Quilt Study Group 2015 : May Meeting

Strip Pieced Quilts : we've all probably tried this type of quilt construction, however it can be argued that the next Guest Speaker for the Quilt Study Group is a maestro at these methods!

On the 2^nd of May 2015, Trudy Brodie will give a presentation on the versatility of Strip Piecing. 

She has incorporated this piecing method into many of her quilts, such as Lattice and Log Cabin.

These will be featured to show the style of Trudy’s quilts.

Quilt Study Group gives attendees the ability to see at first hand a Guest's own quilts, as well as the ability to share their own collection or creations that emulate the style being showcased.

Thus please bring along examples of your own strip pieced quilts, such as log cabins, jelly roll quilts, string pieced quilts, etc to share.

Date   : Saturday May 2nd
Time   : 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Venue :  Meeting Room
              The Glover Cottages
              124 Kent Street
              Millers Point, Sydney.
Entry   : $5 for Members of The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc.
              $10 for other guests.


Afternoon Tea is provided.

Desperate Days call for Desperate measures!

In despair about ever finishing your SQS Entry? ( Delivery date is 10 June)
Need to get out of the house so there aren't any interruptions?
Need to visit a Quilt Shop for last minute threads, and / or binding fabric?

Knock all of these problems on the head with attendance at the Guild's next

For those who aren't aware, the previous Pop-Up Day needed to be rescheduled, so why not take advantage of this next Pop-Up Day to finish off your Quilt Show Entry.

Hobbysew Top Ryde, have "come to the party again" and offer their vast well-lit workspace to Members of The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc., to enable that last minute dash to the (quilted) finish of your entries. They will also be offering 10% discount on all purchases.

Maybe its just your label that needs to be done. 

Why not come along and enjoy seeing other entries "up close and personal" at this Guild event. 

Visit the in-store cafe for refreshments, and be inspired for your next quilt, by all of the amazing Hobbysew displays. 

Top Ryde City Shopping Centre - Level 2, Shop MM20 

For easy and direct access, enter via the Pope Street Carpark Entrance - Via Smith Street 

Shop MM2 faces into the car park near the Myers entrance

 Store Phone:  9877 5067 

Date   : Friday 22 May 2015

Time   : 10.30am - 3pm

Cost    : Nil (and there will be a Lucky Door Prize donated by Hobbysew)

Bookings : Guild Office ASAP (Volunteers are ready to take your name!)

Eastwood Patchwork Quilters

This glorious queen sized quilt, "Red and White Pinwheels" might become yours if a raffle ticket is purchased at the Biennial Quilt Exhibition being held by Eastwood Patchwork Quilters. Made by members, and beautifully machine quilted by member Kay Murray, this will be the First Prize for the lucky ticket holder. 

Monies received from the sale of raffle tickets, and profits from the Cafe (serving morning and afternoon teas and lunch,) will support Cord Blood Research and Christian Community Aid.

It doesn't seem possible that two years have already passed since the last colourful and creative quilt show was held by Eastwood Patchwork Quilters at Brush Farm House. Once again attendees can expect to see a fabulous display of quilts of all sizes and themes from a very dynamic group. So, please, put this information in your diary now, as attending their 2015 Exhibition will not disappoint!

Complementing the exhibition will be the availability of fabrics and sewing 'needs and wants' being offered by Cottage Quiltworks, Kim Bradley Creations, Quiltsmith and Wabi-Sabi Designs.

Dates    : Friday 1st May to Sunday 3rd May 2015

Times    : 10.00am - 4.30 pm

Venue   : Historic Brush Farm House

               Lawson Street, Eastwood.

Entry     : Free (Donations are welcome)

Enquiries : 0412717927

BOQ : Hourglass

Erica Spinks (BOQ Co-ordinator) has put together a very easy block pattern for members this quarter, and with Sydney Quilt Show Entries probably 'done and dusted' this stress free block could be  attended to with one's eyes shut!

The Hour Glass block is an extremely common name for a number of quilt blocks, and this month's BOQ is a variation of the Hour Glass, sometimes referred to as Buck-eye Beauty, or, simplified Jacobs Ladder.

In fact there are more than 16 names, historically, that have been attributed to the Hour Glass block, extremely simple to both cut and construct.

Full details of colours and prints required and cutting information can be found on page 29 of the February 2015 edition of 'The Template'

Completed blocks may be brought to the Burwood Meeting on Saturday 16th May, 2015, or posted to reach the Guild Office by Tuesday 12th May

Living Colour Exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery 18 April-27 May 2015

Living Colour! is a travelling textile art exhibition curated by Brenda Gael Smith and featuring the work of many Guild members including Jenny Bacon, Sue Dennis, Robyn Eves, Dianne Firth, Kay Haerland and Carolyn Sullivan.

