re-fabricating environments: Call for Entries

After consultation with Braemar Gallery, Springwood, the re-fabricating environments exhibition, expected to be held in the first half of 2008, has now been postponed to the end of the year. The new dates for the exhibition are 31 October to 7 December 2008 and the new closing date for submissions is Friday 3 October 2008.

You are invited to explore and give material expression to your connection with the various environments that surround us as members of communities – globally, locally, personally, living in natural worlds and those human-made.

Entry is open to all quilters resident in Australia. Quilts must be an original design and will be selected on the basis of innovative use of the medium, must be predominantly textile, and comprised of at least two layers stitched together. Size: no more than 150cms wide; any reasonable length. Entries must be submitted no later than Friday 3 October 2008. Please contact Annabelle Solomon on with any further inquiries.

Download re-fabricating 2008 Entry Form

Cotton & Canvas Exhibition @ Mudgee until 10 April

You are invited to an exhibition of quilts and paintings at High Valley Wine & Cheese Co, Cassilis Rd, Mudgee. The quilts are by Guild member, Belinda Betts, and the paintings are by her mum, Robin Bell. The exhibiton runs to 10 April 2008.

Paducah Semi-finalists

Congratulations to Guild members, Esther Aliu, Judith Day, Julie Haddrick and Lisa Walton for being selected as semi-finalists in the American Quilter's Society 2008 Show & Contest at Paducah. Best wishes for the prize announcements coming up in late April.

Esther, Judy, Julie and Lisa were all prize winners at the 2007 Sydney Quilt Show and you can see their quilts in the gallery on the Guild website. You can also view more of Esther and Lisa's quilts on their blogs (see sidebar). Please e-mail me if you are a Guild member and would like your blog added to our blog roll.


Nightshade by Esther Aliu
First Prize, Mixed Techniques-Anything Goes (Professional)
Sydney Quilt Show 2007

Revised Newsletter Deadline - 8 April

The Committee is thrilled (and relieved!) to report that someone has stepped up to the important role of newsletter editor for The Template and is busily working on preparation of the June issue. The deadline for content for this issue has been extended to 8 April. If you have an article, calendar item or other contribution for the newsletter, please send your e-mail to the Template Editor.

PS: Your March issue of the newsletter will be in your mail box very soon.

Robyn Ahern: Guest Speaker for April Away Meeting

It's less than a month until the Guild's "away" meeting at 1pm on Saturday, 5 April 2008 at the Bocce Club at Malua Bay, 12 kilometres from Batemans Bay. The [new] guest speaker will be Robyn Ahern, editor of Patchwork & Stitching magazine bringing her own brand of humour to the presentation and sharing over 20 of her own quilts together with a selection from her antique quilt collection.

There will be numerous door prizes so, if you're planning to join the coach trip from Sydney, make sure you get your booking form into the office as soon as possible. If you are from the Batemans Bay area (or anywhere else for that matter), please join us for a fun afternoon. Non-Guild members welcome!

Georgetown Circles by Robyn Ahern

Sydney Quilt Study Group AGM

The AGM for the Sydney Quilt Study Group is set for:

Saturday, March 15th 2008 at 1.30pm
Venue: Guild office, Level 5, 276 Pitt Street, Sydney

Dr. Gero is the guest speaker. She will discuss her extensive quilt collection - what she looks for when adding quilts to her collection and what is the current focus for her collection. She will also discuss why some quilts have left her collection as no longer relevant to it and what she does to document and store her collection. Her talk will be illustrated with many of the quilts in her collection. Don't miss this treat!

Guild Workshops at Campbelltown

In order to better service all our members, the Guild is looking to expand the range of venues where it conducts workshops. To get the ball rolling in 2008, Yvonne Line will be conducting two Sunday workshops at the Campbelltown Arts Centre in April. In addition, commencing on 15 May, Barbara Gower will be teaching an eight week beginner's course in patchwork and quilting.

Campbelltown Arts Centre is a new venue for the Guild that is sure to become a firm favourite. The Centre has excellent facilities including a cafe, two gardens in which to have a lovely lunchtime walk. The centre is located five minutes from the express way, has ample parking and is wheelchair accessible.

See the Guild website for more information about the Guild's workshop program.

Seeing Red

Guild members are invited to submit work for the selection of Art to Wear 2008, inspired by the colour RED. Entry forms are available from the Guild office or you can download the Art to Wear Entry Form in pdf format. The closing date for entries is 1 April 2008.

The ‘Art to Wear’ is an exhibition of garments displaying superb technical skill and artistic merit, open to all members of the Quilters’ Guild of NSW Inc. This is a two tier exhibition attracting both professional and student entries.

7 March Friday Showcase: Noelene Lutton

Noelene Lutton presents the March showcase at the Guild Office at 10am, Friday 7 March 2008. After completing a 4 year textile course before she was married, Noelene has always been interested in all forms of craft and sewing. As a needle in hand is her form of relaxation, patchwork became Noelene's passion about 10 years ago. Noelene describes herself as a very traditional quilter with hand piecing and needleturn applique featuring in most of her quilts.

Calling Quilt Show Volunteers

Entries for the Sydney Quilt Show 2008 close TOMORROW, 29 FEBRUARY. If your forms are still sitting on your sewing table (or you need to download the entry form), complete them and stuff them into an Express Post envelope and into the mail box NOW. A don't forget to include your volunteer form (download).

Even if you are not an entrant this year, we encourage all Guild members to volunteer for a roster shift or two. The quilt show is a significant undertaking and a strong pool of volunteers will ensure that the team is fresh and enthusiastic to carry out the following important tasks:

• set up (Tuesday 10 June) especially in the morning;
  
• floor monitoring/white glove duties;
• catalogue sales;
• membership renewals and inquiries;
• raffle ticket sales;
  
• demonstrating quilting skills;
  
• treasurer assistance; and
• take down (5.00-7.30pm Sunday, 15 June).

