Annual Art Show

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.......

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.....

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

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!

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....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.
*
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.
*
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....

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?

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.
*
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

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

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.