2018 - and so the fun begins...

What better way to start off the New Quilting Year than with a group meeting. Sheila recapped our major achievements of last year and pronounced them all a great success, including the open Christmas tree for Najidah kiddies, some of the gifts pictured here.

Apologies for some of the pics in this post, there has been some gizmo installed on the ceiling above where we present show and tell and it gives all the pics a blue cast. Turns some colours from yum to yuck! sadly, didn't notice until too late.

At last weeks meeting Wendy presented a demo to the group of a Nancy Zieman block, showcasing large areas of beautiful fabric you just don't want to slice into.
This week, Wendy bought along her quilt using said block for us to ooohh and aahhh over.

At Show and Tell, Wendy ( who is known to state that she never reverse stitches) confided that she suspects she is 'shape challenged' and 'fessed that yes, on this quilt she did do some unpicking...just didn't love the block layout. Well, we were gobsmacked...and those who have been forced from time to time to do the dreaded reverse stitching had little grins of relief.
I'm sure you will agree, it was worth the unstitching. A stunning quilt with a modern flair.

Wendy used both stippling and straight line echo quilting to showcase the design and fabrics.

One of the dreadful 'blue' pics to show you the lovely design layout.

UPDATE
Wendy shot me off the links for you all to enjoy the 2 youTube videos of Nancy with designer Debbie Bowles as well as the fabric requirements for one block, depends on the size of the quilt how many blocks you will make. Thank You Wendy.
Video part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwvCmczCkho

Video part 2
https://wpt.org/SewingWithNancy/Video/sew-big-quilt-blocks-part-2

Fabric requirements per block
12.5" square of focus fabric

3 strip sets
Set 1
2.5” wide Dark
4.5” wide Light
stitched together and crosscut into 1 @ 8.5” and 1 @ 12.5” segments for each block

Set 2
2.5” wide Dark
2.5” wide Light
Stitched together and crosscut into 2 @ 6.5” segments for each block

Set 3
1 2.5” wide Dark strip
Cross cut into 6.5” segments 1 for each block
Your blocks will be 18"

Being a 'non reverse stitcher' Wendy had not heard of the wonderful invention that Alex Anderson from the Quilt Show presented to the quilting world last April. Alex had her Son-in-Law the engineer design it for her. You just plug your phone into your machine USB port: download the reverse stitching App from the App store and Bobs you Uncle. Here is a link to Alex giving a demo, for Wendy and anyone else who has missed this amazing invention
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2t2JWlcXXM

Another update....Sorry Di. It was Di's finished finally pillow and cushion that started the U.F.O finishing challenge,.
The U.F.O. gauntlet has been thrown down, yep, the group is challenged to finish those U.F.O's lurking around their sewing space, with the last meeting of the month as Show and Tell for the finished U.F.O's. Apparantely it all began last week when Sandy Di bought in a finished finally cushion and pillow and things just went on from there. We have a U.F.O counter on our sidebar now, but as Karen pointed out, the gals who always finish a project before moving on are at a disadvantage, no U.F.O's for them. Mind you, I reckon a few of them will unearth U.F.O's from Vinnies to finish - or I know a few folks who would be happy to donate...just sayin'.

Karen Do. was so proud of herself for finishing these two she just could't wait for the end of the month so shared with us yesterday.
A too, too cute Christmas Bunting,

Was told Brian's Fabric had some of this range in stock, worth a visit?

Karen also had this darling zippered box. Karen told the tale of how she got to the end of stitching only to find that there was about half a centimeter of seam allowance that had not been caught inside the enclosing seam. When she realised what had happened, she was so upset she tossed the poor little bag to the back of her desk where it spent the last 12 to 18 months being shoved from pillar to post, it took less than no time to fix, and now she has this cutie, No. 2 finished U.F.O.

Lorraine I,. also had a U.F.O. to show and tell. Not dreadfully impressed with her first foray into improvisational modern, a cut down and re-arrange found her with this quilt in a strong, vibrant colour palette, which coincidentall matched up perfectly with the Quilts of Valour sizing. So of course, off to Quilts of Valour to someone who needs and deserves a little love, support and respect.

Lorraine quilted her quilt using a mix of stippling, F.M.quilted leaves and straight line stitching then finished her quilt with a striking pieced binding.

And so another one bites the dust - wonder what the final tally will be for the year? and who will win?

Yvonne has been quietly beavering away throughout last year, creating hexies, lots of hexies - the result? This really cool shoulder bag, beautifully stitched with a really snazzy shoulder strap.

