Mt Perry Quilters

Sewing in the Rain

2012-01-27T16:34:00.000+09:30

Rain is pouring down

Creeks are full and flowing

Narelle can't go to town

So she's at home and sewing.

Show and Tell

2012-01-18T13:47:00.000+09:30

Here are another couple of finishes by Narelle before 2011 rolled over to a new year.

Also a first block finish for 2012 ... Month 10 - Block 16 of 'Because I Said So' BOM

Bring along your finishes ladies so we can take some photos and publish them here for Show and Tell.

Only 7 sleeps!

Happy (HOT) New Year

2012-01-09T19:34:00.000+09:30

Sixteen sleeps until we gather once more for chatting, sewing and did I mention chatting and don't forget the coffee. Let's hope a cool change has come through way before then.

Show and Tell from Narelle

2011-12-17T13:31:00.001+09:30

Here's the Red Delicious block I started embroidering at our last patchwork day ... all done! Yes, I did unpick all the chain stitching and used feather stitch with a much better result.

Both the second letters 'M' and 'E' were posted this month for 'Home Sweet Home' so they've been traced and stitched. Here they are all together ready for sashings.

After lunch today I've managed a moment to trim and stitch the 2 1/2" squares to block 15 of my 'Because I Said So' BOM after finishing the applique last night and a little this monring.

What has everyone else been up to? I'm sure we'd all like to see what each other is sewing over the holiday period so if you'd like to send photos to pinsandwhiskers@gmail.com I'll update our blog with your Show and Tells. They don't have to be finished projects ... works in progress will be lovely too!

Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Joyous Christmas.

Farewell 2011

2011-12-01T07:12:00.000+09:30

Today was our last get together for the year ... only 8 weeks and counting till we gather again. Everyone brought a treat to share for morning tea and then it was on with the sewing.

Di was busy quilting on the quilt above while June was finishing piecing this lovely...just a border to go.

Ruth added the binding to this gorgeous machine quilting piece and Sandra made some progress with her Strips and Curves quilt.

The humidity had some of us wilting a little, especially Narelle who now will have to unpick half of the embroidery she managed to get done.

Till next year ladies ... keep those sewing machines going and your fingers stitching and may we have lots to Show and Tell on the 25th of January.

What will 2012 bring?

Check out some new additions to our sidebar. Firstly are all the dates for our Patchwork days and then there's our Birthday List ... just a couple of things to help us.

All In A Week

2011-11-10T10:14:00.000+09:30

The week flew by and everyone met once more for a lovely patchwork day with a 'spur of the moment' lunch get together for an early Christmas gathering.

Margaret finished her lovely sewing carry-all and brought it along for show and tell.

Neatly folded

unfold once ...

and unfold again to reveal .... everything at the ready. Great finish Margaret!

Fay was able to finish the quilting on her scrappy star quilt and remove all the basting threads. Looking gorgeous in those soft florals.

Sadly our next patchwork day on the 30th of November will be our last for the year (unless we can s-q-u-e-e-z-e in an extra somwhere? Don't forget if you would like to, bring something along to share for morning tea.

Happy sewing until we next meet :o)

Who's For Some Extra Sewing Time?

2011-10-27T09:22:00.000+09:30

Once Narelle got over this little hurdle it was onward to Patchwork day.

Margaret was making short work of some fabric and ric rac she purchased at the Brisbane Craft Fair.

Step 1.

Step 2.

This cute couple also came along with Margaret.

After our last patchwork day, Kerry went home and cut heaps more rectangles to continue with her scrappy braid quilt. Looking good Kerry!

Fay also made some fabric purchases at the Craft Fair and brought these lovely place mats and runner to continue quilting on.

Creating with one fabric!

These wonderful bags have also been made by Fay which she brought along for show and tell last time.

Not another scarf? I tend to get carried away with the latest knitted scarf each Winter. Here's a ball I bought at ... yep the Craft Fair.

Have you guessed that a few of us made it to the Brisbane Craft Fair ... 4 of us attended on 3 different days. Wonder what number 4 can share with us next week?

IMPROMPTU PATCHWORK

2011-10-17T14:48:00.002+09:30

The hall has been booked for an extra patchwork day on the 26th October. Hope to share some stitching time with you!

Machines Everywhere and Scrap Quilts Galore

2011-10-08T09:29:00.002+09:30

There's a storm coming so I must turn off. Sorry but I'll come back later to finish the story.

OK back again. Still a few rumblings in the distance ... haven't measured the rain yet ... it's still coming and going and it's also very cold now.

Wednesday was patchwork day for the Mt. Perry gals and everyone brought their sewing machines ... that is everyone except Narelle. She had to pop out for a bit so only brought along her hexies to sew.

Ruth was busy painting with thread while Fay worked on her scrappy quilt and took some time out to do a bit of candlewicking. Kerry was able to stay the whole day so she got cracking on a UFO scrap quilt. Lyn continued to work on her Fairies quilt and Di was busy piecing her lovely purples quilt. Margaret popped in for a quick hello and a cuppa and Patty also popped in for a visit.

With scrap quilts quickly becoming a hot topic amongst the group I'd like to share some photos of some beautiful scrap quiltsI found in blogland. These have been made by Julia over at Julia's Place. Click HERE to take you to Julia's blog where you will find many more gorgeous quilts.

This is a Tumbler quilt that I was attempting to explain on Wednesday.

Braid quilt like Kerry was working on.

This is Julia's latest quilt in progress. Just another way you could use up your bigger pieces of scraps.

Make sure you head over to Julia's Place where you'll find lots and lots of eye candy :)

Australian Quilt National Quilts on display

2011-10-06T06:57:00.002+09:30

Opening Hours are 10am- 4pm Tuesday to Friday, 11am - 4 pm Sat and Sunday.

If you are interested in art quilts, could be worth a drive. Cheaper than flying to USA to see them.

Ruth

Dye Painting with Ruth Wagner

2011-10-01T09:02:00.000+09:30

Very very early Tuesday morning,Margaret, Narelle and Di headed off to Proston for a Dye Painting Workshop.

After a quick cuppa it was heads down and full steam ahead.

After drawing our designs and choosing dye colours, it was time to whip out the brushes and begin painting. Here are some photos of the ladies busy adding colour to the fabrics.

It was a most enjoyable day with a lovely group of ladies. Big thankyou to our tutor Ruth and we look forward to some reveals at Patchwork this coming Wednesday.

Flat Battery!

2011-09-15T10:37:00.000+09:30

Yep! Here we are at patchwork day and the camera batteries go flat. I took 3 photos before this rude message flashed on the screen ~ "batteries exhausted" ... well aren't we all at some time or another?

Fay decided it was time for some scrap busting and created this gorgeous top in soft pastel and floral fabrics.

Sandra added a rod pocket to this darling little babies quilt ready to hang when bub arrives. As baby grows it will become a floor quilt with touchy feely tactile fabric cirles and each corner has something for little fingers to play and learn like a zipper and velcro tabs.

More show and tell when we meet again on October 5 and the camera gets new batteries.

Next Patchwork Day

2011-08-29T13:45:00.000+09:30

Hello everyone. Sorry didn't take any pics last time :(

Next patchwork day will be the 7th of September ... hope to see you all there.

Here is Narelle's quilt top that she started last time.

Patchwork Wednesday

2011-08-09T12:08:00.000+09:30

YES! It's patchwork tomorrow Wednesday the 10th of August in the Mt. Perry Town Hall.

Narelle has been plugging along and FINALLY got her log cabin quilt finished. Sorry ... can't bring it in for show and tell as it's on the bed!

Comings and Goings

2011-07-15T08:24:00.000+09:30

After a change of venues for this month, 3 of us ventured outside and sat in the nice warm sun to do some stitching, chatting, magazine browsing and of course enjoy a cuppa.

Our local QCWA branch was holding a competition and hoy morning which involved a few of our patchwork ladies so we closed the doors for the morning and went and enjoyed a lovely morning tea and game of 'Hoy' (card game).

Narelle and Fay then headed back to patchwork where Fay continued to work on another block for her Candlewicking Quilt.

Soon they were joined by Ruth who brought along her dye painting for basting. Can you see the cute little birdie?

Narelle had to pop out for a bit and when she returned Sandra had also just arrived. What a difference sewing can make to a pile of fabric. Last month at patchwork Sandra was busy gathering fabric squares (see photo in previous post) ... and here's today's progress pic.

Margaret had also arrived and shared with us her lovely completed crochet rug.

Margaret has also been very busy with machine embroidery ...

and more beautiful antique blocks.

Kerry was able to join in after work and all then all too soon it was time for us to bid farewell to another patchwork day ... one filled with lots of comings and goings ... loads of laughter ... and a little forgetfulness :)

Roll on August 10th when we gather once more.

The Cold Can't Stop Us

2011-06-23T13:09:00.001+09:30

It was extremely cold when we met at the hall last Wednesday for patchwork day ... slippers were quite fashionable and the kettle was boiling for warming cuppas.

Fay had been busy at home making a gorgeous machine cover and matching thread catcher which she brought along to show and tell. Candlewicking was Fay's chosen path for the day as she worked on the next block for her quilt.

Kerry was very busy preparing and basting this adorable quilt for a new little girl.

Some fine tuning from Sandra had this dazzling car quilt top ready and roaring to go.

Her grandson will be racing to sleep curled up under his car quilt.

Sandra then started sorting and cutting 5 1/2" squares for a scrappy star quilt.

Narelle brought along her SAHRobin quilts and attached the bindings to both.

Then it was piecing and pressing to complete block 4 of her 'Because I Said So' BOM.