For set up and take down, we are also looking for some strong young men (under 60 years is good!) to supplement the "Old Faithful" team of husbands that turn up every year.

Imagine That!

Visitors to the Newcastle Craft & Quilt Fair (29 Feb - 2 March 2008) will have an opportunity to view 50 spectacular art quilts from the Husqvarna Viking International Quilt Competition - Imagine That! These quilts are in Australia for a short time only as part of a world tour and come from countries such as Israel, France, Japan, Germany, Hungary, the USA, the UK, Australia and Canada.

Last chance to view the new quilt 2008

The new quilt 2008 contemporary quilt textiles exhibition closes on Sunday so this weekend is your last opportunity to view this exciting selection of works by leading Australian textile artists. For further insights into the exhibition, don't miss out on:

the new quilt 2008- Curator's Floor Talk
3pm, Sunday 24 February 2008
Floor talk by exhibition curator Christina Sumner, Principal Curator,
Design and Society, Powerhouse Museum

Barbara Macey, Mist 1, 2007
log cabin patchwork, cotton fabrics,
94cm x 94cm

Quilt Show 2008 Button

Preparations for the Sydney Quilt Show 2008 are well underway. If you would like to add the QS2008 button to your blog or website, here is the html code to insert into your blog template or webpage:

<a href="http://www.quiltersguildnsw.com/"><img src="http://www.quiltersguildnsw.com/quiltshowbutton.jpg" alt="Sydney Quilt Show 2008" /></a>

If you have a Blogspot blog, go to Dashboard>Layout>Page Elements>Add Page Element. Choose "HTML/Javascript" as your page element, click "Add to Blog", cut and paste the code and click "Save Changes". On the "Add & Arrange" page elements page, you can drag and drop the button at the desired place in your side bar. The button should look like this.

Please contact the Guild Webmaster if you require assistance.

PS: If you downloaded the code for the Quilt Show 2007 button, you will see that it has been automatically updated to display the 2008 button - no further action required!

Reminder: 10 days until QS2008 Closing Date

Don't forget that the closing date for entries for Sydney Quilt Show 2008 is Friday, 29 February 2008. That's just ten days away. Entry forms are available from the Guild Office. Alternatively, you can download the following forms in pdf format:

• Quilt Show 2008 Entry Form (210KB)
• Quilt Show 2008 Volunteer Form (143KB)
• Membership Application Form

2008 Raffle Quilt

Away Meeting: 1pm 5 April 2008 @ Malua Bay

This year the "Away Meeting" will be held at 1pm on Saturday, 5 April 2008 at the Bocce Club at Malua Bay, 12 kilometres from Batemans Bay. The guest speaker will be Robyn Ahern, editor of Patchwork & Stitching magazine sharing over 20 of her own quilts together with a selection from her antique quilt collection [updated 12 March].

The Guild is proposing a coach trip from Sydney for a weekend of quilting, shopping and fun.

Cost: $320 Twin share accommodation or $386 for a single room
(all meals included except for one morning tea and one afternoon tea)
See here for more information

There are 60 spaces available on the coach and the Guild hopes to fill them all. To assist with planning, please let the Guild office know if you are interested in joining a coach from Sydney for a fun weekend excursion. Tel: (02) 9283 3737 or e-mail.

Land of Patchwork 1 & 2 by Yvonne Line

Calendar Challenge Quilt Slide Show

You can view a slideshow of 62 quilts made by Guild members to celebrate the Guild's 25th anniversary:

These quilts are featured in a striking 2008 calendar. The Guild has a limited number of these calendars left and is offering them at the reduced price of $10. Buy ten and the Guild will pay for postage within Australia. And if you are signing up as a new member*, you will get one FREE! Contact the Guild office to arrange your purchase.

*New member is defined as either totally new to the Guild or a person who has not been a member during the three year period immediately preceding their membership application.

World Quilt & Textile 2008

Australian quilters are invited to be part of the World Quilt Competition.

2008 entry forms are available from Australian World Quilt & Textile coordinator Sue Dennis. Send a business size SSAE to 31 Shelley St, Sunnybank 4109 QLD or down load from www.suedennis.com.au Entry submission deadline is mid May, notification mid June and delivery of quilts early July.

Cash prizes are given for traditional & innovative quilts and include awards for Best of World, Best Use of Colour, Best of Country- first & second & Viewer’s Choice.

In 2007 Australians (and Guild members!) Eileen Campbell was awarded Innovative Best Machine Workmanship and Esther Aliu- Traditional Best Machine Workmanship with Best of Country Australia awarded to Marlene King and second Clare Fairless. 10 countries were represented.

The World Quilt Competition 2008 will be exhibited in Manchester New Hampshire, the Pacific International Quilt Festival Santa Clara California & the Greater Chicago Quilt Exposition.

     
Left: Nightshade by Esther Aliu
Right: A Flash of Lorikeets by Eileen Campbell

Quilts on the Double

At the 9 February general meeting at Burwood, Judy Hooworth shared a selection of quilts from her latest book Quilts on the Double co-authored with another Australian designer and Guild member Margaret Rolfe.

The book sets out an ingenious method of transforming a group of strip sets into two terrific quilts.

Away Meeting: 4-6 April 2008

This year the "Away Meeting" will be held at 1pm on Saturday, 5 April 2008 at the Bocce Club at Malua Bay, 12 kilometres from Batemans Bay. The guest speaker will be Robyn Ahern, editor of Patchwork & Stitching magazine sharing over 20 of her own quilts together with a selection from her antique quilt collection [updated 12 March].

