QuiltNSW 40th Anniversary Publication

 

To celebrate our 40th anniversary, QuiltNSW has published a full colour, catalogue-style softcover book featuring images of ALL of the quilts in the main members’ exhibition of the Sydney Quilt Show 2022.

The quilt photos are arranged by category across 120 pages with 4 quilts per page. 

Order online by 30 April 2023.

Call for Entries: The New Quilt 2024

 

QuiltNSW is excited that The New Quilt is returning to Hawkesbury Regional Gallery,, Windsor, NSW from 3 May to 23 June 2024. This juried survey exhibition, showcasing the art of quilting in a gallery setting, is open to any textile artist resident in Australia whether or not they are QuiltNSW members.

Note:

• artists may enter 1 or 2 quilts. Only 1 work per artist may be selected;
• there is no prescribed theme – submit your best work reflecting your creative practice;
• a quilt means stitched and layered materials using any technique; and
• 2–D, 3–D, installation work, ceiling hung work, work on stretcher bars and framed work are
  eligible subject to certain size restrictions.

 Download The New Quilt 2024: Conditions of Entry

The New Quilt Prizes

All selected entries are eligible for consideration for two new prizes:

• The New Quilt Prize ($1500)
• The New Quilt Prize Runner Up ($500).

Selectors: Ruth de Vos, Fiona Gavens and a representative of Hawkesbury Regional Gallery.

Key dates

• 1 April 2023: open call for entries with conditions of entry
• 1 October 2023: online entry form opens
• 1 February 2024: online entry form closes\6 March 2024: notification of selection by e–mail
• 18 April 2024: final date for delivery of artwork
• 3 May 2024: exhibition opens
• 23 June 2024: exhibition closes
• 24 June 2024: dispatch works back to artists

The New Quilt 2024: returning to Hawkesbury Regional Gallery

As announced at the general meeting on 18 August, QuiltNSW is excited to confirm that The New Quilt exhibition, showcasing the ART of quilting, is returning to Hawkesbury Regional Gallery from 3 May to 16 June 2024.

This juried survey exhibition is open to any textile artist resident in Australia whether or not they are QuiltNSW members. Note:

• there is no prescribed theme – submit your best work reflecting your creative practice;
• a quilt means stitched and layered materials using any technique;
• the quilt must be your original, non-traditional design; and
• 2-D, 3-D, installation work, ceiling hung work, work on stretcher bars and framed work are eligible subject to certain size restrictions. 

Share YOUR artwork. Start planning for 2024!

Please direct any queries to: thenewquilt@quiltnsw.com

QuiltNSW Exhibition 2022: 1 Week Reminder

 It's just one week until entries for the QuiltNSW Exhibition 2022 including the Sydney Quilt Show close at 5pm on Thursday 30 June 2022.

Don't leave it to the last minute, jump online and send us your ONLINE ENTRY FORM.

No matter what kind of quilts you make, there's a place for you share it in the Sydney Quilt Show. Quilts in progress are eligible for entry so long as you have completed your quilt top.

We look forward to showcasing the creativity of our members at the QuiltNSW Exhibition at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse from 21-23 October 2022.

Contact quiltshow@quiltnsw.com if you have any queries about your entry.

Call for Entries: QuiltNSW 2022 Exhibition

Share YOUR quilts! Entries are now open for the QuiltNSW Exhibition 2022 including the Sydney Quilt Show.

Enter online by 5pm on Thursday 30 June 2022 at www.quiltnsw.com

• For assistance with lodging an online entry or queries about your entry: quiltshow@quiltnsw.com
• For general questions or comments about the QuiltNSW Exhibition 2022: exhibition@quiltnsw.com
• For information about the vendor marketplace: marketplace@quiltnsw.com

Resources:

• Membership form: entrants must be financial members for 2021/2022 and/or 2022/2023
• Conditions of Entry including categories and awards. Key changes for 2022 are highlighted below.
• Worksheet: review the worksheet to gather all the information that you will need to complete the online entry form.
• Flowchart: no matter what kind of quilt you make, there’s a place for you to share it.  Follow the flowchart to help you choose your category.

