Out and about at Christmas time!

Hello there. The lead up to Christmas has been hectic!  Here are a couple of quilting events on this weekend:

**ONE STEP FURTHER EXHIBITION**
When: 13 November - 20 December 2014. Tues to Fri 10am–4pm, Sat noon–4pm. 
Where: Whitehorse Artspace, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
What: Textiles from Victorian Quilters Inc. One Step Further challenges participants to make a quantum leap in style, technique and presentation. This exhibition showcases the skills and imagination of quilt and textile artists from around Victoria. Demonstrations will be held each Saturday during the exhibition. Enquiries: 03 9262 6250

**CHRISTMAS AT THE JOHNSTON COLLECTION**
When: 6 November 2014 to 24 February 2015 (see website for tour times and bookings)
Cost: Full $27, concession $25, groups of 8+ $23, after-hours tour $35.
What: Artists and makers from Victoria’s Geelong and Surf Coast region create a spectacular new arrangement for Christmas at the Johnston Collection. 45 artists and craftspeople from the Geelong Artisans Group have been busy putting the final touches to over 180 exquisite new creations which will feature in this year’s T'was the Night Before Christmas tour. Participants include members of Geelong and District Porcelain Painters, Geelong Handweavers and Spinners Guild Inc, Geelong Patchworkers and Quilters’ Guild Inc, Leopold Lacemakers, The Bead Society of Victoria (Geelong branch), The Embroiderers Guild of Victoria (Geelong branch) and The Trolly Dolly Cloth Doll Club Inc, as well as individual artists.
See the website for further details: (http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/Exhibitions/DesignandCraft/Pages/a9f83455-ddbd-45fe-bcd5-2061b2e6015d.aspx )
To all our members and readers a very merry Christmas and happy and safe start to 2015. Thank you for your support and we shall see you in the new year!

Out and about

Hello there.  In the lead up to Christmas, I haven't come across many quilting events except for these two:

**ONE STEP FURTHER EXHIBITION**
When: 13 November - 20 December 2014. Tues to Fri 10am–4pm, Sat noon–4pm.
Where: Whitehorse Artspace, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
What: Textiles from Victorian Quilters Inc. One Step Further challenges participants to make a quantum leap in style, technique and presentation. This exhibition showcases the skills and imagination of quilt and textile artists from around Victoria. Demonstrations will be held each Saturday during the exhibition. Enquiries: 03 9262 6250

**CHRISTMAS AT THE JOHNSTON COLLECTION**
When: 6 November 2014 to 24 February 2015 (see website for tour times and bookings)
Cost: Full $27, concession $25, groups of 8+ $23, after-hours tour $35.
What: Artists and makers from Victoria’s Geelong and Surf Coast region create a spectacular new arrangement for Christmas at the Johnston Collection. 45 artists and craftspeople from the Geelong Artisans Group have been busy putting the final touches to over 180 exquisite new creations which will feature in this year’s T'was the Night Before Christmas tour. Participants include members of Geelong and District Porcelain Painters, Geelong Handweavers and Spinners Guild Inc, Geelong Patchworkers and Quilters’ Guild Inc, Leopold Lacemakers, The Bead Society of Victoria (Geelong branch), The Embroiderers Guild of Victoria (Geelong branch) and The Trolly Dolly Cloth Doll Club Inc, as well as individual artists. See the website for further details.

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for reading.

Out and about

Apologies for the day late post.  There is so much to do and not as many hours in the day to get them done it seems!

Quilt related events this weekend are:

**ONE STEP FURTHER EXHIBITION**
When: 13 November - 20 December 2014. Tues to Fri 10am–4pm, Sat noon–4pm.
Where: Whitehorse Artspace, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
What: Textiles from Victorian Quilters Inc. One Step Further challenges participants to make a quantum leap in style, technique and presentation. This exhibition showcases the skills and imagination of quilt and textile artists from around Victoria. Demonstrations will be held each Saturday during the exhibition. Enquiries: 03 9262 6250

**CHRISTMAS AT THE JOHNSTON COLLECTION**
When: 6 November 2014 to 24 February 2015 (see website for tour times and bookings)
Cost: Full $27, concession $25, groups of 8+ $23, after-hours tour $35.
What: Artists and makers from Victoria’s Geelong and Surf Coast region create a spectacular new arrangement for Christmas at the Johnston Collection. 45 artists and craftspeople from the Geelong Artisans Group have been busy putting the final touches to over 180 exquisite new creations which will feature in this year’s T'was the Night Before Christmas tour. Participants include members of Geelong and District Porcelain Painters, Geelong Handweavers and Spinners Guild Inc, Geelong Patchworkers and Quilters’ Guild Inc, Leopold Lacemakers, The Bead Society of Victoria (Geelong branch), The Embroiderers Guild of Victoria (Geelong branch) and The Trolly Dolly Cloth Doll Club Inc, as well as individual artists.
See the website for further details.