The Guild is planning a coach trip from Sydney including the following highlights:

• depart Friday morning, 4 April picking up at Campbelltown, Strathfield and Sutherland;
• morning tea en route;
• lunch and show and tell with Nowra Quilters;
• dinner and motel at Batemans Bay;
• Saturday, 5 April - morning shopping and afternoon meeting;
  
• Sunday 6 April, morning tea and lunch with quilters at Braidwood;
• afternoon shopping at Mittagong and return to Sydney.
• Cost: $320 twin share accommodation or $386.00 for a single room. All meals included except morning tea Saturday and afternoon tea Sunday.
  

There are 60 spaces available on the coach and the Guild hopes to fill them all. To assist with planning, please let the Guild office know if you are interested in joining a coach from Sydney for a fun weekend excursion. Tel: (02) 9283 3737 or e-mail.

Southern Highlands QG Exhibition: 9-10 February

The Southern Highlands Quilters Guild invites you to their inaugual exhibition, raffle and craft stall this weekend:

9 and 10 February 2008, 10am-4.30pm, Mittagong RSL, Entry by gold coin

9 February Meeting @ Burwood

The first general meeting of the year is this Saturday:

1pm, Saturday 9 February 2008
Burwood RSL
96 Shaftsbury Avenue, Burwood

Judy McDermott: Speaking for themselves

In addition the the new quilt 2008, the Manly Art Gallery & Museum is currently presenting Judy McDermott: Speaking For Themselves, a retrospective exhibition of quilt textiles by Judy McDermott (1937-2004) whose work crossed art/craft boundaries and challenged social ideologies which went beyond the medium of the quilt.

Manly Art Gallery & Museum, West Esplanade, Manly.
25 January - 24 February 2008
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm.
Tel: 9949 1776 Admission Free

Speaking for Themselves Media Release - 65KB

Judy McDermott- Speaking for Themselves: Curator's Floor Talk
3pm, Sunday 10 February 2008
Floor talk by exhibition curator Sarah Tucker on Judy McDermott's
artworks and practice.



Judy McDermott (1937-2004)
Love will nail you to the cross, 1995-97

Special Calendar Offer

If you have not yet purchased you 2008 calendar then you are in luck! The Guild has a limited number of their 2008 calendar left and is offering them at the reduced price of $10. Buy ten and the Guild will pay for postage within Australia. And if you are signing up as a new member*, you will get one FREE! Contact the Guild office to arrange your purchase.

*New member is defined as either totally new to the Guild or have not been a member during the three year period immediately preceding their membership application.

Quilt Show 2008 Entry Form

Entry forms for the Sydney Quilt Show 2008 will be posted out to members this week. Alternatively, you can download the following forms in pdf format:

• Quilt Show 2008 Entry Form (210KB)
• Quilt Show 2008 Volunteer Form (143KB)
• Membership Application Form

The closing date for entries is Friday, 29 February 2008 and this will be strictly applied.

The Guild hopes that as many members as possible will take up the opportunity to exhibit their quilts at the Sydney Quilt Show. A complete listing of categories is set out in the entry form and we highlight the following changes from 2007:

• Commercially Machine Quilted Quilts – this popular category has been split into two categories, amateur and professional, based on the status of the quiltmaker. The prize is only awarded to the quiltmaker entrant but your quilter will receive acknowledgment, a rosette and a certificate. If you are an amateur and your quilt has been commercially quilted, you should enter Category 5. If you are a professional and your quilt has been quilted by another person, you may either enter your quilt in Category 11 in your own name or enter another professional category in your joint names.
• Pictorial Quilts – the definition for Category 14 has been expanded to clarify that quilts must be representation of a person, place or thing.
• Domestic Machine Quilted Quilts – this category has been deleted due to lack of participation. However, the overarching special award of Excellence in Domestic Machine Quilting continues and you may nominate your quilt for this award by ticking the relevant box on the entry form. There is also an encouragement award for domestic machine quilting.
• Machine Embroidered Quilts – a new category 16 has been introduced on a trial basis. See the entry form for details.

In addition, there will be a new special award for Excellence in Long Arm Quilting. As special awards are given to individual entrants, quilts entered into Categories 5 and 11 are NOT eligible for this award.

Detailed conditions of entry are set out in the entry form. Please ensure that your category and quilt size are correct when planning your entry. Use clear handwriting when completing your entry form and keep to the 40-word limit for your quilt description. Don’t leave it to the last minute to post your entry form to the office.

Important dates to show on your calendar include:

• 1 February Entry forms posted out to members by this date
• 29 February Closing date for entries – this will be strictly applied
• 1 May Acceptance letters posted out by this date
• 4 June Quilts must be delivered to “Drop Off Ladies” by this date
• 8 June Judging Day
• 10 June Set Up Day
• 11 June Opening Day and Awards Ceremony
• 15 June Final Day and Take Down

Remember, you don’t have to be a star quilter – the Guild welcomes entries from the full spectrum of its membership from beginners to experienced quilters and from traditional to contemporary designs. Start planning your entry today!

the new quilt 2008 opens today

the new quilt 2008 exhibition of 28 contemporary quilt textiles, presented by the Manly Art Gallery & Museum in partnership with the Guild, opens today.

Manly Art Gallery & Museum, West Esplanade, Manly.
25 January - 24 February 2008
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm.
Tel: 9949 1776 Admission Free
The New Quilt Media Release - 65KB


Rosie White, Invisible Landscapes: Domesticity (detail), 2000,
screenprint, cotton, veil, satin binding, 200cm x 140cm.
Photographer: Mark Marriott

A full colour catalogue, sponsored by Pfaff, will accompany the exhibition. You can also view a selection of the works on the gallery's website.