Crochet squares by the box full. Margaret spent her time ending off threads and adding to this snuggly knee rug.

Sweet colours Margaret.

Stay warm and keep those fingers stitching till next time :)

Dye Painting Workshop

2011-06-05T08:53:00.002+09:30

Dye Painting Workshop with Ruth Wagner , details are now available.

Tuesday September 27 at the Proston Showgrounds Hall. 9am- 4pm.
We will be learning how to mix dyes and paste, applying them to fabric, treating after painting.
Requirements list will be available after booking your place at the workshop.
Bookings will open at the next patchwork day June 15th.
This workshop has been assisted by the RADF committee of the South Burnett Regional Council.
Hope to see you there.

New Venue

2011-05-26T17:44:00.003+09:30

We're moving up the road a little. You will find us next patchwork day in the Hall.

Patchwork Day - Before and After

2011-05-25T08:18:00.007+09:30

With the cooler weather some of the ladies decided to sit outside in the warm sunshine while others battled the cool breeze (sometimes wind) blowing in through the large doors. After awhile the sun went and hid behind the clouds so it was time to move indoors, close the doors and find a warmer spot to stitch.

Sandra brought along two quilts to work on hand stitching the bindings as well as some crochet to work on inbetween.

This sweet pink heart quilt is all ready for a grand daughter to snuggle in. Sandra made some good progress on the crochet and started handstitching the binding on a lovley purple heart quilt.

Kerry gets to join us briefly before heading off to work through the middle of the day. She brought along a cute teddy stitchery to work on.

Back from work, a fresh coffee and stitch away. All these guys need now is the border.

After the manditory coffee was made, Narelle began on a blank canvas stitchery and was able to finish all but the letter "i". To view the finished stitchery and read the saying visit Narelle's blog. The deep heat came into action that night for an aching elbow.

Ruth had it all planned to sew on her amazing mariners' compass but alas her machine had different ideas and is now making a visit to the machine doctor.

Time for Ruth to mull over fabric selections and begin tracing and placing for the embroidery part of this quilt.

Margaret had to pop out for a bit so enjoyed the day browsing through magazines, gathering ideas and inspiration for new projects.

Kath and her gorgeous little grand daughter strolled in for a visit and to see what everyone was working on. Kath's been working at home on a lovely jewel coloured quilt for a grandson.

Next patchwork day will be the 15th of June. You will be excused for wearing nice warm slippers to keep the tootsies warm.

Quiet April?

2011-05-09T07:50:00.002+09:30

Did somebody say April was a quiet month? Here on the blog perhaps but not for the busy band of quilters.

Fay, Margaret and Narelle travelled to Childers on the 14th to attend their Quilt show and had a lovely day out. Saturday the 16th was Mt Perry's Annual Show.

Our patchwork day was on the 2oth and everyone was busy sewing.

Add to the mix school holidays, Easter and Anzac Day and our calendar was full. Phew!

What does the month of May have in store for you? Make room on the calendar for Patchwork Day on the 18th.

Show n Tell

2011-03-28T07:43:00.006+09:30

Another Wednesday rolled around once more. Already the months are flying by. Di who joined us last month was working on her Noah's Ark. Half way through the day she was able to share the finished top ... isn't it just gorgeous! This lovely quilt top is being sewn by June who joined us for the first time. Just the side borders to go and her first quilt top is finished. Margaret brought some show n tell to share. This is her bargello started in a workshop in Mt. Perry by Ruth.

Her lovely shabby quilt.

A stunning work in progress ... just the borders to go.

Everyone enjoyed a lovely day stitching, sewing, chatting and admiring each others works. Two ladies received their 'Stitching Round the Blocks' back ... photos to share soon.

Have a great month ladies and see you all again on the 20th of April.

Show n Tell and Progress

2011-02-24T10:31:00.003+09:30

Another Wednesday rolls around as we gather to sew, chat and have a cuppa.

Sandra brough along her finished 9 patch to show ...

and was hand stitching the binding down to finish off this lovely horsey quilt.

Ruth was busy auditioning fabris to make more stratas.

Margaret was busy working on more of her beautiful cushions.

Fay is working on her second version of this stunning BOM for her daughter.

Kerry made progress on some embroidery ... Narelle was working away on some 1/2" hexie flowers ... Patty popped in for a visit at lunch time and shared some news about an arts/craft van and workshops coming to our area during the year. We hope Di enjoyed her first visit with the group ... we certainly enjoyed seeing all her gorgeous quilts she brought along for a show n tell.

Look forward to seeing everyone back next month on the 23rd March.

First Patchwork Day for 2011

2011-02-11T06:53:00.007+09:30

Yay! Our first get together for the year finally arrived.

Some of the ladies brought show and tell. This stunning quilt was made by Fay and she's keeping this one.

Margaret has been making more cushions. She has been wanting to make one with a pram design and this one has all the gorgeous old world charm.

Kerry brought along her hand stitchery and made good progress.

Ruth has been colourfully creative and had this beautiful rainbow top to show.

Narelle was able to take her hexagon top home in two pieces instead of three with a few more green hexies added.

Next day out is only a fortnight away on the 23rd of February. See you there.

Childers Sugar and Sweet Day

2011-02-10T19:18:00.003+09:30

An invitation to th 2nd Annual Sugar and Sweet Show and Tell Day has arrived. It is to be held on Thursday 14th April 2011, commencing 9.30am. and concluding approx 2.00pm.
The Cultural Centre in Childers is the venue. They are asking for quilts, wall hangings, bags and would like you to tell their stories.
The usual raffles, main prize and door prizes are on offer. An ACCUGO baby fabric cutter courtesy of Pick-it-Papers, Childers is amongst the main prizes. We need to telephone them for catering purposes with our anticipated numbers attending. So who would like to attend?
We can decide at our next patchwork day, how we are going to get there.
Darn I just checked my work roster, I may need to call my mystery virus " patchworkovirus".
Ruth

A New Year Begins

2011-01-28T11:58:00.002+09:30

Welcome to a new year of sewing and friendship.

Another Year Closes

2010-12-18T15:29:00.004+09:30

December 1st was our last get together for 2010 and included a Christmas Celebration with lots of yummy treats to enjoy.

Kerry, Fay, Margaret and Narelle also swapped their embroideries for Helen's 'Stitching Round the Block'. They'll be taking the long way round with the next swap not due till Patchwork Days commence again on 23 February 2011.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas surrounded by loved ones and a crafty New Year.

Last for the year......

2010-11-24T08:37:00.004+09:30

A quick reminder girls, patchwork next Wednesday! (Dec. 1st) Sadly the last for the year. Remember to bring a bit of something sweet or savoury for a shared nibble between stitching and chatting.

A good motto for us......... from Fay's Quilt.

Proof Is In the Stitching

2010-11-05T08:11:00.007+09:30

As we all know life can get pretty busy sometimes ... hence the quietness on the blog of late.

We gathered again on Wednesday and it was lovely to see that nearly all of us were able to pop in for varying lengths of time.

Ruth is busy getting organized for a workshop to be held in January.

Margaret made a start on Helen's 'Stitching Round the Block'.

Four of us a going to take part and pass them around each month at our patchwork day.

Kerry is working on her second last 'Brutus' ... he's feeling a little light headed up that tree.

Fay has been very busy working on this stunner for her grand-daughter.
It's a shaggy quilt in flannel ... beautiful and soft!

Narelle was also working on her 'Brutus' stitchery.

Kath and Patty were able to pop in and say hello as well.

Lovely day ladies ... see you all on the 1st of December with your Christmas Bells on.

Garden Expo Display

2010-10-05T05:30:00.003+09:30

PLEASE NOTE: Our next patchwork day is tomorrow ... October 6 ... sorry for the late notice.

We were recently asked to contribute a display at the Inaugural Garden Expo in Mt. Perry.

Beautiful blooms filled the complex and everyone who attended had an enjoyable day.

Annual Art Show

2010-09-14T19:39:00.008+09:30

And it's first, second, third to Mt Perry Quilters at the Annual Art Show. Ruth, Patty, and Kerry in that order. Way to go girls! Patty has suggested a Mt Perry theme for next year so we can get our thinking caps on early. Consult with Patty re the theme or anything else you would like to suggest so that a decision can be made and we can get busy. Although, we all usually have a tendency to leave things to the last minute.

Mt Perry Fine Arts Exhibition Request

2010-09-01T14:29:00.003+09:30

Wow Narelle,

you certainly have been busy. I think you deserve first prize in the Quilters Exhibition post shopping spree contest. I'm glad it is the first day of spring today, so those scarves may have to wait for next winter for their live models to wear them.

We have had a request from Patty for quilts to display at the Mt Perry Fine Arts Exhibition next week!!!!!!. She is still away teaching her sewing skills to the PNG nationals but should be back next Tuesday 7 September. I have left some quilts and spare hanging rods in the good care of Sandra's place as I unfortunately have to attend work on Wednesday 8th. Patty will be able to collect my quilts I hope and I'm sure she will be grateful for anymore. I know Sandra has a few. Pity I have not even sewn my strips n curves quilt together yet.

Patty has volunteered to hang them all when she is setting up the hall for the Art Exhibition. Also hope you are all working hard on your textile entries for the same event. Enjoy the evening on the Friday night as we have a family function that weekend to attend and can't make it, and have a good day next Wednesday, make sure you feel very sorry for me for having to miss it.

Just to show you I have not been doing nothing these past few weeks, here is the evidence. Pity it isn't a quilt.

Ruth

Challenge Done!

2010-09-01T09:54:00.003+09:30

Just as Winter was about to roll into Spring, I finished off the second ball of wool purchased on our quilt exhibition day out.

