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I had a lovely surprise this week. Canberra Quilters are having their annual exhibit of members work at Craft Alive, Canberra. I was honoured to have both my entries awarded prizes.

’Eternity’ was awarded first place in small quilts professional and highly commended in mid-arm machine quilting.

’My Imaginary Garden’ was awarded first place in large quilts professional. It also was judged best appliqué quilt and best in mid-arm machine quilting. It also took out Bernina Best of Show……a very exciting morning.

It has been a long time since I participated in a quilting workshop. The opportunity of attending a weekend workshop taught by Gloria Loughman, at my local quilting shop, became available. I have always admired Gloria’s art quilts. She creates beautiful colourful landscape pieces inspired from photographs taken during her travels. Her style of quilting is so different from my style and it definitely made me work well outside my comfort zone.
We spent 2 full days over painting commercial fabrics, drawing a design from our chosen photograph and assembling the pieces into a finished landscape piece, reflecting rhythm and colour in the sky area.
I tried using new techniques and different methods of choosing colours and applying shapes to a fabric background.

Here is my finished piece, ‘Sunrise at Malua Bay’. It is based on a photo my husband took at our local Beach.

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Melbourne for The Australian Quilt Convention. I was fortunate to have 2 quilts selected as finalists. It was a lovely surprise to learn that ‘Celebrate Thirty’ was runner up in the pieced/appliqué category of the Australian Quilt Show, and ‘Keep Me On The Map’ was awarded Viewers Choice in the AQC challenge.

It was a lovely display of creativity, showcasing the work of many talented Australian Quilters. Congratulations to everyone who had their work exhibited.

Many of my sewing friends have completed Sue Spargo projects. I have always been in awe of the beautiful hand stitching effects they have created…..so I decided to give it a go.
A small Sue Spargo project ‘Rooted’ fitted the bill. I really enjoyed learning how to embroider using Sue Spargo techniques and guidelines. I found it a lovely, relaxing pastime to create texture and colour. The finished quilt is a bright, happy addition to my sewing room.
The machine quilting was a way of putting my own mark on the design. I tried to use the quilting to add extra texture and patterns.

Each year the Australian Quilt Convention sets a challenge. This year’s challenge is titled ‘On The Map’. All entries must be 90 cms square and can include a variety of techniques. Judging is based on the makers unique interpretation of the theme, excellence in design and craftsmanship. Thirty finalists are selected to travel Australia throughout 2025, being displayed at various craft and quilt shows.

I am thrilled my quilt ‘Keep me on the Map’ is a finalist.

In a world where climate change is impacting our environment on a daily basis, many of our iconic creatures are facing a challenging time.

Such is the case of the Gang Gang Cockatoo, a favourite of many of us, but now on the endangered list. 

They nest in old tree hollows in eucalypt woodland forests. This habitat has been severely impacted by bushfires and with climate change, their young are dying in the nest from heat stress due to increased temperatures.

I am sure many of you share my sentiment to protect their habitat and Keep them “On the Map”.