Highlights from the Conditions of Entry

1. Eligibility: This is a members' exhibition. Entrants must be financial members for 2021/2022 and/or 2022/2023. New and returning members are welcome - invite a friend! Renew or join online at: QuiltNSW Membership Form
2. Entry fee: 1 quilt $30. 2 quilts $40.
3. Cancellation & Refunds: QuiltNSW may cancel the exhibition. If the cancellation occurs before the quilts are received for judging, you will receive a $10 refund. If the cancellation occurs after the quilts are received for judging, no refunds are payable.
4. Limit of 350 Quilts & Selection Ballot: QuiltNSW has set a limit of 350 quilts in the members’ exhibition having regard to space and resource considerations. Please ensure that you nominate your preferred quilt as your first choice. In 2022, if we receive valid entries for more than 350 quilts, a ballot will be conducted of second choice entries to a number we consider manageable. If your second choice quilt is not selected due to the ballot, you will be refunded $10.
5. Postage: Entrants who elect to have their quilts sent and/or returned by mail are liable for all postal costs, regardless of location. (Previously only interstate and overseas entrants had to pay return postage). We are looking to expand our network of Drop Off Volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about this important role, please contact quiltshow@quiltnsw.com.
6. Prizes: groups and individuals sponsor prizes at the Sydney Quilt Show. Because of their generosity, we will be able to allocate cash/voucher and product to the quilts awarded a 1st place in each category, excellence or special award. All prize winners will receive a rosette and certificate.
7. Choosing Your Category: Review the definitions and conditions and choose the category that best suits your quilt. The decision for the category entered is your responsibility. Refer to the flowchart for assistance in choosing your category.
8. Blue & White Special Themed Category 20: The Blue and White category is only open to individual members including 'quilted by another’. Juniors, groups and members who are two person collaborators may submit a blue and white quilt into their usual category. If you are entering the Blue and White category and your quilt is 'quilted by another' and we do not receive enough entries to create a ‘quilted by another’ sub category, your quilt will be moved to category 5 or 10 depending on whether you are an amateur or a professional. We will endeavour to display all blue and white quilts together. If you enter the Blue and White category and quilted your own quilt, you may nominate for the awards Best Contemporary Quilt or Best Traditional Quilt.
9. Quilt Tops Must be Completed at time of Entry: quilts in progress are eligible for the Sydney Quilt Show 2022. However, as a minimum, the quilt top must be complete at the time of entry.  We encourage you to progress your quilts as much as possible prior to entry so you know your work will be show-ready in time and withdrawals are avoided.

Other Reminders:

• If you are planning on entering Entrant’s Quilt Top Quilted by Another (Categories 5 and 10), please ensure that your quilter is a current QuiltNSW member. QuiltNSW Membership Form
• Ensure that your quilt size matches your submission. The show layout is dependent on this information.  It is used for the layout of all the quilts for the show and all the equipment that is used to hang your quilts.
• QuiltNSW respects the rights of First Nation People to own and control their heritage. Therefore, entrants should not incorporate design elements into their quilts without consent of the owners.
• Include proper attribution to the design source for your quilts, and if applicable design consent from the copyright holder. (Design consent is not required for a commercially available pattern.) Please obtain design consent prior to commencing work on your quilt.
• All entries in category 13: Art Quilts must be your own original design, not a copy or a variation of another artist’s design in any medium.

Key dates:

• Opening Date for Entries: Monday 6 June 2022
• Closing Date for Entries: Thursday 30 June 2022 (5pm Sydney Time)
• Acceptance Notification Dispatched:  Monday 15 August 2022
• Deadline for Quilts to be delivered to Drop Off Volunteers: Wednesday 28 September
• Deadline for Quilts to be collected from Drop Off Volunteers: Sunday 30 October 2022

Save the date for QuiltNSW Exhibition 2022

 QuiltNSW proudly presents the QuiltNSW Exhibition 2022 at the Grand Pavilion, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Sydney from Friday 21 October to Sunday 23 October 2022 (10am-4pm daily).