And something Chrismassy:

**GINGERBREAD VILLAGE AT MELBOURNE TOWN HALL**.
What:  Epicure's Executive Pastry Chef Deniz Karaca, his team and volunteers will spend over 2,000 hours creating the Gingerbread Village. You'll see some recognisable landmarks, including the Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Luna Park and a zoo, all connected by the Christmas train.  Entry - gold coin donation to Make a Wish foundation.  You can also purchase gingerbread treats.
When:  1 December to 24 December, 10.00am - 6.00pm Monday - Sunday.  Open until 8.30pm from 13 December.

Until next week, thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Out and about

Hello there.
Did you know that in 4 weeks time, Christmas day will be coming to an end...yep it's exactly 4 weeks until the big day.  Those 4 weeks are going to FLY!!!

If you are in need of some inspiration though, you can check out these quilt related events this weekend:

**THE APPLIQUE GUILD AUSTRALIA - Applique-In Geelong**
When: 29 November 2014. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Belmont Masonic Hall, 27-29 Regent St, Belmont
What: Guest speaker quilt designer Judy Newman (A Very Fine House Designs); shops: Elm Grove Patchwork, and others to be advised. $7.00 entry. Enquiries: enquiries@theappliqueguildofaustralia.org.au

**ONE STEP FURTHER EXHIBITION**
When: 13 November - 20 December 2014. Tues to Fri 10am–4pm, Sat noon–4pm.
Where: Whitehorse Artspace, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
What: Textiles from Victorian Quilters Inc. One Step Further challenges participants to make a quantum leap in style, technique and presentation. This exhibition showcases the skills and imagination of quilt and textile artists from around Victoria. Demonstrations will be held each Saturday during the exhibition. Enquiries: 03 9262 6250

**CHRISTMAS AT THE JOHNSTON COLLECTION**
When: 6 November 2014 to 24 February 2015 (see website for tour times and bookings)
Cost: Full $27, concession $25, groups of 8+ $23, after-hours tour $35.
What: Artists and makers from Victoria’s Geelong and Surf Coast region create a spectacular new arrangement for Christmas at the Johnston Collection. 45 artists and craftspeople from the Geelong Artisans Group have been busy putting the final touches to over 180 exquisite new creations which will feature in this year’s T'was the Night Before Christmas tour. Participants include members of Geelong and District Porcelain Painters, Geelong Handweavers and Spinners Guild Inc, Geelong Patchworkers and Quilters’ Guild Inc, Leopold Lacemakers, The Bead Society of Victoria (Geelong branch), The Embroiderers Guild of Victoria (Geelong branch) and The Trolly Dolly Cloth Doll Club Inc, as well as individual artists. See the website for further details.


Also, for anyone in the Ballarat region, Eureka Patchwork is having a sale - 1st to 14th December 2014.  All $20 per metre fabrics reduced to $15 per metre. Minimum cut is half a metre. If you take what is left on the bolt it will be further reduced to $12 per metre. Sale is on every day between 1st and 14th December 2014 at 143 Victoria St, Ballarat between 10am and 5pm.

Have a great weekend!

Out and about

Hello there.  Its Thursday already!

Quilty/textile related events on this weekend include:

**ONE STEP FURTHER EXHIBITION**
When: 13 November - 20 December 2014. Tues to Fri 10am–4pm, Sat noon–4pm.
Where: Whitehorse Artspace, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
What: Textiles from Victorian Quilters Inc. One Step Further challenges participants to make a quantum leap in style, technique and presentation. This exhibition showcases the skills and imagination of quilt and textile artists from around Victoria. Demonstrations will be held each Saturday during the exhibition. Enquiries: 03 9262 6250

**CHRISTMAS AT THE JOHNSTON COLLECTION**
When: 6 November 2014 to 24February 2015 (see website for tour times and bookings)
Cost: Full $27, concession $25, groups of 8+ $23, after-hours tour $35.
What: Artists and makers from Victoria’s Geelong and Surf Coast region create a spectacular new arrangement for Christmas at the Johnston Collection. 45 artists and craftspeople from the Geelong Artisans Group have been busy putting the final touches to over 180 exquisite new creations which will feature in this year’s T'was the Night Before Christmas tour.
Participants include members of Geelong and District Porcelain Painters, Geelong Handweavers and Spinners Guild Inc, Geelong Patchworkers and Quilters’ Guild Inc, Leopold Lacemakers, The Bead Society of Victoria (Geelong branch), The Embroiderers Guild of Victoria (Geelong branch) and The Trolly Dolly Cloth Doll Club Inc, as well as individual artists. See the website for further details.

