their roles in the lives of quilters.

"Charming Stars"

One of the beautiful quilts to be viewed from her collection will be Karen's own 'Charming Stars', a 'Friendship Quilt' presented to her by other Guild Committee members upon completion of Karen's  term as President of the Guild. 

Like all friendship quilts, the story of this quilt holds its own special meaning. This quilt reminds Karen of the exciting time she spent at the helm of an expanding and creative guild, and her gaining of the new friends with whom she shared her passion. It will always be a special quilt for Karen.

Attendees are invited to bring along their own examples of Friendship Quilts and/or Group and Collaborative quilts to show to the Quilt Study Group members and friends. 

Perhaps there is a "Birthday-block" quilt to bring along, "Round Robin" quilts from a quilt group or family signature-block quilts,  made for a commemorative family moment or celebration.

As always, it will be the story behind the quilt that will have all members fascinated.

Date : Saturday 5 October

Time : 2.00pm - 4.30 pm

Venue : The Target Theatre

             The Powerhouse Museum

             Sydney.

Admission Fees : Guild Members $5 and non-Guild members $10

Free entry to The Powerhouse Museum and afternoon tea will be provided.

Epping Quilters Inc Open Morning

Following on from the excitement of their recent 30th Anniversary Quilt Show, Epping Quilters are forwarding interested quilters an invitation to join their creative group.

They will be holding an Open Morning on Thursday 26th September 2013 from 10am-12 noon

If you are interested in joining a patchwork and quilting group then please feel free to attend their Open-Day to see them "in action" and share a great morning tea.
They will make all attendees extremely welcome at this light-filled and lovely meeting venue.

Venue : Epping Creative Centre
              Dence Park
              Stanley Rd., Epping

Wentworth Quilters - 11th Biennial Quilt Exhibition

A Spring Quilt Show worth visiting will be the one that Wentworth Quilters have been happily working towards.
Being held over 2 days in September, all are invited to attend if in the Guildford area.
Wentworth Quilters have been exhibiting for 22 years now, so there will be wealth of creativity, quilt construction knowledge, design and wonderful colour to be enthralled with, at this, their 11th exhibition.


Dates : Saturday - Sunday 21 - 22 September, 2013
Times : 9.30am - 4.00pm
Venue : Linnwood
             25 Byron Road, Guildford
Entry Fee : $6.00, concession: $3.00

All Welcome!

Quilt Show : Arcadian Quilters Inc

The Raffle Quilt 2013- Arcadian Quilters Inc

Spring is definitely in the air when viewing the beautiful applique quilt being presented by Arcadian Quilters Inc as their Charity Raffle Quilt this year. Since this image was taken, the members have been working enthusiastically to quilt it, as well as organise their Spring Quilt Show.

Special Features : There will be many beautiful quilts on display, supported by Traders stalls, members craft and gift stalls, and a delightful cafe to tempt attendees to stay a little longer to view all of the quilts exhibited.
All proceeds from this exhibition will go to local charities.

There is ample parking available and easy wheelchair access

Date      : Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September, 2013
Venue  :  Galston Community Centre
                 37 Arcadia Road, Galston.
Opening Hours :  9.30 am to 4.00 pm
Entry:  $5   (children free)

Singleton Quilters Inc 30 Year Anniversary

To celebrate 30 years of involvement in quilting pursuits, members of Singleton Quilters Inc have been enthusiastically planning a Quilting Anniversary Extravaganza!

At Venue 1 in Singleton, there will be a special theme showcased : "Then and Now", where a history of the group will be displayed.
This will be supported by an exhibition of current members quilts and handiwork, and the wonderful Raffle Quilt will have tickets available for purchase at $2.00 each
Proceeds from the raffle will aid the local Mercy Nursing Home.

Venue 2 will display quilts and needlework from ladies attending Busy Needles classes.
'Busy Needles' are celebrating their 10 year anniversary.

Both of these venues are just a short walk from each other.
Venue 1 is  The Mechanics Institute, 74 George Street, Singleton
Venue 2 is The Anglican Church Hall, Goulburn Street Singleton.

Dates : Friday - Sunday 13 - 15 September 2013
Opening hours : 10.00 am - 4.00pm Fri and Sat
                           10.00 am - 3.00pm Sun

All Welcome!
                         

Epping Quilters Celebrate 30 years!