1 February Friday Showcase: Kay Haerland

The 2008 showcase program commences on 1 February at 10am with a presentation by award winning textile artist, Kay Haerland.

A Different View, Kay Haerland
First Prize, Pictorial Quilt
Sydney Quilt Show 2008

"My Place": Call for Expressions of Interest

Quilt artists from Australia, New Zealand or South Africa who are interested in contributing to a travelling quilt project are invited to register an expression of interest with Australian coordinator*, Dijanne Cevaal. Key details about the proposed exhibition are set out below:

• The theme is "My Place".
• There will be 30 works from each country (Australia, NZ and South Africa) and these will be selected from entries received.
• Finished entries are due 15 July 2008.
• Entries must be 50 cm square (finished). They may be any kind of fibre art. The size has been chosen so the quilts can be stacked for ease of international freight.
• Each artist should provide a photograph of themselves, a 75-word statement that describes the inspiration for their piece and a release allowing the piece to be photographed and shown at various venues around the world.
• The travelling exhibition will premier at the South African National Quilt Festival 2008 before touring venues in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand - and possibly elsewhere for at least 2 years. The quilts will be displayed at Taia Textile Gallery, Wellington during Symposium 2009.
• Each piece should be sturdy enough to be stacked and freighted. repeatedly. Pieces with significant three-dimensional features, pieces that require special hanging apparatus, or pieces that are delicate and require special handling are not suitable for this exhibit.

* The South African coordinator is Jeanette Botha and the New Zealand coordinator is Anne Scott.

Odyssey Quilt Project

Eleven women of Dutch origin have sewn their emotional and physical journeys to Australia into quilts of vivid colour and texture. The quilts, with photos, diaries and written stories, are on display:

Odyssey Quilt Project Exhibition
21 January, until 24 May 2008
Open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm
Free entry
Liverpool Regional Museum
cnr Congressional Drive & Hume Hwy, Liverpool.
Tel: 9824 1121

Jo Binkhorst, “Boat” (detail), from Odyssey One, 2001.
Frances Larder, “We Are With the Land and One Spirit – Surviving” (detail),
from Odyssey One, 2001.
Gerada Baremans, “A New Beginning” (detail), from Odyssey Two, 2002.

Attention Long Arm Machine Quilters!

Thanks to generous sponsorship from Matilda's Own, who is providing a prize of $1000 in value of wadding products, a new Excellence in Long Arm Machine Quilting Award will be introduced for the Sydney Quilt Show 2008.

Entrants who wish to be considered for this special, over-arching award must tick "Yes" in the relevant section of the entry form:

It is anticipated that most, but not necessarily all, entrants that nominate for this award will be be in the machine quilting business and this is an excellent opportunity for longarm quilters to showcase their skills. Quilt show entry forms will be posted out to members later in the month, in the meantime, you will find a list of categories on the Guild website to assist you in planning your entry. (Please note that as special awards are given to individual entrants, client quilts entered in the Commercially Machine Quilted Quilt categorie, Categories 5 and 11, are NOT eligible for the Excellence in Long Arm Machine Quilting Award.)

the new quilt 2008: 25 January - 24 February

The Quilters Guild of NSW Inc, in partnership with Manly Art Gallery & Museum, presents an exhibition of 28 contemporary quilt textiles from 25 January – 24 February 2008.

Manly Art Gallery & Museum,West Esplanade, Manly.
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm.
Tel: 9949 1776 Admission Free

the new quilt 2008 is the 12th such collaboration between Manly Art Gallery & Museum and The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc and comprises 28 works which represent the innovation and diversity of quilt textile making today.

Works in the exhibition must meet the conventions of quilt-making (mostly of fibre and consist of at least two distinct layers stitched together). Using a dynamic range of materials and techniques the artists present diverse subject matter ranging from urbanisation, the environment, travel, families, illness and friendships to language and politics. A full colour catalogue will accompany the exhibition.



PUBLIC PROGRAMS: SUNDAYS @ THE GALLERY

the new quilt 2008- Artist Talk
3pm, Sunday 3 February 2008
Join some of the artists for a discussion of their works

Kids Art Adventures
10.30-12noon, $5
Sunday 10 February 2008
Children aged 5-10 years create their own artworks in a workshop
environment in response to the exhibitions the new quilt 2008-
contemporary quilt textiles and Judy McDermott- Speaking for Themselves.

Judy McDermott- Speaking for Themselves: Curator's Floor Talk
3pm, Sunday 10 February 2008
Floor talk by exhibition curator Sarah Tucker on Judy McDermott's
artworks and practice.

the new quilt 2008- Curator's Floor Talk
3pm, Sunday 24 February 2008
Floor talk by exhibition curator Christina Sumner, Principal Curator,
Design and Society, Powerhouse Museum

Guided Tour
3pm, Sunday 17 February 2008

Tactile Architecture @ Dubbo until 27 January

It's not too late to see amazingly graphic quilts from the Annette Gero collection on exhibition in Dubbo until 27 January 2008:

Dubbo Regional Gallery, Museum & Community Arts Centre
76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo
Opening hours:Wednesday-Monday 10am-4pm
Enquiries: the gallery (02) 6801 4430

Dr Annette Gero is an independent curator and an expert on quilts. She has written numerous articles and is known throughout the world as The Quilt Lady. Dr Gero's passion is for old quilts, the stories behind them and the origin of quilting as we know it now. Dr Gero's collection of old and antique quilts is recognised as an Australian national treasure.

Closed for the Holidays

This is a quick post to remind members that the Guild office will close for the holidays at 3.3opm on Friday 14 December and reopen on Monday 14 January 2008. Library loans will be automatically extended for the period. (Please do not attempt to return any library books over the office holiday as the mail hold sometimes doesn't work for parcels.)