Living Colour! tours next to Gosford Regional Gallery, Gosford, Australia from 18 April – 27 May 2015.  Come along to the opening and curator floor talk at 2pm on Saturday 18 April.  Other curator floor talks at 2pm on Saturday, 2 May and Saturday, 16 May 2015.  All welcome!

Springwood Community Quilt Show 2015

Springwood are celebrating 10 years of Quilt Shows with their upcoming exhibition next week, and in honour of the event, their Raffle Quilt this year is truly gorgeous. The hand pieced design is based on an original vintage 1930's quilt and is made up of typical 30's (reproduction) fabrics.

'Local' Blue Mountains lady, Rhonda Pearce will be featured as Guest Quilter. Most quilters will know of Rhonda as having owned "Post Office Patchwork" in Glenbrook, and those who witnessed the creation of her Baltimore Classic were unsurprised by her 1st Place in the Professional Applique section, and Viewers Choice Awards at the 2013 Houston Quilt Show. Her quilts are a visual delight.

Rhonda's Quilt Display will be complemented by the usual fabulous quilt exhibition from local quilters, stalls selling craft goodies, and a cafe stop for those needing refreshments.

Please do come to the mountains for a day and support Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service, and Textile Studies at Springwood High School. All will be welcome!

Dates and times     :  Friday     24th April  10-4pm

                                 Saturday 25th April  11- 4pm

                                 Sunday 26th April   10-4pm

Venue : Springwood High School Hall

              Grose Road, Faulconbridge.

              (watch for the signs on the highway at Faulconbridge)

Admission : $6

Pop-Up Sewing Day : April 2015

Not the Easter Bunny . . but you'd be a bunny to miss the next Pop-Up Sewing Day!

Hobbysew Top Ryde will co-host the next Pop-Up Sewing day with The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc.

Shoppers who usually patronise this store will already know that they are Australia's largest Quilting and Patchwork store, offering a vast array of fabric, accessories, sewing furniture and an in-store "Craft Cafe"

Members who attended the inaugural Pop-Up day a few weeks ago will have, no doubt, already registered for this next event through the Guild's Office, as there has been excellent feedback received by the committee.

This month there will again be a Lucky Door prize and 10% discount offered on purchases.

Numbers will probably be limited to 25, and at this month's event those who bring their machines will find plenty of room to set up, as the venue is large and light filled.

The good thing to know is that ample parking is under cover, right at the door, so no need to transfer a sewing machine any distance.

The best carpark entrance is :

Top Ryde City Shopping Centre - Level 2, Shop MM20 

For easy and direct access, enter via the Pope Street Carpark Entrance - Via Smith Street
 Store Phone:  9877 5067

For those using public transport, take the lift to level 2 and follow the signs to Hobbysew. There are a number of buses to Top Ryde City Shopping centre and it is best to visit the Public Transport Information Website to plan your journey.

The instore Hobbysew Craft Cafe has reasonably priced coffee, drinks, cakes & light lunches, however, members are welcome to bring their own lunch. 

Alternatively there are plenty of lunch options in the shopping centre.

Date  :  Friday 10th April

Time : 10am - 3pm

Venue : Hobbysew Top Ryde

              Shop MM2 faces into the car park near the Myers entrance

Cost   : (Nil) 

Please note : This event is for Members Only

Please book through the Guild Office 

1st Pop-up Sewing Day : Report

Members of The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc who gathered at Quiltsmith last week for the inaugural Pop- up Sewing Day revelled in the convivial atmosphere that only a group of like minded quilters can fully understand and appreciate.
Passers by may have heard many 'Ooh's and Ahh's' and a fair degree of laughter, emanating from the large workroom that Quiltsmith provided for the 10am - 3pm day of shared wisdoms, sewing and  socialisation.

A number of participants were busily putting final touches to their Sydney Quilt Show entries, and it was a privilege to see in detail several of the 'Red and Whites' being created for this year's Challenge.

Complimentary tea and coffee (and cakes) were much appreciated, and whilst there was a little good-humoured chiding about "it being rigged", the Lucky Door vouchers went to the very delighted Lynette T, and Salley G. There was absolutely no difficulty in 'cashing' these in, as Quiltsmith offers an extensive choice of glorious fabrics and sewing essentials.

4 members of the Management Committee also partook in the fun, and enjoyed talking to several younger members.
If a member can't usually attend the Saturday 'Burwood Meetings' then these Pop-Up days will be a great way to feel part of the Guild.

A big 'Thankyou' to the President Linda Butcher and her committee for organising this event, and to Melinda Smith and Quiltsmith staff for generously offering their premises, and friendly, fabric help . . .
everyone had such a lovely day!

Members, please keep an eye on Template Free - 'the blog', for more information about the next Pop-up Sewing Day.
It will be at Hobbysew, Top Ryde on Friday April 10th, 10am - 3 pm.
A Booking can be made through the Guild Office, now, and again numbers will be limited.