**BACCHUS MARSH EMBROIDERS EXHIBITION**
When:  22 - 23 November 2014;  10am - 4pm
Where:  The Laurels, Main St, Bacchus Marsh
What:  Run in conjunction with the Bacchus Marsh Strawberry & Cherry Trail.  The Bacchus Marsh Embroiderers Exhibition will feature exquisite, locally embroidered exhibits. Raffle and hand made items for sale.  Entry: $5

Also, last Saturday the group held its annual Christmas party. It was a great day with plenty of delicious food, wine and great company. Tim from Banksia Palliative Care Service Inc. also called in and provided us with a lovely dessert in thanks of the support the group has provided to it through the year. It was delicious!  A big thank you to the team at Banksia.

Have a great weekend and see you next week.  Thanks for reading!

Out and about

Hello there this warm and balmy Thursday Melbourne evening.  It's not quite summer yet but you would definitely be forgiven for thinking it is, given today's 30+C deg temperature!

The group is holding it's Christmas party this coming Saturday!  Everyone is looking forward to it - the year has flown but plenty has been achieved by the group and its members that is worthy of celebrating.

In terms of exhibitions this upcoming weekend, there are a couple of events of interest:

**ONE STEP FURTHER EXHIBITION**
When: 13 November - 20 December 2014. Tues to Fri 10am–4pm, Sat 12pm-4pm.
Where: Whitehorse Artspace, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
What:   Textiles from Victorian Quilters Inc.  One Step Further challenges participants to make a quantum leap in style, technique and presentation. This exhibition showcases the skills and imagination of quilt and textile artists from around Victoria. Demonstrations will be held each Saturday during the exhibition. Enquiries:  03 9262 6250

**SEW MANY THREADS - EXHIBITION BY BENDIGO BRANCH OF THE EMBROIDERERS GUILD, VICTORIA**
When:  14 - 16 November.  10am - 5pm (Fri & Sat); 11.30am - 4pm (Sun)
Where:  St Andrew's Hall, Myers St., Bendigo
What:    Exhibition of members' work, gift stall, raffles, refreshments. Entry $5.00

There won't be any more of the groups' show and tell items until our January 2015 meeting, but you can head over to our facebook page in case any of our members have posted images of their creations in the meantime.  I'm guessing there might be a few Christmas related items worthy of sharing!

Until next week, have a great weekend and thanks for reading.

Out and about

Hello there. 

It looks like there aren't many quilting events on this coming weekend:
 
**BELLARINE QUILTERS - BIENNIAL QUILT SHOW**
When: Saturdays and Sundays during 18 October - 9 November
12pm - 4pm
Where: The Old Mill (National Trust Building) Turner Crt, Portarlington
What: Beautiful quilts, members boutique quilt shop, raffles for local charities. Entry fee: $5.

But, there is also this:

**CHRISTMAS AT THE JOHNSTON COLLECTION**
When:  6 November 2014 to 24 February 2015 (see website for tour times and bookings)
Cost:  Full $27, concession $25, groups of 8+ $23, after-hours tour $35.
What:  Artists and makers from Victoria’s Geelong and Surf Coast region create a spectacular new arrangement for Christmas at the Johnston Collection.  45 artists and craftspeople from the Geelong Artisans Group have been busy putting the final touches to over 180 exquisite new creations which will feature in this year’s T'was the Night Before Christmas tour.  
Participants include members of Geelong and District Porcelain Painters, Geelong Handweavers and Spinners Guild Inc, Geelong Patchworkers and Quilters’ Guild Inc, Leopold Lacemakers, The Bead Society of Victoria (Geelong branch), The Embroiderers Guild of Victoria (Geelong branch) and The Trolly Dolly Cloth Doll Club Inc, as well as individual artists. 
See the website for further details.
 
Have a great weekend and thanks for reading.

Out and about

Hello there. 

Upcoming quilting events for this weekend are:

**STAWELL QUILTERS BI-ANNUAL EXHIBITION**
When:  31 October - 2 November; 10am - 5pm daily
Where: Stawell Entertainment Centre, 63-65 Main Street, Stawell
What:  Amazing quilts, merchant stalls, a quilt raffle, trading tables, and more with morning tea/afternoon tea available. Entry: $5.00

**WESTERNPORT QUILTERS INC. QUILT SHOW**
When:  1 & 2 November; 10am - 5pm Sat; 10am - 4pm Sun
Where: Tyabb Community Hall, 1535 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Tyabb
What:  Display of members work, raffle quilt, caring quilts, special exhibition of our challenge mini quilts "Guess the Movie", handmade goods for sale, merchant's mall, light refreshments available. Entry $5.00

**MANSFIELD HIGH COUNTRY QUILTERS - QUILT DISPLAY**
When: 1 & 2 November; 10am - 4pm
Where: MACE Mansfield Community education Centre, 145 High Street, Mansfield
What:  Over 140 items on display. Entry $5

**BELLARINE QUILTERS - BIENNIAL QUILT SHOW**
When: Saturdays and Sundays during 18 October - 9 November
12pm - 4pm
Where: The Old Mill (National Trust Building) Turner Crt, Portarlington
What: Beautiful quilts, members boutique quilt shop, raffles for local charities. Entry fee: $5.