Members of Epping Quilters Inc will be supporting Ovarian Cancer Australia when they hold their 30th Anniversary - Celebration, Quilt Show this weekend.

Being held at The Don Moore Community Centre in Carlingford, attendees will view a delightful presentation of member's quilts, Raffle quilts, gifts stalls and Traders' areas.
Refreshments will be available, and plenty of seating for weary legs!

"Dahlia Daze" Raffle quilt. 

Design : Michelle Yeo; 

Custom Quilter: Linda Billet, 'Artisan Quilting'

This quilt was awarded 2nd prize in the 'Group/Collaborative Quilt' section of Sydney Quilt Show 2013

Come along and support these creative quilters as they celebrate a milestone in NSW Quilting and Patchwork community involvement.

Dates : Friday 6 September 11.00am - 7.00pm
            Saturday 7 September 9.00am - 5.00pm
Venue : Don Moore Community Centre
             North Rocks Road
             Carlingford
Entry : $6.00
            $5.00 Seniors and Students

All welcome!

September 2013 Friday Showcase

Members are advised that the next scheduled Friday Showcase will highlight the quilting journey of Sheryl-Ann Schaefer.

'Gold'Bronze Simplicity'

Quilters from the Canberra region will know Sheryl-Ann as the owner of 'Bungendore Country Patchwork', a cosy and welcoming "small-village shop" which provides inspirational workshops with accredited teachers. The refreshments are quite a highlight at these classes!

Sheryl-Ann is famous for helping dispirited quilters finish off that 'UFO' in a "Finishing School Class" and, as well, for teaching a Mystery Quilt class, always popular with quilters needing a new direction.

Sheryl-Ann's particular love is overall design, and by exploring the usage of the infinite colour and patterns of commercial fabric, enjoys rising to the challenge of creating a unique and visually exciting "topper". She is relieved there are so many proficient long-arm quilters available to steer her creations from tops to quilts!

Come to the September Showcase to hear her passion for quilting, first-hand from Sheryl-Ann. 

Venue  :  Guild Office

                Level 5, 276 Pitt Street, Sydney

Date     :   Friday September 6 

Time    :   10.00am start

All welcome!

October Quilt Valuation Day - postponed

Notice to members of The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc is hereby given of the cancellation of the proposed forthcoming October Quilt Valuation Day.

No longer to be held on Friday 11th October, as listed in The Template August 2013 Issue, this event will now be scheduled for Friday 8th November.
Apologies for any inconvenience to interested members.

August Showcase report

Friday Showcase always provides a colourful surprise to members who attend, and with the diverse quilting and patchwork styles of Glen Waples and Marilyn Bell on show this month, there was a quilt for all tastes!

Here the members are looking at the fine piecing, applique skills and colourful designs of Marilyn's quilts. Showcase Presenters are booked a year in advance and coincidentally Marilyn has her very vibrant spotted and striped 9 patch 'Kavala' published in the July/August edition of Australian Quilters Companion. Congratulations Marilyn!

'Kavala' (and other quilts from both presenters) is now on the walls of the Guild Offices for all who visit over the next couple of weeks. Rural or distant members who wish to see Marilyn's published 'Kavala' may like to reserve the QC Vol.13 No.4 edition, by phoning the Guild Office. Any magazines can be borrowed from the extensive Guild Library for a month.

Glen's quilts on the other hand, illustrate a palette of soothing, warm colours. A lover of brown in all its 'chocolatey' forms, Glen creates a more 'traditional' feel to her quilts. Glen's hexagons march across her quilts in their thousands! and like Marilyn, she is a maestro at fine hand piecing and hand quilting.

It was a pleasure to hear the quilt journeys of both these talented members. 

Burwood General Meeting : 17 August 2013

Ever wondered just how a quilt is judged? Then be sure to attend the August General Meeting.
Qualified members of The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc will share their knowledge and expertise, with hands-on quilt samples, to help explain what considerations Judging Panels use, to award varying Quilt Show Prizes.
This should make for colourful and interesting discussion!

The Programme is as follows

Market Day : 11am
General Meeting : 1pm
Presentation : How Quilts are Judged
Show and Tell : All members
Block of The Quarter : Please bring your 'Economy Patches' and hand them in at the welcome table

When : Saturday August 17
Where : Burwood RSL
             Shaftsbury Ave, Burwood
Time :   from 11am

Please bring your own mug for Afternoon Tea.
All Welcome!

