Material Obsession

cock-a-doodle-doooooooo

What do you see?  One of the things we work on consistently in classes is deciding on what we see and how to bring it to life.  The longer I quilt the more committed I become to making quilts that rely on my own decisions.  Patterns, tools and fabrics all help to bring it together in varying degrees but the "I" in quilt is important.  It is how we committ to telling the story.  So, in Out of Line we looked at the work of Mark Hearld's Workbook (thank you Bronwyn for giving me the book!) and started thinking.

It started as a bit of a mess as most of our projects do!  There is a process to this kind of quilt that is fun and revealing...go there if you dare!
Here is our starting point, a rooster full of shape, texture, colour and attitude!  Plenty of room for interpretation.  We got started and soon the chook yard started to fill with individuals...
There was Kantha chook,
Curry Chook and headless chook (we all know who that is!)

 

Then there was the mad crazy chook..
until the yard was full...

There is something important in the process of thinking about what we see.  As we make decisions about the fabrics, consider the technique and engage our imagination things start to happen before our eyes.  We have the elements at our fingers to create great fun things and in so doing cement what we like...what colours...what textures...what scale or shape.  Our identity firms up in our own minds strengthening all future ideas....its something to crow about! k

How we work

I am looking at the various processes that people use to make their quilts.  Sue Cody has a care filled process that allows her to see where she is and where she is going.  When I see her work in progress I always want to go where she's going...like with these triangles.  They just look so beautifully and tidy.

I frequetly get distracted watching how Wendy works as well.  Her demonstrations in class are always inspiring.  Here she is working out blocks for the next bom...yes...the current ones are nearly done so we are getting next year's programs ready and the blocks get a work out in classes...

It is nice to see Kaffe's Rice Bowls making a resurgence!

And isn't this a beauty on the way...












Such wonderful variety and lots of great projects on the way.  It is enough to make our heads spin...as mentioned, the last lot of our block of the month programs are getting packed up so I am off...k

May

May is a big month at MO.  It brings our block of the month program to its final month!  The Twist Again quilt si full of interesting blocks and piecing challenges.  We incorporate acrylic template sets, foundation and even paper piecing into this skill building program while challenging the traditional, contemporary and pretty fabric categories in the shop so that there is an ecclectic mix of fabrics.  When finished, this is a quilt that you look at and think, I learned a lot along the way.  That is one of the things about quilting that I love the  most...never time to get bored as there is so much to learn.  It is so much about adding layers of understanding to our use of fabric and technique while telling a story.  We acknowledge the past while but live now and our quilts show that in so many ways.

 

Mother's Day always makes me ponder the meaing of mom.  I am not one to worry much about being fussed over and that is a good thing in my house.  To want outward signs of affection would be to set myself up for disappointment so best to relax back and just know.  Although it is at times difficult to tell what they are thinking, feeling, wanting...DOING! I know my boys love me.   Cath reminded me in a moment of doubt last week that it is all about the book from a few decades back, I'm OK, You're OK. If we assume it is all good, it is all good.  So yesterday started like any normal day except I got a smile and a greeting from each of the boys.  A huge step up from the normal grunt.  Number one son actually stopped for flowers and chocolates on his way home from the gym...(I think he needs money for yet another European vacation ...)
There was a bustle in the kitchen as breakfast was prepared...about 2pm!  (Better late than never) and the usual camera avoidence techniques in play.

After breakfast everyone resumed their normal routines of study, car washing, rugby on tv and all was well.  The embarrassing part of the day passed with little to no mention of feelings.  In the back of my mind all day I wanted to talk about how important it is to acknowledge what others do for us.  Mothers Day isn't for me, the mom, but rather for them to learn how to express themselves.  Little things mean Then later when I finally put my head on the pillow I realised we are all of the same stuff.... happiest going about our day doing what we want to do and not making too much of a fuss about each other and that's what makes our family us.

On the other side of the globe my family has teenagers about to graduate from high school and move on to college.  Kat, #5 is leaving behind a fierce team of Volleyball players and so much more as she moves on to college.  The emails about reviewing roommates options on Facebook sounds fun! 

My other niece has just been awarded with a local scholarship as she also heads off to college.  

That means that four grandchildren in the Gowland family will wrap up high school in 2012 and bring about the end of an era!!! 