On a related note, this blog will be taking a short break too. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season. Do come back and visit in the New Year when there are lots of Guild activities in store including The New Quilt Contemporary Textiles Exhibition at Manly starting on 25 January.

Invisible Landscapes ..domesticity 2006
by Rosie White will feature in The New Quilt 2008
(Photograph by Mark Marriott)

First Blog Anniversary

This week marks the first anniversary since this Guild blog was officially launched.

As you will see from the counter at the bottom of the sidebar, the blog has had over 10,000 visitors in that time. As far as we know, this is the first and only blog by a major Australian quilting guild. The Committee hopes that members (and prospective members!) have found the blog a valuable resource to catch up on all the latest Guild happenings and other quilting related events. To ensure that you don't miss out, we encourage you to electronically subscribe to blog updates by either of these methods:

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

If you subscribe with Bloglines, this allows 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. This is much more efficient than manually checking the blogs one by one and means that you can quickly get back to quilting or other activities:-)

You can also subscribe to the Comments feed:

http://quiltersguildnsw.blogspot.com/feeds/comments/default/

Comment moderation has been set up on this blog which means any comments will be reviewed and approved before they show up but most messages are cleared promptly. While we have received only a handful of comments in the first year, we hope that more comments will be made in 2008 as this is all part of the fun of blogging and blog reading. Alternatively, if you have a news item that you think might be suitable for posting on the blog, you can e-mail details to the Guild Webmaster.

Christmas Meeting @ Burwood - 1 December 2007

The final general meeting of the year is at at Burwood RSL (96 Shaftsbury Avenue, Burwood), this Saturday, 1 December 200:

Shop: Anne's Glory Box
1pm: Balance of the AGM to present financial statements (adjourned from October meeting) + General meeting
Guest Speaker: Gloria MacKinnon on her travels, crazy quilts and antique quilts

Bring something yummy to share for afternoon tea. Those inspired to make Artist Trading Cards, following Erica's demonstration at the October meeting, are also encouraged to bring ONE ATC (3 1/2" x 2 1/2") to go into a draw to swap with other participants.

Quilt Show 2008 Entrant Information

In 2008, the Guild hopes that as many members as possible will take up the opportunity to exhibit their quilts at the Sydney Quilt Show. A complete listing of categories is set out on the Guild website (or download 50 KB pdf version). Please ensure that your category and quilt size are correct when planning your entry. The Guild highlights the following changes:

• Commercially Machine Quilted Quilts – this popular category has been split into two categories, amateur and professional, based on the status of the quiltmaker. The prize is only awarded to the quiltmaker entrant but your quilter will receive acknowledgment, a rosette and a certificate. If you are an amateur and your quilt has been commercially quilted, you should enter Category 5. If you are a professional and your quilt has been quilted by another person, you may either enter your quilt in Category 11 in your own name or enter another professional category in your joint names.
• Pictorial Quilts– the definition for Category 14 has been expanded to clarify that quilts must be representation of a person, place or thing.
• Domestic Machine Quilted Quilts – this category has been deleted due to lack of participation. However, the overarching special award of Excellence in Domestic Machine Quilting continues and you may nominate your quilt for this award by ticking the relevant box on the entry form.
• Machine Embroidered Quilts – a new category 16 has been introduced on a trial basis. See below for details.

In addition, subject to sponsorship, there will be a new special award for Excellence in Long Arm Quilting. As special awards are given to individual entrants, quilts entered into Categories 5 and 11 are NOT eligible for the Excellence in Long Arm Quilting award.

Important Quilt Show 2008 dates to note on your calendar include:

• 1 February Entry forms posted out to members by this date
• 29 February Entry closing date – this will be strictly applied
• 1 May Acceptance letters posted out by this date
• 4 June Deliver quilts to “Drop Off Ladies” by this date
• 8 June Judging Day
• 10 June Set Up Day
• 11 June Opening Day and Awards Ceremony
• 15 June Final Day and Take Down

Remember, you don’t have to be a star quilter – the Guild welcomes entries from the full spectrum of its membership from beginners to experienced quilters and from traditional to contemporary designs. Join the Guild and start planning your entry today!

Please direct any queries to the Exhibition Secretary.

Judy Hooworth Exhibition until 1 December

The Ewart Gallery & Sculpture Yard in Willoughby is currently holding an exhibition of contemporary quilts by Judy Hooworth:

16 November - 1 December 2007
33 Laurel St, Willoughby, Sydney
Tel: 9958 6540
Hours: 9.30 - 4.00 Monday to Friday
10.00 - 3.00 Saturday. Entry is free


Impressions of Dora Creek #11
© Judy Hooworth

Vale Alysoun Ryves

Longstanding Guild Member, Alysoun Ryves passed away on Saturday worn out by a very brave battle with cancer. Alysoun generously contributed to the quilting community at all levels: as a driving force behind Hunters' Hill quilters; active participant of the Guild and Sydney Quilt Study Group; and as a contributor and technical advisor to Australian Patchwork & Quilting magazine. Alysoun has influenced many people and will not be forgotten.

There will be a service on Friday the 16th of November at 1:30pm at the Camellia Room, Macquarie Park, Plassey Rd North Ryde. This will be followed by a big party back at the the family house in Woolwich, everyone welcome. Wear whatever you think appropriate however Alysoun's family is encouraging people to wear bright colours and a flower.