This one a lovely light pink / dark pink / mulberry. I also changed things a little by casting on 2 less stitches which resulted in a slightly longer scarf than the first one.

Happy First Day of Spring

Keeping Up The Challenge

2010-08-30T16:36:00.003+09:30

Narelle has been able to keep up the challenge she set herself of using what she acquired on the trip to the Bundaberg Quilters Exhibition.

The first ball of wool is now a snuggly scarf although with Spring just around the corner it may go into storage till next winter.

On the same day as the exhibition, she signed up for a Quilters Bag workshop and has been working away on the embroidery. Saturday she was able to set up the sewing machine and hey presto a finished bag.

The bag has two pockets on the front for holding quilt rulers and her large cutting mat will fit nicely inside the bag. She's also very happy with the pencil she purchased for tracing stitcheries.

Shopping Challenge Update

2010-08-01T16:27:00.002+09:30

Hi Girls,
I'm quite sure you all had a good time shopping at the Bundaberg Quilters Exhibition. I'm sorry I'm not up to that challenge Narelle as I purchased nothing in the fabric line. You'll have to wait instead as I purchased a days workshop with Jocelyne Leath and that is on August 15th to see what I do with my spendings.

I can also report that the sewing machine lucky door prize is not going to Mt Perry or any out of town location. It was eerily won by Joan of Bundaberg Quilters ( who also won the same prize ) either in 1994 or 1996 ( we were not quite sure as to which year). She is a past president of BQ and has been a tireless worker for the club, nearly since it started and is still one of their beginners classes teachers.
There sure were a lot of tired looking ladies after their 5 days of efforts when I collected my quilts at the end.
Ruth

Shopping Challenge

2010-08-01T15:02:00.002+09:30

We had a lovely day yesterday admiring quilts, enjoying a chat over morning tea and/or lunch and checking out the yummy stalls at the Bundaberg Quilters Exhibition.

So girls ... who's up for a little challenge!

Above are the little goodies I brought home with me. The hexies were in a kit of fabric with templates and I made them up last night.

Below is my finished pincushion made from the kit I purchased yesterday.

Who will be next to share something finished using a purchase from yesterday?

More Travels Ahead

2010-07-21T14:13:00.002+09:30

The Bundaberg Quilters Exhibition is being held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 30th July to the 1st August from 9.00 am to 4.oo pm each day. $6 will get you in the door to view approx 200 quilts and numerous other items. Traders wil be present to empty your purses and fill your shopping bags with goodies. Light refreshments are available at minimal cost.
Award winning quilter Jocelyne Leath from Western Australia will be present to conduct a trunk show and answer questions about our favourite pastime.
A lucky door prize of a sewing machine has been donated by Patchwork Pallas to go home with one lucky ticket holder.
You can also support Legacy by buying tickets in the raffle quilt made by the Bundaberg Quilters.
OR you can spend your time catching up with friends whilst viewing the quilts on display.

If you want to plan the next few months ( does anyone have spare time?????)
16th -19th September the Stitches and Craft Show at the RNA Showgrounds Brisbane
and 20-24th October The Craft and Quilt Fair at the Convention Centre Brisbane.
AND of course dont forget Quilts Across Queensland at the EKKA!!!
Dont think I'll get to all.
Ruth

Maryborough Creative Fabrics Show and Tell

2010-07-18T15:21:00.002+09:30

Hi Girls,
Another invitation has arrived in the mail.
This time to the Maryborough Creative Fabrics Show and Tell- Quilt and Craft Show.
August 24th @ Tinana Dance Hall, Gympie Rd, Tinana. @ 930am
$5 entry for lucky door, morning tea and lunch (WOW!)
Other raffles, local businesses and stalls, including The Red Craft Bus and Van Cootens of Howard.
You are welcome to bring your craft items for show as well.
We need to contact them the week before if we are a large group attending for catering purposes.
Ph Jaye on 41212479 for more info.

Invitations

2010-07-02T10:51:00.002+09:30

Hi Girls,
We have received in the mail, invitations to 2 quilting events.
Details are:

1) Howard Quilt Show
Saturday July 10
10am - 3 pm at the Burrum Community Center, Steley St Howard

stalls,raffles and refreshments, cost is a gold coin donation to the Burrum Community Centre.

2) Coastal Crafters Carnival
Wednesday July 21
9am - 3 pm
Toogoom Cumminity hall
Fundraising for the Linus Porject ( quilts for sick kids) and Toogoom Craft and Chat Club
$6 entry includes morning tea and gift bag
Major quilt raffle of a sea themed quilt
Multi running raffle
locally made quilts to view
Jackie Hens trunk show
Presentation by sally from Dreamswork
Craft displays and craft and materials for sale
Lucky Door Prizes
Skits by Jackie and Jean
Block and Card draws for info call Pam 41280284 or Wendy 41280131
$2 lunch ( sausage sizzle)
Free tea and coffee, drinks for sale.
Bookings preferred to the above phone numbers

More info required, email Ruth by posting a comment including your email address.

Poppy Workshop.......

2010-06-25T09:33:00.006+09:30

Good fun, food and friends. We had it all covered. With a bit of mess and glue thrown in. We went from this creative display.......m.i.a, we must have been at the food at this moment.......

....to these lovely poppies......

.....and it's all supposed to look like this when we are finished.

We had the good fortune to be able to take part in a workshop by Jenny Hughes-Allen of New Zealand. We all had a great time and enjoyed learning the new skills. Of course, if you want to know more, you will need to contact Jenny.

Patchwork update.....

2010-05-23T09:34:00.011+09:30

We're starting to have a chill set in and shut down the hatches to keep out the sneaky breeze. That done, we were settled with our coffees for a day of stitching of all sorts.

Sandra was busy working on more baby related bits. This time a hardanger piece announcing the birth of her new Grandson. And of course, like all good Grandma's should, had some photos to share.
Kerry was working on another Red Brolly stitchery.
Ruth is still on with her red compasses and looking good.
Fay is diligently working on her lovely BOM, with good progress and some photos attached.
and Margaret got busy and was putting together mug mats for everyone. She also brought along the finished projects from last time, so there was plenty to photograph for our missing friends to see.

Heart of FLowers

2010-05-02T07:58:00.002+09:30

Who's been a clever quilter?

Kath has been very busy at home working on this sweetest quilt for her sister. She's as proud as punch and already planning her next quilt.

Well done Kath!

2010-04-23T17:15:00.007+09:30

After some initial comings and goings, everyone settled into their chosen addiction.

Kerry and Narelle had both prepared the same stitchery to begin working on ... and it wasn't even planned.

Fay has begun this gorgeous BOM ... love the colours Fay.

Here are the words up close.

Margaret turned these flannel squares into .....

an almost finished bag. She did mention that the finished bag would return next month. We'll be on the lookout Margaret.

Ruth has been very industrious and is on her 5th Mariners Compass. Way to go Ruth! The iron is to give you an idea of sizing.

Sandra popped in for a cuppa while Kath and her eldest grand daughter came for a quick visit to show off her newest grand daughter. Lovely to see everyone and looking forward to more show and tell next time.

A quiet day....

2010-03-25T17:38:00.003+09:30

OOOps! Sorry Narelle, the cameras were a no show, as were a few of our patchwork pals.

The four of us present had a fun day of stitching and catching up.

Sandra was still working on Noah's ark orientated stitching for the new arrival soon to join the family. It seems DD just keeps coming up with ideas to use up those last bits of fabric. Not much left now, and I'm sure Grandma will be so thrilled with the look of all those matching pieces in the new nursery. Justly proud of more than just the new arrival!

Ruth is still stitching on her red compasses. Six more to go! And was full of news of her recent ACDC trip and her quilting machine experiences.

Margaret opted for an easy carry project for the day, making a start on an oven mitt for herself after giving the last one away. Let's hope this one ends up in her kitchen.

And me....well DH left me with his vehicle again, making transporting my machine a no go. So that left me sporting my hand stitching again. Making progress though; so that's the main thing.

The day ended with a laugh when the three remaining stitchers were left hunting high and low for a lost key. Of course it was she of many bags who had had possession, which meant digging through many bags and many pockets in many bags..........to no avail. Finally through a retrace of footsteps the said key was found and we could all call it a day. Thank god! That bin near the doorway was hard to take!!

Guess we'll catch you all at the Mt Perry show next. All sporting plenty of stitching for the pavilion of course. Good luck with your entries!

February Sewing Day Report

2010-02-24T14:07:00.006+09:30

Margaret certainly earns the reputation of being a prolific patchworker and quilter. She is certainly getting serious about this new interest of hers. Above is her flannel shaggy quilt. It is a very hot day today but she will certainly welcome this beauty to sit on her knees, come the cooler months. Makes a bit of a mess when constructing and washing this quilt due to its shagginess.

The above photo is of her new cutting mat bag. Have a good look at the fabric and the ruler peeking out of the bag is a 24" x 6" ruler to give you an idea of the size. There are numerous inside pockets as well to hold all of the important gadgets we require.

As for the rest of us, Kerry worked on a small hand stitching project, Ruth has finished the elements of her 2nd red compass ( just needs all 40 pieces stitched together), Sandra is working away at her 9 patch pizzazz, Fay was sewing some blocks and continuing on her hand applique.

Narelle was notably ABSENT and sent a text about a coffee shop she was patronising but neglected to inform us where. Trust her to sniff out a coffee drink.

Sandra and Margaret also made sure of the directions to find some patchwork shops in Brisbane next week. Hope thay can discover some more for us. Also heard that Boolboonda Quilters have Van Cootens Drapery coming the weekend of March 12. Unfortunately I'll be earning money NOT spending that weekend so will have to miss out.