Another May event is about wool...wool is on fire in the shop.  Wooly bits are turning into beautiful things before our very eyes.  Wendy has just introduced this wooly duo made with soft flannel flower colours on flannelette in both a cushion and a scarf just in time for the quilt show season...

Wendy normally works in bright colours but how divine are these flowers in soft pink and grey.  There is nothing like the softness of a flannel flower, my favourite of the Australian flora.  There is no way when bush walking that I can pass them by without a moment to take in the unreal texture of these flowers and in the wool that feeling comes across load and clear.

A few months back, the woman behind this quilt (figuratively and literally) sat stumped at her sewing machine in frustration.  It was a moment we have all experienced.  What is nice about patchwork is that there is always someone there to push you through that awkward moment....we have all been there and can relate.  The other day I walked into the room to find said woman completely recovered and full of pride at having achieved!!!! She has combined Wendy's Bundle's Bag design with the Urban Owls pattern and made this quilt...and is now nearly finished hand quilting it.  So, congratulations, marvelous result.  And for all the rest of us, when sitting in a moment of "I can't go on!"  there is hope.  Here is more proof!

and more with Anne's Sunburst blocks...

And finally, because really, it is time to get moving this morning...Restraint...so named because a while back I made this quilt with only two fabrics.  Two fabrics is not my MO but I had seen this quilt in an antique book and loved it.  Even designed a simple template to make it so that it was a bit of a no brainer.

Now, a steps further into life and Megan has used the template, a bit of Victoria Findlay style made fabric and a variety of homespuns to make this one which she has appropriately named "No Restraint Here".

There is something a bit funky going on with my camera here but isn't it fantastic!  Look for a pattern and starter kits coming soon.  Time now to restrain myself and get a move on to work...lots to do!  k

 

good things to look at...

 

Gotta love a quilt show and all that it brings to the table.  For us, there is always the preparation that includes lots of decisions, packing, planning and team effort.  In a quiet moment I sat on the floor in the shop making packs of simply irresistable combinations of fabrics.  There is a calming delight in the process of assembling these packs.  

But once the show starts there is no stopping the energy.  It is a good time to inspect the quilts and then reconnect with our quilting friends.  The Eastwood Quilters did a beautiful job of presenting a lovely show of quilts at a high standard.  The from the quilts to the sandwiches it all went to plan demonstrating all the wonderful things about a show of quilts.  Community, sharing, conversation...

Opening night was full of the claps for and the smiles of the prize winners.

There were tables and tables of pretty craft. The best of show by Louise was made with French General fabrics and lots and lots of hours of applique and hand piecing.

Cath, as per usual, taking her roll as president of the NSW Quilters Guild most seriously!!!!

Here's Wendy feeling relief after the prizes were handed out after being on the judging panel.  

 Jill won a prize for the second time in a row she has won a prize and I am happy to say both times she did it with a Material Obsession BOM program.  This quilt looked spectacular.

I think that every show I have worked over the last 10 years I have been accompanied by this ever ready battery of a gal.  Carolyn is always there with a helpful attitude and a dogged determination to serve quilters looking for a treasure.  One of the treats at the booth this time was Wendy's flannel flower scarf and cusion. What a look!!!

We had watched this quilt being made at certain points in time.  It is one of those quilts that I find myself wondering about the moment it started.  There are a lot of personal decisions evident in the finished result which is captivating.

 

But the most special moment was meeting Charlotte.  She perused the booth and I could tell from across the room that she had a budding but keen interest in what was happening around her.  I can't resist a young quilter looking in at a lifetime of possibilities with fabric and thread.  We had a few small kits so I gave her one.  Low and behold the next day she returned with the finished block.

Congratulations to Charlotte and her beautiful work on this block.  We are looking forward to seeing what she can accomplish before the next show!!! The seed has been planted and lets watch it grow...of all the treasures at the show this was the most special moment! Many happy years to you quilting!!!! k

preparing

Life seems to be an endless stream of preparing, experiencing, reviewing and moving on to the next thing.  NEXT! is a common thought as one thing wraps up and the next thing rears up.  This week we are preparing for the Eastwood Quilt show which is this weekend at Brush Farm in Eastwood.  Somewhere someone is reveiwing rosters, floor plans and possibly sewing on bindings in preparation for the big weekend.   It is a great time to introduce quilting to a friend.  If you are planning on coming to the show this weekend it might be a good idea to bring a non quilting friend along.  I know Eastwood Quilters are making a big effort to turn beginners into quilting enthusiasts by showing quilts but also doing demonstrations!

