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I have been working on a workshop sample that incorporates lots of different quilting patterns. It showcases how simple quilting can be used to enhance the patchwork design. This is a cot panel that has been quilted with straight line quilting to represent in the ditch, simple ruler work and beginner free motion patterns. All the designs provide excellent practice for those just starting their quilting journey. By combing simple patterns and feathers you can create lovely texture and interest to your project.

I had a lovely weekend with a great group of ladies at a 2 day sewing retreat, run by The Sewing Shoppe, Fyshwick , ACT. It was held at a golf club on our beautiful NSW South Coast.

Over 2 days we explored various techniques from foundation piecing, raw edge machine appliqué and English Paper Piecing to make my ‘Whimsical Houses’ Quilt. Everyone was very enthusiastic and enjoyed creating their own version of my quilt. It was lovely to see how they explored colour, looked at fabric values and created their own interpretation of my original design.

Lovely news today… ‘Waratah in Full Bloom’ is one of the 30 finalists in the AQC challenge.
It will be displayed in Melbourne at AQC in April, then tour the Craft and Quilt Fairs in Australia throughout 2023.

The quilt maker had to make a quilt 90cm X 90cm…their interpretation of the theme ‘In Full Bloom.

The 30 finalists feature traditional designs and contemporary styles.

It is a lovely honour to be included in this display of beautiful quilts.

Quilt maker’s statement….I am in awe of our beautiful native flora. Living on the South Coast of NSW our home is surrounded by natural bush. In 2019 millions of acres of NSW were ravaged by devastating bushfires, leaving a black and scarred landscape. Over the past 3 years we have watched it slowly regenerate and come back to life. The radiant Waratahs, in all their glory, showcase the beauty and colour found in nature. These Waratahs were captured in a photo taken by my husband. In full bloom, they are a symbol of the vibrancy and resilience of our iconic Australian wildflowers.

We all have a way of keeping track of what we have created.

It is important to have a record of your work. I make note of any techniques used, design inspiration, what materials and threads, tension, stitch type and needle. This helps me know what has worked…and what has not.

I always take photos of my work being made, make notes and keep photos of workshops and quilting adventures ……retreats, magazines that have published my projects, guild shows, award ceremonies, valuation certificates., etc.

I decided to make a photo book which included all these items. This keeps everything recorded in one place PLUS it is a great coffee table book for the sewing room. To my surprise I now have a whole series………

We all make quilts for friends, family and charities. Once these quilts are gifted we loose track and sometimes forget we even made them. This is an excellent way of keeping a record of your creations.

It is not an arduous task if you record each project as you complete it. The book project sits on my computer. Photos and notes are added once I have finished each quilt. This also keeps a chronological order of my work. When the book reaches its page limit, I then order and send the files to the ‘photo book’ company. My books are hardcover, 100 pages, size 26cm X 33 cm. This size allows me to include some closeup photos of special details or quilting designs.

I hope this has inspired you to create a lovely way to showcase your work.

I recently tried experimenting with the Inktense Pencils on linen, using a fabric medium to minimise the bleeding.

The inspiration for the design came from a photo my husband took on one of his photographic outings, a group of Waratahs. It was a suitable beginning for this years AQC challenge, In Full Bloom.

Living on the South Coast of NSW our home is surrounded by native bush. In 2019 our region was ravaged by devastating bushfires, leaving a black and scarred landscape. Over the past 3 years we have watched it slowly regenerate and come back to life. The radiant Waratahs, in all their glory, showcase the beauty and colour found in nature. In full bloom they are a symbol of the vibrancy and resilience of our iconic Australian wildflowers.

I was thrilled the finished quilt ( 90cms x 90 cms) has made it through the first round of juried quilts. Fingers crossed that it progresses to the next stage.