Janice was busily stitching more of her ever so popular coasters that she sells in our Atrium.

If you are a local or will be visiting our neck of the woods, a trip to our Atrium is well worth you while. For opening details and some peeks of the wide range of crafted goodies for sale visit the Atrium page on our Buderim Craft Cottage website
We also have a very handy page of coming events, compiled by the ever helpful Karel Beech

Sheila was constructing a quillo for a dear friends 90th Birthday, but zoomed off to attend to 'leader stuff'. Sue is packing up the ironing station after turning and pressing a pile of tubes that we will be using in the construction of mastecotomy drain bags at a workshop next month.

2017 Quilt Exhibition - Part Three

Wow, what an amazing afternoon of exuberance and energy at our patchwork meeting yesterday, even Di got a tad carried away when dishes time came around, she had more suds than she knew what to do with!

But more on the day of fun and inspiration later, now, on to more delicious quilts.

Marcia Elliot
'Happy Memories'
Prior to the birth of her baby last year my granddaughter held a 'Celebration of a new life' party.
Guests were asked to bring a piece of fabric that held happy memories for them and to share their memories with the other guests.
To surround the new baby with these happy new vibes the pieces of fabric were to be made into a patchwork quilt by the baby's great grandmother.
With such a wide variety of fabrics this was a big challenge for great grandmother, Marcia.
It is machine pieced and quilted by Marcia Elliot

Sue Andrew
'Connections'
This is my own design. I have completed using the 'Quilt as you go' method.
Machine pieced and quilted by me
Pattern design by Sue Andrew
Quilted by Sue Andrew

Fae Dunner
'I Spy'
A comforter made with love for a traumatised child going into foster care.
'Something to keep' and to let them know they are precious to God.
Inspired by love of children
Pattern design by Fae Dunner
Quilted by Fae Dunner

Val Tanner
'Reflections of the Serengeti' 1 & 2
I just love silhouettes in quilts
They make such a dramatic visual effect on all sorts of backgrounds
Pattern design by Lorraine Stangness (Country Creations)
Quilted by Val Tanner

Fiona Bell
Metro Hoops
I just really wanted to make it!
Pattern design by Sew Kind of Wonderful
Quilted by Me - Fiona - "The quilting Fairy"

Pat Reid
'Exploding Stars'
Pat Reid
When I saw Lib Elliot's quilt on the internet, I knew I had to make it. Lots of triangles and using blacks, greys and just one very bright colour. Watching it slowly come together on my design wall, I thought I should never have started such a complicated design. But then I finally finished the piecing!
How do I quilt such a pattern? straight lines with a difference; I let the pattern dictate the quilted design. I used my walking foot and four colours of thread for the quilting.
Several months later, I think it worked!
Pattern design by Lib Elliot
Quilted by Pat Reid

Sue Andrew
'Daintree'
All hand dyed fabric
Machine pieced and quilted by me
Pattern Design by Michelle Steel and Ami Hillege from 'Gourmet Selections' book
Quilted by Sue Andrew

Sandy King
'Baskets of Flowers'
I purchased this kit at the Houston Quilt Festival in 2012 because I loved the embroidery panels and quilt colours
The embroidery took me a year to do at our Wednesday meetings
Pattern design by Robert Kaufman
Quilted by Yankee Doodle Quilting

Leanne Kerr
'Dan & Gen's Wedding Quilt
I started collecting brown fabrics about 7 years ago to make a quilt for my middle son, however, being very time poor I hadn't got around to starting the quilt until approximately 3 years ago. By then, my son had become engaged and so I was planning to have the quilt finished as part of our wedding present to our son and his new bride
Dan & Gen we married on May 31st 2017. I finally finished the quilt and gave it to them approximately 3 years later on February 29th 2017.
The great news is - they absolutely love it, so I guess it was worth waiting for!
Pattern design by Leanne Kerr
Quilted by Leticia Turner

Gaye Cook
'Oh My Stars'
this quilt arose out of a love of recycling and making useful and lovely things from scraps left over from other projects
Pattern design by Cathy Doughty
Hand quilted by Gaye Cook

]

Wendy Tame
'Foxley Village'
This was a block of the month 2016 Homespun
I used my own stash for the quilt and cut the border a bit smaller so as it fits on my wall
Pattern design by Natalie Bird
Quilted by Wendy Tame.