Robyn not only works at MO on Mondays but is also the show convenor for Eastwood Quilters this year.  Normally enthusiastic and keen to get involved wherever she can she has worked hard to make this show really appealing to all kinds of people.  Here is a sign of Robyn's keen ingenuity!

 She has made a take along cutting mat, sandpaper board but over and above the commercial brands available she has also made pockets for small rulers and rotary cutters.  Lets give Robyn a clap because she did a beautiful job making these and I am sure they will sell fast on the craft stall.   The flap closes to reveal a properly insulated surface for ironing as well. 

Robyn isn't the only one that has been making beautiful things.  Each day somone at MO brings in a new item.  Of particular interest is where Cath is going with her wool bits.
Cath has found inspiration in a huge pile of saved greeting cards and turned them into treasures like this one framed and ready to hang on the wall!  How magnetic is it!?!  But wait, as the saying goes, there is more...

There are times when you see a made item that take you back.  This quilt makes me feel as though I am riding the back fence of our yard when I was 9.  We rode the rails as though they were horses whooping and laughing in chase of cowboys or indians.  Just the tiniest bits of childhood game memories are enough to bring that playful feeling right back.  I am in love with how this snuggle rug makes me feel...as if I am wrapped in warm reminders of the days of make believe!

We took some family time out to watch the number one son play rugby on Saturday.  Watching the big boys play is full of conflicting emotions. The sky was blue over the fig tree as we shared the bench with our opposing team parents.  It got a bit confusing working out which team to barrack for but it was a glorious time out.

Then we had another outing on Sunday to the Springwood Quilt show.  It was a lovely collection of a wide variety of quilts hung beautifully in a hall filled with craft stalls and a kitchen serving quilt show sandwiches and backed goods!

We came across this table of goodies and recognised Susana from Chop Chop Sew Design.  We met in the shop when Susana did Wendy's Working with Wool class.  Now look at her!  Making up lots of sweet things to buy...

I have also been working with the wool but for me it might be called wool for dummies!  Not one to get overly involved in stitches I can't remember or even worse...not one to be able to sit still long enough to enjoy process I go straight for simple.
Not quite finished but I am enjoying the work with wool. Cutting shapes and sewing in place is just plain fun!

And this week the prize for dressing to match your quilt goes to Kerry!  How fab is that sweater with that quilt!  On a serious note, that quilt has perfect balance.  Using so many colours can be tricky but Kerry has a real knack for working with her colours so that each one has it's own place. 

So, I am off to pack boxes of fun things to take to the show this weekend. I hope you are putting it on your calendar and bringing a friend as well to enlighten them to all the joys of living a quilting life.  Where would we be without it???? k

 

MO to the USA

Two years ago I attended Quilting by the Lake in Auburn, NY.  It was a magnificent week of sharing quilting ideas with quilters I had a lot in common with...and more importantly, quilters that were very different to me.  We stayed in college dorm rooms which brings an enlightened, rebellious, youthful tone to the day or I should say evening when we gathered to laugh and chat about our discoveries in the day.  I found this experience made me think and then grow.  How do we know how to expand if we don't interact on different levels???   What were my motivating decisions?  Why did I use certain colors, textures, fabrics? It was an opportunity to explore new ideas.  During the week I made this much progress on a quilt I never dreamed I would be able to make.

                

There were opportunities to hear lectures by "art quilters" during the week which were incredible. It occurred to me during my week at QBL that looking at my "traditional" work through the eye of the art quilter opened up my personal understanding. It made me understand and then justify my own choices.  In the process I grew to love my choices, move my barriers, delve into new areas and to hear myself think about what I was doing.  Like any form of exercise, there were moments of pain but at the other end...Joy!  Oh, that reminds me, my book Making Quilts (the promise of joy!) will soon  be available from C&T Publishing! 
New look...new GREAT price...this book will hit the stands later this year just in time for my classes at The Quilters Affair in Sisters (Yahoo!) and QBL in NY.  So east or west coast we're coming to you!  How exciting is that!!!