It's always enjoyable to see 'new faces' and new quilts, so do think about attending the next Pop-Up Sewing Day.

Your attendance will be most welcome!

Call for Entries: World Quilt Competition 2015

If you have ever wanted to share your quilts internationally, the World Quilt Competition is a great opportunity to tour in the United States to quilt shows run by Mancuso Show Management. Accepted entries will premiere at the World Quilt Show – New England XIII (13-15 August 2015) and tour on to the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza, QuiltFest Oasis Palm Springs, the Pacific International Quilt Festival and possibly other venues from August 2015 through January 2016.

Innovative & traditional entries compete for over US$10,000 in cash, prizes & awards including Best of World, Best Use of Colour, Best Traditional, Best Innovative, Best of Country & Viewer’s Choice.
Many countries are represented including Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom & the United States. (A country must have ten entries to qualify for the Best of Country award.)

Entries can be submitted online, by e-mail or by post. The closing date for entries is 18 May 2015.

Special Note for Sydney Quilt Show Entrants

If you would like the World Quilt Australian Coordinator to collect your entry after the Sydney Quilt Show this year to send onto the World Quilt Competition, please sure to notify the Exhibition Secretary as soon as possible.

Please direct any queries to info@worldquiltaustralian.com

March 2015 Friday Showcase Report

The 'unsung hero' of quilting is often discovered at a Friday Showcase and Jan Foster is no exception.

We all 'know' Jan, but as she lives in rural NSW, it is only her local quilt circle who may really be au fait with Jan's creative and technical finesse with a long arm. 

At the March Friday Showcase, city Members were able to observe in greater detail the superb results of Jan's meticulous and extraordinary quilting skills, accompanied by a self-deprecating, yet humorous expose of the artistic journey that has brought Jan to become a well respected and loved teacher on the Central Coast.

In short, we were all gobsmacked by Jan's beautiful quilting.

From her own whole cloth designs to 'edge-to-edge' to Custom work, Jan obviously treats each stitch in each pattern or repeat with care, and considered judgement.

Thankyou Jan, for allowing us the privilege of being able to discover, touch and appreciate your lovely creations.

The next Friday Showcase will be on Friday May 1st, in the Guild Office.

All members are welcome to attend. Entry is $5, and bringing 'your own cup' is most appreciated.

Up coming Quilt Exhibition : Armidale.

The Quilters and Patchworkers of New England are putting the final stitches to their Annual Quilting Exhibition.
Its not too late to plan a trip to this beautiful area of NSW, and with Autumn in full swing, the colours of this rural paradise will be visually uplifting, and stop-offs at local interest spots, wineries and eating venues, will keep the non-quilting visitors just as happy.

Detail of 2015 Raffle quilt.

Robyn Wood, one of the organisers of the exhibition reports : "The Proceeds of our raffle quilt for 2015 will go to the Music Therapy Program run by the New England Conservatorium of Music.
The program provides services to children from 18 months of age, to children making the transition to school, teenagers through to adults in their 60s with a variety of different needs, but mainly for those with autism spectrum disorder, dementia and acquired brain injury (through accident, drug or alcohol abuse).

This area of NSW is 'home' to many quilters, so come and support their lovely exhibition this year.

Dates   : Saturday - Sunday 28-29 March 2015
Venue  : Legacy House, Faulkner Street, Armidale.
Opening Hours : Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm
                            Sunday 9.00am - 4.00pm
Entry Fee : $5

Brief report : Feb General Meeting 2015

Members attending last month's General Meeting at Burwood RSL were 'entertained' by the gifted and vibrant Guest speaker, Fiona Hammond. 

A colourful and visually inspiring slideshow of Fiona's textural and textile journey was accompanied by a hands on display of amazingly beaded and embellished jewellery, quilts, bowls and 3D fabric whimsy.

Kate Quilts hadn't any difficulty enticing many to purchase her lovely fabric packs and patterns,

and, the "Demonstration" at the commencement of the day, was a timely and extremely worthwhile, instructional presentation by Deborah Laurie, guiding members through the new procedure of submitting their Sydney Quilt Show Entry online.

The afternoon is always made even more colourful with "Show and Tell" and the first General Meeting 'back', in a New Year, consistantly produces a lovely array of quilts completed during the summer break.

The next General Meeting of The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc. will be the Country Meeting on Saturday 21st March, in Tuncurrry, where textile artist and quilter Jan Irvine-Nealie will be the Guest Speaker.

Quilt Exhibition : Wonga Park, Victoria

Quilts in the Barn 

Presents

Margaret Sampson-George

A Life's Journey : The work of a quilt teacher and her students

The Big Red Barn at Wonga Park, will be the venue for a very special quilt exhibition.