**CRAFTY BUSINESS IN THE GARDEN presented by RUTHERGLEN AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB**
When:  Sunday 2 November; 10am - 4pm
Where: 274 Main Street West, Rutherglen
What: stalls, demonstrations, food, plants for sale, Kids' Corner and a children's' scarecrow competition. Entry $10.00 per family

And one other post for you.  We have had a request from the Doreen Branch of the CWA for Scent Blankets for premature babies.  Click on the following document which lists the requirements for the blankets - they must be made according to these requirements:

Enjoy the rest of the day and thanks for reading.

Out and about

Hello there. 

 

It's Thursday again and I have two offerings for you this weekend:

**THE STITCHES AND CRAFT SHOW**
When: 23 October - 26 October, 10am - 4.30pm each day
Where: Caulfield Racecourse, Caulfield
What: Craft shopping, daily classes/workshops, textile art & cake displays and fashion parades. Adults: $16
See the website for further details.

**BELLARINE QUILTERS - BIENNIAL QUILT SHOW**
When: Saturdays and Sundays during 18 October - 9 November
12pm - 4pm
Where: The Old Mill (National Trust Building) Turner Crt, Portarlington
What: Beautiful quilts, members boutique quilt shop, raffles for local charities. Entry fee: $5.
And one last item worth a mention is that one of our members highly recommended visiting a quilt shop - SA Mallee Country Connection in Karoonda South Australia - if you are over that way. Click on the website if you would like to have a look and get their full details. 

 

Have a great weekend and thanks for reading!

October 2014 group meeting

Hello there.

The group met up today in Lower Plenty and we had a little bit of show and tell:

 First up the group got to see the first prize raffle quilt for our exhibition next year (held in March 2015)

 

 Christine had this gorgeous quilt designed by herself and her 4 year old grandson which features lots of his drawings!

 

 Helen E had a Christmas quilt (already!)

 Helen E also had her 2014 challenge quilt all sewn up and ready to go

 

 Yumi showed us her blocks for the Naturally Australian II quilt (which is a TPG class)

 

 and some more of Yumi's beautiful blocks

 

 Ruth had this bright and fun children's quilt which is going to be a wall hanging

 

 Linda showed us her Monochromatic Moments quilt which is nearly finished (also a TPG class)

 

 Therese had a stunning elephants quilt where she did hand applique and hand embroidery - the detailing was amazing

 

 Robyn's finished UFO

 

 and another finished UFO of Robyn's

 

 Helen G's strippy jelly roll quilt

 

 Judy's completed Rainbow 56 mini quilt (another TPG class)

 

and Judy's two for one flower quilt which she made in memory of her mother

 

We also got to see lots of knitted and sewn pieces which have already been made for our trading table at next year's exhibition (to be held in March 2015) which is a fantastic start. Visitors to our show will definitely be spoilt for choice.

There are a few other things to post about but they will have to wait for another day as it's getting late!

Thanks for reading and have a great rest of the weekend.

Out and about

Hello. I'm a day early this week just to keep things interesting!

There are a few quilting events on this week:

**BELLARINE QUILTERS - BIENNIAL QUILT SHOW**
When: Saturdays and Sundays during 18 October - 9 November
12pm - 4pm
Where: The Old Mill (National Trust Building) Turner Crt, Portarlington
What: Beautiful quilts, members boutique quilt shop, raffles for local charities. Entry fee: $5.

**GOLDFIELDS QUILTERS 12TH EXHIBITION**
When: 18 & 19 October - Sat 10am - 5pm; Sun 10am - 4pm
Where: St Marys Hall, Cnr Hargraves & Lyttleton Sts, Castlemaine
What: Exhibition of members work, members challenge, raffle quilt, 2 traders, trading table, light refreshments available. Entry $7.

**KANIVA WINDMILL STITCHERS BIENNIAL QUILT EXHIBITION**
When: 18 & 19 October - Sat 10am - 5pm; Sun 10am - 4pm
Where: Kaniva Shire Hall, Baker St, Kaniva
What: Quilt display, trading table, visiting traders, morning/afternoon tea and lunch. Entry $5

**SEYMOUR QUILT AND CRAFT FAIR**
When: 18 & 19 October - Sat 10am - 4pm; Sun 11am - 3pm
Where: Anglican Church and Hall, Anzac Ave, Seymour.
What: Entry $5 adult, concession & child $2.

**ARARAT REGIONAL ART GALLERY**
What: "Integrate / Separate" presents contemporary quilts by Western Victorian textile artists; and "Organic Intimacy" pays tribute to the delicate and tender stitched works of Louise Bourgeois. A quiet and intense approach to the exploration of the relationship between stitch, thought and word is revealed by 10 women artists working with a range of textile related processes.
When: 16 October - 30 November
Where: Ararat Regional Art Gallery, Vincent St, Ararat

For non-quilting but textile related events that are also running, have a look at last week's post.  