Ruth

First Day Back

2010-02-06T08:34:00.008+09:30

What does Carrot Cake and Black Forest Cake have to do with patchwork?

One of our lovely ladies was celebrating her birthday the next day, so we surprised her with a yummy morning tea. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Before the cakes came out it was time for some 'show and tell'.

First we have Margaret's Nanna Nap wall hanging.

Sandra's been playing with the animals on Noah's Ark.

And preparing for the arrival of a grandchild with a matching nappy stacker.

Sandra's also been working on this beautiful blue/gold log cabin bed quilt.

Ruth has begun what she calls her 'retirement quilt'. One compass down and 8 to go.

After morning tea, everyone got down to business working on their current projects with just a hint of chatting.

More 'show and tell' soon.

New Patchwork Calendar Year

2010-01-25T17:18:00.005+09:30

Well, did you all enjoy your holidays? The heavens certainly knew Mt Perry needed some rain. I've certainly been busy with lots of OTHER STUFF. Hope you all enjoyed seeing the one completed strips n curves quilt posted a week ago. Sounds like some of you have been super busy over the holidays.
Notice the next patchwork date on the side bar and I'm hoping we should have a good show "n" tell session before we start revving up the machines for 2010.
I can begin sewing again as I've finished the " Real Patching of 9 shirts, 4 shorts , 1 jeans and 2 new sets of gaiters" How's your patching pile?
Hope to see you there next Wednesday.
Ruth

A Workshop Completion

2010-01-14T18:18:00.002+09:30

This is how it's done girls ...

Margaret is proud to share her completed quilt from our strips and curves workshop.

Isn't it just stunning!!! How are the others going?

Christmas Greetings

2009-12-23T13:59:00.003+09:30

Christmas Greetings to all our readers.

Hope you all have had some decent rain and if you haven't , let us hope that some falls soon on our parched dry land and it would be the best Christmas gift of all.

I wonder if Dorothea Mackellar should have been a delegate to the Copenhagen talk fest instead of our illustrious representatives that Australia sent along. What's that got to do with our patchwork group? Absolutely nothing except we all rely on the land and its productivity to keep our spirits up, just like we all try to spend time at our sewing machines and cutting mats to keep our spirits up.

Hope the gift bags are full of quilty articles and you all enjoy some wonderful quality family time.

Some time out from the sewing machine and designing and planning etc does make for an eagerness to start sewing again you know. Enjoy the break, don't of course over indulge in the food and beverage stakes and we'll see you again sometime in 2010. Wow! is it 10 years since we had to worry about the year 2000 and all the " doomed computers".

Does anyone else feel older each year getting ready for Christmas or is it just me?

Workshop Results

2009-11-02T20:19:00.005+09:30

What a weekend we all had. Let's hope we all have gone home for a holiday. Could you call THAT a RETREAT ? A snapshot of some busy girls, hard at work cutting and sewing and of course more cutting. I have heard on the grapevine about one more finished quilt. This one has the borders on already. Just enough fabric to complete it. Sorry no pic available as the pieces were pulled down too fast. The owner just loves the eyelashes. See, told you learning foundation piecing is worth it.

This is the first one stitched together. It still requires further borders and finishing cuts.

These are some blocks using a similar focus fabric to the other one with a mixture of the same fabrics plus a few different ones. Happy sewing Sandra. This was her first effort at foundation piecing also . Some are only pinned at this stage, but all are looking good.

Further updates as the work progresses. Thanks for an enjoyable but TIRING weekend girls. I had to go to work for a holiday. Ruth

Dyeing Workshop Costs.

2009-10-13T15:32:00.004+09:30

The cost for the fabric dyeing workshop on Sat 31 Oct if you are not bringing along your stash of dyes is $13.50 . This covers the cost of dyes and soda ash. If you are only paying for the soda ash it will cost you $1.50. This covers the cost for the basic 24 step colourwheel using a fat or skinny quarter.

Hope the preparations for the strips n curves workshop at the same time are well in hand.
Ruth can bring along a couple of ironing rolls for the pressing of the strips as she has found some more old tent posts. Has anyone else thought of an ironing board. At least we'll have well pressed clothes if we decide to "go out " for tea. Don't know if I'll have room in the car for my swag. Has anyone else got that problem?
Final preparations will be sorted out Wed 28 October at our next sewing day. See you then.

News , News and News

2009-09-28T19:27:00.002+09:30

Hope the entries are coming along well for the Mt Perry Art Exhibition. If you need some assistance for your machine quilting check out a blog devoted to trying new quilting patterns. http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2009/09/day-45-pug-eyes.html

There is also a new magazine soon to be launched in December called Down Under Textiles published by the same publisher as Down Under Quilts. The editor is also looking to suggestions for content.http://onceaponceatime.blogspot.com/ Contact Deborah if you have any ideas you would like to see in a magazine.
Don't forget the upcoming events for October. Looks like Mt Perry is set for a busy time once school resumes.

Workshop Details

2009-09-17T14:39:00.005+09:30

Yes we are off for a fun weekend to ....... Mt Perry here we come.

October 31 and November 1st 2009 will see us sewing until we dye at the Tin Shed.

Costs are $10 for non Sport & Rec members to cover the accommodation costs and members free of course. Ruth is the tutor and she is happy to donate her fees to the Cancer Fund. The amount will be at the discretion of the participant.

We are actually doing 2 workshops. A strips n curves workshop over 2 days and a fabric dyeing session for new dyers doing the 24 step colourwheel. If you are an experienced dyer and wish to do your own thing bring your equipment etc along and join in the fun. The dyeing costs will be calculated on the day as to how much dye and chemicals you use.

The photo is a sample of blocks made from the basic pattern for strips n curves. These patterns have been used with permission from Louisa Smith of the Strips n Curves books.
Workshop requirements were listed at the recent patchwork day. Email Ruth for a comprehensive list if required. Dyeing requirements were also listed but final arrangements can be discussed at the patchwork day Oct 7. Hope you are all excited about our overnight sewing bee.
Almost forgot, the workshop is the weekend AFTER the Art Exhibition so there is no excuse for not finishing your entry into the textile section.

Comings and Goings

2009-09-16T18:25:00.005+09:30

Like ships that pass in the night .... so are the ladies of our patchwork group.
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Ruth had to leave before Narelle was able to make it after work, and Kerry had been and gone but would return.
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Patty was able to pop in after work but Sandra and Margaret had gone earlier and Fay was on her way out but Kerry had returned.
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If I've forgotten anyone, my apologies, we can be hard to keep track of. Here is some of the work that some of the girls have been working on.

Plans are underway for a fun fabric weekend, stay tuned.

A change of dates....

2009-09-07T16:16:00.002+09:30

To hopefully give some of us an extra stitching day before what is shaping up to be busy school holidays, next patchwork has been scheduled for Wednesday 16th September. The following date, Wednesday 7th October, and then it's back to our previous scheduled date of Wednesday 28th October. That leaves the holidays free for family comittments. Hope to see you all there!!

Spring Cleaning?

2009-09-05T07:19:00.002+09:30

September 2 had the girls meeting once again at the complex for a day of sewing and chatting. Ruth has been having a spring clean at home and brought in two overflowing containers of fabrics to share.
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The girls waited patiently till after lunch, and when Narelle and Patty finally arrived it was ooh's and aah's all round. Needless to say, each of us were able to add to our own stashes. A very big thankyou to Ruth for sharing with us.

Now for some show and tell. Margaret brought along these cute tote bags she made since last patchwork day.

Lots of pockets for all sorts of goodies. Well done Margaret!

Stay tuned for upcoming dates and a workshop perhaps.

Winter, Summer ?????Spring

2009-08-24T13:56:00.002+09:30

Narelle has asked what has happened to Spring?????
Where did it disappear to? Has it been swallowed by climate change?? Just wait girls we'll probably be reaching for a jumper in September.

As long as it does not affect our sewing habits too much should we really worry.
When you come along to our next sewing day, please bring along an empty container or box.
Spring Fever has hit the house where Ruth lives and she is giving away lots of goodies.

Hope there has been some progress on the Art Quilts.
See you at The Tin Shed come September

Important Dates

2009-08-14T11:24:00.003+09:30

Some upcoming activities of note are:

The Mt Perry Fine Arts Annual Art Exhibition is happening on the weekend beginning Friday 23 October. There is a Textile Art Category , Section 10. "Creative Collection - Your Passion"

This is sponsored by The Mt Perry Health Centre.

Conditions of entry: Must include 1/8 in blood red, no bigger than 1m x 1m and may be for sale.

Entry Fee is $2 and the prizemoney is $50 for First.

The theme is based on the year of the collection denoting blood collection for donations. This explains why RED has to be included.

So come on girls we can't let there be only one entry from our Health Centre employee.

Entry forms are available at the Community Mail Centre and have to be lodged by Friday 16 October.

The following weekend , October 31 and November 1 Ruth is attempting to organise a dyeing workshop for you and a strips and curves workshop for that weekend with a sleepover of course. More details will be available at our next sewing day. September 2nd.

This is a strips n curves quilt.

And no this is not going to be entered in the art competition as it is unfortunately too big. I think it does meet the red requirement though.

Sewing Day August 5

2009-07-29T08:34:00.004+09:30

After a trial day at the Sport and Rec Centre ( THE TIN SHED) it now looks like that will be our "home " for awhile due to a couple of reasons.

We may need to try to obtain a few more stable tables as Fay certainly had her sewing machine rocking last time.

