Stitching in the Sticks

The original idea for this program was born in early 2020 out of a desire to give assistance to our regional members affected by fire and drought, but the commencement was delayed time and time again due to social distancing restrictions.

The aim is to reach out to our drought and fire and flood affected groups who may have lost some of their sense of community and the ability to meet up or hold events due to the catastrophic circumstances we have seen affecting NSW over the past couple of years.

Members of the host group will enjoy a weekend workshop at no cost to the participants, where they can invite visitors from neighbouring communities to make new connections. We are hoping that this may even encourage new members, or introduce some new people to the quilting community.

As this is a pilot for the first year, three locations have been chosen which will work with our tutors and volunteers working the program.

The first workshop was presented by Lisa Mattock on 1-2 May in Griffith. It was hosted by the Murrumbidgee quilters, who invited women from Coleambally, Goolgowi and Hillston to join them. Lisa's workshop was Slow Stitching 101.

We must give Lisa credit for the “Stitching in the Sticks” title – she is a country girl from Orange and has been supportive of this program from the outset.

Two more Stitching in the Sticks workshops are planned for 2021 - Chris Jurd will visit Cobargo quilters in August and Kathy Doughty will visit Batemans Bay/Malua area in September.

Miss Grace's Quilt by Sophia Wilbow on display

In conjunction with The New Quilt, the heritage quilt, Miss Grace’s Quilt, by Sophia Wilbow of Pitt Town, Windsor (1829–1924) will be on display.

 

Sophia Wilbow was well-known for her needlework skills in the Hawkesbury district and reputedly made a quilt for each of her seven daughters who reached adulthood. Three of the quilts are still in existence. Miss Grace's Quilt was is made entirely by hand using a paper template technique with a tumbling block design.

The outer border of patches is made from the off-cuts of nurses uniforms, as two of the Sophia’s daughters were nurses. The other squares were made from material samples from department stores such as Anthony Horden & Sons, as was characteristic in the late 19th century and early 20th century trends, creating quilts with complex patterns.

The quilt was donated to the Friends of the Hawkesbury Art Community and Regional Gallery by a Wilbow descendant Joyce Hedges.

Miss Grace's Quilt (detail)

 

Another of Sophia’s quilts, held in the National Gallery of Australia collection, was created for her youngest daughter Jane. It has a hexagon pattern containing more than 7,000 pieces with a print based on a design by William Morris. It is believed Sophia worked on the quilt while she sat at the side of her dying husband who suffered a long illness prior to his death in 1896.

Quilting Basics Workshop

To complement the display of Grace's Quilt, QuiltNSW is hosting an English Paper Piecing (EPP) workshop at the Gallery, presented by Sandra Lyons, on Saturday 6 March.

A kit is included in the fee for this two-hour workshop. If you are interested in learning this basic quilt-making skill, book your place now. For full details and to book, visit here. 

The New Quilt, on exhibition at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Windsor, NSW from 6 February – 11 April 2021. 

Gallery hours: Open 6 days a week Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm. Closed on Tuesday and public holidays.  

Jenny Haynes workshops and trunk show cancelled

Trunk Show and Workshops with Jenny Haynes 

It is with regret that we have had to cancel our Trunk Show and Workshops with Jenny Haynes at The Powerhouse Museum next week due to the current issue that is COVID-19. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Those who had paid for workshops will receive an email regarding a full refund.


QuiltNSW office closed

QuiltNSW will continue to be closed until the end of April, we will review this at our April Committee Meeting and will be at Government directives as to how we proceed.


Sydney Quilt Show

You may all be wondering about the Sydney Quilt Show for 2020, it has been announced today that gatherings of 500+ people are banned until June 14th 2020. This date is prior to our show opening and we are carrying on with the assumption that the SQS2020 will go ahead as planned and our Exhibition Committee are working hard towards this event. If however anything changes we will let you know as soon as we do.


The Template

On a brighter note we will still have the Template on its way to you in May, full of great content. For instance we have had a wonderful response to the call for quilts for Bowral CWA and once again I am humbled by the Community spirit I see from our members and member groups.