John always says I am a shameless queen of self promotion. His comment makes me snort.  I see it rather that I like to talk and sometimes the subject matter is me, the subject I know best.  In relation to this point, I am including an interview I did for Quilting by the Lake last year for their Facebook page.    I regularly get emails from people all over the world saying they'd love to do my class but live to far away!  Here's an opportunity to get in on the fun!

Quilting by the Lake 2013:
Interview with Teacher Kathy Doughty 
 

Kathy Doughty
Kathy is a 2013 QBL faculty member. We recently conducted an interview with her about what she will be teaching this upcoming year. 
 
1. What will you be teaching at Quilting by the Lake?
I will be teaching about using contemporary fabrics effectively. For the last 10 years I have been working with a wide range of quilters. Beginner quilters like my style because visually exciting results can be achieved. Experienced quilters are attracted to working with fabric in new ways. As we grow up we develop patterns of making decisions that inevitably limit our results. There are two classes that bring these concepts to life.
 
In Soul Searching the participants use their stash to realize the types of fabrics they choose to collect and also what they don't choose. This valuable experience helps them move forward selecting different options that will add interest and excitement to their quilts. 
 
In Fractured the pattern allows participants to exercise in the class the process of creating contrast which then helps to bring line and form to the quilts.
 
2. What will happen during your class?
In my classes the technique is not difficult so participants really learn to look at their fabric, hear their personal reaction and then to go forward making decisions that are their own. I teach these workshops and principles all the time and there is always an AH HA! moment in class when the participants become aware of how they were making decisions. The classes are fun, full of sharing and learning. I work with quilters every day so I know what they collect, what they don't collect and why so we discuss fabric and look at great options and methods of using fabric. In addition to using color we discuss the importance of the neutrals or backgrounds in our quilt.
 
3. How long have you been working with fibers?
I have been a quilter for 20 years but I have owned a patchwork shop for 10 years. I very much enjoy working with quilters on a daily basis to help them hear and see what they like themselves and to learn how to expand their own involvement with their creative process. It is one thing to make quilts that we see but it is another to learn how we make decisions, to be in tune with what motivates us with color and to really take ownership of our projects. When I started the shop I had limited experience as a quilter. Over the years I have worked intensively with a variety of teachers in the art of applique, piecing, color and template techniques.
At this point I have written 3 books. (two were co-authored).  My latest book, Making Quilts...the promise of joy is about learning to make decisions according to your own tastes.  By understanding what you are seeing either in fabric or technique it is easier to discern how to go about achieving those results.
                            
4. Why do you create?
I create to stay present in my life. The more I create the more I want to create. It is my way of interacting with my world. To make, to regard and to be happy is my life. I find that the more I look the more I see. Everywhere I go I notice pattern, color combinations and expressions of creativity that make my fingers ache to make. It doesn't have to be complicated or intense in process but rather a translation of what I see into what I can make. The more skills I learn the more I want to explore how to use them. It is also interesting to me to study how others create. I love to listen to musicians or artists describe their process and to relate that to my own. It is the voice of the soul and without it we are silent.
 
5. Other interesting facts about you or your class?
My classes are relaxed and personal.  I like people to achieve quality results so I am happy when everyone is working in the area that they need.  I like to spend as much time as possible with everyone in the class and to share the discoveries of one with all present.   I spend a lot of time talking about using the fabrics available to us now effectively.   The sharing in a workshop or class environment means we can all learn from each other.  My quilts are firmly based in traditional patterns but I take seriously the responsibility of being a quilting story teller of today.  It is exciting to be able to use the techniques and fabrics of today to create visually exciting quilts that speak about our environment today.

 

I'll also be stomping the streets of NYC for a week visiting old friends, and holding a Red Center Workshop at City Quilter... also from Making Quilts!

.  Grab a friend and indulge yourself this July with a week of soul searching and belly laughs!  Sign up here and ... QBL...lets get together! k

 

what I see

Tonight on the way home after a big day in Stash management we were talking about all the quilts on the go with a lot of enthusiam.  Carolyn remarked that it was a long time since the days when I was afraid to teach.  In some ways, I still am.  It is important to me that people in my classes get a bang for their money and time invested in my class.  However, I have to say it is a very rewarding and I have grown to love sharing techiniques while creating a creative forum where people feel free to do their own thing. 