Market Day . . . Roll up . . roll up!

Who knows what "treasures" will be found at the upcoming Market Day

Every year The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc has a Market day during the August General Meeting.

Guild members  bring along all manner of crafting paraphernalia, no longer wanted in their own sewing spaces . . but often just what the "Dr ordered"  in someone else's sewing space!

If your studio is bursting at the seams, then please contact the Guild Office to book a table to sell your wares to fellow members or, email Meg Orr  on . . . meeting@quiltersguildnsw.com  

Best sellers can be

• Magazines and quilt books already read and no longer wanted
• Packs of scraps no matter how small
• Orphan blocks and unfinished embroidery
• Past "passions" eg threads, fabrics, charms, jelly rolls that just aren't "you" anymore
• Stuff from your deceased Great Aunt Nellie's craft cupboard
• Hoops and fancy rulers, paints, dyes and other "bad buys" that have'nt ever since sparked any creative juices

A trading Table will cost only $5

Share one with a friend, or get your group to book one, perhaps to raise money for group charity or raffle quilts.

When   : Saturday 17 August 2013

Time    : 11am

Where  : Burwood Guild Meeting

              Burwood RSL 

Block of The Quarter

Have a stash of Floral Fabrics? Then rummage around for three floral fabrics in Autumn Colours to construct  Economy Patch  -  9 Inch Block

This is such an easy quilt patch to construct using rotary cutter and sewing machine. In fact so easy, several can be constructed in no time!
Two dark fabrics and one light floral fabric need to be selected for each block, as described in the May edition of The Template, page 24.

Please bring your blocks to the Saturday August 17 Burwood meeting, alternatively please mail completed blocks  to reach the Guild Office before Tuesday 13 August 2013.

August Showcase : 2nd Presenter

This Friday, August 2nd, there will be 2 member quilters presenting their creative journey to the Guild.
Along with Glen Waples, we will be hearing from long time quilter Marilyn Bell.

Detail,  Kim McLean Designed  :  "Flower Pots"

As is often the case, it became her youngest child's entrance to school that allowed Marilyn the time to embark upon learning this craft, more than 20 years ago.

Experimenting with the many types of patchwork available in local Northern Beaches classes, resulted in Marilyn being eventually drawn to Hand Applique in 'modern brights' as her "go-to" choice for creativity. 

Come along to the Guild Office this Friday to see the beautifully hand finished quilts from both Marilyn and Glen.

Date : Friday 2nd August

Time 10 am start

Venue : Guild Office 

August 2013 Friday Showcase

Members are advised that the next scheduled Friday Showcase will highlight the quilting lives of two fellow members : Glen Waples and Marilyn Bell.

"Pots O'Flowers"  Glen Waples  1st Prize Predominately Applique (Amateur)  2013 Sydney Quilt Show

A seamstress since her childhood, Glen took up patchwork upon retirement in 1994 after an inspiring introduction from Shirley Gibson's talent for teaching, followed by further influence from Margaret Sampson George

This now twenty year obsession has culminated in Glen becoming a Prize Winning Quilter. Her current quilts are often based upon antique quilts and coverlets, with Glen tweaking the design elements to make them her own. We look forward to seeing her many quilts during the August Showcase.

Date : Friday August 2nd 2013

Time : 10am start

Venue : Guild Office

All welcome.

Hexagon Challenge Entry Form

Hexagon Hype is under way in many sewing rooms and for those members who wish to look at the Entry Form,  the download button is now available in the right hand column of Template Free (Guild blog page)

Alternatively on the web page of The Quilters' Guild of NSW under "Events" followed by "Challenges", there is a link to download the 2013 Hexagon Hype Guild Challenge form

Finally, information will be available in the next (August)  hard copy issue of The Template

Library News

A visit to the Library at the Guild's Office will ensure books of further quilting inspiration will promptly make their journey back to your home.

Above are just a small selection of recent acquisitions to the extensive library.

• Circular Quilting Designs  by Helen Squire
• Japanese Quilting : 29 Stitched Projects from Yoko Saito
• Applique With Attitude  from Piece O' Cake Designers, Beck Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins

Two other recent arrivals to the shelves are Publications by Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. 

These additions have been kindly donated by Lisa Walton.

The Guild Library also has numerous interesting magazines for loan.