And last but definitely not least, the group is meeting this coming Saturday, 18 October from 10am at the Lower Plenty Senior Citizens Hall, 86-88 Lower Plenty Rd, Lower Plenty if you would like to come along and join in.
Have a great weekend and thanks for reading.

Out and about

Hello there.  I have come across one quilting event on this weekend:

**KILMORE QUILTERS INC. - QUILT-IN**
When: Saturday, 11 October; 10am - 4pm
Where: Kilmore Memorial Hall
What: $5 entry. All welcome. Quilts on display, guest speaker, morning and afternoon tea, BYO mug and hand stitching, raffles and door prizes, trading table. Enquiries: kilmorequilters@live.com

Other non-quilting events include:

**BUTTONFEST**
When: Saturday, 11 Oct; 9.30am-3.30pm
Where: Burwood Heights Uniting Church, cnr Burwood Hwy & Blackburn Rd.
What: Annual exhibition & sales day. Further queries: http://www.vicbuttonclub.com.au/buttonfest-2012

**THE BIRREGURRA FESTIVAL**
When: 11 and 12 October
See: http://www.birregurra.com/index.php/weekendfestival/festival for details

AND for other textile related events, as detailed on The Australian Forum for Textile Arts (TAFTA) website (http://tafta.org.au/vic-news-events/):

The Basketmakers of Victoria (BOV) - Biennial Victorian Basketmaker’s Exhibition at Quadrant Gallery 62 Barkers Road, Hawthorne from 2-25 October 2014. The exhibition is titled Natural or Knot.

COLLECTIVE NOTIONS will hold an exhibition of works by their 14 members at Steps Gallery, Carlton from Oct 4-15. The show is titled ‘Point of View’ - a new show of diverse art work in fibre, textile and mixed media in 2014 where we continue to push boundaries of concept and art.

UNDRESSED: 350 Years of Underwear in Fashion is at Bendigo Art Gallery until October 26th. Featured are highlights from the V&A Museum’s extensive collection of underwear, dating from 1750 to the present day. “The exhibition looks at the history of private and intimate clothing from corsets to court mantuas and boudoir wear to bustles exploring underwear’s function in decorating and manipulating the body.”

FROM THE HOME OF MIRKA MORA is showing at Heide Museum of Modern Art until 9 November. Drawn from the treasure trove of her private collection of paintings, soft-sculpture dolls, tapestries and sketchbooks, the exhibition brings a sense of Mirka’s home to Heide II, the modernist home of the Reeds.

TEXTILES @ WANGARATTA ART GALLERY To 19 October - Material Edge: Contemporary Textiles. The gallery is open 12-5 Mon/Tues; 10-5 Wed/Fri and 12-15 on Sat/Sun.

TarraWarra Biennale 2014: Whisper In My Mask. Curated by Natalie King and Djon Mundine.  On until 16 November 2014 at TarraWarra Museum of Art, Healesville Victoria.

Manningham Art Gallery is staging a Touring Exhibition, Ten Years of ‘en plein air ‘ tapestries by Cresside Collette – this show of Australian Sri Lankan and French landscapes will be at Manningham Art Gallery until 15th November. An artist floor talk is set for Saturday 11th October at 2pm and on the Saturdays of 1, 8 and 15 November you can be present at the gallery, learn how to weave a tapestry and contribute to a panoramic tapestry of the view from Doncaster Hill.

Vanished Into Stitches at the National Wool Museum, 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong until 7th December - textile works by Ruth Marshall.  Australian marsupial skins (knitted, and life size) are included among the other knitted animal pelts that will be shown, all of them representing endangered species as well as being ‘objects of wonder’.

You may want to check related websites to confirm details regarding the above events.

Have a great weekend and thanks for reading!

Out and about

Hello. 

 

It's Thursday already and the week is nearing it's end. I haven't come across any quilting related events this weekend but there are a couple of things on that may interest people:

**VICTORIAN FELTMAKERS PUBLIC DAY**
When: 4 Oct 2014 - 9am-5pm
Where: Abbotsford Convent, Collingwood

**ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2014 EXHIBITION**
When: 4 Oct 2014 - 16 Nov 2014
Where: Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. Dunns Rd, Mornington, Melbourne Victoria 3931 Tel: (03) 5975 4395 (website: http://mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au/EXHIBITIONS/Archibald_Prize_2014)

and don't forget this is still running:

**STITCHING STORIES QUILT EXHIBITION**
When: until 24 October 2014
Where: Media House Gallery, 655 Collins St, Docklands
Description: Stitching Stories is an inspiring exhibition which shows how beautifully quilts can tell stories through stitching. This exhibition features diverse quilting techniques and unique stories from 11 outstanding Victorian quilters who will display their top creations, ranging from traditional through to contemporary.