New Quilt Show Category: Machine Embroidered Quilts

Did you notice the prize-winning quilts in Computer Aided Machine Embroidery section at Houston? The Guild is introducing a Machine Embroidered Quilt category for the Sydney Quilt Show on a trial basis. New category 16 is defined as follows:

16. MACHINE EMBROIDERED QUILT (OPEN)
Embroidered quilt made using computer embroidery design software or designs created for computerised embroidery systems including original, digitised design cards or discs. At least 25% of the surface must be embroidered.
Minimum size 150cm x 150cm. Maximum size 290 x 290cm.

If you have a computerised embroidery system on your sewing machine, this is a great opportunity for you to make and exhibit a quilt utilising its features. Quilt show entries close on Friday, 29 February 2008 so join the Guild (if you are not already a member) start planning your entry now!

Quilt Show Calendar

As a service to our members, the Guild endeavours to maintain an online calendar of New South Wales quilting events in addition to the calendar contained in the quarterly newsletter, The Template. If you organise a quilt show in New South Wales and would like the event to be included in the calendar, please e-mail the details to the Guild Webmaster and/or the Template Editor.*

Another very useful resource is the comprehensive listing of Australian quilt shows produced by Sydney Quilt Show sponsor, Down Under Quilts. If you are looking for a quilt show anywhere in the country (plus there are a few shows in New Zealand listed too), visit the Diary Dates section of the website. It is handy if you are planning a trip and want to check if there are any quilt shows on in the vicinity.

*The Guild still seeks an editor for the quarterly newsletter.
Please see the Position Description for more details.

The Airing of the Quilts @ Junee: 9-11 November

THE AIRING OF THE QUILTS is at:

The Broadway Museum in Junee from 9-11 November.
Street stalls 10-11 November. only.
Opening hours: 10am – 4pm.
Entry $5, Concession $3, Children $1.

Enjoy the Junee Heritage Lolly Shoppe & Coffee Bar. Participate in the Brian Beasley bushcraft woodwork workshop. See the Going to Pieces, Guild 2006 theme challenge quilts.

Enquiries: Dawn Lindsay (02- 6924 1146) or Peter Morris (02 -6922 9337).

Heritage Lost by Val Duncan

Conservation Know How for Quilters

This Saturday, the Sydney Quilt Study Group will have a textile conservator coming to talk to members and non-members about how to look after their textiles and quilts. Christine McKenna is a costume maker, and most recently has been specializing in reproduction historical clothing for house museums and historical societies in the Parramatta and Liverpool areas. This presentation will be held at:

Conservation Know How for Quilters,
2pm, Saturday, 10 October
Burwood RSL,
96 Shaftesbury Road,
Burwood.

Please bring along any textiles, including quilts, you have that you would like advice on looking after.

Selection for The New Quilt 2008

Selection for The New Quilt 2008 took place at the Manly Art Gallery on 22 October. Christina Sumner, Principal Curator, Design and Society at the Powerhouse Museum, and Therese Kenyon, Director of the Manly Art Gallery had the difficult task of jurying 28 quilts from the 74 entries. This year for the first time, selection was made from digital images provided by the artists. Successful applicants are:

Kerrie Bowles, Susan Cunningham, Helen Ducker, Michele Eastwood, Dianne Firth, Cherry Johnston, Camille Lord, Glenys Mann, Barbara Macey, Deborah McArdle, Thelma McGough, Alison Muir, John Parkes, Cath Phillips, Clare Plug, Gail Putz, Beth and Trevor Reid, Elizabeth Rose, Alison Schwabe, Carolyn Sullivan, Sarah Tucker, and Rosie White.

Congratulations to everyone and, if you missed out this time, don’t give up! Keep working on what you are doing and next time you may be successful. Remember that non-selection is not a criticism of your work; all chosen pieces are considered in the context of the entire exhibition. It will always happen that good work misses out, and largely because of restrictions in the number of quilts that can be hung.

The New Quilt exhibition at Manly Art Gallery will run from 25th January to 24th February 2008. This will be the 12th show, an initiative of the Guild in collaboration with the gallery in which many of our country’s finest quiltmakers have shown their work since 1991. As part of the programme, curator Christina Sumner will give a floor talk on Sunday 3rd February at 3pm.

Concurrently in the small gallery there will be an exhibition of quilts of former guild member, the late Judy McDermott, curated by Sarah Tucker, titled Judy McDermott: Speaking for Themselves. Sarah will deliver a lecture during the exhibitions tracing the development of Judy’s unique work in relation to the work of other Guild members in the period 1989-2004.The lecture is scheduled for Sunday 10th February at 3pm.

Houston Success

The International Quilt Association has announced the winners of the 2007 World of Beauty exhibition and has put up this splendid gallery of prize winners. Successful Guild members include:

• Mariya Waters - The Founders Award ($7500)
  
• Margaret McDonald & Susan Campbell - Judges Choice
  
• Jocelyne Leath - Art Painted Surface - Second Prize
  
• Helen Godden - Group Quilt - First Prize
  
• Linda Steele - Mixed Technique - First Prize & Traditional Applique - Second Prize

Congratulations to our talented Guild members.

Guild Member Success @ Houston

As noted in earlier posts on 15 August and 15 October, several Guild members have been selected as finalists at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. Even if you can't be there in person, you can view a webcast of the glorious quilts and celebrations from Thursday 1 November (Houston time).

2 November Friday Showcase: The Material Girls

Christine Kontratenko, Denise Sargo, Marilyn Lowder, Kerry Sterns and Sandra Lyons are members of the award winning quilting collaborative - The Materials Girls. The Material Girls are presenting the Friday Showcase, this Friday 2 November 2007 (10am at the Guild office). Join us for the final showcase for 2007!

