Jacaranda City Quilters 1st Exhibition: 26-28 June

JACARANDA CITY QUILTERS' FIRST EXHIBITION

When: 26- 28 June 2009

Where - RSL CLUB, Fry St., Grafton, NSW 2460
Great parking/ refreshments available at the RSL
Early advice of bus trips would be appreciated

Times: Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cost: Adults $5 Pensioners/RSL members $3 Under 15's free

Quilts, wallhangings, bags, cushions etc. made by quilters in The Clarence Valley

Judged competition " Take Three Colours &...................."

Traders and sales tables/ Bernina demonstrations/ community quilts/ raffle / luck dip (proceeds to Westpac Helicopters) /Christmas corner/ viewers choice

Enquiries: Anne Carter

Dyad Exhibition @ Wollongong: 1-12 July 2009

Guild members Nic Bridges and Janine Matthews were born on opposite coasts of Australia, worlds apart. Their paths would never have crossed if not for a common love of art and textiles. Since meeting through an internet group a dozen years ago they have been partners in crime, joined at the hip, like-minded souls traveling through life with eyes wide open but utterly different points of view.

In their forthcoming exhibition of textiles, painting and sculptures at the Project Contemporary Artspace in Wollongong from 1-12 July, Nic and Janine explore the concept of Dyad, the principle of twoness in their separate artistic practice as well as in collaboration.

Viewers' Choice 2009 Sydney Quilt Show

Guest exhibitor Helen Godden was an entertaining speaker at the Gala Dinner on Friday night and most generous in sharing her quilting journey in informative daily floor talks at the Sydney Quilt Show. Helen's quilt The Man from Snowy River was also very popular and was voted favourite for both the Hanger's Award on set-up day and Viewer's Choice:

Second place Viewer's Choice was awarded to Rhonda Pearce for her hexagon extravaganza - Wade's Quilt. Congratulations to both Helen and Rhonda and thank you to everyone who cast a vote.

Burwood Meeting: 20 June 2009

The next Guild meeting at Burwood is Saturday, 20 June 2009:

11am: Demonstration by Pamela Priday: Pamela's demo will cover mixed techniques including paper and silk products, angelina, tyvek, lutradur, foils, paints and stamps. Come along to see how these processes can be incorporated into art-quilts or practical gifts.

1pm, General Meeting & Guest Speaker (Lynn Hewitt)
Burwood RSL
96 Shaftsbury Avenue, Burwood


Sample by Pamela Priday

Best of Show & Other Awards

Congratulations to Wendy Smith who was awarded Best of Show and Excellence in Hand Quilting for her exquisite applique quilt - Serenity. You can view her quilt along with the other prize winners in the gallery on the Guild Website.

10 Tips for Sydney Quilt Show 2009

The 27th annual members exhibition, the Sydney Quilt Show, opens tomorrow at 9am at the Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour. We're sure you will have a fabulous time. Here are ten tips to help you get the most out of your visit:

1. Prepare! sleep well and have a good breakfast. You will need all your energy for the big day.
2. Dress in Layers - temperatures can vary and you want to be comfortable.
   
3. Pack your camera - make sure that you have your camera along with a well-charged battery AND your memory device. You are welcome to take plenty of photos of quilts in the Guild area for your personal use only - that is viewed for your own personal pleasure. For copyright and courtesy reasons, you must NOT publish any images online or in any other media unless you have obtained permission from the relevant quiltmaker*. Anyone who wishes to publish images for commercial purposes must obtain prior consent from the Guild.
4. Buy a catalogue - they are only $2 and you will find a useful layout diagram along with details and descriptions of all of the quilts.
5. Meet a friend - you can share the pleasure and talk about what delights and inspires you.
6. Cruise the market aisles - support our generous sponsors, we could not stage the show without them.
   
7. Learn something new - there will be demonstrations in the Guild area throughout the show. Also demonstrations of techniques featured in the Art to Wear garments will take place daily: 10-11am, 12-1pm and 2-3pm. Kidskills activities will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
   
8. Ask a question - our white glove floor monitors always welcome questions and guest exhibitor Helen Godden will be presenting a floor talk on Wednesday at 11.30am and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3pm.
9. Buy a raffle ticket - you might win a beautiful quilt or another fabulous prize.
   
10. Be inspired - join the Guild at the membership desk, or complete a membership form, and enter your quilt(s) in Sydney Quilt Show 2010!
    

* For more information about copyright, see the useful information sheets on the website of the Copyright Council of Australia.

Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award & Forum

Congratulations to Guild members Dianne Firth and Pamela Fitzsimons who are among the textile artists selected for the inaugural Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award and associated exhibition that opens at 11 am on 20 June and runs to 19 July 2009 at the Wangaratta exhibitions gallery, Ovens St, Wangaratta.

Image: Louise Saxton, Home-Tree, 2008

The Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Forum takes place on Saturday 20 June 2009 from 12.30 – 4.30pm

KEY NOTE SPEAKERS

Liz Williamson
Head School of Design Studies College of Fine Arts University of New South Wales

Intriguing the Senses: Contemporary Textiles
Textiles artists and designers have embraced innovative research techniques to explore complex concepts producing individual and innovative textiles. By exploring current issues of sustainability, environment and place combined with historical reference and new technologies, all are developing intriguing ways to inform the senses.

This lecture will illustrate current research projects by staff and postgraduate students at the College of Fine Arts, UNSW and at UTS in Sydney. It will also document research undertaken in developing woven textiles for Liz Williamson: Textiles a solo exhibition held at Object Gallery, Sydney in late 2008 as part of the Living Treasures series and now touring nationally.

Laura Jocic
Curator Fashion & Textiles National Gallery of Victoria

Australian textiles in the collection of the NGV
How the collection has developed and the range of works and techniques represented, including 19th century embroideries and 20th century printed and woven textiles.