The photo is an example of machine quilting by Beth and Trevor Reid on one of their quilts included in the recent Textile Exhibition in Brisbane. This would certainly give you and your machine a good workout.
Hope to see you all Wednesday August 5th at the Tin Shed.

Started and Finished

2009-07-18T12:49:00.003+09:30

As the title suggests, this project was started and finished all within about a week! Narelle's daughter was on holiday from Uni and came along to patchwork day where she completed the embroidery for her folder cover.

She then had a sewing day at home for the cover and finished off the hand stitching to complete the project. The cover includes a pocket on the inside with a button close and a section for a pen.

Patchwork Wednesday

2009-07-10T08:53:00.002+09:30

Wow, a whole day at patchwork for Narelle, it must be school holidays.
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Yes, she did manage to finish her pink sewing mat and bring it along for show and tell.

Kerry also gave it a test run under her sewing machine.

Narelle spent the day cutting 2.5" strips ready to make a start on a log cabin quilt for her bed.
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Everyone had a lovely day . . . sewing and chatting . . . we'll share more soon.

School Holidays

2009-07-05T09:52:00.002+09:30

It's school holiday time for Narelle which means no travelling to and fro . . . which means more sewing time . . . hopefully.

She bought this pattern from Tazzie Quilts, lets just say a while ago, and has finally got round to making not one but two. Here is the blue sewing mat tucked neatly under her machine.

Will she be able to finish the pink one in time for some 'show and tell' at patchwork on Wednesday?

Holidays (for some)

2009-07-01T17:07:00.003+09:30

Yes, the winter holidays have arrived. Some of us are no doubt enjoying their time off work doing some sewing. Hope to see the results next Wednesday. While some of us have no holidays but enjoy the school children and teenagers being around home. Do we get some time for sewing? One hopes so, so the rest of us can see the results on Wednesday as well. Others probably have grandma duties and time spent sewing is probably very limited. Amazing how some of us can achieve some progress on our patchwork items and quilts.

Here is a twisted log cabin quilt made a while ago by Ruth. It is foundation pieced with every second block reversed for the different look to a usual twisted log cabin.

Hope to see you all Wednesday 8 July. Forget about tax time for a day.

Very Sorry about this

2009-06-14T15:43:00.002+09:30

Yes we went off to Bundy town to attend the Bundaberg Quilters Friendship Day. On arrival we were greeted by the smell of coffee and tea and a wide selection of goodies to eat. A quick chance to browse the market stalls and the day began. Margaret Brady the President of Bundaberg Quilters welcomed us all and we were suitably entertained by a selection of trading cards and quilts, bags and more quilts. The continuous raffle began and we soon found out who owned the lucky seats. Margaret handed over to her secretary who introduced us to musical chairs Bundaberg Quilters style. After much laughter we all managed to unwrap our parcels ( no one missed out in this version) and we then enjoyed a lunch break. More chance to visit the stalls and chat. More quilts on display for Show and Tell, followed by more continuous raffle draws. We all had badges made of yo-yos or suffolk puffs given to us at the door. The prize winning ones had flower buttons ( how cute) of various colours for the lucky door prizes.
The raffle quilt with proceeds to the bushfire and floods appeal was drawn but not won by a Mt Perry member. More food and drink followed at afternoon tea , then it was time to leave. Luckily Spotlight stays open until 5pm these days. The sorry part is the cameras never made it to the event and you missed out on a good time.

Bundaberg Quilter's Friendship Day......

2009-05-21T09:33:00.003+09:30

OK girls, so I found it!! It's all aboard for the Bundaberg Quilter's Friendship Day on Saturday June 13. It will cost us $5.00 each for a day full of fun, food and quilts. And we may even have the chance to win, or buy something nice from the market stall or traders present. So how about it? You all know where, so I guess you just need the time now......10.00am till 3.00pm. Should be time enough for a good time!

His and Hers Birthday Gifts

2009-05-19T08:59:00.005+09:30

Narelle has been a very busy girl finishing off this cream and browns/greens quilt that she called 'Double Choc' ... milk chocolate swirls in a white chocolate block ... yummmm!
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This quilt was made using a T-block pattern and quilt-as-you-go ... joining each block with a finished half inch strip front and back. She was busy joining for her short visit Wednesday afternoon.

Both quilts were gifted on Saturday night at her brothers surprise 'Big O' birthday party. Her sister-in-law also had a 'Big O' surprise party earlier in the year but the quilts have been in the pipe line till now.
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"Double Choc" was for SIL and "Toffee Bon Bon" (below) was for her brother.

Narelle made this log cabin quilt using quilt-as-you-go also ... no strips.

Happy Sewing

Sewing Day May 2009

2009-05-16T09:15:00.008+09:30

Yes despite Ergon ( the local power supply company) giving us notice of a power cut , we ventured forth for a day of sewing in the hall. Lucky for us we were kindly supplied with power from the generator installed to run the council facilities during blackouts in an emergency.

As usual it was the usual procession of In and Out Patchworkers through the door. Maybe we need a name change.

Kerry brought her handwork along , then went to do some paid work for a few hours to return for the afternoon stint.

Sandra brought her finished quilts along ( 2 of them) and continued working on the 3rd. She needs to make a few more yet. Her grandchildren will certainly love all these quilts.

This is the first horses panel completed. There was also an embroidered heart quilt using the techniques learnt at Monto. She is now probably nearly finished the second horse quilt in progress on Wednesday.

Margaret has been inspiring Sandra and has been completing her 3 John Deere quilts for her grandchildren in NZ. This photo shows 1 quilt plus 3 pillows. She has also quilted a panel for her family back in NZ. She certainly has a few busy weeks ahead of her.

Fay has been busy renovating houses and solving car problems so finally got to touch a sewing machine last Wednesday and continued working on her applique house and garden quilt.
See we do actually get stuck into it.

Ruth has finished her third kaliedoscope quilt and is currently working on the fourth. This will be all of her fabric purchased on the shopping trip used up instead of languishing in the cupboard. Anna finally made it along to actually sew with us despite some of us nearly fainting on her arrival. She is working on a small bear quilt. She must have known something about the power as she came for the time while the power was off at home. Narelle finished work and came for the afternoon. Hopefully she will add photos of the afternoon session. Patty has been extremely busy at work so unfortunately could not join us. Kath has been the quiet one lately but is certainly coming along to the Bundaberg Quilters Friendship Day in June.

June 13 will see us entertained at The Family Centre at the Showgrounds for their Friendship Day. There will be raffles , quilts to look at and of course food. Bring along 2 or 3 quilts for show and tell. Further details about time and travelling arrangements should be available for our next sewing day. Hope to see you there.

April Get Together

2009-04-19T13:15:00.002+09:30

April 15 arrived in the middle of school holidays, a bonus for a couple of our girls. Both Kath and Narelle were able to sew all day instead of their usual rush in just before 2pm. They'll both be back to their hand work next time but it was lovely to have their company for a longer period this time.

Margaret had some show and tells and I'm hoping someone took some photos on their camera because I can't find any pictures on mine. She's also busy working on some fantastic boys quilts.

Ruth has made a huge start on her next kaleidoscope quilt. Just a few more boxes to make and she'll be ready for the final layout and begin the process of joining it all together. Looking very beautiful so far.

Kerry was doing some super fine embroidery that had some of the girls' jaws dropping at just how tiny her stitching was.

Looking forward to seeing everyone's progress in May.

Happy sewing till then.

Some Admin Notes

2009-03-20T19:50:00.002+09:30

After our last posting about the Ins and Outs of our Patchwork Day, Wednesday 18 March, we have received a comment asking when do we meet and how often?
We are attempting to meet once every 4 weeks at The Perry Shire Hall in Mt. Perry on a Wednesday at 9am to 4pm. This day was chosen to suit most of us for all or part of the day. We are hoping to adhere to our schedule and the next Wednesday is April 15 ( School holidays ) and is the Wednesday after Easter and the Wednesday prior to Mt. Perry Show. Looks like we should all be finishing our show entries that day. If anyone else is interested in coming along to join us you will be most welcome.
See you all on the 15th April.

The Ins and Outs of Patchwork........

2009-03-19T08:23:00.010+09:30

Margaret flew in to show a WIP, I caught a quick hello at the door as she bolted to meet an appointment. Present was Ruth, Fay and Sandra. Time to put the kettle on........... Fay admitted to not having sewed since patchwork finished last year and dug out this georgeous UFO to start on again. More borders to go to enlarge this hand appliqued beauty.

Ruth took the opportunity to make a start on a Toowoomba purchase. Here's a shot before she departs, of the finished product from an Amy Butler pattern (and fabric?).

Anna dropped in for a visit to see what we are all about. In the course of conversation she divulges the news of her new acquisition. A new sewing machine! Goodo! But then she says it's still in it's box?? Some of us have more restraint than others, obviously.

Patty dropped by on her lunch break and showed her finished bag from last patchwork, for those who missed it, and also some appliqued/embroidered squares she is doing for a birthday swap with another group. Very nice! All opportunities to experiment with different methods, textures etc.

Here's a shot of Sandra's WIP. Here we see the process of cutting out a panel and fabric for surrounding flying geese pieces to be put together for a quilt for a grandson.

Next to arrive was Kath and Narelle, finishing up from a shortened work day to spend a few hours at patchwork. Must be time for a coffee.....

Narelle then showed her finished QAYG Log Cabin. The photos perhaps don't show well enough, but the use of different fabrics shows up a distinct and lovely pattern. You can do so much with log cabins, and show such a range of pattern just by moving the pieces.

Kath and Narelle settled with some hand work for the rest of the afternoon. "You can have my space", says Ruth; as it was time for her to pack up and go.