My first class back was all about Medallion quilts inspired by Gwen Marstons Liberated Medallion book.  The idea is as simple as the stated goal, to make a medallion quilt with any aspect of the quilt the starting place.  Fabric, borders, applique or just a fab favorite.    Deidre is making a special memory quilt for her daughter.  For a long time she has saved this butterfly print for just the right quilt. 

The border is made using the Creative Grid Strip ruler.  Half square triangles were flying out of the machine in bright colours to compliment the medallion.  Of coarse you can never go astray with that Alexander Henry stripe either.  It is a fabric that just keeps on fitting in adding graphic energy. 

Last year at our Hunters Hill Quilt Christmas party the challenge was set to bring in the haunting  UFO's.  We all have them hiding in boxes, at the back of shelves and when they appear we are overwhelmed by the guilt of having abandoned the urge that started the quilt in the beginning.  So, Audrey brought her quilt along to give it some new life.  The fabric was already cut into 2 1/2'' strips.  So we are using an old trick to make sections with the old fabrics and adding in some new ones and...and...AND a dynamic medallion.

There is a long way to go here but the decisions were made and the future looks bright for this pile of stash.

 

In another corner of the room Marina worked quietly away on a project she brought from the Out of Lind class but it worked out in Medallions anyway!  Her quilt has a more modern approach made from the colorful fabric combinations, curved seams and added textures in the centre piece. Growing up greens and shadows bring the idea of a garden to life here.

Sue is completely new to MO but with a brave spirit dove in, decided what she liked and wanted to do and immediately a quilt was born...
Not everything at MO is made with colourful fabrics.  We also have a nice corner of French General and lots of soft florals waiting for an opportunity to hit the design wall.  I have always loved this bird fabric and was thrilled to see it coming together in a medallion quilt.

 

Denny has been cooking up a wild thang since last year.  What I like about a project like this is that at every junction Denny takes the time to do what needs to be done.  For example, the corners have wild growing vines that bring the imaginative origin of this quilt to life.  Imagination is very important in making quilts that tell our story.  That is our theme this year...to bring the imagination to life with texture and techniques.

Simple things like the mitred corners  engage the mind and frame the expanding jungle feel of this quilt which started with Freda.
 In the centre Denny could have done raw edge applique but doing the needle turn method worked a treat.

I guess one of the best things about a classroom situation is you can move easily from the wild thang to the sublime nature of a liberty stary quilt.  Wendy must have had a huge stash of Liberty to make this one of all the strippy scraps.  The stars are subtle drawing the eye into a game of discovery. 

Its a huge quilt and Wendy has decided to tie it instead of quilting.

Then over in another corner was Jenny.  Using Made Fabric squares from Jenny's day with Victoria Findlay Wolfe Jenny took to the Marcia Derse fabrics to offset the bright squares with a bit of tone control.

There were a few layouts until Jenny set on one she was happy with and tied it all together with a new Kaffe paisley stripe.  I am fascinated at the moment at the concept of blending colourful fabrics with  more tonal fabrics.  It is important to set a scene where the hot colours are grounded.

 

And another newcomer, Sarah spent some time working out how to proceed in a new direction...working without a pattern and just a pile of fabric from her stash.  First thing we did was add in some highlight colours.  Working from a range is fine but it is always a more personal outcome if you add in some surprise fabrics to liven up the range.
Sarah's picks had a hot orange, a great plaid and a hearty green to bring out some of the colours in the French countryside inspired fabrics.  The story was coming to life of birds in the trees, wine in the bottles and a bit of siesta time in the shade.

Somethings come together over time and Jackie's Tesselations have now got a border on them.

It is sometimes hard to push hard into a pieced border.  It is good to put down a project and come back to it with renewed energy to put an exciting border together.  These diamonds bring the shapes and colours of the inner dynamic blocks to the edge of the quilt.

And for just a hint of bling...

From Marg's class we have a few nearly finished beauties by Kim...who finds the most challenging ideas in quilt history to make quilts that bring a cheer to the room!

And as if that isn't enough for a lifetime... she has also done this little tribute to Alice...

