Springwood Quilt Show 2019

Blue Mountains: May 2019

Just before I left town in 2019, I decided to take in the Springwood Quilt Show (2019).  It was a lovely day, a pleasant drive up into the Blue Mountains and of course, some pretty amazing quilts.  The vendors were fantastic and lined the hall with VERY tempting wares.  I even got to meet a few famous names.  Margaret Sampson George was there with her very special applique style, Rachaeldaisy’s students showed just how innovative her work is, and Chris Jurd tempted me with some fantastic modern pieces, with patterns available.  All this and the local quilters offered an enticing assortment of goodies for morning/afternoon tea if you wanted to sip tea (refreshment and contemplation) and stay close to the action.

We had time to stop at Post Office Patchwork at Glenbrook – never enough fabric, right?  Just needed to keep the stash buoyant, as one must. 

Obviously, I did not make it home empty-handed.  All I need do now, aside from live till I’m 150 (at least), is to make all these quilts up!!

Some photos from the show.  The first is definitely Margaret Sampson George and the third down, Susan Lenehan, but the others escape me as I didn't take note of their makers. Enjoy!

Chasing Rainbows

Quilt Show: Darling Harbour 2018

I am pleased to say that we made it home in time to make the June 2018 Sydney Quilt Show at Darling Harbour.  That's now two years in a row I've made it – WOW, how exciting!!  So, with some of the quilters from Dangar, off we set for a day immersed in the wonderful world of textiles.

A single day is simply not enough, with so many inspiring exhibits and of course, so many vendor stalls, all beautifully presented and well resourced.  I had ideas for future quilts spinning in my head for many daze after the show.  

Although the 2018 Quilt Show is certainly old news by now, I felt the need to share some of my favourites. 

Catherine Moseley: Red Glitter

Barbara Gower: Kyoto by Night

Emma Kemmis: Bejewelled (Close-up) 

The unmistakable hand stitchery of Carolyn Sullivan

Well done to everyone who participated and inspiring work.  Let's hope for another fine gathering in 2022.   Now, I really must go and find my stash of Japanese fabrics.  I've found the perfect Jen Kingwell pattern for them.

Australia Day 2013 with the Island Quilters

Island Quilters Exhibition (26th January 2013)

We made use of Meg's perfectly positioned house to display our works (again!) this year.  And Wally who is more than handy with a hammer (and could now organise an exhibit in the Met).  Wyn & Margaret took very good care of the sales table/raffle, Sandra played clarinet to add an up-market touch and Margaret K's balloons were very popular. 

Although the group is now down to a handful of stitchers, somehow we managed to fill the verandah and lounge area with a very nice display, mostly in the “modern” style (thanks to Vanessa who is positively driven).   It really is exciting to see the quilts hanging.  Somehow it adds another dimension.  This year though, we didn’t hang any in the garden in case it rained.  Thankfully, a tropical deluge waited until the following day. 

This is my NYC quilt (fabrics purchased in City Quilter & Purl Soho)

So, another extravaganza!   But even now, we are talking about next year….     

Australia Day 2011

Australia Day on the Island was quite a success in 2010, so the quilting ladies were asked to host another exhibition this year. 

Thus began the mad dash to complete UFO’s in time.  To be fair to our viewing public, we didn’t want to repeat too many of last year’s quilts.  Somehow, we made the deadline (despite the heat) and came up with quite a selection to hang inside and out.  Margaret’s house is close to the Ferry wharf so our visitors arrived to a colourful welcome.  See for yourself…

I think it was well worth the effort!  We even had a few musicians along during the day to set the ambiance. 

It was hard work to organise, but well worth the effort.  We even had the odd offer to buy our quilts, but somehow that's another issue for discussion.  What is an acceptable price to ask for our handiwork and are people prepared to pay that price. 

It was so uplifting to see our quilts hanging and the variety of work we had produced over the years.  Hanging offers a whole new level of appreciation and inspiration.  See my comments re: hanging your groups or your own quilts. 

So, what are we planning for next year?  Don't ask - the UFO pile is getting dangerously low!

Visitors arrive on our trusty Island Ferry, the Sun.