Marlene Hogan
'Freedom'
This is my qult from a workshop run by Jan Philips in June 2016
It was meant to be a wall hanging but I wanted to use up some of my stash. It is now either a single bed quilt or a queen topper
Pattern design by Jan Philips
Quilted by Fiona - 'The Quilting Fairy'

Di Stark
'A Wee Dram'
Made from the leftover material from my Drunkards Path quilt. I keep getting more and more material for the borders of my first quilt because I couldn't decide which one looked better
O.M.G. - I still have another piece to use!!!
Designed by Di Stark
Quilted by Carmen's Quilting at Palmview

Lorraine Irvine
'Are They Really All Stripes?'
I found this pattern in a magazine from the U.K.
The quilt designer, Lynne Goldsworthy, had made this quilt using different shades of the same colour in each block and when I went looking for similar fabric, I found that I had all these stripes so went for that insead.
There are not really 36 different stripe fabrics but you can have a hunt for the odd one out.
I enlarged the quilt and changed the sashing colour
Pattern design by Lynne Goldsworthy
Quilted by Lorraine Irvine

Jackie Swan
'Freedom
Jan Phillips came to our group for a one day workshop.
This quilt was made by using a rotary cutter so it was alternate to my usual way of making a quilt top
Pattern design by Jan Phillips

Pat Reid
'Shimmering Triangles'
I attended a two day course with Jenny Bowker at the Australasian Quilt Convention in Melbourne in 2016. Batiks were my choice of fabric for this design.
My husband said he could never see the shimmering stars in the pattern but after it was finished they were there even though he said he had to squint and use his imagination
Pattern design by Jenny Bowker
Quilted by Pat Reid

Val Tanner
'Fish With Attitude'
I had made this quilt before and I remembered how much I enjoyed using lots of brights to create this fun quilt.
Pattern design by Desiree Simpson
Quilted by Val Tanner

Marie Weber
'Emu'
Some of this material was given as a challenge piece. It was aboriginal design and I thought it married to this emu beautifully.
Pattern design from Quilters Companion
Quilted by Marie Weber

Karen Daniel
'James' Quilt'
I just love scrappy quilts. For me, its what patchwork is all about. The use of scraps of left over fabric, some recycled from clothes that have been grown out of. Snips of this and that. This quilt is predominantly out of leftovers, however the reverse and large peices of this particular quilt were purchased specially.
I made this quilt for my third childs 21st birthday as a surprise. He loves it.
When he comes back from travelling there's nothing more he enjoys than snuggling down underneath it.

Di Stark
'Drunkard's Path'
Quilt made from 2 layer cakes. It was quick to make but it took 18 months to finish
I couldn't decide on the border!
the quilt for my king sized bed had worn out therefore I needed a new one. Hopefully this one will last several years!
Quilted by Carmen's Quilting at Palmview

Leanne Kerr
'My Colourful Scrappy Quilt'
My quilt is made up of 7056 one inch finished squares. One of my friends makes childrens' clothes and she gave me a lot of fabric scaps so I combined these with all of my scrap fabrics plus my stash. I have been able to make a Queen size quilt!
Pattern Design by Leanne Kerr
Quilted by Fiona - 'The Quilting Fairy'

Marie Weber'Morning Chorus'
I just love doing Michelle Hill patterns of William Morris old English designs. This was my inspiration for this quilt
Pattern design by Michelle Hill
Quilted by Marie Weber

Janice Souter
'Summer Garden'
Beautiful Jewel fabrics from my stash needed to be shown off in a big way. Simple design and I added an extra row.
I am very pleased with the outcome.
Pattern design by Kookaburra Cottage
Quilted by Judy of 'Furball Farm Quilting'

Rita Buckley
'Li'l Blokes'
I just loved making this quilt

Sue Andrew
'Biased'
My own design using bias binding
Machine pieced and quilted by me
Pattern design by Sue Andrew
Quilted by Sue Andrew

Janice Souter
'100% Aussie'
I love Australia and I love these beautiful fabrics.
Using the Disappearing Nine Patch design, I think worked very well
Pattern design is 'Disappearing Nine Patch'
Quilted by Judy of 'Furball Farm Quilting'

Fae Dunner
'I Spy'
A comforter made with love for a traumatised child going into foster care.
"Something to keep" and to let them know thay are precious to God
Inspired by love of children
Pattern design by Fae Dunner
Quilted by Fae Dunner

A new gadget

Di was beavering away at finishing the binding on this quilt at the beginning of the day, created using a layer cake and drunkards path template - yep we do have it in our library, Di had Fiona from the Quilting Fairy longarm a continuous design over her quilt.