Save the date! This exciting event includes the Sydney Quilt Show, a selection of prize winning quilts from the 2021 online show and a vendor marketplace.

Share your quilt! Entries open on Monday 6 June 2022 and close at 5pm Thursday 30 June 2022 (Sydney time). Online entry only.

Special Announcement: Coming Soon!

Come along to the QuiltNSW Zoom Meeting at 10am on Saturday 19 March for an exciting quilt show update! Register for Zoom meeting.

 

From these Curtains: Craft Alive Newcastle

The 2019 Suitcase Challenge From These Curtains was exhibited for the first time at the Craft Alive event in Newcastle, NSW from 11-13 March 2022 and will continue on tour across Australia in 2022. Look out for a Craft Alive event near you. Book a ticket!

By way of background, QuiltNSW had a wonderful sewing day at NSW Government House. The Governor Mr David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley visited the group during the day and were very interested in our individual projects and quilts. QuiltNSW was later approached to see if we would be interested in recycling some curtains from Government House. This became the basis of the suitcase challenge.

For maker credits, please see the online gallery: From These Curtains 

Thanks to BERNINA Australia for their continuing support.

 

Sydney Quilt Show 2021 Online

QuiltNSW is committed to providing members with opportunities to share their quilts and to celebrate creativity. With the welcome easing of health restrictions in NSW, the Exhibition Subcommittee is proceeding with the plan to present the Sydney Quilt Show 2021 online. This is a virtual event where ALL of the quilts are judged in the cloth, photographed and then displayed online.

258 entrants are participating in the online show. The Exhibition Subcommittee is very excited by this response and buoyed by the encouragement and enthusiasm of the entrants' comments in their participation forms. Thank you!

The awards ceremony will be a special online event and everyone is invited! Watch this space! All prize winners will receive a ribbon and a rosette. The BERNINA Best of Show will be awarded a sewing machine sponsored by BERNINA Australia and there will be a mix of cash and voucher prizes for the Special Awards and First Prize winners. THANK YOU to all of the sponsors. Please support them in return.

Sydney Quilt Show 2021 Update

The pandemic continues to present challenging and uncertain conditions for event organisers. QuiltNSW was hoping to open the Sydney Quilt Show this week but instead the exhibition subcommittee is working hard on arrangements for a rescheduled event. Here is an update based on our current understanding of COVID conditions. 

New Show Dates: 1-5 September 2021

In partnership with Expertise Events, QuiltNSW is preparing to present the Sydney Quilt Show 2021 in conjunction with the Craft & Quilt Fair at Sydney Showground from Wednesday 1 September to Sunday 5 September from 10am to 4pm daily. (QuiltNSW may postpone or cancel the 2021 show but any postponed show dates will be no later than 1 October 2021.) 

We look forward to celebrating creativity with you on these new show dates.

Extension of 2021 Raffle 

The date for drawing the 2021 Raffle has been changed to 3pm Sunday 5 September 2021 at the Sydney Quilt Show. (If the show does not proceed, the raffle will instead be drawn at the QuiltNSW office at 12 noon on Friday 3 September.)

The prizes are:

• 1st Prize: Tea Rose hand-pieced and donated by Sue Cody (pictured left below) and hand quilted by Kaynka Powning (value $4500)
• 2nd Prize: The Narrawallee Star custom-quilted by Kaye Jamieson of Quilting Quarters  (value $3000)
• 3rd Prize: BERNINA 325 sewing machine (value $1499)
• 4th Prize: Quilter’s Basket (value $350)
• 5th Prize: Horn Sewing Chair (value $279)

Stitching in the Sticks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

General Meeting at Burwood RSL - Saturday 15 May

Our next General Meeting will be held on Saturday 15 May at Club Burwood RSL, from 10 am to 3 pm. You will hear reports from the President and Committee members as well as from coordinators of the groups and other activities.