It is the kind of quilt that draws you in and holds your funny bone as little discoveries are everywhere.  It is one thing to dream of quilts we might make one day and it is another to actually make them.  Imagine it, make it...now. k

Homespun features

This month in Homespun Magazine we are introducing Star Man, a quilt made from an assortment of flannels by Maywood Studios for that special guy in your family...you know the one, he never gets a quilt because mom always chooses floral fabrics!

It is a fun quilt to make that celebrates all the warm and wooly aspects of flannel.  This one in warm browns, blues, oragnes and greys is for the young dudes (all the young dudes...carry the tune...)BUT...But it could be for a not so girly gal as well if we add in the purples. Patterns and Kits are available on the website for queen size and with a few modifications, single bed size as well.  Get in quick so you can get this one made up before the weather turns from warm too cold! 

Homespun has a new editor!  We anticipate a few changes in the format of the magazine and well, change is always interesting.  As I was leafing through the magazine I found this beauty by Chris Jurd...

Chris is generally known for her foundation piecing but this one is a bit different.  It has a nicely updated traditional appeal and I wish I had designed it myself, truth be told!  We have lots of fabrics suitable for this quilt in stock.  We also have Chris teaching here on Fridays.  Next term there are two classes which would perfect for anyone wanting to learn, practice and improve foundation piecing skills.  We also have a bom  with Chris that has been very popular and will run it again next year if you are interested.

The other thing that is fascinating me at the moment is my set of Creative Grid Rulers.

If you know anything about me it all when it comes to making quilts there is nothing that gets me going faster than a new ruler.  Creative Grid has just introduced several new shapes that are begging me for a work out...get in line I say as there are already five quilts on the way for our quilt show release!!! Very exciting stuff.   However, I will say that if you have been collecting fabric and filling every nook and cranny in your house with material treasures these rulers are a great investment.  They look funny but are actually really, really REALLY supper fun for cutting multiples of half square triangles, 60 degree triangles and 90 degree triangles.  What that means is that when you have made your fabulous blocks and you want to sew them together you can do it with pizzazz by adding a pieced border made from scraps.

What else does it mean?  Well you can make wild and wacky quilts with all those treasures you have collected without buying anything else!!! Stash Management anyone?  Do you really just want to collect fabric without ever using it??? I DON'T.  While in my confinement I found it extremely satisfying to open my stash up and get busy.  All of these rulers use 2 1/2" strips.  It is a good way to sample through the stash without actually cutting too much.  If you want more info on these or any other templates let us know. 

Oops.  They aren't actually up on the website yet but you could place a special order and in the comments let me know you want one of these rulers.  I guarnatee you'll love them!!!

That is it for me today for there is a lot to do before I go home and get ready for my Liberated Medallions class tomorrow!!! Very exciting in deed!!! k

Pick of the week

One of the benefits of working in a shop is the variety of materials we become familiar with each day.  I swear I have developed adult ADD from working in the shop.  I look at one thing, get an idea and then before it becomes a reality I see something else.  You may think that this is a good thing but sometimes it is just a tad frustrating!

Last week we were packing Wendy off to Carolina Bay Quilters in Melbourne for a lecture and workshop with her wools.  From what I have heard it was a great weekend.  We are happy to visit your groups and do a bit of a talk and workshop.  We bring it all...inspiriation, special products and designs to you.

How gorgeous do they look all folded up pretty like with the perle 8 companions!

There are of course the more obvious pleasures that arrive in brown boxes that are opened with squeals of delight!  This is my fav this week.  Not sure what it is about the design but I am mad on it and the colours are spot on as well.  This one I have acted on and the quilt is coming together very nicely...(reveal at the quilt show!!!)

 

 

 

Time.  Four years ago we started doing block of the month programs to take the joy of the shop to the post.  Small packages of carefully chosen fabrics go all over the world each month.  Sometimes photos of projects in progress appear via email.  This is Susan Doyle's finished Twisted Tradition flapping in the pride breeze!  Hand quilted to a "T" with extra borders added on it looks ready to sleep under!

 

  In store we have classes every day and the delights of sharing other peoples efforts are never ending.  Lois is doing something very different with the Rachell Ashwell lines.