Also, I thought I would share a website I found in the search for audiobooks. An audiobook is a great way of having something on in the background whilst sewing without any visual temptations (ie - telly!). If you are after any classics, like Jane Austen and Dickens or The Wizard of Oz etc in particular, I came across http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/ - you can easily download your preferred book for free in the file format you require (MP3 player, iphone etc) and away you go. (I'm sure there are plenty of other free sites for audiobooks as well if you have time to look - this isn't an advertisement as such for the site - just an opportunity to share info!).

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

Out and about

Hello there!  I'm a day late I'm afraid but I've had a bit of trouble with internet service.

The only quilting event that I have come across is the following:

*STITCHING STORIES QUILT EXHIBITION**
When: until 24 October 2014
Where: Media House Gallery, 655 Collins St, Docklands
Description: Stitching Stories is an inspiring exhibition which shows how beautifully quilts can tell stories through stitching. This exhibition features diverse quilting techniques and unique stories from 11 outstanding Victorian quilters who will display their top creations, ranging from traditional through to contemporary.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

September group meeting

The group got together today and the following was on show:

 Dot had her challenge blocks for 2014 already sewn up into a quilt!

 

 Some of Sue's challenge blocks

 Ruth had hers all sewn up as well

 Sarah had also done the same

 

 Sue had some finished quilt tops

 

 and another

 

 and another.

 

 Ruth had a lovely scrappy bargello-esq quilt top

 Yumi brought in her completed mini quilt which had stunning quilting on it

 



 Nellie brought in this little beauty

 

 Robyn had a crocheted cushion cover

 

 and the beginnings of another

 

 Di brought in this amazingly vibrant Material Obsession Block of the Month quilt!

 Therese had a panda bag

 

 Jen had some knitted cushion cover panels

 

 Deb brought in a quilt which she only recently finished.  It was begun back in 1999!

 and Deb also completed a quilt which had been commenced by a past member, Glenda

Deb also had some re-visited blocks from her "Naturally Australian" quilt class

We had a very special guest, Margaret Rowe - textile artist, quilt maker and author, come and speak in particular about The Australian Challenge Quilt Series of books which she has written and published.  It was such a pleasure to meet her and listen to the stories behind the books and see the quilts that were inspired from them. 
We also finalised our Christmas meeting (as it will sneak up on us in no time) and further discussed our bi-annual quilt exhibition which will be held in March 2015. 

And just to let you know there is an upcoming sale at Patchworks Unlimited (of 25 Pascoe Street, Pascoe Vale) if you are around that way.  There will be various celebrations during the week commencing on Monday 22 September, as well as a monthly special of 20% off all bolted Bali fabrics. 

Well that's about it for now.  Have a great weekend and thanks for reading.

Out and about

Hello there. 

I apologise for the delay in posting but I had trouble accessing my usual sources for upcoming quilt shows. 

And it seems now that I have been able to access them, there isn't anything quilty on this weekend!

You could, however, head to the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in Silvan near the Dandenong Ranges to view fields of spectacular tulips. 

But more importantly something that you can do tomorrow morning is come to our group meeting at the Senior Citizens Community Centre in Main Street, Lower Plenty from 10am.  We will be having a special guest, Margaret Rowe, come and talk about her new book in particular.  Here is Margaret's website if you would like a little background information.

Whatever you get up to, have a great weekend.  Thanks for reading.

Out and about

Can you believe it's Thursday already?  Its going to be Christmas soon enough...

Anyway, there are a few quilting events happening this coming weekend:

**CHURCHILL NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE GUMLEAF QUILTERS 5TH BIENNIAL QUILT, ART & PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION**
When: 13 & 14 September
Where: Federation University Auditorium, Churchill
Enquiries: churchillnc@bigpond.com or www.facebook.comChurchillNeighbourhoodCentre

**GOULBURN VALLEY QUILTERS QUILT-IN 2014**...
When: Saturday 13 September
Where: Princes Park (Football Clubrooms), Quinan Parade, Shepparton
Time: 10am – 4pm Cost: $5.00 Enquiries: Margo 0447658326
What: Guest speaker Marilyn Hughes from Tocumwal will speak on living and teaching in an aboriginal community and will have Aboriginal funeral skirts and screen printing to display. Bring along some handwork, and lunch, morning and afternoon tea will be provided

**BEACONSFIELD QUILTERS QUILT SHOW**
When: Saturday 13 September
Where: Beaconsfield Neighbourhood centre, 8 O’Neil Road, Beaconsfield(details courtesy Victorian Quilters Inc.)

Whatever you get up to this coming weekend, enjoy!
Thanks for reading.

 

Out and about

Hello there. Please accept my apologies for the late post. There were troubles with my internet connection yesterday hence the delay.