Warrang Forseeing Sydney Cover by The Material Girls
1st Prize, Group/Collaborative Category
Sydney Quilt Show 2006

The Cat Did It by The Material Girls
4th Prize, Group/Collaborative Category
Sydney Quilt Show 2007

Position STILL Vacant: Template Editor

I am delighted to report that most committee positions were filled at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday. However, we are still looking for a new person to take on the important communications role of Template Editor. The duties of the Template Editor include:

• receive, organise, edit and layout copy for the quarterly newsletter - The Template;
• 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 includes 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. Preparation of the December issue is well advanced and many people have offered to assist by preparing articles and reporting on Guild activities.

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 me - President Lorraine.

A Little Housekeeping

As a general housekeeping and spam reduction measure, the "enquiries" and "admin" Guild e-mail addresses are being phased out and have been consolidated into a NEW office e-mail address as shown below. Please update your records accordingly:

As a further attempt to reduce junk e-mails, this e-mail listing has not been hotlinked. Please type the relevant e-mail address onto your computer.

The Office Manager also highlights the following matters:

• Guild office e-mails are checked regularly but not every day. If a matter requires urgent attention or a fast response, it is preferable for you to telephone the office on (02) 9283 3737;


• email may be answered by different people during the course of a week. It would help our office volunteers if you could give a little more information about who your contact is and the subject of the email; and


• if requesting forms or information please include a postal address, as not all the forms are available to the office volunteers as attachments for email. (You might also first check the "Forms to Download" section in the side bar of this blog.)

Looking Forward, Looking Back Prize Winners

Congratulations to Amanda Daly, Helen Godden and Janine Dixon who were awarded the first three prizes in the Guild's 25th anniversary theme challenge - Looking Forward, Looking Back. You can view all of the imaginative entries in the challenge gallery on the Guild's website or by clicking on this slideshow.


The challenge theme for 2008 is Coast and Country. Focus either theme element or both!

Winning Flair

Congratulations to Guild member, Clare Fairless who has been awarded:

• First place Wholecloth - at the Innovations 2007 Quilt Show in the United States for Snickle Dippinlips; and
• Second place, Best of Country (Australia) at the World Quilt Competition 2007 for her quilt Tintaglia- see the prize winners gallery

Snickle Dippinlips
Clare Fairless

Looking Forward, Looking Back @ the AGM

There were 37 entries in the Guild's 25th Anniversary Theme Challenge - Looking Forward, Looking Back. All the challenge quilts will be on display at the Annual General Meeting at Burwood RSL this Saturday, 20 October 2007. Come along and put your vote in for the Viewer's Choice!

While you're at it, you might like to join the committee in GOING PINK for October and wear something pink to the AGM.

Houston Update

Further to the 15 August post about International Quilt Association Houston finalists, there is more exciting news. Guild member, Helen Godden from Canberra and Annette M Hendricks from Chicago IL USA, Gail E Thomas from Vernon BC Canada have combined their strengths and passion for colour, design and textiles to create an award winning Tri-Nation Collaborative quilt.

The THREE SISTERS will be world premiered during the Winner’s Circle Celebration at the International Quilt Festival 2007 at Houston (30 October to 4 November). Congratulations Helen!

Artist Trading Cards with Erica Spinks

Erica Spinks will be demonstrating how to make Artist Trading Cards at 11am at the Burwood meeting on Saturday, 20 October 2007:

Citrus Fling
Erica Spinks

Block of the Quarter: December 2007

The last Block of the Quarter for 2007 is simple and classic and will make a fresh summer quilt. All the instructions for this 6 1/2in Puss in the Corner block are in the current issue of The Template newsletter but here is a colour image to help you choose your blue and cream fabrics:

Please note that the Block of the Quarter will be drawn at the Burwood meeting on 1 December 2007 rather than the October meeting. You can participate in the Block of the Quarter by bring your TWO blocks along to Burwood or posting them into the Guild office by no later than Tuesday, 24 November 2007.

Do Your Christmas Shopping Early!

It's not too late to purchase your copy of a 2008 calendar featuring stunning quilts from the Guild's 25th Anniversary challenge. You can purchase them from the Guild office or using the Calendar Order Form. The calendars are $15 each (plus credit card fee and postage & handling if applicable). Orders of 10 or more calendars in Australia are post-free!

Northbridge Quilters Exhibition:11-13 October

Northbridge Quilters are staging an exhibition this weekend at:

Uniting Church Hall
Gunyah Street, Northbridge
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm
Entry $5
11-13 October

French Quilts Presentation: 6 October @ 1.30pm

The Sydney Quilt Study Group has arranged for Brigitte Giblin to give a presentation of some old French quilts and her own quilts this Saturday. Brigitte will talk about how English, French and Australian quilts have influenced her quilt designs. The SQSG will also have 4 French quilts and a jupon ( wedding skirt) from their committee members' collections on hand for viewing. There will be a raffle, afternoon tea and non-members are welcome.

VENUE: 1.30pm @ Quiltsmith shop at 75 Nelson Street, Annandale. The shop is situated between Parramatta Road and Booth Street - get off the 470 bus to Lilyfield at the corner of Nelson Street and Booth Street or take a bus along Parramatta Road and get off at Nelson Street. ($5 entry fee - SQSG members attend free.)

For further information Contact Liz Bonner at (02) 9692 8853 or lizbonner@ozemail.com.au

5 October Friday Showcase: Lynn Hewitt.

Guild accredited teacher, and former President, Lynn Hewitt is the presenter of Friday Showcase, this Friday 5 October 2007 (10am at the Guild office). Lynn is also teaching her Winding Ways workshop on 18 November 2007. Click here for the workshop booking form.

Gum Leaves by Lynn Hewitt
85 x 67 cm

Going Pink

As you can see, as part of an international initiative to support breast cancer awareness, the Guild blog is Going Pink for October. One in eleven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 75 (and men get breast cancer too). Early detection significantly improves survival rates so it's important to be aware of detection methods such as:

• self examination;
  
• medical examination; and
  
• screening mammography - this is done on an asymptomatic basis (no sign of changes) free of charge for women who are 40 years of age and above at Breast Screen Australia on 13 20 50.