The rest of us sewed and chatted away for the remainder of the afternoon. One by one, it was time to go. Then there was two. Bus time came and it was time to lock up and head for home.

And as for me, well I worked on a couple of blog swaps..... so maybe next time.

Next patchwork will be 15th April, which falls in with the school holidays. This will allow our working girls a full day out and maybe even a couple of juniors come along.

Till next time......Kerry

Show and Tell

2009-02-22T08:29:00.008+09:30

Finally our first patchwork day arrived. Everyone is already running head first into 2009 so unfortunately all couldn't make it, but those who were able had a lovely day.

Ruth was busy catching up on some mending. With that out of the way, she can get back to some serious sewing.

Patty came along with a bag in a kit and left at the end of the day with a very nice, completed bag.

Kath was able to pop in after lunch and brought some hand sewing with her. A long term project that she can 'grab and run' to work on whenever.

Narelle also brought along some hand work to do, after the regulation cuppa of course.

Margaret was busy quilting a panel for her mum. Very Nice!

Margaret's been a busy girl over the break and brought along some show and tell. Oven mits made from fabric purchased on our shopping trip.

And an gorgeous cushion.

Here's a close up of the embroidery and lace hat.

Hope everyone is finding time for a little sewing in their lives and looking forward to catching up with others on our next day, the 18th March.

Does anybody feel like sewing?

2009-02-16T21:20:00.002+09:30

We have the opportunity to have our lives return to normal with our first sewing day for 2009 on Wed February 18. All of us have been grieving for the families suffering after the events of the last 10 days in Victoria and in North Queensland ( please don't forget the flood victims) who will probably never have their lives return to how they once were.
As with any tragedy, questions are always asked but sometimes the answers are never found.
The tales of survival and loss have been incredible. Dijanne Cevaal has reported on her blog that KraftKolour has been burnt down at Whittlesea but the people survived. They have vowed to rebuild their wonderful mail order business and ask for our continued loyalty during the process.
How many other flow on effects are there from this natural disaster?

Wednesday, come along and be prepared to sew to lift our spirits.

Sewing Days Are On Again

2009-02-04T08:00:00.002+09:30

Back to the grindstone for most of us and after much discussion we have managed to find a day that suits most people for some of the time. Patchwork sessions will recommence on Wednesday 18 February in the Hall.
They will hopefully occur every 4 weeks to suit some of us who " have to earn a living outside of patchwork and are bogged down with rosters".

The dates booked for the hall are February 18, March 18 and April 15.
April 15 may be a formal workshop yet with a meal at night before we rest from the busy day's sewing .
The account for the Toowoomba Shopping Trip has arrived and contained a pleasant surprise. Not so expensive as first thought. Darn we could have spent more money on fabric!!!!
We have also received an invitation for an expression of interest to attend if the Bundaberg Quilters organise a Friendship Day on June 13 2009. More details available Wed 18 February. So mark your calendars it looks like it could be a busy year again.

Toowoomba Trip Story 2

2009-01-12T16:32:00.003+09:30

It was a fascinating trip experiencing the different methods of retailing.

The first shop in Toowoomba was beautifully laid out though cramped and full of nice displays enticing you to part with your money.

The usual " chain stores" were similar to our Bundaberg environment etc. but the sale time made a difference though.

This shop in Margaret St Toowoomba is not a fabric shop but a gift shop where one wonders about their retailing methods. If you can squeeze in here you may find what you want. That is if it is open when you wander by.

This is the view from the front door. The girls found less expensive Royal Doulton pieces in Myers though as they were having their annual sale.

When are we going again??

We're Back

2009-01-11T17:40:00.005+09:30

Well it's Sunday evening and it's been two sleeps since we returned from our shopping expedition.

Four girls headed out from Mt. Perry late Wednesday afternoon and collected 2 more girls from their pick-up point and we all headed for our first night of accommodation compliments of Ruth and her Hubby. The idea was to get a headstart on Thursday's shopping.

Here we are Thursday morning getting ready to travel on to Toowoomba. Check your feet girls, we don't want to dirty the bus.

Shopping Day #1 ~ We managed to visit 6 (please correct me if I'm wrong girls, it was a big two days!) fabric shops on Thursday including a curtain place where a couple of the girls took advantage of the New Year Sales. Timing our trip to include late night shopping, we managed our shopping time wisely and had a good look around Grand Central as well.

After a good nights rest, we strategically packed the bus and headed off on shopping day #2. Friday we visited two more fabric shops before heading the bus north for home.

These feet could walk for miles if they had to.

A quick refuel for both vehicle and ourselves at lunch time, then we squeezed in two more fabric shops before the final leg home.

So ends our shopping expedition. Busy schedules have already taken their toll and our first sewing day for 2009 is yet to be appointed.

Happy Sewing Girls

2 Sleeps Girls

2009-01-05T20:12:00.004+09:30

Yes ... that's right ... only 2 more sleeps till we depart on our Fabric Acquisition Road Trip.

What ARE we letting ourselves in for?

Mozzies?
Snoring?
Shopping till we drop?

Stay tuned!

Christmas and New Year Activities

2008-12-23T14:47:00.003+09:30

Yes it is a new quilt top! completed by Ruth for her upcoming teaching stint for QCWA at Yeppoon in Jan 09 as an exercise in blending a print with some hand dyed fabrics. She has been busy along with everyone else. Just had to include a pic of a quilt.
Kerry has also finally been allowed to tell the world about her success in the DUQ Blankets of Love 2008 competition.
Narelle is still getting everything in order to meet all her Christmas and New Year Deadlines.
The rest of us are no doubt busy also.

Our Christmas trip ( a bit late in early January but who really cares) is organised for Jan 7,8,9.
We are off to the WagnerHilton at Proston for Wed night. (just don't forget the aerogard) At least there is a hot water system that now works there.
Thursday, is continuing to Toowoomba for 2 days of Shop til we wilt. Notice we are going to a cooler place.
We have accommodation organised in Toowoomba O/N in a self contained unit. The Myer store is open until 9pm so our wallets can really be emptied. We hope to arrive back in Mt Perry sometime Friday. So save your dollars, forget about the Chrissie shopping and save up for patchwork shopping.

The itinerary of shops is still being worked out but there is more there than Mt Perry has so we should have a good time.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are off to an early start and I heard a whisper that we are going to be really busy with STUFF in 2009.

Still Here

2008-11-28T14:36:00.003+09:30

Yes we are still here and some of us are still managing to fit in some sewing time. Demands on everyone seem to increase at this time of the year which has made it more difficult for us to co-ordinate the next sewing day.

We hope to organize one more sewing day before Christmas but be warned, it could be at short notice. A nice morning tea followed by a lovely lunch, with some sewing in between of course. And don't forget the chit-chat.

Plans are in the pipe-line for a shopping trip sometime in January. Fabric dyeing is also on our 'would like to do' list along with another retreat so stay tuned.

A Sewing Frenzy

2008-11-10T16:48:00.006+09:30

In answer to the previous post question, yes we have been sewing. While we can usually squeeze in a bit of sewing time at home, it's when you move out for the weekend that the sewing really begins.

On Saturday, five of us girls set our sewing machines up in the local hall, had the regulation cuppa, and off we stitched. Sewing late into Saturday night, we were then back at the hall bright and early Sunday morning to finish what we started.

By Sunday afternoon and the last cuppa, we packed our things up and headed home. Everyone was very pleased with their achievements for the weekend. At last count we have . . . 2 bed quilts well on the way . . . 1 doll quilt completed . . . 1 table topper completed . . . 3 mug bags almost finished . . . 1 lap or bed quilt well on the way . . . many cups of tea/coffee consumed, good food enjoyed and wonderful company cherrished.

Thanks ladies, lets do it again.

Has Anybody been Sewing??????

2008-10-31T10:44:00.003+09:30

Looks like we've all been too busy doing other things.
BUT preparations are being made to fix that problem.
2 days of sewing are planned for the Sat 8 and Sun 9 November. The girls have a project organised for the lucky ones who can attend.
The busy social calendar is hotting up in Mt Perry again with the Truck Pull and Art Show this weekend. So even less time for sewing but I'm sure all these other activities make our sewing life better.

Girls Night In

2008-10-08T18:16:00.009+09:30

Drawn – October 3rd, 2008
Winner – Angelene of Gayndah

Ticket was purchased at Arts, Beads and Crafts,

Targo Street, Bundaberg.

An amount of $1907.00 was raised through ticket sales
and the “girls night in” function held on 3rd October.
This amount will be forwarded to Qld Cancer Council.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

There was also a table of donated craft work

for on the night prize draws.

All the Mount Perry Quilters deserve a pat on the back

for this wonderful achievement.

Special thanks to anyone who helped out in any way.

A movie; chemo friendly beauty treatment and lessons in self examination were all part of the evening. All who attended were rewarded with a fun night out.

Quiet Patchwork Day

2008-09-27T11:50:00.002+09:30

Yesterday was a very quiet day for our patchwork girls. Ruth was beginning to wonder if she was the lone patchworker until Kerry and her Mum arrived. Narelle sent a text to say she was feeling under the weather. Everyone else had other things crop up that had to come first. That's life.

Ruth has completed her runner for the girlsnightin and Narelle has just a little more hand sewing on the binding of the small wall hanging. All other preparations are well in hand.

Hopefully next patchwork day a few more can make it. It's getting close to that silly time of the year when we are just all so busy.

Happy Sewing

Sewing Day = Busy Girls

2008-09-14T10:11:00.005+09:30

Yes, Friday we finally made it. Seven of us were able to make an appearance for varying amounts of time. Kerry has things well under way for the Girls Night In and Ruth has made a good start on plans for our Christmas Shopping Trip that most likely will be a New Year Shopping Trip due to hectic schedules for the rest of this year.