ARTISTS FLOOR TALK
Sara Lindsay, Julie Montgarrett, Louise Saxton, Patrick Snelling, Emma Sulzer

Cost: $22/$16 concession includes light lunch
Bookings & prepayment essential. Tel: 03 5722 0761

Art to Wear 2009- Black & White

The Quilters' Guild of NSW presents Art to Wear 2009 - Black & White at the Sydney Quilt Show next week 10 -14 June. Demonstrations of techniques featured in the garments will take place daily: 10-11am, 12-1pm and 2-3pm

Quilt National 2009: Pamela Fitzsimons

Quilt National is a biennial juried exhibition of contemporary art quilts that will be on view at the Dairy Barn Arts Center, in Athens Ohio USA until 7 September 2009. From almost 1200 entries, the jurors (Sue Benner, Katie Pasquini Masopust, and Ned Wert) selected just 85 quilts by 87 artists drawn from 25 states and 13 foreign countries. The 2009 finalists included Guild member Pamela Fitzsimons for her multi-layered, three dimensional work Extinction Wrap:





Quilt National was intended to demonstrate the transformations taking place in the world of quilting. Its purpose was then, and still is, to carry the definition of quilting far beyond its traditional parameters and to promote quiltmaking as what it always has been -- an art form.

This the second time that Pamela's work has been juried into Quilt National, she was also a finalist in 2003. You can view quilts by Pamela and other Australian contemporary quiltmakers at the Sydney Quilt Show next week where the Australia Wide exhibition of the Ozquilt Network will be on display.

2010 Guild Calendar

In 2010 you can have a quilt brighten every single day with the Guild's special calendar that you can purchase at the Sydney Quilt Show 2009 and then from the Guild office.

The following winning quilts were selected from the entries in last year's calendar challenge:

• Cover award sponsored by Pfaff Australia: ‘Faites Simple:The Impressionists’ – Cathy Jack Coupland
• January: ‘We Do Like to Be Beside The Seaside’ – Marilyn Lowder
• February: Pippy Hunting – Low Tide at Davistown – Elizabeth Long
• March: Still Life With Picasso #1 – Helen Godden
• April: Spring Beauty – Judith Thomson
• May: Seachange 1 – Alison Muir
• June: Lift Off – Carolyn Sullivan
• July: Colour Patch Series:Black, Blue & Red – Sue Dennis
• August: Simple String Theory - Brenda Gael Smith
• September: Flannel Flowers – Amanda Daly
• October: Inspiration Unleashed 2 – Sharon French
• November: Migration – Carol Timmins
• December: Still Life – Log Cabin Flowers – Alan R Tremain

The calendars are available to financial guild members at the special Guild member price of $12 plus postage and credit card fee (if applicable) These calendars are also available from selected retail outlets at the RRP of $15. Wholesale enquiries welcome, please contact 2010 Calendar Coordinator or contact our office.

Artists Forum at the Fairfield: 30 May

There will be an Artists Forum at the Fairfield Museum & Gallery on Saturday, 30 May . In association with the exhibition, A Conversation with Rain – a national innovative contemporary textile exhibition to stimulate and inspire the artists curated by Helen Lancaster. The forum, from 11am-3pm, will be made up of several artists from the exhibition, who will talk about the process of how they work, techniques used etc and debate what comes first – technique or idea.

Cost - $15. Booking essential – phone the Gallery on (02) 9609 3993

Quilt Show @ Copacabana: 30 May

There will be a quilt show, in conjunction with Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at Copacabana on the Central Coast this weekend. Here are the key details:

Quilt & Craft Show for Cancer Council Research
8am-4pm:Saturday, 30 May 2009
Copacabana Surf Club
Entry Fee $5 includes light refreshments

Central Coast Quilt Exhibition: 24 May

The Central Coast 2009 annual charity quilt competition and exhibition will be held on Sunday 24 May at the Wyong Race Club. There will be a range of quilts on display as well as free demonstrations and workshops. Patchwork and craft supplies and sewing machines will also be available. Proceeds from the day go to Cancercare Services as Gosford and Wyong Hospitals.

Enquiries: Janette Jones. Tel: 0439 387 267

Burwood Meeting: 16 May 2009

The next Guild meeting at Burwood RSL (96 Shaftsbury Avenue) is this Saturday, 16 May 2009:

11am - noon: Crazy patchwork demonstration with Yvonne Line
1pm: General Meeting including consideration of a special resolution relating to amending the constitution and the size of the committee and guest speaker Hans Joerg Wengi from Guttermann Threads

Social Meeting at Campbelltown: 17 May

The next Sunday social meeting for 2009 is this Sunday, 17 May.

The venue is Campbelltown Arts Centre. All members, and friends and interested persons, welcome. Gallery opens at 10.00am , Show and tell at 11.30, Café for lunch or bring your own, Guest Speaker, 1.00pm, Afternoon Tea provided, meeting closes at 3.00 pm, Gallery closes at 4.00pm. Wheelchair access, Sculpture Garden, Art Gallery, Japanese Garden.

QS2009 Gala Dinner - 12 June

It's time to book your place at the Gala Dinner held as part of the Sydney Quilt Show 2009. Come along for great company and a sumptuous dinner as well as an inspiring presentation from guest speaker Helen Godden.

Gala Dinner
6pm for 6.45pm dinner: Friday, 12 June 2008
Venue: Novotel Rockford, 17 Little Pier St, Darling Harbour

Cost: $55 per person, 3 course menu
Disabled access is available at the venue

Bookings with payment must be received by Friday, 29 May 2009 at the Guild office. (Please contact the venue directly on (02) 8217 4000 regarding any specific dietary requirements.) Download and complete your booking form.

Sydney Quilt show 2009 Update

Acceptance letters and drop-off lady details will be dispatched to entrants this week. (The Exhibition Secretary apologises for the delay.) The Guild is delighted to report that, in addition to the record number of 390 quilts in the members' exhibition, there will be many other special exhibits including:

• a selection of quilts by award-winning quiltmaker Helen Godden;


• Australia Wide - an exhibition of art quilts by members of the Ozquilt Network, Australia's organisation for art quilters;


• antique quilts that feature in the book The Fabric of Society by Annette Gero;


• a Black & White exhibit of Art to Wear items including special guest artist Barbara Rogers;


• Coast and Country Guild challenge quilts;


• Best of Australia Quilts sponsored by Bernina; AND


• Fantasy quilts from the inaugural AP&Q AQC Challenge including the prize winning entry by Guild member Denise Sargo.
  