What a good time though to knock over a couple of WIP's or UFO's, or start something new and shop online, lets take care of our shops and help keep our businesses up and running.

Take care of you and yours.

Mandie Tyler
President

Joen Wolfrom Workshop Vacancies: Book now!

There are three vacancies in the upcoming workshop with Joen Wolfrom.  Joen is a well known U.S. Quilter and Author of many books (available in the Guild’s library) This is a one-off opportunity to learn from Joen and we are very lucky to be able to take advantage of Joen’s Barbara Meredith Foundation funded trip to Australia.

Lighting up your quilts...a colour workshop

Saturday and Sunday, 10-11 October 2015
Cnr Phyllis and Central Avenues, Thornleigh

Full payment must be made when booking. Cost $130 members and $200 non-members.  Download and return a Workshop Booking Form or call the Guild office on 9283 3737 to reserve your place!

One of Joen’s specialties is teaching about colour and she tells us this is her favourite short colour workshop. In this techniques workshop you will be presented with important colour basics, so that the world of colour is in your hands. Then you will learn how to create some of the most wonderful colour illusions, depth, luminosity and luster. Explore further the illusions of shadows, highlights, and transparency. You should leave the class with a wide array of evocative lighting ideas to use in your future quilts.

Bookings open for Joen Wolfrom Workshop

Lighting up your quilts...a colour workshop with Joen Wolfrom

Saturday and Sunday, 10-11 October 2015
Cnr Phyllis and Central Avenues, Thornleigh

One of Joen's specialities is teaching about colour.  In this colour class, you will be presented with important colour basics, so that the world of colour is in your hands.  Then you will learn how to create some of the most wonderful colour illusions, depth, luminosity and lustre.  Explore further the illusions of shadows, highlights and transparency.  You should leave the class with a wide array of evocative lighting ideas to use in your future quilts.  Joen tells us this is her favourite short colour class.

This is a one-off opportunity to learn from Joen Wolfrom and we are very lucky to be able to take advantage of Joen's Barbara Meredith Foundation funded trip to Australia.

Bookings open today 31 August.  Full payment must be made when booking.  All bookings will not be opened or processed before 31 August.  In the unlikely event of receiving more than 20 bookings on this date, they will be selected randomly until the workshop is full.  Cost $130 members and $200 non-members (priority will be given to members).

Thread Painting Workshop with Cathy Jack Coupland

Hazelhurst Regional Gallery 782 Kingsway, Gymea
Saturday 29 August and Sunday 30 September 2015
This will be held in conjunction with the Quilters’ Guild of NSW Inc. exhibition Evolution, Change, Challenge – A Contemporary Quilt and the Hazelhurst Gallery exhibition of quilts from 1850 to the present day  Labours of Love.  This is an exciting opportunity to engage in a workshop at the Gallery and to also enjoy the exhibitions

Cathy has created two designs for this workshop as an introduction to the technique of  thread painting.  It will appeal to those who have some confidence using their machine and working with their feed dogs down, but if you haven’t tried this technique – give it a go – Cathy will be there to help you.  The 2 day workshop will teach you how to transfer the designs, stitch the designs and finishing techniques.  This technique makes delightful and striking quilts and may also be used on clothing, furnishings and bags.  Other examples will be made available to show the diversity of this technique along with other resources, which may lead you to further investigation.

The cost of this workshop has been reduced. The workshop is for 2 days, however you will only pay for one day. Day one will be the main day for instruction. Day two is the festival day at the gallery, so many of the visitors will be interested in the workshop and will want to have a look at what is happening while you continue to practice your thread painting under Cathy’s guidance. There will be someone on site to answer the questions visitors may have, so Cathy will still be able to give her main attention to the participants.

Download: Workshop Booking Form

Last Chance! Sue Dennis Workshop

Want to learn some New Tricks?

The Workshop fairies on the Management Committee of The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc., listen very hard to the many suggestions and ideas that members request, in order to create an interesting schedule for the upcoming year's programme of workshops.

It has been such a coup to engage Sue Dennis as the next Tutor.