 

To make the binding task a little easier, Di had lashed out on a Clover desk needle threader and was a bit dismayed to find that it didn't perform as promised.

Not to be defeated by a little thing like that, Di did a bit of research and found that Clover recommends you use Clover brand needles, (of course) something to do with the oval eye of the clover needles.  So, a dash into the store on her way to quilting and Di had her required needles but hadn't actually got to the stage of needing to re-thread her needle.  So, does it work or does it not? more on this cliff hanger next week.

Anike was setting up to continue 'free hand quilting' or as we would term it free motion quilting on half of her quilt.

Inspired by a quilt spotted in a magazine, this is Anike's own design, the reds in the layout form large hexagon shapes that will be quilted in an allover circular design with straight line quilting in the black background.  Anike opted to do the quilting in two pieces so as not to have too much bulk in the throat of her machine.

Debby was threading up her needle in preparation of button hole stitching around some really cute farm animals on a baby quilt for her God daughters new baby.

Janice is quite a prolific quilter and usually has her quilts quilted by a long arm quilter, or if her own quilting, has gone with the stitch in the ditch approach.  With the continued support of a friend who convinced her to give it a try she has been pleasantly surprised to find just how easy it is to get a great result using gentle curves and straight lines.

The above quilt and this one below are just two of the quilts that Janice will be offering for sale at the upcoming Easter Fair on Saturday March 26th.

As promised, Michelle bought along her lovely crazy patchwork squares, all framed up and looking beautiful.

some closer peeks at some of Michells blocks and yes, the background fabric is black, not blue as in some of these pics. 

Heather was inspired by Michells work and also joined the happy little gang of 'crazies' who gather at Patchwork Angel to be tutored by Jenny.

Although we have a copy of Jenny's book in our library, Heather chose to buy her own copy.  It's a great reference and inspirational book.

We had two gals visiting with us today with a view to joining our group, Karen and Carol.
Karen chose to bring a piece of Sashiko along to work on.

Carol bought along some 1/2" hexies that she will be using on a quilt for her bed using her own design of Cathederal Windows with a hexie in each window.
 Carol was originally enticed to start on the 'Insanity' quilt by this gift from a friend, a cute mini

sewing kit.  Val identified the fabric as being from one of Lynette Anderson's ranges.
'Insanity' is an award winning quilt by Australian quilter and tutor Rhonda Pearce and uses over 10,000 hexies.  After making a number of the hexies, Carol decided 10 thousand was just a few more than she wanted to create, hence the new design of a quilt for her bed.   The pattern for 'Insanity' was featured on the front cover of an old Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine, pictured below if you are interested in your own little piece of insanity


More on the quilt creations from the Jan Phillips workshop held recently.
Jackie, Denise and Val, carefully separating fabrics after one of those breath holding free form cuts.

Heather with her tablerunner, not quilted yet but in the works! - It's all that crazy stitching she is doing - only so many hours in a day!

Marlene's sweetie is at home on her 'design floor' but she did bring us a pic on her phone,
Dots and spots added, coming along nicely.

Marlene is also the first to bring along her finished Najidah toiletry bags, with a handy pocket front for added colour.

New member Karen D. was also working on Shashiko.                         
 

While Lorraine L. was sitting back, taking a break from her hand pieced stars.

 Sandy has almost completed another embroidered block.

and Val has selected just a few fabrics from Derricks donated stash to help in the creation of more charity quilts.

Karen is also working on little hexies that she will be turning into a pretty little make-up bag for herself.

Marcia was given a fat quarter pack and a commission to create 'a rug for the floor for her grandson in law to watch t.v.'

She opted for a pattern sourced from Moda Bake Shop, not unlike this pattern here. to create a very masculine quilt, just perfect to roll around and wrap yourself in for a tellie marathon.

Marcia had her quilt longarm quilted by local lass Carmen, who, whould you believe, only had the quilt for 2 days before returning it to Marcia, talk about speedy.  We will be able to share Carmen's contact details with you in the near future - (it's a holiday thing!)
Update:  just to hand, Carmen's new e-mail contact
 carmensquilting@gmail.com.
So, if you are interested in having Carmen quilt your latest lovely, shoot her off an email, she will contact you and soon you will have a snuggly lovely!