Join us at the Sydney Quilt Show at Darling Harbour 10 - 14 June 2009.

Reminder Vikki Pignatelli Lecture: 2 May

American Quiltmaker Vikki Pignatelli is presenting the following lecture this Saturday:

‘10 ATTRIBUTES THAT MAKE A GOOD QUILTER BETTER’

LECTURE DATE: Saturday, 2nd May, 2009.
VENUE: Epping Creative Leisure Centre, Dence Park, Stanley Road, Epping.
TIME: 1.30pm for 2.00pm. The lecture is for one hour.
A question and answer session and showing of quilts are included.
AFTERNOON TEA: Light refreshments will be provided but any donations will be appreciated.
ENTRY FEE: Prepaid $10.00. At the door $15.00
  

We hope you can join us.

Chatelaine Quilters Exhibition: 1-2 May

Chatelaine Quilters Inc will be holding their biennial exhibition of members' work at Sutherland Uniting Church Hall, Flora St, Sutherland on May 1st and 2nd between 10 am and 4 pm each day. Entry $5 with proceeds to Cord Blood Foundation.

Eastwood Patchwork Quilters Exhibition: 1-3 May

EASTWOOD PATCHWORK QUILTERS 2009 EXHIBITION
May 1 –3 10am to 4.30pm: Admission $6
Refreshments, light lunches, and quilt and craft stores will be available.

A chance to see a spectacular display of traditional quilts made by the members of Eastwood Patchwork Quilters, while visiting historic Brush Farm House, 19 Lawson St Eastwood.



Over 150 beautiful quilts made by our members will be displayed.

Located on bus routes 545 and 550 Chatswood/Macquarie/Eastwood/Parramatta.

Brush Farm House was built around 1820 by Gregory Blaxland, one of the first Europeans to find a route across the Blue Mountains. It is one of Australia’s oldest and substantial houses remaining from the Macquarie era. It has been, recently restored and renovated as an exhibition space by Ryde City Council. We will also use additional exhibition space in the adjacent Corrective Services Training facility.

Paducah Success

The winners of the American Quilt Society Quilt Contest in Paducah have been announced.

Guild member, Mariya Waters continues her success with Renaissance Revival which was awarded American Quilter's Society Best of Show. In addition, Mariya's quilt Bluebirds of Paradise was third in the Miniature category and Nic Bridges and Lisa Walton were awarded third place in the Large Wall Quilts: Longarm/Midarm Machine category with Bushfire Sunset.

Another, Guild member Margaret McDonald received an Honorable Mention for her quilt Infinity. You can view the complete list of winners and view the online gallery. Congratulations to our talented Guild members.

Springwood HS Community Quilt Show: Anzac Weekend

The 2009 Springwood High School Community Quilt Show is being held:

Friday April 24th to Sunday April 26th
Springwood High School Hall, Grose Rd Faulconbridge
Open Friday 9-5, Saturday 11-5 (Anzac Day), Sunday 10-4

2009 Raffle Quilt made by Chris Jurd

* over 150 quilts on display
* stalls and trading tables from many quilt shops and craftspeople
* demonstrations of Bernina sewing machines
* Quilt Show Café with fresh homemade goodies and cappuccinos

Proceeds of the Quilt Show will be used to purchase a Bernina Aurora 440 sewing machine for Springwood High School Textile students. For more information email Suzanne.

Quilt Show Update

390 entries from over 270 individual and group members have been received for the 2009 Sydney Quilt Show. This is an all-time record but the good news is that ALL valid entries have been accepted. Formal acceptance letters with important details about the delivery of your quilts will be posted out at the beginning of May. In the meantime, keep on putting the finishing details on your quilts. We look forward to a great show!

Community Quilts Demonstration Stand @ RAS

The Guild is taking Community Quilts to the Royal Easter Show in 2009. We require 24 volunteers over four days (16-19 April 2009) to assist in the machine quilting demonstration area where there will be four Pfaff quilting model sewing machines. Attending members can also bring in any project they wish to work on and thus demonstrate another technique we all use in quilt making wheter it be binding a quilt, hand applique or hand quilting.

If your are interested in demonstrating fo rthe Guild during this event, please contact the coordinator Alan Tremain via the office or by e-mail.

All volunteers will receive a full day pass and public transport travel reimbursement. Some onsite parking passes are also available.

Raffle Quilt 2009

Serendipity, the raffle quilt for 2009, was made by Wentworth Quilters Inc. Raffle tickets are $2 each. Tickets were distributed with the March newsletter but you can always purchase more from the Guild office or at the Sydney Quilt Show.

2009 Raffle Prizes:

• 1st Prize: Winner's choice of "Serendipity" raffle quilt or Bernina Aurora 44oQE sewing machine sponsored by Bernina;
• 2nd Prize: The remaining item from above;
• 3rd Prize: A collector's box of sewing threads sponsored by Perivale Gutermann;
• 4th Prize: A magnifier lamp sponsored by the Scissorman;
• 5th Prize: 10 metres Moda fabric sponsored by PK Fabrics; and
• 6th Prize: one year subscription to each of Homespun Magazine and iQuilt online quilting magazine.
  

Away Meeting: 4 April 2009

The 2009 "away" meeting is coming up this weekend:

1.30pm, Saturday, 4 April 2009
CWA Rooms, Mudgee
Surprise Guest Speaker + Show & Tell + Afternoon Tea

Members and non-members welcome!

March 2009 Newsletter Out Now!

The March 2009 issue of the Guild newsletter has been posted out. Check your copy for a range of articles and the updated Guild events calendar.

Don't forget to call the office to book your place in the presentation by Vikki Pignatelli at Epping Creative Centre, 2pm Saturday 2 May 2009: 10 Attributes that make a Good Quilter Better’.