Textile artists who are teachers, usually have a busy interstate and overseas programme of commitments and "the fairies" need to book internationally recognised Tutors and Art Quilters such as Sue Dennis, well in advance.

It might be several years before Sue can commit to attending our Guild as a Tutor, again.

Thus why not phone the Guild Office NOW to ensure that you don't miss out on learning some 'New Tricks' from one of Australia's highly regarded Textile Artists.

Sue has an extremely engaging manner and is a gifted tutor, so come and learn form her, as you explore how to make your own exclusive fabric, having visual texture, pattern and tactile energy.

If you've always wanted an excuse to explore fabric paints with out embellishing your own kitchen table, then come to The Epping Creative Centre and "paddle" to your hearts content! Learn more about the design techniques of printing and rubbing, and colour mixing to create "individual" fabric samples to use in later projects. 

Further information  about Sue's Workshop can be found on the Guild Website.

Please Book Now to avoid missing out!

Date : Saturday March 14 & Sunday March 15 2015

Time : 9.30 - 4.00pm

Venue : Epping Creative 

Sue Dennis Workshop

Its not too early to book for a March Workshop.
Sue Dennis is 'coming to town' to help members take their creativity to a new level with

 A surface design, technique workshop, no sewing.
 Suitable for all skill levels.

This is an opportunity to explore the exciting surface design techniques of printing and rubbing while creating unique, exclusive fabric with visual texture and pattern. Design, composition and many useful tips on colour mixing, fabric paints and working with low tech everyday items are passed on. Surface decoration has never been easier than under the guidance of experienced tutor Sue Dennis.

For further information contact  the Vice President
Download and return a Workshop Booking Form to reserve your place in what will be a very popular workshop.

Sue Dennis is a Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc. Accredited Teacher- Special techniques 
Surface Design Entree
2 day Workshop Sat 14th and Sun 15th March 2015
At the Epping Creative Centre
Dence Park
26 Stanley Rd, Epping

Workshop : Wendy Williams : Woolwork

PLEASE BE ADVISED : There are only a few spots available in this upcoming workshop

Vibrant sewing accoutrement receptacles, as being taught by Wendy Williams.

Wendy Williams is a well-known quilting teacher. This workshop is a great introduction to working with wool. Wendy makes wonderful vibrant award winning quilts from wool felt. She won fourth prize in this year’s Sydney Quilt Show in the Mixed Techniques -Anything Goes category. 

In this workshop, make a cushion or a beautiful sewing case and take away ideas and inspiration for more projects.

A workshop Application form is on Page 34 of the August edition of The Template.

Please call the Guild Office immediately should you be interested in joining this workshop.

Saturday, 22 November: 9.30 for 10-4pm
Epping Creative Centre, Dence Park, Epping

Cost :  Members $65.00

           Non Members $100

Bob James : Workshop Soon

Bob James : 'From Indigo to Silk' Creative Use of Colour Award Sydney Quilt show 2014

Attendees at this year's Quilt Show would have been fascinated by one of Bob James' quilts.

Intricately foundation pieced, this quilt reflected its expertise in colour use and technicality by winning the Creative Use of Colour Award.

Kimono silk strips, rich in colour, are set against indigos, producing an exciting visual impact. 

A quilt originally produced by Shizuko Kuroha, and published by Quiltmania, has been the inspiration for Bob's quilt, and he has been granted copyright permission for a class to take place.

Bob will be teaching the methods of its construction in a Guild Workshop in early August and there is still time to sign up for attendance.

Workshop information regarding fabric requirements needs to be sent to those enrolling, so please contact the Guild Office  as soon as possible if wanting to attend.

The workshop is a 2 day event and will cost members $130

From Indigo to Silk with Bob James

Monday &Tuesday, 4-5 August 

9.30 for 10-4pm

Epping Creative Centre, 

Dence Park, Epping

Last Call : May Workshop with Pam Furniss

Pam Furniss, Prize winning Quilt Designer and local and International Teacher, will be holding a Mini Magic Workshop for Guild Members on Thursday May 30th.