Fabric Garden will be on hand to meet all your retail needs.

Award-winning quiltmaker to the stars, fearless leader of the Glitterati, and spiller of truth tea, Molli Sparkles is our guest speaker.

Molli originates from small town USA but has called Sydney home for over sixteen years. He has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Sydney.

He started his journey with textiles in 2012 after deciding he wanted to make his grandmother a quilt. He likes drinking champagne while sewing, and if there's one thing he's learned, it's just fabric, you can't break it!

Bookings are essential as capacity is limited to 60 people.

When: Saturday 15 May, 10 am - 3 pm

Where: Club Burwood RSL, 6 Shaftesbury Rd, Burwood 2134

Bookings: Essential, book here.

Friday Showcase featuring Lynn Hewitt - Friday 7 May 2021

We are pleased that Friday Showcase has returned for 2021. Our first event will be held on Friday 7 May and will feature Lynn Hewitt.

In 30 years, Lynn Hewitt has made many quilts, and she enjoys doing workshops, learning new techniques and developing new skills. After a workshop, she often wonders what if she might make it again in another colour, or a different size or shape.

 At the May Friday Showcase, Lynn plans to show several quilts which have resulted after " What if?", as well as her very first quilt, and her latest, a modern quilt.

Friday Showcase will be held again this year at the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts (SMSA) in the Auditorium on Level 1. Doors will open at 10.45 am for an 11 am start (note this is one hour later than previously) and numbers will be limited to 60 people.

Bookings are essential and payment is required at the time of booking. 

 
We recommend you bring a mask to wear when looking at the quilts at the end of the presentation. 

Refreshments will not be available in the office before or after Friday Showcase due to the reduced office capacity (currently 10 persons). However, there is a cafe at street level.   

When: Friday 7 May, 10.45 for 11 am start
Where:  Level 1, Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street Sydney
Cost: $5 for QuiltNSW members, $10 for non-members
Bookings: Essential, book and pay here, maximum 60 people

Pop-Up Sewing Day: 17 April at Stitched 'n' Framed, Port Macquarie

One of the many advantages of being a QuiltNSW member is the opportunity to attend Pop-Up Sewing Days at venues throughout NSW.

The next Pop-Up Sewing Day is on 17 April at Stitched 'n' Framed, Port Macquarie.

The Mid North Coast of New South Wales has been devastated by recent flooding. By coincidence the next Pop Up Sewing Day will be held at Port Macquarie, which was one of the badly affected areas, on Saturday April 17. To support the area, why not “Pop Up” in Port Macquarie for the day at Stitched ‘n’ Framed 18/14 Acacia Avenue, 9.30 am to 1.30 pm, there are still spaces available and they would appreciate your attendance.

Remember this day is FREE for QuiltNSW members to attend and you only have to bring your sewing, either hand or machine and a mug for morning tea which will provided by Jenny and her team at Stitched ‘n’ Framed.  You can bring some lunch if you wish. 

There is ample parking outside the shop at the front and on the opposite side of the road.  Hope to see you soon.
Jenny Chapman – Pop Up Sewing Day Coordinator

When: Saturday 17 April from 9.30 am - 1.30 pm
Where: Stitched 'n' Framed, 18/14 Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie
Bookings essential:  QuiltNSW members only - book here. 

To take advantage of activities such as these, consider joining QuiltNSW. You can become a member here.

Looking Back Looking Forward exhibition: Campbelltown Arts Centre until 9 May 2021

Featuring textile works by QuiltNSW members, Barbara Gower and Yvonne Line, and other artists, the Macarthur Textile Network presents their exhibition, Looking Back Looking Forward.