Australian Machine Quilters Exhibition

The Australian Machine Quilters Exhibition is an exciting new exhibition run by Victorian Quilters and open to ALL machine quilters (domestic and long-arm), with judging predominantly focused on the quilting.

Entries are due on the 1st of June. You do not have to be a member of Victorian Quilters to enter. Entry forms and information can be downloaded HERE.

Social Meeting at Campbelltown: 15 March

The first Sunday social meeting for 2009 is this Sunday, 15 March.

The venue is Campbelltown Arts Centre. All members, and friends and interested persons, welcome. Gallery opens at 10.00am , Show and tell at 11.30, Café for lunch or bring your own, Guest Speaker, 1.00pm, Afternoon Tea provided, meeting closes at 3.00 pm, Gallery closes at 4.00pm. Wheelchair access, Sculpture Garden, Art Gallery, Japanese Garden.

Reminder: Sydney Quilt Show 2009 Entries

This is a quick reminder that entries for the Sydney Quilt Show 2009 close this Friday, 13 March. Here are the relevant forms:

• membership form
• entry form
• volunteer form

Entry forms CANNOT be submitted by fax or e-mail.

6 March Friday Showcase: Chris Jurd

Chris Jurd presents the next Friday showcase at the Guild office at 10am on Friday, 6 March 2009. All welcome! ($5.50 entry fee)

2009 Raffle Quilt made by Chris Jurd
for the Springwood High School Community Quilt Show
Friday April 24th to Sunday April 26th
Springwood High School Hall, Grose Rd Faulconbridge

Exciting Member News from AQC

The Australasian Quilt Convention for 2009 has now closed. Congratulations to Guild member, Merelyn Pearce who was awarded the Australian National Quilt Award, sponsored by Bernina, for her 2008 Sydney Quilt Show Sydney Quilt Show quilt Wheelflower Medallion. If you missed seeing this quilt last year, you will have another opportunity to view it as part of the Best of Australia exhibition that will tour with Craft and Quilt Fairs throughout 2009.

Congratulations also to Guild members, Denise Sargo and Jocleyne Leath who were awarded first place and runner-up respectively in the inaugural AP&Q AQC Challenge. Their stunning fantasy-themed quilts, together with more than twenty five other finalists will be on display at the Sydney Quilt Show 2009. Not to be missed!

Fresh & Salt by Alison Muir: 27 February - 9 March

"Fresh and Salt" by Alison Muir
27 February - 9 March 2009
Palm House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
Messages in Stitched Textiles by Guild member Alison Muir designed to raise awareness of fresh and salt water in the Sydney Basin

Quilt Show 2009 Button

Entries for the Sydney Quilt Show 2009 close on Friday, 13 March and the show itself runs from 10-14 June. Please assist in promoting the show by adding the QS2009 button to your blog or website. Here is the html code:

<a href="http://www.quiltersguildnsw.com/"><img src="http://www.quiltersguildnsw.com/quiltshowbutton.jpg" alt="Sydney Quilt Show" /></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 previous quilt show buttons, you will see that it has been automatically updated to display the 2009 button - no further action required!

Market Day @ Burwood: 21 Febuary

The next Guild meeting at Burwood is this Saturday, 21 February 2009:

11am - 1pm Market Day
1pm, General Meeting
Burwood RSL
96 Shaftsbury Avenue, Burwood

Join us for a busy market day followed by a presentation of antique quilts and stories by collector Trish Bloomfield.


Image courtesy of Australian Patchwork & Quilting

Sydney Quilt Show 2009 - Call for Entries & Volunteers

Entry forms for the Sydney Quilt Show 2009 will be posted out to Guild members shortly. In the meantime, you can download the entry form (200KB PDF)to view the categories and conditions of entry.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE RETURN OF COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS IS: FRIDAY 13 March 2009 This closing date will be strictly applied!

Any queries about the entry form should be directed to the Exhibition Secretary.

The Sydney Quilt Show is an exhibition of members' quilts. If you wish to exhibit in this year's show, it is not too late. Just complete a membership form and return it with your subscription payment at the same time as you send in your quilt show entry form.

It is expected that all quilt show entrants will donate some time to help out at the show. Even if you have not entered a quilt, please consider submitting a volunteer form. 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 important tasks such as catalogue and raffle ticket sales and white glove floor monitoring duties.

Every volunteer will receive a specially minted Quilt Show 2009 badge and we have a special Sydney Quilt Show Volunteers Prize (value $350 product) sponsored by Cotton On Creations. You will be given one entry into this draw for every 2 hours duty you volunteer.

6 February Friday Showcase: Jennifer Ramsay

Jennifer Ramsay presents the next Friday showcase at the Guild office at 10am on Friday, 6 February 2008. All welcome! ($5.50 entry fee)

"Fasset"-ating Circles
Sydney Quilt Show 2008
Jennifer's own design, using colourful Kaffe Fassett materials in the circles and borders. The design is based on ideas presented in 'Circle Play' by Reynola Pakusich. Quilt is machine pieced and quilted.

Updated Information about Vikki Pignatelli Visit

This blog post contains updated information about the forthcoming visit by American quiltmaker, lecturer and teacher, Vikki Pignatelli. If you wish to attend the lecture and/or the morning workshop (including if you have previously submitted an expression of interest), please complete this booking form and return it to the office with your payment to reserve your place. Please get your friends together and support this initiative. We can’t do it without your support!

American quiltmaker, lecturer and teacher, is coming to Australia with the support of the Barbara Meredith International Tutor Trust in April and May 2009.