 

Margaret has also used the linens to make Kismet...the quilt to make when you love your fabric and haven't got a lot of time.  This pattern is in Material Obsession two and is a real winner every time. 

Simple lines and technique really showcase fabrics with no drama getting it together .

After such a long time off from the shop it is a pleasure to run down the stairs and find such a creative mess and happy faces every day. 

Chris always makes divine quilts and then gives them away.  I can't imagine giving something away that looks like this!

Just too dear.  The bunnies and crowns are appear regularly in Marg's classes and always add such charm to the composition of a quilt.

On other days we get treated to vibrant, graphic designs like this one by Kate.  Perfect use of colour and neutral.

If you have ever stood next to me on the sidelines of some sporting activity you know that it doesn't take long before I swing the conversation over to quilting.  My obsession is well accompanied by a drive to bring everyone into my creative circle.  Kylie is one of those people...for years and years and years I suggested, insinuated, implored and urged her to come along and learn quilting.  FINALLY! she appeared at the shop with an idea and now has completed her first quilt top!

Up, up, and away literally and figuratively.  A tiny piece of me can now relax as I know she is a convert for life!  Welcome to my parlor said the spider to the fly....tis the prettiest parlour you ever will spy!!!

 

There were beautiful things happening everywhere I looked...

And we also had a visit from these young entrepreneurs from OSO Shop.  They make t-shirts with fabric scraps.  My ever so picky young men at home love these shirts and scoff whenever I say I could make them for them...much better coming from hipsters their own age.  What cracks me up is that they come in and go straight for the more traditional fabrics to adorn the t-shirts.  Go figure.

Looking forward to seeing more of their stock and what they do with the bits they collect.

There are more picks of the week but it is time to start the day....enjoy! k

 

Eastwood Quilt Show

Step right up, the show is about to start!  Everyone loves a quilt show weekend!  It is a fabulous outing for quilt enthusiasts with their family and friends or those that just love a cuppa and a home made scone!  This year the Eastwood Quilters are doing it again at Brush Farm House. 

Brush Farm House at Eastwood, NSW,  is a truly beautiful old house set high upon the hill with views down to the Parramatta River. This historic house restored and renovated by Ryde Council as exhibition space was originally built around 1820 for the explorer Gregory Blaxland.  The rooms echo with the sounds of voices from the past which creates a perfect environment for quilts of today.   Coincidentally, the week after the exhibition is the 200th anniversary of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson leaving to go on their expedition that eventuated in the first white crossing of the Blue Mountains.

The circular drive is an inviting path holds the ghosts of horses bearing carriages and the sound of cricketers of today carry on the wind..

Eastwood Quilt Group has many diverse and talented women among their 80 members.  "The common thread that binds us is our love of the craft of quilting, of textiles and textile arts. We meet over three days each week, Tuesday and Thursday mornings and Wednesday evenings," said Robyn Shipton, the show organiser. Their work features some of the best traditional and appliqué quilts from many repeat prize winners.  In addition there are modern, contempory, Japanese, picture, baby, children's, male, simple and  art quilts available on display.  With nearly 150 quilts to inspect it is well worth a visit. 

 This year there are 2 raffle quilts with the Canyon Star block. Each member was asked to make at least 5 blocks and were given blue fabric for the stars & a mix of green  fabrics for the centre triangles. The ladies then added 3 different fabrics to complete each block. They are both stunning with the 1^st prize quilt having a  bird appliquéd in the centre.

 

 
This is their 13th biennial exhibition!  Thats a lot of shows.  The 2011 event was a huge success with 140 quilts on display, plus displays of baby quilts and bags. With our raffle and donations we were able to donate $8000 to Achieve Australia.  This year we are supporting the Special Olympics an organisation that inspires people with intellectual disability to reach their personal best through regular sport and competition.


So, if you can be in Sydney on :

3 May - Sunday 5th May

10am - 4:30pm

Go to:

BRUSH FARM HOUSE

Lawson Street Eastwood

 

TO SEE:

OVER 140 quilts, craft stall, cafe, and oh, did I mention Material Obsession will be there as well with lots of new products and specially priced fabric as well!!!!  Be there or be square!!!

 

Free Entry but donations accepted to support Special Olympics.

For further information on membership or our exhibition please contact 0412314754

 

Mark your calendars now!!!! k