Fibreline is the publication from The Australian Arts and Surface Design Association; 

Down Under Quilts is always available for loan, and, Patchwork tsushin (whilst written in Japanese) is a visual delight showcasing innovative Modern Japanese quilts.

The Guild Librarian is Rhonda Taylor and she is to be thanked for always procuring fascinating new publications, which cover a wide variety of interest and technique for the quilting enthusiast and quilt history lover.

Further details about how to borrow, whether visiting the Office or requesting books to be posted, can be obtained on the Guild's Website

Report July 2013 Friday Showcase

Photo credit : Jan Foster

Pam Curtis' July Friday Showcase proved as popular as expected, with over 30 members gathered in the Guild Office.

This quilter always has "hexies on the go", which is probably the only way to achieve such a large body of handpieced work. No moment has been left idle . . and thus Pam has produced a gorgeous array of handpieced and hand quilted traditional styled quilts . . . along with numerous "flimsies" still awaiting the quilt construction.

This Showcase was a feast for the eyes and much murmuring over the extraordinary workmanship was noted!

Thankyou Pam, for sharing your quilting story.

The Next Challenge

No time to put your feet up after the recent successful Sydney Quilt Show, as there are just eight weeks until the next Guild Challenge is due.

" Hexagon Hype"

• All Guild members will have received the commemorative hexagon key tag as part of the 30th Anniversary fun and this is to be used to make a quilt of any design or colour.
• Somewhere on the quilt must be at least one hexagon the same size as the key tag
• The finished size of the quilt is to be 40cm x 40cm
• Completed quilts are to be received in the Guild Office by 6th September 2013
• Further details may be read in the recent May Template.

      Entry Forms will be on the Website soon and in the August edition of The Template.

July Friday Showcase : Pam Curtis

Our next presenter at the always popular NSW Quilters' Guild Inc 'Friday Showcase' will be veteran quilter Pam Curtis.

Pam was bitten by the 'bug' in 1991, after the usual years of family sewing. Teacher Shirley Gibson influenced Pam to take further lessons after the ubiquitous 'Sampler Quilt', and what followed has became more than 20 years of belonging to various P&Q groups, with continual perfection of this  craft.

Within 10 years Pam began to win prizes at the Sydney Quilt Shows with her hand pieced and hand quilted 'traditional' quilts often made with an abundance of wonderful scraps.

Pam's 'Dear Jane' - Hand pieced and hand quilted.

A prolific quilt maker, Pam has several 'on the go' at the one time, all at various construction stages.
She refers to her UFO's as "Sleeping Beauties"...what an excellent moniker !

Come and see first hand, Pam's finished quilts.

Date : 5 July 2013
Time : 10 am
Venue : Guild Office  

All Welcome.

V&A Quilts Exhibit in Brisbane

'Quilts 1700-1945'  is an exhibition featuring works from London's prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as loans from other selected UK museums.

Of special importance will be the inclusion of The Rajah Quilt 1841, from the collection of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.
It will be wonderful to view this immensely historical quilt in relation to the concurrent quilts that were being made in England.

The Queensland Art Gallery host this fabulous exhibition from June 15th - September 22nd  2013

Vist the website to obtain further details about the full schedule of programmes and events planned.

A genteel Quilt Show take down...

All quilt shows need an orange gnome or two....

A big "thankyou" to Mike R, The Quilt Show is indebted to Mike and many other  unheralded "friends - of" quilters, who graciously help their "better halves" and the whole Guild with specialist and time consuming tasks during the Show.

Jelly Roll Race Winners!

Congratulations!

The combined wisdom, speed and general mad-hattedness of The Kedumba Kuilters (otherwise known as Leisel, Wendy, Kerry and Veteran Leader- Isobel ) ensured a closely won race with the Jelly Roll.

Completing the - what was for some teams  gruelling, sew-a-thon, in only 20 minutes and 58 seconds, it was perhaps the badge inspiration, providing a psychological  advantage, that helped knock into Second Place (by only a few seconds) : The Grafton Jelly Queens, who had previously trumped those other pretenders to the throne : The President's Princesses (a *bling bling* team who had, never the less, gallantly coped with the disadvantage of being hobbled - or - nobbled, by bobbin "issues")

There are moves 'afoot' to have these three teams in a play-off Jelly Roll Race at next year's Quilt Show.