Vikki has developed a simple layering technique that is a blend of piecing and appliqué. She is the author of two books featuring this technique, “Quilting Curves” and “Quilting by Improvisation”. (Further information on www.vikkipignatelli.com)

LECTURE: ‘10 ATTRIBUTES THAT MAKE A GOOD QUILTER BETTER’

LECTURE DATE: Saturday, 2nd May, 2009.
VENUE: Epping Creative Leisure Centre, Dence Park, Stanley Road, Epping.
TIME: 1.30pm for 2.00pm. The lecture is for one hour.
A question and answer session and showing of quilts are included.
AFTERNOON TEA: Light refreshments will be provided but any donations will be appreciated.
ENTRY FEE: Prepaid $10.00. At the door $15.00

WORKSHOP:
Subject to pre-bookings, there is one workshop available [are two workshops available, but only one will be booked, the one that registers the most interest.

• ‘Crazy about Curves’, making curves fun to do, without the hassle of measuring seam allowances. OR
  
• ‘Scrap the Pattern-Improvisational Curves’, an impromptu approach to piecing curves, offering total freedom in quilt making.

WORKSHOP DATE: Saturday, 2nd May, 2009
VENUE: As above
TIME: 9.15 am set up time for 9.30 am to 12.30.pm
CATERING: Bring your own lunch, if staying for the lecture. Light refreshments available for morning tea. There are no facilities handy to the venue.
WORKSHOP FEES: $55.00

A requirement list will be sent once the numbers (16) are sufficient to book the tutor. (Update: As at 6 February there are 10 bookings - the class size is capped at 20 students.) No refunds will be made after confirmation of booking the tutor has been made. You will have to find a replacement or there may be a waiting list at the office from which you can organise one.

What Tickles Your Fancy

What Tickles Your Fancy is the theme for the 2009 Guild challenge. The challenge is open to Guild members only and entry is free. Quilts may be made using any technique or material. However, they should conform to the definition of a quilt, i.e. three layers. You can obtain a copy of the entry form from the guild office or download it here (75KB).

The quilts are displayed at the Guild's end of year general meeting at Burwood on 21 November and the winners and Viewers' Choice are announced. Afterwaards, the quilts become a touring suitcase exhibition travelling all over Australia for up to two years. They are returned to the makers at the end of the tour.

NB: The new travelling suitcase has different dimensions so the new quilt size for the 2009 challenge is 40cms x 60cms (16 x24 inches) - portrait or landscape with hanging sleeve. Entries close on 25 September 2009.

2009 Meeting Calendar

Pull out your calendar and mark the following Guild meeting events for 2009:

Burwood Meetings:

• 21 February - MARKET DAY. Guest speaker - Trish Bloomfield with vintage quilts. Please contact the Guild office to book a table for the market.
  
• 4 April (Away Meeting @ Mudgee)
• 16 May
• 20 June
• 15 August - Market day and guest speaker - Reece Scannell
  
• 19 September - Annual General Meeting
• 21 November - End of Year General Meeting
  

Sunday Social Meetings at Campbelltown:

• Sunday, 15th March, 2009
• Sunday, 17th May, 2009
• Sunday, 19th July, 2009
• Sunday, 20th September, 2009
• Sunday, 15th November, 2009

Friday Showcase:

• 6 February - Jennifer Ramsey
• 6 March - Chris Jurd
• NO APRIL SHOWCASE (due to Away meeting)
• 1 May - Audience Show & Tell
• 5 June29 June - Wagga group
• 3 July - Verna Horwood
• 7 August - Jennifer Corkish
• 4 September - Karen Malone
• 2 October - Pat Dwyer
• 6 November - Cathy Jack Coupland
• NO DECEMBER SHOWCASE

See the Guild website for more information.

Treasure Trove of Guild Member Blogs

If you are a current member of the Quilters' Guild of NSW and have a blog about quilting, you are welcome to e-mail the Guild Webmaster to apply to be added to the member blogroll in the right sidebar. Here are just some of the treasures you will find if you go surfing through the member blogs:

• Esther Aliu has released the third part of her fabulous (and free!) Red Delicious Block of the Month;
• Nicole Bridges has embraced "now" as her power word for 2009 as she prepares for her forthcoming exhibition and shares some of her artwork;
  
• Jenny Bowker gives us a sneak preview of some exciting quilts in progress;
• Helen Godden lets us in on the secrets of free motion machine quilting;
  
• Pamela Priday has recently joined the blogosphere and a journal quilt challenge and is having great fun experimenting with different techniques;
• Rooruu and Maggie revel in observing the patterns in the world around us;
  
• Brenda Smith offers a range of quilting and blogging related tutorials including experimenting with Alternative Quilt Finishes;
• Erica Spinks often writes about her favourite quilting books and her latest discoveries using the EQ6 quilting software program;
  
• Lisa Walton is stretching her creative muscles and shows us some of her coursework from her the City & Guilds course she is undertaking; and
• Amanda, Bernadine, Kathy & Sarah share the joys of quiltmaking.
  

Take a look at what these creative Guild members are up to and don't forget to leave a comment while you are there.

Country Workshop Support Program 2009 – 2010

To acknowledge and encourage our country membership, the Quilters Guild of NSW is initiating a support program for you to bring a tutor to your country area of NSW.

At the time of applying, the applicant must have been a member of the Guild (individual or group) for at least one full year and live in NSW. All workshop participants do not have to be Guild members. Application for funds should be made at least six months in advance of your workshop. Tutor must be domicile in NSW or Canberra or be in NSW or Canberra already at the time of the workshop. The workshop participants must cover the tutor’s workshop fees themselves.

The Guild will provide the funds for the following expenses:

• Travel expenses, own car, hire car, bus, train or plane travel will be considered. For private car travel, (a per kilometer remuneration will apply depending on type of car, as per tax scale) from home or previous destination to workshop venue and return within NSW and Canberra. Short taxi hire.
• One or two nights accommodation close to the workshop venue providing the tutor lives or will be traveling over 80kms to the workshop or from the workshop.
• If the tutor is being billeted, an accommodation/meals benefit of $50.00 per night will be paid.
• Meals for the tutor during the stay for the workshop.
• General organization expenses up to the value of $50 for phone calls, email and postage expenses.

Download an application form. The Guild can provide a list of accredited and experienced teachers and the types of work they are prepared to teach. Contact the Guild Office on 02 0293 3737 or email office@quiltersguildnsw.com, or Workshop Convener, Yvonne Line 02 4628 1170 for details.