I have only come across one quilting event being held this weekend:

**EVERYTHING PATCHWORK AND QUILTING**
When: 6 Sep 2014 - 10am-4pm
Where: Community Centre, Gembrook/Pakenham Road, Gembrook.
What: Traders, demonstrations, quilt display, quilts for sale, refreshments. $4.00 entry fee. For further details contact: 5968 1427.

If, however, you would like to view some amazing Australian quilts online because you won't be able to make it to France for the exhibition and see them in the flesh, have a look here. There are amazing quilts from some very well known Australian quilters in this exhibition.  Plus, you do actually still have a couple of weeks to organise your ticket....

Have a great weekend and enjoy this Melbourne sunshine if you can.
Thanks for reading.

Out and about

Hello this lovely sunny Melbourne Thursday.  Spring is certainly not far away.

I have only come across one quilting event being held this weekend:

**PATCHWORKERS & QUILTERS GUILD OF VICTORIA INC QUILT IN**
When: Saturday 30th August 2014
Where: Ivalda Masonic Centre, 40 Salisbury Avenue, Ivanhoe
Time: 10am - 4pm
Cost: $7.00.  It is recommended you book for this event.  For further details check here. 

But there is something else on today and tomorrow that may interest people: 

**OPEN STUDIOS AT THE NICHOLAS BUILDING - 10TH ANNIVERSARY**
When: 28 and 29 August 2014   Thu: 4pm – 9pm; Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Where: Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne
What: An intimate twilight event that invites you into the hidden workspaces of artists, designers and makers of the Nicholas Building. For other details have a look here.  (Two shops that might be of particular interest in the Nicholas Building are Kimono House - which sells Japanese textiles (I can't link up to their website I'm afraid), and L'uccello - which sells vintage haberdashery).

Have a great weekend and thanks for reading!

Out and about

Hello. 

There is one quilting exhibition on at the moment, but I have also included a couple of extra events that might stir up people's interest for craft, art and textiles in general:

*STITCHING STORIES QUILT EXHIBITION**
When: until 26 September 2014
Where: Media House Gallery, 655 Collins St, Docklands
Description:  Stitching Stories is an inspiring exhibition which shows how beautifully quilts can tell stories through stitching. This exhibition features diverse quilting techniques and unique stories from 11 outstanding Victorian quilters who will display their top creations, ranging from traditional through to contemporary.  Website here.

**FROM THE HOME OF MIRKA MORA**
When:  until 9 November 2014
Where: Heide Museum of Modern Art, 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen
Website here.

**CRAFT CUBED FESTIVAL - THE ART OF HANDMADE**
When: until 31 August 2014
Where: various locations in Melbourne and regional Victoria
Website here.
 
Whatever you end up doing this weekend, have fun. 
Thanks for reading!

August 2014 group meet

Hello and apologies for being a day late with my post. I had a lot of trouble loading up photos to Blogger hence the delay.






The group met up yesterday and while there weren't many members in attendance we still had a bit for show and tell and plenty to talk about. 

 Some challenge blocks

 

Jen's quilt for her sister's birthday - she loves cats! 

 and a close up of those cute cats

 

 Helen D's first attempt at a crochet beanie

 Helen G's Japanese inspired small quilts which will become a panel

 Christine's thoroughly modern quilt

 

 and the back of Christine's quilt

 

 Christine also had some free motion panels which were constructed using Deb's analysis method.  They are going to become wall panels

 

 Ruth's WIP which is made up of a disappearing hourglass block

 

Deb's eagle quilt which has been machine stitched and painted using textile paints

 

 Deb's 'Rainbow 56' quilt which contains 56 different machine quilting techniques along with a complete colour wheel.  This will be a  2 day workshop that Deb will be running later in the year

 

 Yumi's lovely baby quilt for a friend

 

and a close up of that amazing quilting!

  


In general news the group has donated 10 quilts to a local women in crisis organisation.






We got to devour (and borrow) some newly purchased library books and we also discussed the group's next challenge project for 2015 which will involve different appliqué techniques with an animal theme. This won't start though until after the group's biannual quilt exhibition which will take place on 21 and 22 March next year. 


And speaking of animal themed quilts, there is an AMAZING zebra quilt over on the Quilt Inspiration blog. You have a look at it. 

Have a great week and thanks for reading!

Out and about

Hello there. 

The group is meeting up this Saturday at the Senior Citizens Community Centre in Main Road, Lower Plenty from 10am.  Come along if you would like to see what we get up to and see show and tell in person!

Unfortunately I haven't come across any quilting events being held this weekend.

But if you are up Mildura way you could drop into the Merbein Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph or if you are in Mt Waverley you could visit the Camellia Festival. (Visit the RACV Calender of Events website for details.)   Or maybe you could just spend the weekend at home sewing your heart out!

Whatever you get up to, have a great time and thanks for reading.

Out and about

Hello there. 