This October, the Guild encourages you to educate yourself about the multiple issues related to breast cancer, then take that newfound knowledge and tell someone else what you’ve learned.

St Ives Quilters Exhibition: 5-7 October 2007

St Ives High School Auditorium,Yarrabung Rd, St Ives.
Opening hours: Friday/Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sunday 10am - 3pm
Entry: $5 (Children under 12 free)
Renowned artists' works and other members' quilts on display, trading tables, free daily demonstrations, raffle quilt prizes, light refreshments, proceeds to go to MS Society Friendship Group/St Ives
Enquiries: Louise Binney, President (02-9416 7765)

Quilts on The Collectors on ABC

Quilts will feature on the ABC program The Collectors this Friday, 5 October at 8pm:

"Dr Annette Gero, has an immense collection of antique quilts from around the world, but it is her Australian quilt collection that is a National Treasure. The quilts range from the utilitarian 'waggas' made out of necessity during the Great Depression, to highly decorative crazy patchwork made for trade or agricultural exhibitions."

Beginner Quiltmaker Show Category

If you are new to quiltmaking or have had the delight of introducing someone else to this creative endeavour, don't forget that the Guild has a special "Beginner Quiltmaker" category in its annual member's exhibition - the Sydney Quilt Show.

If your first quilt was completed since January 2007, and you are a member of The Quilters Guild of NSW Inc, you may enter that quilt in the "Beginner Quiltmaker" category at the Sydney Quilt Show in June 2008 which has a great prize of 20 metres of fabric!


Autumn to Winter by Malika Weerackoon
Winner: Beginner Quiltmaker Category
Sydney Quilt Show 2007

September Newsletter Out this Week!

Features of the Template 25/4 include:

• over 125 Show quilts illustrated, most in colour;
• a comprehensive list of Quilt Show prize winners;
• Art quilts - how to begin;
• Teacher Accreditation - special feature on Jan T. Urquhart Baillie; and
• More Guild committee opportunities.

In addition, many regular features including:

• President's message
• Guild calendar
• Welcome to new members
• Block of the quarter

Late September Quilt Shows

Saturday 22nd - Sunday 23rd September 2007
Cherrybrook Quilters
Uniting Church new hall, New Line Rd, Cherrybrook

Saturday 29th - Sunday 30th September 2007
Novacastrian Quilters Exhibition
New Lambton Community Centre, 14 Alma Road, New Lambton
Enquiries: Joyce Taylor, phone 02 4929 3386

Upcoming Closing Dates

This is a reminder of some upcoming deadlines:

• the preliminary closing date for nominations for Committee positions is Monday, 1 October 2007;
  
• the closing date for entries in the Looking Forward, Looking Back theme challenge is Friday, 28 September 2007; and
• the [revised] closing date for entries in The New Quilt 2008 is Friday 5 October 2007.
  

The nomination form and relevant entry forms can be downloaded the side bar to this blog.

Wagga Wagga Quilt Exhibition

Wagga Wagga Patchwork & Quilters Group Exhibition
28th - 30th September 2007
ARCC Hall Tarcutta St, Wagga Wagga
Friday and Saturday 10am -5pm
Sunday 10am -4pm.
Enquires: Carol Allwright 02 69 264572

Wagga Wagga Raffle Quilt 2007

Treasures of Yesteryear:Singleton Quilters

Singleton Quilters is holding its Treasures of Yesteryear exhibition this weekend.

Singleton Quilters
74 George Street, Singleton
14-16 September 2007
Opening Hours:10am to 4pm
Entry Fee: $5 per person

Display of antique sewing machines, members’ quilts and handiwork.
Raffle quilt—proceeds toWestpac Rescue Helicopter Appeal

Quilted One Block Marvels Exhibition

An exhibition of the quilts from Quilted One Block Marvels, a new book by Carolyn Sullivan:

13th September—4th October 2007
Bou-saada Winery, Kells Creek Road, Mittagong.
Open Thursdays-Sundays


Carolyn will also be making a short presentation about her book before the Annual General Meeting at Burwood on 20 October 2007.

Meeting Coordinator Position Description

The MEETING CO-ORDINATOR :

• Books Burwood RSL each July for the following year;
• Organises and liaises with the guest speaker, demonstrator and shop for each general meeting;
• Prior to each meeting confirms the configuration of tables, equipment (any special needs of the guest speaker) etc with Burwood RSL:
• Organises lucky door prizes, block of the quarter, market day etc for each meeting:
• Assists with the Darling Harbour show – judging day, set up, take down – as well as the actual show days; and
  
• Attends committee meetings each month.

This position on the guild committee gives you a great chance to expand your horizons, get to know many more fellow quilters and supplement your talents.

Membership Secretary Position Description

The position for Membership Secretary will be vacated at the October Annual General Meeting. Key tasks of this position include:

• Keep all members records updated
• Print Labels for envelopes every three months for Template to be sent and make sure labels are on envelopes.
• Make sure Membership List is kept updated in Office
• Send Information Letters and Templates to all new Members
• Keep filing under control
• Attend all Committee Meetings and Burwood Meetings and be organised to give report
• Keep the week of the quilt show clear as with the Office Manager you are responsible to run the Membership Desk
• Also be available to help with Quilt Show Judging Day, Set up Day and the Take Down.

Please contact the President if you are interested in this position. (Click here to download a Committee Nomination Form).

The Template 25/4

Look for your copy towards the end of September. It will have a complete list of show winners, lots of images and of course Guild reports and activities.