The Guild has allocated a budget for the cost of having overseas tutors in Sydney and we would like to extend this facility to our country members in the future. If you are willing to organize a workshop in your area, we are compiling a list of those interested in being informed of future plans.

Forthcoming Visit by Vikki Pignatelli

Vikki Pignatelli, American quiltmaker, lecturer and teacher, is coming to Australia with the support of the Barbara Meredith International Tutor Trust in April and May 2009. The Committee has booked her to do a lecture on Saturday, 2nd May, 2009.

Vikki has developed a simple layering technique that is a blend of piecing and appliqué. She is the author of two books featuring this technique, “Quilting Curves” and “Quilting by Improvisation”.

The lecture will be held at the Epping Creative Leisure Centre, Saturday, 2nd May, 2009. Time is 1.30pm for 2.00pm start. The lecture ‘10 Attributes that Make a Good Quilter Better’ is for one hour. A question and answer session and showing of quilts is included.

All members, guests and interested persons welcome. The entry fee is $10.00. A light afternoon tea will be provided.

If there is sufficient interest, a 3 hour workshop can be organized for the morning. At least 16 people would be required. The fee will be approximately $50.00 (yet to be confirmed due to cost of A$) A $25.00 deposit will be required by 1st April, 2009 to hold your place. The balance will be advised with date of final payment.

There are two workshops ‘Crazy about Curves’, making curves fun to do, without the hassle of measuring seam allowances and ‘Scrap the Pattern-Improvisational Curves, an impromptu approach to piecing curves, offering total freedom in quiltmaking. Please state which workshop you would be most interested in and we will book the one with the most interest.

To register your expression of interest, please e-mail the office or leave a clear telephone message on (02) 9283 3737 or (02) 4628 1170.

Please get your friends together and support this initiative. We can’t do it without your support!

Reviews of Sydney Quilt Show 2008

Generous quilt show sponsors Australian Patchwork & Quilting and Quilters Companion each feature a selection of high quality images of prize winning quilts from Sydney Quilt Show 2008 in the current issues of their magazines APQ Vol 17 No 6 and QC Issue 34:

Sydney Royal Easter Show - Postal Entries close 16 December

Postal entries for the Royal Easter Show close on Tuesday 16 December at 5pm but online entries are accepted up to 5pm on Monday 2 February. You can lodge your entry online at:
https://www.rasnsw.com.au/OnlineShowEntries/ArtDefault.aspx
PATCHWORK, APPLIQUÉ AND QUILTING
ENTRY FEE: $10 PER CLASS. ONE ENTRY ONLY PER CLASS.
JUDGING: 31 MARCH & 1 APRIL 2009 AT 11AM
Cash Prize for the best Exhibit in Patchwork, Appliqué and Quilting Classes 70 to 75, supported by the Quilters’ Guild of NSW Inc. Prize $200

• CLASS 70 - Bed Quilt, Traditional, hand quilted. Prize 1st $50
  Cash Prize for the first prize-winning Exhibit in Class 70, supported by Mrs Prudence Charles. Prize $100
• CLASS 71 - Bed Quilt, machine quilted. Prize 1st $50
• CLASS 72 - Wall Hanging, Traditional. Must have loops or a
  sleeve for hanging. Prize 1st $50
• CLASS 73 - Wall Hanging, Innovative. Must have loops or a
  sleeve for hanging. Prize 1st $50
• CLASS 74 - Miniature Quilt, less than 45cm x 45cm.
  Prize 1st $50 Cash Prize for the first prize-winning Exhibit in Class 74, supported by Threads and Things. Prize $100
• CLASS 75 - Creative Article. Prize 1st $50

Dianne Finnegan @ Burwood

Dianne Finnegan is the guest speaker at the Guild Meeting this Saturday:

1pm, Saturday 6 December 2008
Burwood RSL
96 Shaftsbury Avenue, Burwood

Dianne has made quilts for nearly thirty years and along the way has been president of the Guild for the Bicentenary, exhibited internationally, curated exhibitions, explored the history of Australian quilts, written books and articles, fundraised, and travelled around the world teaching. An exhibition of Dianne's work completed during her artist residency with North Sydney Council is to be shown at the Primrose Park Gallery, Matora Lane off Young Street in Cremorne, NSW continues until this Friday, 5 December (10 am to 4.20 p.m. daily).

Apartment by Dianne Finnegan

Please note that there will not be a demonstration at this Saturday's meeting BUT historical costume maker Elizabeth Elwell from Cote & Cutler Outfitters will be selling a selection of spectacular remnants of ecclesiastical brocades, silks, linens, some prints, as well as calicos, wools and other bits and bobs at discount prices. An ideal Christmas present for people into crazy patchwork or something a little bit different in their quilting stash. Remember, non-members are welcome to attend Guild meetings. If you can join us, be sure to introduce yourself!

Christmas Meeting @ Burwood: 6 December 2008

The final general meeting of the year is next Saturday:

1pm, Saturday 6 December 2008
Burwood RSL
96 Shaftsbury Avenue, Burwood

(Please note that the 13 December date in the last newsletter is incorrect.)

Coast and Country Prize Winners

There were 39 entrants in the Guild's 2008 challenge - Coast & Country. The following prize winners were announced at the Annual General Meeting last month:

• First Place - Sentinel by Bernadine Hine
• Second Place - Under One Sun by Amanda Daly
• Third Place - Our Sunburnt Country by Helen Godden
• Viewers' Choice - Girls Day Out by Marilyn Lowder
• Judges Commendation - Winter in the Southern Highlands by Carolyn Sullivan
• Judges Commendation - “T & L” FOR “C & C” by Sandy Price

You can view the prize winning quilts on this slide show (the balance of the quilts will be added shortly). The theme for the 2009 Guild Challenge is What Tickles Your Fancy. In the meantime, don't forget that the closing date for the 2010 calendar challenge is next week - Friday, 28 November 2008.