This is the final call for members wishing to learn Pam's technique of producing vibrant small quilt motifs, using very few drafting tools.
Applique and quilting are all done in one simple step with the sewing machine, and even the dog-tooth border is simple to achieve!

Please phone the Guild Office immediately if you would like to be part of this creative day. A workshop application form can be completed over the phone.

Date:    Friday, 30th May, 2014

Time:    9.30am (for 10.00am start) - 4.00pm

Venue: Epping Creative Centre, Dence Park, 

              26 Stanley Road

              Epping

Cost :    $65 for members

              $100 for non-members

Workshop with Catherine Porter

There are still some places available in the next workshop to be offered by The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc.

"Fabric Weaving - A new Dimension for Quilters" is the journey that Catherine Porter will lead attendees on.

Whilst giving the appearance of very precise piecing, this weaving, or "Meshwork" has no sewing involved until the piece is incorporated into a project, whether as background for applique, or to be used as blocks.

Please phone the Guild Office  ASAP if wanting to be included in this workshop, and to receive details of the kit fee required.

Date    : Tuesday 4 March 2014

Time   : 9.30am for 10- 4pm 

Venue : Epping Creative Centre, Dence Park

              26 Stanley Rd, Epping.

Cost    : Members $65; Non-members $100

New Year Resolution

A challenged, yet enthusiastic group of quilters met at Epping Creative Centre this week to be inspired by the colourful, patient and comprehensive instruction of Guild Teacher, Jane Gibson.

With careful attention to fabric pattern detail, sharp cutting and piecing, and the ever encouragement from the maestro of 'Miniatures', attendees were soon overcoming their fears to produce delightful teeny tiny blocks, complete with sharp corners and submissive seams.

'Tricks' and short cuts to construction prowess were freely discussed, 'finishing' foibles were addressed,  new insights into fabric selections were gained, and the perceived horrors of bias edged miniature triangles were soon dispelled.
This was an inspiring workshop and Jane ensured everyone had fun whilst creating stunning blocks for future Miniature Quilts.

Detail - Feathered Star Miniature - Jane Gibson

Rhonda and Isabelle enjoying every moment.

Accuracy is achievable!

Catherine's magical and minuscule Log Cabin "homework" with the fabric used in construction.

And the New Year Resolution?

Join other Guild Members in 2014 for a workshop. Companionship and Creativity guaranteed. 

'Miniature' : Workshop with Jane Gibson

Rumours are that "Miniature" piecing and design skills will be needed for the 2014 Guild Challenge.

And who better to divulge the intricate skills of Miniature Quilt construction than the maestro of tiny piecing, Jane Gibson.

A Star Sampler Miniature Quilt Workshop will be taught by Jane at the end of November.

In this class, participants will learn the tricks of tiny cutting and accurate piecing using a rotary cutter and sewing machine. 

They can choose to copy the quilt Jane presents, or make one using their own design. A variety of block patterns will be provided to help in selection. She will also help those who are intrigued by the intricacies of constructing 1/8th inch logs, as shown in the tiny Log Cabin Quilts that Jane is known for. She says there is a very simple method to sewing tiny logs, and is willing to share her technique during the workshop.

There are still some vacancies in this workshop and interested members are advised to book in as soon as possible by phoning the Guild Office 

A downloadable Workshop Booking Form can be used or the hard copy (or photocopy) of the form can be used from page 29 of the August Template.

Date    : Tuesday 26 November

Venue : Epping Creative Centre

             Dence Park

             26 Stanley Road, Epping

Cost    : Members $65 / Non-members $100.

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

Workshop : Miniatures : April 2013

The first workshop for 2013 will be conducted by Guild Life Member Jane Gibson.

 ‘Miniatures’ is a 1 day workshop, and all who are familiar with Jane's exquisite creations will delight in learning the tricks to tiny piecing, with accuracy and flair. 

Please enrol by calling the office or downloading the workshop booking form on the web site

When  : Tuesday 9 April

Time   : to be confirmed

Venue : Epping Creative Centre

             Dence Park

             26 Stanley Road 

             Epping NSW