Kerry has also been busy making a few items for a raffle on the night as well as finishing off another minky baby quilt.

Ruth was busy adding another prize for the night and something for herself.

Narelle made it by lunch and was able to stay till the end. She was multi-tasking while working on her PIF gifts. Except while winding the bobbin and enjoying a piece of banana cake and coffee, the cotton slipped off and lets just say the bobbin got a "little" messy.

Fay was working on a beatiful wall hanging for her daughter. She also squeezed in a hair appointment so had packed up when the camera came out.

Margaret is almost done on this stunning cream quilt, not her first.

Patty popped in during her lunch break and Irene was able to visit before and after work committments.

Wouldn't it be lovely if it was maditory for every woman to spend one day per week wholely on themselves and nothing and no-one else. We can dream.

Ideas For Spring Sewing Activities Please

2008-09-07T19:38:00.003+09:30

Next Friday should be an interesting sewing day. Planning for some activities such as The Girls Night In, A Dyeing Day, Our Christmas shopping excursion and anything else that we are keen to do. So roll up with some great ideas please everybody.

Our Non Event Day AGAIN!

2008-08-20T08:37:00.004+09:30

Our last sewing day was another non event day. This time due to ill health and work commitments ( really it was the cold weather wasn't it girls? Or was it the Olympics ?
Isn't it a shame that living gets in the way of patchwork. Both activities form a symbiotic relationship as patchwork looks after your mental health but isn't it a shame when the balance sometimes can't be achieved.
This is what happens when you only have a small group.

Plans are well in hand for our Girls Night In Cancer Fundraiser and Awareness Night in October. Keep an eye on the countdown. Hope the raffle ticket sales are progressing well.
Lets hope for some sewing action on Friday 29th.

Next Sewing Day

2008-08-12T17:00:00.002+09:30

Hopefully our best laid plans for a sewing day on Friday 15th will happen. Some of us have been super busy doing anything but sewing.
At least Kerry and Narelle have been busy entering the Blankets of Love competition. No pictures are allowed so you will have to wait and see if they are successful.
The raffle tickets for our Cancer Quilt are being sold in many places. They are available from Arts Beads and Crafts in Bundaberg , various locations in Mt Perry so hopefully we will have some sales.

The Bundaberg Quilters Exhibition has been and Patty's sister Denise was a lucky winner of a daily raffle prize. The quilts were good to look at also. I think the white machine embroidered quilt made of all the small blocks won the viewer's choice award and the black and white challenge quilt winner was the penguin quilt above the challenge desk.
Ruth has been for a quick visit to the RNA Ekka and saw the Quilts Across Queensland show.
There were about 120 quilts to see. The hanging space is a bit crowded but well worth the viewing so if you have a chance to visit the Ekka put this on your must see list.
The dairy goats were very interesting animals as well at the Ekka. One was asleep with its head in the feed bucket. The dairy cows were also being prepared for their judging. Some have shaved tails and some have completely shaved bodies. The manufacturers of electric shavers and hair dryers must love showtime.
Back to patchwork on Friday so hope to see everybody there.

It's Rainin Again

2008-07-25T07:32:00.003+09:30

As the song goes, yes it has been raining again. So much that it has disrupted our planned sewing day. Now we all love the rain in this dry continent but it would be better if the road builders would give some of us bitumen roads. Once our roads get wet some of us slip and slide in our cars so we decided to cancel our sewing day.

Next week it is the Bundaberg Quilters Exhibition and certainly well worth visiting. Wonder how Patty's Challenge Quilt will fare ? She is so proud that it is finished. Much better than Ruth's effort which is still in the fat quarter stage in the shopping bag.
Narelle is currently participating in a finish items by July's end challenge so with her enforced stay at home because of the roads hopefully that is happening.
Do all quiltmakers need a deadline to actually finish everything or does boredom with your current project win and it becomes a UFO while you start something else?
As Ruth has been sitting quietly handquilting her "must finish by 30th August project" she has been pondering her next project. It's amazing how many experienced quilters are right in their advice about this craft. Maybe it is better to start 10 things and work concurrently on them so the dreaded boredom does not set in. This at least allows you to live comfortably with the mess from that number of projects and be guilt free about your number of UFO's.

Our last posting about our cancer fundraising quilt was would you believe our 100th posting.
It is amazing that we have been online for 2 years. We try to post weekly so we are not doing too bad. Must give ourselves a congratulatory pat on the back.
Hope to catch up with you all next week at the Exhibition in Bundaberg.

Cancer Quilt

2008-07-18T19:51:00.002+09:30

Here it is!! Finished at last, and tickets are selling hot! We are very proud of our efforts and hope that we can raise heaps for the cancer foundation. We're off to a good start and drawing date is not till October 3rd.

Last patchwork day (July 11), proved to be a great catchup for most. Narelle even came along; bringing with her both daughter and mother to join in the fun.

Inspirational Moments

2008-07-06T15:45:00.008+09:30

Sometimes life cannot be all patchwork. Mt. Perry has a natural attraction on it's doorstep called Mount Perry Mountain. Sometimes we get the urge to go for an inspirational climb to the top.

BUT does it have to be in the ( fog) more like mist. Some of us started a trek on Sunday morning with some doubts about the weather. Raincoats came in very handy as we made it to the top. Up the cow paddock hill, through the wattle scrub, over the rocks, through the hoop pine forests, over some more rocks and through the eucalypts to the top. A small rest at the top and back down the way we came up. You could see nothing but cloud at the top.
Here is someone pleased to stand and overlook the town in the misty background on the way down.

A bit over 4 hours of climbing, laughter, puffing and panting and questioning our motives and sensibilities, and we were home again to a hot shower, feeling that sewing in front of a log fire is a better option on a rainy day.

But when you see scenery like these mossy rocks around the massive fig tree you have to be inspired by your surroundings to enjoy your own backyard.

BUT How come every time Patty has a suggestion lately it involves getting wet.
She has taken us kayaking on Paradise Dam, climbing Mount Perry in the wet, so where will she take us next?

Maybe the Bundaberg Quilters Exhibition????

Sewing Day 27 June

2008-07-04T12:54:00.006+09:30

As usual our sewing days show the easy come easy go nature of our group. Some members took the opportunity of a free day from work to stay at home and sew. By all reports it was just as well as the dreaded lurgy hit and lots of doses of panadol were required to get through the day.

Other members grabbed the unexpected opportunity to attend and had an enjoyable if a bit cold kind of day. Mt. Perry Hall is notorious for being cold in the mornings.
A new patchworker also joined us for the first time, vowing to come back with her work completed in 2 weeks.

The Cancer Quilt raffle tickets have arrived and booklets have been handed out. Kerry has had very brisk ticket sales meaning the rest of us had better find other people to ask. That might be hard in a small place like Mt. Perry. A photo will be displayed when it has been photographed hanging in a commercial place in Mt. Perry.

Kerry actually finished blanket stitching her cot quilt bears in between selling raffle tickets to any person she saw in Mt. Perry that day.
Ruth has been hand quilting her large " secret quilt'. She has now finished cross hatching the centre panel.

Fay was designing another granddaughter quilt.
Margaret was still working on her applique blocks and talking about art.
Irene continued on her new project she had started a few days earlier with Kerry's assistance.

School holidays are a good time for catching up with small projects while the usual school trips and catching the blasted school bus does not have to happen. Next Friday 11 July we might see some young ones visit with us. Hope so.

More Patchy News - Cancer Quilt Update

2008-06-19T07:16:00.003+09:30

Australia Post has done well! The raffle quilt was posted Thursday and arrived Friday at Highfields. As Kerry said, " why send it Express Post". It should be quilted by end of June hopefully. An all over design in the centre parts plus a different design in the border.
A variegated denim looking Signature Thread will be used so it should highlight different areas of the quilt.

Shop news! Alana's shop in Gin Gin also has some new patchwork fabrics ready for the shelves. There were about 10 bolts of fabric prints ready to be unwrapped and displayed for sale on the counter . The sales assistant quoted a price of $19.50/ metre before the unwrapping began , so if you are interested and have some spare time as you drive through Gin Gin call in.

Bundaberg Quilters Exhibition: The closing date for your Exhibition Form plus photo is June 28 2008 NOT Sat June 22nd. A glitch in the system there. Don't forget the Exhibiton is on August 1,2 and 3 hope these dates are correct. There will be some wonderful quilts to look at over that weekend.

See you all on the 27th.

Patchy News

2008-06-11T11:43:00.004+09:30

Friday 6 June was a long patchwork day for most of us. Kerry started early hoping to have a long day enjoying a meal with other crafty friends that night. Unfortunately other events interrupted her grand plans. We do try to keep up the sewing spirit though.
There was a procession of patchworkers visit the hall on Friday mostly at different times.
Ruth visited early working on her large mystery project until she had to depart to Monto to attend the Festival preparations. She did manage to finish tidying up the quilt in preparation for sandwiching.
Margaret attended sewing her applique articles.
Patty rolled up with her patchwork tablecloth ( from last time) completed of course. There is a photo somewhere in the archives. She has finished her black and white challenge for the Bundaberg Quilters Exhibition in August. Mind you Ruth's is still in 4 black and white fat quarters in a plastic shopping bag from Patchwork On Pallas. ( November shopping spree) and that's where they will stay.
Narelle and Kath turned up sometime and as I was no longer there I'm not sure what they got up to.
Kerry went off to work for a few hours. Yes she now has a small source of patchwork money.
Sandra was on grandma duty so knowing her she was probably accomplishing a lot at home.
Kerry finished work hoping she didn't have to cook tea that night and returned. Her dreams were foiled and in the end went home and cooked tea . Maybe next time we may stay late.