Photography by Brett Bridger

Braidwood Quilt Event 2008: 22-23 November

The New South Wales heritage listed town of Braidwood and Braidwood Quilters Inc welcome you to the 14th Annual Braidwood Quilt Event:

Outdoor airing of the quilts: Saturday only - 22 November
More exhibitions and fringe festival - 22 and 23 November

Contact Braidwood Quilters (email) for more information or check out the website.

Palace Patchworkers Exhibition: Friday 14 November

The Palace Patchworkers Inc are celebrating their 25th year of quilting with a Quilt Exhibition.

DATE: Friday 14th November 2008-11-05
VENUE:Uniting Church Hall, 18 Morts Road, Mortdale
(a short walk from the railway station)
TIME:10am – 2pm

Quilts on display, Handmade items and quilts for sale. Morning tea available. The Palace Patchworkers support St. George Hospital.

Contact: Lyn Sharpe 9547 2152

Alchemy Exhibition: 13-23 November

Alchemy - from the Ordinary into the Extraordinary Fibre Alchemists Exhibition:

Seaview Gallery, Seaview Street
Dulwich Hill
Opening: 13 November 6pm-8pm
14-23 November 10am-4pm

No entry fee. Art textiles, wearable art, collaborative works. For more information, see: www.atasda.org.au

Social Meeting at Campbelltown: Sunday, 9 November

A special social meeting is scheduled for this Sunday:

10am-3pm, Sunday 9 November 2008
Campbelltown Arts Centre,
Cnr Camden & Moore Oxley Roads

The program includes sew and chat; show and tell; lunch and guest speaker Anne Archer. Door prizes. Cafe on premises. Please bring afternoon tea to share.

7 November Friday Showcase: Liz Bonner

Name a quilting technique, she's tried it! Name a quilting gadget, she's tried it too. Liz Bonner was encouraged to start quilting by her partner and has gone on to make a wide variety of quilts from intricate hand applique to classic bow tie blocks in Amish tones; from Jan Mullen crazy housez to sashiko elegance. Come and see for yourself at the Friday showcase at the Guild office, 10 am on Friday 7 November.

Sashiko Reversible Log Cabin by Liz Bonner
4th Prize Traditional-Amateur (Sydney Quilt Show 2007)

Quilt Exhibition @ Kincumber: 1 November

A quilt exhibition will be held this Saturday 1 November (8am-2pm) at Kincumber Uniting Church (on the Central Coast north of Sydney)in conjunction with the popular monthly car boot sale.

On the day, there will be a mix of quilting groups, busineses and quilts from private collections and commmunity groups. Devonshire teas will also be available.

Helen's Houston Hat Trick

Warm congratulations to Guild member Helen Godden who has been awarded three top prizes at the International Quilt Association festival in Houston as follows:

• First Prize, Painted Surface Category - Screeching Cockatoo
  
• Second Prize, Painted Surface Category - Mother Earth
• Inaugural World of Beauty award ($7500) - Seasonal Sisters, a collaboration with Gail Thomas and Annette Hendricks
  

Seasonal Sisters by The Three Sisters

Sanae Hattori Kimono & Quilt Presentation: 5 November

Japanese quiltmaker Sanae Hattori will be giving a presenation of her beautiful quilts and kimono at the Guild office on Wednesday, 5 November at 10am. Space is limited so please telephone the Guild office (Tel: 02 9283 3737) to reserve your place.

Sanae Hattori studied Japanese embroidery at Joshi Bijutsu (Women's College of Fine Arts) in Hachioji, Japan, and concentrated on traditional design. In 1978 she founded SANAE Art Studio, and began reconstructing Japanese classical designs by using American patchwork techniques. Hattori's quilted uchikake have since become internationally famous.

Refabricating Environments@ Springwood: 31 Oct - 7 Dec

An exhibition of fine art quilts shows at Braemar Gallery, 103 Macquarie Rd, Springwood in the Blue Mountains from 31 October to 7 December 2008 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am-4pm).

You are invited to attend the opening of the exhibition on Saturday 1 November at 2pm. The guestspeakers will be Simon Ambrose, the Director of the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, and textile artist, Dianne Firth, who is the guest artist and who has selected this exhibition.

Contact: Annabelle Solomon amsolomon@people.net.au

Gees Bend Quilts @ Canterbury Next Week!

NSW quilting enthusiasts are in for a treat next week. An amazing display of more than 200 international quilts to be hanging from 31 October to 2 November at the Canterbury Racecourse, Canterbury as part of the Quilt Indulgence Festival presented by Guild sponsor Creative Living Media (publisher of Down Under Quilts).

The quilts include art quilts from Gees Bend USA, charming quilts from France, extraordinarily-executed quilts from Japan, and fabulous quilts from New Zealand and around Australia.

The creators of the quilts from Gee’s Bend are four generations of African American women isolated for decades by geography, outside indifference, and extreme poverty. Their lives were and are rich with family, faith, and community, and they have quietly created one of the most astonishingly beautiful and original bodies of artwork.



Many of the older quilts of Gee’s Bend have received international acclaim at art museums throughout the United States including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Whitney Museum in New York. Hailed by The New York Times as “some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced.”

This is the first time any of these quilts have been seen in Australia, and only the second time outside America.

10-4 daily – Canterbury Racecourse. Free parking, free shuttle bus from Canterbury station.
Visit www.quiltindulgencefestival.com.au for more info

APQ/AQC Fantasy challenge for quilters

Australian Patchwork & Quilting and Expertise Events are both generous sponsors of the Sydney Quilt Show. Now Australian Patchwork & Quilting and the Australasian Quilt Convention, in conjunction with Expertise Events, present their new and exciting quilt competition – the 2009 AP&Q AQC Challenge.

With three generous cash prizes to be won including $5,000 first prize, $2,000 runner-up and $500 for the best entry by a quilter under eighteen years of age – quilters best stop fantasising and start quilting!

The theme for this year’s challenge is FANTASY and is sure to inspire some magical and imaginative quilts. Entrants may choose a traditional or contemporary approach to their quilt and will be judged on their interpretation of the theme, excellence in design and craftsmanship.