There are only a couple of events on this weekend:

**VICTORIAN QUILTERS WINTER GATHERING AND AGM**
When: 9 August 2014
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Where: Box Hill Town Hall, Lower Meeting Hall, Whitehorse Road, Box Hill.
Guest Speakers: Corliss Searcey - Threadbear Castlemaine, Brenda Gael Smith - Contemporary Textile Artist. Brenda will be speaking on Copyright issues as it relates to quilts. Morning and afternoon tea will be available.  Bring your hand sewing, sit and chat with old and new friends.  Shopping: Threadbear; Mill Rose Cottage; Mrs Martin's Quilt Shop; Made Studio Textiles. 

And for any embroiderers out there:

**THE EMBROIDERS GUILD OF VICTORIA 2014 EXHIBITION -
'WILD THINGS'**
When: 9 August - 24 August
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm daily (Opening Night: Friday August 8, at 6.30pm)
Where:  Embroidery House , 170 Wattletree Road, Malvern 3144

Have a great weekend whatever you get up to and thanks for reading!

Out and about

Hello there.  I'm not sure you would want to be out and about in this afternoon's weather here in Melbourne, but hopefully the weekend will see the sun come out and the wind and rain disappear for some quilting goodness.
 
There are a couple of quilting events on offer this weekend:

**PENINSULA QUILTERS PATCHWORK QUILT-IN**
When: Saturday 2nd August
Where: Peninsula Community Centre, Cnr Nepean Hwy & Wilsons Road, Mornington
Time: 10am - 4pm;   Entry: $10.00 / $7.00 pre-purchased
Enquiries: Christine 0488239098 or admin@pq-pq.org

**HOPETOUN PATCHWORK GROUP BIENNIAL EXHIBITION**
When:  Fri 1st August 10am-4pm; Sat 2nd August 10am-5pm; Sun 3rd August 10am-4pm
Where: Hopetoun Memorial Hall, Austin Street
Entry: $5.00; Raffle: $1.00
A great display of quilts and other handcrafted items.  Light lunch, morning and afternoon tea available. Shops in attendance: Brojayla Patches, Boort and Lesley Mays Patchwork & Craft, Mildura

Stay safe in this crazy weather.  Thanks for reading!

Out and about

Hello there. 

I'm afraid there isn't much on quilting wise this weekend.  The only event is:

**SEABREEZE QUILTERS 2014 EXHIBITION**
When: 18th - 27th July
Where: Joel Gallery, Louis Joel Centre, Altona
Enquiries: Carol Carmona 0425056300

Keep warm and have a great weekend. Thanks for reading.

July 2014 Group Meeting

This morning the group got together for our monthly meeting. 

First up, we held our long running in-house antique porcelain doll raffle which has helped the group to raise funds for our new Nolting Quilting Bee Longarm machine. Congratulations to Christine, Helen G and Helen E who all won prizes from the raffle.

Here is our show and tell along with the latest offerings in our 2014 challenge blocks:

 Some challenge blocks

 And a few more

 Helen E provided some examples of the last of the challenge blocks - a combination of pre-cuts

 Therese had an Atlantic Puffin quilt which she started in a class with Deb quite a few years ago.  It may have taken her awhile to finish it but its totally worth the wait.

 Jen showed us the completed Mocha quilt which she decided to finish when one of our founding members, Glenda, passed away.  She has done a fabulous job completing it

 Helen G finished a couple of quilt tops with a view to quilting them on the group's new longarm machine

 and the second of Helen G's quilt tops

 Margaret shared her fantastic beanie which she knitted

 Margaret and Sarah were both knitting during today's meeting - same time, same scarf, same yarn!

 Sarah had some very cute toy lions that she made

 Judy shared a raffle quilt she made for a friend's wellness group 

 here is a close up of Judy's "weaved" blocks

 Helen E showed us her vibrant completed jelly roll strip quilt

 Yumi had her very nearly completed Mocha quilt - which is just fabulous

 and a close up of Yumi's work (sorry for the colour change - it is the same quilt - the lighting just creates a different look)

Deb had a quilt she made at the request of M & S Textiles to showcase some new Australian themed fabrics which they produce.

 

Whilst at today's meeting we discussed our upcoming Quilt show which will be held 20-22 March 2015 at the Lower Plenty Senior Citizens Community Centre.  There is a lot of organising to be done but everyone is very excited at the prospect of being able to showcase the talent of our group's members.  We can let you know that there will be a table with items for sale made by members, along with a couple of retail stalls.  We will also be holding a raffle with various prizes and the main prize being Therese's 2013 challenge quilt "Oriental Whispers" - as voted by our members. 

In other news, Deb confirmed we have 24 charity quilts that will be presented to the Father Bob Maguire Foundation.  This Foundation will then pass on the quilts to low income families and those in need, which is exactly why we have made these quilts. If you would like any further information about the Father Bob Maguire Foundation here is a copy of their brochure:

Until our next post, have a great weekend and thanks for reading!