Viewers' Choice 2013

The votes are in and counted. Congratulations to Lucy Carroll who was awarded First prize for Viewers' Choice 2013 for her quilt Soldier On: 

Artist Statement: This quilt supports Soldier On (www.soldieron.org.au), a charity which provides support for defence members wounded in recent conflicts. It commemorates our friends lost in Afghanistan. My husband is currently serving there on Op Slipper, and he returns home in July.

Viewers' Choice 2013, First Prize: Soldier On by Lucy Carroll
Second prize for Viewers' Choice was awarded to Janet Treen for her Best of Show quilt Rings & Roses.

You can view more of Lucy and Janet's work on their websites www.lucycarrolltextiles.com and www.quiltsalott.blogspot.com  View all of the prize winning quilts in the Sydney Quilt Show 2013 Prize Winners's Gallery.

Post 2013 Quilt Show Appreciation

The President of The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc, Cath Babidge, reports that due to the unfailing enthusiasm of the many members volunteering in numerous and varied spheres, this year's Sydney Quilt Show was a resounding success.

She wishes to thank everyone, members, partners and friends, and especially the Exhibition Sub-Committee for their hard work in presenting such a wonderful week of quilting display and events.

She and the Guild are also extremely grateful for the continued support shown from the many Sponsors, who through their ongoing generousity facilitate a wider recognition of the importance of quilting and related textile arts.

"Thankyou, and Congratulations" to all involved.

Quilt Show 2013 Happy Snaps

There is only one day left to enjoy the visual delights of this year's Quilt Show. All attendees have been treated to an outstanding display of quilts, talks and information sessions, and quilt fun from guild members, as can be seen from the following snaps.

Suzanne Gummow and Julie Haddrick, members of SAlt, a creatively dynamic group of 5 Textile Artists, conduct daily talks about quilts made following individual explorations of  a "Journeys" theme.

Immediate Past President, Maree Gebhardt illustrating the intricacies of the phenomenal quilting skills of the late Narelle Grieve, at a retrospective special exhibit.

Dianne Finnegan conducting in fabulous knowledgable detail, a floor talk at 'Colours of Australia'. Quilts from a 1995 national touring exhibition have once again been aired,  showcasing the humour, political insights, and 'national' passions of textile artists from that era.  (Diane is pointing to flame, Ash and Embers by Barbara Macey.)

Some of the many members, including the current President Cath Babidge, who volunteer their time to instruct novices on quilt construction techniques.

Past President Lynn Hewitt proudly "White Gloving" at her grand daughter, Lauren Roach's  prize winning entry "Blue Bird" in the Junior Member (up to Year 6) section.

They may appear as friendly rivals here, but "The Senior Moments", The Lone Quilter", and "The President's Princesses" were soon competing furiously in one of the Jelly Roll Race Quilt competitions. The PP's won this particular round!

With a whole day left to "run", the 2013 Sydney Quilt Show promises to delight and inspire all who attend.

See you at Darling Harbour!

Quilt Show 2013 Prize Winners Online Gallery

The Guild website has been updated! You can see images of all of the prize winning quilts in the Sydney Quilt Show 2013 Prize Winners Online Gallery.

Sydney Quilt Show Photography Policy: Quilt photography is permitted for personal use only. Images must NOT be published online or in other media unless you have the consent of the relevant quilt maker.  This means you must not post quilt images from the show on Facebook, Instagram or other social networking sites unless you have the consent of the quiltmaker.

Sydney Quilt Show 2013 : Best of Show

Rings and Roses  by Janet Treen has won this year's Best of Show.

Congratulations Janet!

The 2013 Sydney Quilt Show Prize Winners Gallery will be updated on the Guild's Website during the course of the Show.

The Guild link will provide images and information on the prize winning quilts in all categories. 

The Viewers Choice prize will be announced at the completion of the Quilt Show.

Membership Reminder

Did you know that you can renew your membership to The Quilters' Guild of NSW whilst at the Sydney Quilt Show next week?

At the Guild's Information Table there will be banking facilities to make your renewal easy if membership fees havent yet been mailed in to the Guild Office.

Membership is from 1 July to 30 June the following year.
Payment is required now from all current members to ensure continuity of  membership.

Quilt Show Countdown : Floor Talks

• "The Colours of Australia" will be a highlight at the 2013 Sydney Quilt Show.