A selection of up to thirty finalists will be chosen to form the FANTASY exhibition which will be displayed over four days, February 26 – March 1 2009, at the Australasian Quilt Convention at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton – with winners announced at the event on February 28. The exhibition of quilts will then embark on a nationwide tour throughout 2009, travelling exclusively with the Craft & Quilt Fairs.

Entrants are provided free reign with quilt design and may apply techniques including piecing, appliqué, embroidery, whole cloth and/or manipulated fabric. Any materials may be used but the final result must be flexible in nature and consist of three layers of fabric held together with stitching.

Entries close on 10 December 2008. For more information about this competition, please visit www.apqmagazine.com.au or www.aqc.com.au

2008 Annual General Meeting: 18 October

This is a reminder to all members that the Guild's 2008 Annual General Meeting is at:

The Quiters' Guild of NSW Inc
Annual General Meeting
1pm, Saturday 18 October 2008
Burwood RSL, Shaftesbury Ave, Burwood

In accordance with the Guild's constitution, the following business will be transacted:

• confirmation of the minutes of the last AGM;
• receipt of the Committee's report upon the activities of the Guild in the last financial year;
• election of office bearers (President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary) and other members of the committee;
• receipt and consideration of a statement from the Committee regarding the Guild's financial affairs; and
• the appointment of the auditor.
  

Sharing Our Legacy Seminar: 17-19 October

The Quilt Study Group of Australia's 'Sharing our Legacy' seminar, which is held every two years, will be in Brisbane between the 17th and 19th of October. It will start with an informal dinner on the 17th October followed by Saturday's full day of presentations by speakers such as Annette Gero, Margaret Rolfe and Pam Holland plus a number of Queensland presenters on local topics of interest to us all.

The details and seminar registration form can be found at http://www.sydneyquiltstudygroup.blogspot.com/

At the same blog address, the current newsletter which contains more details on the agenda and presentations can be downloaded.

Houston 2008 A World of Beauty Finalists

The International Quilt Association has announced the finalists in Houston 2008 World of Beauty judged show. The list features many talented Guild members including:

• Esther Aliu
• Rachelle Denneny
• Helen Godden
• Jocelyne Leath
• Beth Miller
• Lisa Walton and Nic Bridges
• Mariya Waters

What's more, Helen Godden has been advised that all three of her quilts have been awarded a prize including Three Sisters which has been awarded a top level prize. Keep a lookout on the IQA website to see when the winners are announced later in the month.

2008 Wollongong Quilt Show: 11 and 12 October

The 2008 Wollongong Quilt Show is presented by Illawarra Quilters Inc at:

Ribbonwood Centre, Dapto
Saturday and Sunday, 11 and 12 October
9.30am to 4.30pm daily
Admission: $5 per person (12 years and under - free)

Offering an array of superb handmade gifts. A variety of shops will be there to cater to everyone's needs. Delicious morning tea, lunches and afternoon tea will be available both days. The proceeds of this year's raffle will be donated to Wollongong Women's Refuge.

Enquiries: Diana (Tel: 02 4284 4517)

Twelve by Twelve: A Collaborative Art Quilt Project

Guild member Brenda Smith belongs to the Twelve by Twelve Collaborative Art Quilt Project, an international group of twelve quilt artists who have embarked upon an online art challenge together. Every two months, they each make a small quilted art piece -- 12 by 12 inches – based on a theme chosen by each member in turn.

The group share their process and progress on their blog and the finished works, together with artist statements, are showcased on their dedicated website gallery. The group's latest challenge quilts are due to be revealed online today (1 October US time). The theme is "shelter" and it is always interesting to see how the theme is interpreted

"Favela" ©2008 Brenda Gael Smith

The 12x12inch/30cm square format offers plenty of scope for exploration and experimentation. Don't forget that entries for the Guild's calendar challenge close on 28 November 2008. Entry is limited to individual financial Guild members and quilts (3 layers) must be 30cm square. Details and entry form in the September newsletter.

My Country Exhibition@Newcastle: 4-6 October

“My Country” is an exhibition of Novocastrian Quilters exhibition on this weekend:

New Lambton Community Centre
14 Alma Rd, New Lambton, NSW.
4, 5, 6 October - Friday, Saturday & Sunday
9am – 4pm (Friday), 9am – 5pm (Saturday), 9am – 2pm (Sunday)
Entry – $5, Member’s work, 2008

Challenge, Goods Stall, Quilt Raffle

For more informationElizabeth 4967 4363/Joyce 4929 3386

Caroline Bay Quilters Inaugural Show: 4 & 5 October

The inaugural quilt show of Caroline Bay Quilters is on this weekend:

Saturday/Sunday, 4 & 5 October
Lions Hall, Russell Drysdale Street, East Gosford.
10am – 4pm, Entry – $5.

Featuring a member’s display, raffle quilt, craft table and traders’ stalls. All profits going to charity.
Viv 02 4388 9527/Glen 02 4365 6651

3 October Friday Showcase: Nancy Parkinson

Guild Secretary, Nancy Parkinson presents the next Friday showcase at the Guild office at 10am on Friday, 3 October 2008. All welcome!

Fruits of the Spirit by Nancy Parkinson
Machine Embroideries from Emblibrary USA. Orange & Pineapples for Joy, Plums - gentleness, Lemons & grapes - patience. Olive for peace, strawberries - goodness, blueberries - self control, pears - faithfulness, peach - kindness.

Reminder: Next Newsletter Deadline: 8 October

The next deadline for items to be included in the December 2008 newsletter is 8 OCTOBER 2008. The editor is always on the lookout for articles and photos of what quilters have been doing so feel free to contact her if you have anything to share. Is your quilt group holding a show or hosting a quilt-related event? Provide us with all the details and we’ll list it in the calendar.
The first priority for our newsletter is to be a newsletter, reflecting the diverse and remarkable activities of our Guild and our members.

Contact the editor via email: editor@quiltersguild.nsw