Where: Campbelltown Arts Centre, One Art Gallery Road Campbelltown.

Exhibition dates: 27 March - 9 May.

Opening hours:  daily, 10am - 4 pm.

In 2020 Macarthur Textile Network celebrated their 10th anniversary, and in 2021 they present their fourth and largest biennial exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Looking Back, Looking Forward features new contemporary textile works by Macarthur Textile Network artists that consider how the past impacts them, how it informs their view of the future, and how it influences and informs their work.

For more details, visit Campbelltown Art Centre website.

Rachaeldaisy Dodd Exhibition: Braemar Gallery until 11 April 2021

Head to the Blue Mountains for Into the Fold, an exhibition of quilts by Rachaeldaisy Dodd at Braemar Gallery:

• Address: 104 Macquarie Road, Springwood, NSW 2777 Free entry
• Exhibition dates: 18 March - 11 April 2021
• Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday | 10am – 4pm

Into the Fold looks at finding harmony between old and new through the art of quilt-making. Traditional techniques of fabric manipulation are studied and reinterpreted in a modern context. Concentric circles of folded fabric, gathered puffs, stitched details, repetitive geometry and balanced asymmetry all explore, develop, and expand the boundaries, but always with a nod to the roots of the craft. Through this exploration the works are taken from the conventional concept of pragmatism to the aesthetic, from the utilitarian blankets that quilts are known for, to artworks that be hung and appreciated for their concept as well as design.

Artist Website: www.rachaeldaisy.com

 

Last days: The New Quilt closes 11 April

Last days, don't miss out! The New Quilt exhibition continues at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, until Sunday 11 April. The gallery is located at Deerubbin Centre (Top Floor) 300 George St Windsor and is OPEN after recent flooding in the area.

Gallery Hours: 

• Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm 
• Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm 
• CLOSED Tuesdays & Easter Friday-Easter Monday (inclusive)

Download:

• The New Quilt Family Guide
• Search and Find Activity Sheet

The gallery is walking distance from Windsor Railway Station. Free, timed undercover parking is available for 47 cars in the Deerubbin Centre car park (access via Christie St). Free on-street parking in surrounding streets. Please check parking restrictions.

Contact the gallery at: gallery@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au or (02) 4560 4441 

 

The New Quilt: In-Gallery Artist Floor Talks now on YouTube

The New Quilt exhibition continues at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery until Sunday 11 April 2021. The gallery is open 6 days a week Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm. Closed on Tuesday and public holidays.

Here is a recording of In-gallery Artist Floor Talks where six artists share the inspiration and process for their artworks: Rachaeldaisy Dodd, Brenda Gael Smith, Barbara Gower, Carolyn Sullivan and Amie  Marilyn Andrews.

 

Sydney Quilt Show 2021 Reminder: 5 days to enter!

Calling all QuiltNSW member. Celebrate creativity and enter YOUR quilt into the Sydney Quilt Show 2021. ONLINE ENTRY ONLY Entries close at 5pm on Friday 19 March or when 320 quilts have been lodged, whichever is the earlier.

• Online Entry Form
• Categories & Conditions of Entry
• Worksheet
• Further information

Don't miss out. Jump online today!

Meet the Artist Thursday 4 March

 

Each Thursday throughout The New Quilt exhibition, apart from 1 April, an artist (or two!) will be in attendance at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery from 1-3pm. 

This week is Lorraine Parker with her artwork Rust & Decay.

• Who: Lorraine Parker 
• When: 1-3pm Thursday 4 March
• Where: Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre (Top Floor) 300 George St Windsor
• Access: Walking distance from Windsor Railway Station. Free undercover parking is available for 47 cars in the Deerubbin Centre car park. Free on-street parking in surrounding streets. Please check parking restrictions.

This is a free event. Bookings are recommended but you are welcome to just drop in. Book via Eventbrite

Lorraine also shares some background to her artwork in this short video: Meet the Artist: Lorraine Parker