These quilts were made for a 1995 exhibition and are now to be viewed once more.
Floor talks are to be conducted and all are invited to attend.

Dates and Times :
Wed 12th  : 1pm -   to be conducted by Dianne Finnegan
Thurs 13th : 1pm -  to be conducted by Karen Fail
Fri 14th   : 11.30am - to be conducted by Jane Gibson
Sat 15th  : 11.30 am - to be conducted by Dianne Finnegan
Sun 16th : 11.30 am - to be conducted by Jane Gibson

• SAlt : South Australian living textiles : "The Fabric Trail"

This is a travelling exhibition created by a group of 5 South Australian contemporary Textile Artists.
They have produced 8 works each, exploring themes relating to "Journeys" and two of the artists, Julie Haddrick and Suzanne Gummow will talk about this exhibition.

Dates and Times :
Frid 14th, Sat 15th and Sun 16th : 1pm

• Special Exhibit : Narelle Grieve's Quilts 

A wonderful display of quilts created by the late Narelle Grieve has been curated by Maree Gebhardt.
Maree will speak about Narelle's quilts at 11am each day, Thursday through to Sunday.

Quilt Show Countdown : Join the Jelly Roll Racers!

Template Free on May 21st called for enthusiastic quilters to join forces for a "Jelly Roll Race Quilt" demonstration to be held during the 2013 Sydney Quilt Show.

Themed teams are already preparing their strips, sharpening their scissors and filling their bobbins, so make sure you come and watch the frantic attempts to outdo each other during the marathons at the sewing machines!

Expected Race Commencement times :
Thursday 13th : 11.30 am
Friday   14th     : 12 noon
Saturday 15th  : 12 noon

Come and cheer on the teams and watch Jelly Roll quilt tops come together.

Living Colour! Exhibition Opportunity

Following the fantastic response to Beneath the Southern Sky, Brenda Gael Smith is curating another travelling textile art exhibition in 2014/2015 that will premier at the Australasian Quilt Convention in 2014.  This is an invitation to all textile artists to submit an entry exploring the theme Living Colour! Each work will be in a 100x40cm (L x W) vertical format and up to 30 works may be selected. To submit an entry, please review the Conditions of Entry and complete the Online Entry Form. The closing date for entries is 31 January 2014. International entries are welcome.

Guild Member Lisa Walton : Congratulations

It is with much pride and delight that The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc announces that one of our most esteemed members has been invited to join the Board of SAQA

Lisa Walton, Business Woman and textile entrepreneur, Art Quilter, Educator, Designer and Author; 2010 Jewel Pearce Patterson Scholar, and recipient of many Quilt Exhibition prizes, has recently been appointed to the Board of the prestigious SAQA, whose members hail from around the world.

Congratulations Lisa!
May this new path bring much joy to a very creative and inspiring quilter.

QSG Report : May Meeting

The QSG Meeting on Sat May 12th allowed members to enjoy a most interesting and comprehensive talk from Jennifer Palmer regarding how owners can document and store, care for and conserve quilts for the best future outcome.
Provenance of a Quilt is extremely helpful for changing insurance purposes, and for the education of further owners, admirers and scholars. As has been observed by many a quilter, the history of a quilt, its creator,  fabric and design details, its "journey", offers fascinating glimpses into textile and historical past.

Jennifer shared many important contact details about conservation products and suppliers as well as valuable information about the Australian environment and appropriate pest management techniques. She also had documentation and description pointers for any quilter wishing to record their quilts, and carefully explained exactly what should be recorded and why.

Jennifer Palmer sharing quilt conservation information.

During this session, Dr Annette Gero reinforced the concept of notated quilt history, and illustrated her talk with a showing of  the Mary Moorehead hexie Quilt  circa 1880's.  Her research into fabrics has been able to collaborate or disprove oral family quilt histories. She is equally passionate about the need for the documentation of every quilt made.

Dr Annette Gero illustrating how family history is important for authentic quilt documentation.

Anne Seddon shared some family history with the quilt and story behind  her wonderful 1880's quilt, still replete with hexie papers.

Sandra Lyons introducing Anne Seddon and her family hexie quilt

Karen Fail also showed a quilt : a modern one made by Lorraine Scouler, subsequently purchased from the Scouler family after the death of this close friend. That quilt's story is included in a book, with  details now available for posterity.

A more detailed report from the QSG May meeting will be published in the next Template.