Wonga Park is a leafy outer suburb, approximately 1 hours drive from Melbourne Airport.

Highlighting the delightful quilts of Margaret Sampson-George, attendees will also be able to see many of the quilts created by Margaret's students from over the years.

This extremely popular and gifted teacher has inspired a generation of quilters with her whimsical ideas and unique approach to quilt design. Her delightful manner and excellent teaching keeps aficionados coming back for more, year after year, and this exhibition is a culmination of hard work and dedication from the many quilters who have been fortunate enough to learn from Margaret.

Highlights from the exhibition will be 

• 2 x 1 hour workshops with Margaret each day
• Fabric and quilting accoutrements, handmade items, and patterns for sale
• Pop-up Shop
• Refreshments
• AND

        A Raffle showcasing the Quilt as detailed above, along with many runner-up fabric pack prizes.

This event proudly supports beyondblue  Hope. Recovery. Resilience. 

Dates : Friday & Saturday 27th & 28th March 2015

Times 10.00am - 4.00pm

Venue : 23 Hartley Road, Wonga Park, Victoria

Entry : $8.00

Email:   linenandraspberry@gmail.com

Sydney Quilt Show 2015 Button

The Sydney Quilt Show, the annual members' exhibition of the Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc, runs from 17-21 June 2015 at Glebe Island. Please assist in promoting the show by adding the 2015 quilt show 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:  Entries close on Friday 13 March 2015.   Complete the Online Entry Form or Postal Entry Form today!

Lest We Forget Quilt Challenge : Update

The Craft Team at Expertise Events have informed The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc. of an extension to the Due Date for the Mini Quilt Challenge "What ANZAC Means To You"

The Lest We Forget Quilt Challenge was first blogged in Template Free in November 2014.

The New Deadline has been extended to Sunday March 15 for online entry and Quilt Image submission.

Information about the Challenge and links to the Conditions of Entry and online Entry Form can be found  on the AQC website 

There is still time to submit an entry as each entry need only be 25cm square!

Sydney Quilt Show 2015: Entries Closing Soon

There is just ONE week until closing time for entries into this year's Sydney Quilt Show.  Complete the Online Entry Form or Postal Entry Form today!

When entering, please also include your Volunteer Form. A posted Volunteers Form will need to be received at the Guild Office by 13 March (an online form can be received up until 1st May) 

All Volunteers will receive the Badge as illustrated : a very striking detail from this year's Raffle Quilt, designed and made by  Helen Godden and her mother Pat Godden.

The Art of Needlework : Bundanoon Exhibition

Bundanoon  is having a Birthday! 

Gazetted 150 years ago, the town has current locals working very hard to provide activities that help celebrate  the history and heritage of this town - originally an area that provided a meeting place for the Wadi-Wadi and Gandagara peoples. 

Bundanoon is approximately 140km south west of Sydney : just 90 minutes of driving time.

One of the highlights of the Bundanoon Celebration Calendar will be a needlecraft exhibition  that pays homage to the creativity of residents since 1865.

Advertised as "The Art of Needlework : Past and Present" this historic display has been curated by the members of 'Needles and Natter' a social needlecraft group, in collaboration with The Southern Highland Quilters Guild, the CWA, and local patchwork and machine sewing groups.

Sponsored by the Bundanoon Community Association, this exhibition will showcase current needlework, historic Wedding Gowns, Christening Gowns, and other handmade apparel and useful domestic items, such as tablecloths etc.

There will be a Sales Area, where the offloaded stash from other sewers can be purchased.

So, with only a few weeks to go, please diarise this event and support the needleworkers of The Southern Highlands.

Venue : Soldiers' Memorial Hall  

              (the main street of Bundanoon)

Date     : 21st & 22nd March 2015

Times   :  9am -  4pm

Enquiries :  Pat Wheaton - ph 02 4883 7463  Email : folly42@bigpond.com

March 2015 Friday Showcase

Any attendees at a Friday Showcase over the past couple of years will instantly recognise our next presenter!

Jan Foster is one of the delightful Showcase team who research and provide a diverse and interesting line up of Guest Quilters, entertaining all with their story telling and sharing of quilts, and now, Jan herself is in the spotlight!

Many will also know Jan as a highly accomplished Longarm machine quilter who manages her business under the moniker Red Shed Quilting.

This home service, originating from premises at the end of Jan's driveway, has now become a burgeoning business in a commercial outlet, offering sewing days, visiting tutors, domestic machine quilting lessons, and all the while still providing absolutely gorgeous custom quilting for a growing client list, who all appreciate Jan's creative, careful and extremely artistic eye and her courteous and joyful manner. 

Jan is sure provide many "oooh and ahhh" moments at the next Friday Showcase being presented by The Quilters'Guild of NSW Inc.

Date : Friday March 6th
Time : 10am start

Venue : Guild Office 

All Welcome.