Talking about money for patchwork fabric , Jenny Bowker has an interesting comment in her talking point column in issue 121 Down Under Quilts out now. Have a read and no longer feel guilty. I now like the idea of fabric superannuation.
The winning quilts from the NSW Sydney Quilt SHow are now on screen also hope this gets you there. http://quiltersguildnsw.com/quiltshow

STOP PRESS: the raffle quilt top has been finished and posted to the machine quilter. Kerry certainly has been busy.
Should be back from the quilter in a couple of weeks. Then we will have some good photos for you.
Note: the next patchwork day is 3 weeks away on June 27 so hope to see you there.

Free Motion in Progress

2008-05-27T20:20:00.005+09:30

Last Friday had us all busy sewing, drafting and of course chatting. We all look forward to this day each fortnight to catch up with what everyone is up to and just have a lovely day out with friends.

Narelle's time is usually cut short between work and family but Friday she was able to whip out the sewing machine and continue with some free motion quilting. We had a FMQ Day at the end of last year and Narelle made this colourful wall hanging to work on (after much practice).

So far she has done some flame quilting in the orange squares . . . . . . .

And a daisy chain that she thought up after trying some continuous leaves on a practice piece. (Click on the photos for a close-up) She also shadow quilted around the applique.

Kerry has finished piecing and joining all the blocks for the raffle quilt and has sewn the first border on. The quilt is coming along nicely and will soon be ready for quilting.

Roll on fortnight so we can sew and chat once more.

Cancer Quilt Update

2008-05-12T19:44:00.007+09:30

Here's a photo of the pinup stage of our "Cancer Quilt" raffle prize. We are really pleased with the way it has all come together and the pattern is showing up so clearly. The two borders are just being tried at the bottom but will be all the way round in the finished product.

A visitor called for a look. She was impressed with our work but we weren't listening when she suggested a strip that might be better moved to another block. Too many seams completed dear!!

More Applique

2008-04-30T10:43:00.003+09:30

Looks like applique is a popular topic. Quite a few visitors have found us through searching for applique topics. Welcome, glad you have found us and come back to visit us often.

Ruth has been slowly working on a shadow applique project. Progress certainly has been slow and here is a photo of one lone block.

She hopes to finish some more soon to make a quilt for a special person.

Shadow applique involves placing organza over the raw edge applique shapes. Ruth uses 2 rows of machine stitching around each shape. This finishes off the edges and creates an overall delicate picture. A twin needle would give the same effect but tension problems would easily cause puckering.

Applique Centre Block

2008-04-25T14:08:00.003+09:30

Satin stitch applique by machine is the method used by Fay in her centre block. More borders are being added to finish off this quilt. More applique elements will appear in the borders. Faye's fabric selection creates wonderful flowers. She is also ending up with some swiss cheese fabric left over.

Next patchwork day is not until May 9th so mark your calendars.

The Local Show

2008-04-16T18:52:00.005+09:30

No unfortunately it's not just a Quilt Show we're talking about. Our local agricultural show where everybody rolls up and participates in something is coming to town. Whether you are a steward, competitor, volunteer or spectator ( or all 4 during the day) we must attend our local show.

Cooking, sewing , craft work, woodchopping, horse events, cattle shows and ringside entertainment and of course some side shows, flowers,fruit,vegetables , floral art and schoolwork. There's even demonstrations of some things new and the proverbial old as well.

Yes it's all coming this Saturday April 19 at the Mt Perry Showgrounds.

So hope you have been avidly reading the schedule and been organising ( finishing ) your entries.
Here is one item that probably wont be entered as it should by now be on its way to its new owner. This quilt was made in 12 hours of machine sewing by Patty. It's to keep her daughter warm whilst in her gap year serving her country. I'm sure it will be loved in its new home. Patty's 2 sisters machine quilted it on their mid arm frame in 6 hours for her. Doesn't she have some lovely sisters?

Patty is a well known hoarder of bits and pieces. The bright pink patches are of an old shiny dressing gown and the finished item is certainly not how she envisaged it would be when she started. She just wanted to use up some calico. The new owners fave colour is you guessed it PINK!. Not that she is probably wearing much pink these days. Hope it keeps you warm Yanna.

Applique Techniques

2008-04-11T19:03:00.005+09:30

We certainly showed the various applique techniques that are available for quilt making.

Out of 5 quiltmakers sewing in the hall , 4 were working on applique projects.

Narelle was out of style as she was finishing a quilt for sending off for an internet swap to someplace overseas.

The rest of us were appliqueing and designing more things to applique.

Lia was buttonholing by machine a series of blocks commenced before the Brisbane visit rudely interrupted her sewing career.

There are quite a few of these and she has a production line in action buttonholing around all those small flowers. It was good to see her return and therapeutic for her to keep sewing.

Saturday 12 April sees the Charity Auction at the Grand Hotel Mt Perry to raise funds for the Burns Unit at RBWH Brisbane.

Margaret was busy with her pansy leaves. These are satin stitch applique using a variety of different machine embroidery techniques for the backgrounds. The total number of these pansy petals are quite high so we know what Margaret will be working on for awhile yet. Margaret is very good at artwork so we reckon she should start designing her own pattern line.

Margarets clever use of her fabric has ensured she now possesses swiss cheese fabric in her workbox. She is also very clever at her colour combinations.

More photoes will be displayed in our next post of our other projects.

Our next sewing day is May 9th because Anzac Day falls on our next Friday date. This is also a Bundaberg Agro Trend day so plan your busy schedules accordingly.

Some Good News at last

2008-04-02T11:52:00.003+09:30

Friday 28 March delivered us some good news. As we no longer have a community newsletter since Perry Shire ceased to exist we thought we would share some snippets.

One of our members who has spent a while "working " in Brisbane at the Burns Unit assisting in the care of her family members has returned home. Eager to rev up the sewing machine and pick up the threads where they were interrupted weeks ago. She called in for a visit on Friday 28th vowing to return to sew on the 11 April.
A charity auction is being conducted on April 12 at the Grand Hotel Mt. Perry to raise some funds for the Burns Unit in Brisbane as a result of their misadventures.

Politically speaking we had some news as well, with a previous councillor from Mt Perry surviving a close count to be elected as our Division 5 councillor in the North Burnett Regional Council. Division 5 covers a large area and Mt Perry only has a small population within that area.
The Mayor of our new council was also the Mayor of Perry Shire Council so we know the interests of all in the North Burnett Regional Council area will be well served by these two people who have been elected to this new council.

Patchwork also plays a large role in the life of the new Blackall Tambo Council Mayor as Jan Ross is the current QCWA Piecemakers convenor. We have a link to their blog if you wish to visit .
We talk about large distances to travel around our area, she has a 2 hour drive just to get to her new office. Maybe she should employ a driver and she could do some hand piecing in that time.

The last sewing day saw Kerry proceeding with our latest adventure. A raffle quilt for a Cancer Fund Raiser. We purchased the fabric on our shopping spree in December. Ruth cut it up and Kerry has commenced sewing. Anybody wishing to assist with this project will be welcomed with open arms and given a small job.
The rest of us continued working on our projects. Patty spent the day preparing for her big adventure overseas. I hope she takes a camera with her.
Next patchwork day is during the school holidays so we may have some young ones with us learning to sew.

Our latest sewing adventures

2008-03-18T12:13:00.003+09:30

Our last sewing day on Friday 14 March was quite historic politically speaking of course. Perry Shire Council ceased to exist on Saturday 15 March due to the forced upon us amalgamations. Whether we believed this was good or bad for us as a community was irrelevant. One day you would think politicians would learn to listen to their constituents.

We are interested in whether our sewing place will have to be renamed as well. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this small community on the very edge of our large new super regional council called the North Burnett Regional Council.

Perhaps we might be sewing in the Mt. Perry Hall soon if our new elected councillors decide all the current halls need a name change. More money spent on new signs.

Some actual sewing did happen last Friday in amongst some distractions. Kerry has finished the baby quilt and it will soon be jetsetting off to Bali with the baby.

Fay continued machine quilting her quilt. A cream on cream heirloom style quilt which she always says "wont photograph well" when you approach with a camera so no luck with a photo.

Margaret has been working on some applique pansies for a cushion and Ruth was still procrastinating over her contemporary blocks. Patty actually visited but alas the school clothes were more important than patchwork. Mind you Patty has some exciting news we'll mention IF she comes back from her travels.

Here's a photo of Ruth's latest blocks.

Sewing Day 29 Feb

2008-03-09T17:14:00.004+09:30

At the last sewing day we certainly showed our talents in different styles of patchwork and quilting. Kerry's baby quilt is certainly bright. Narelle was working on her english pieced heaxagons by hand, Sandra was burning the motor out on her new Janome creating stitched fabric for her heirloom quilt, Ruth was procrastinating in the corner about an upcoming workshop using hand dyed fabrics creating a contemporary pieced quilt. Margaret was finishing of her bargello started in Dec 2006 and Faye was machine quilting another bed quilt. ( Until the phone rang) and she was called away. Better luck this coming Friday I hope.

As promised here are some progress pics.

This is Sandra's second quilt using these techniques. She has certainly put a lot of time and effort into this quilt. She is now a committed hoarder of all things nice that can be used for these blocks.
This is a close up of a basket block. There are two of these in this quilt. Look at all that machine embroidery. Hours of marking and sewing . That new Janome will need a rest soon.