Quilters World

Workshops in the Country

Do you want to learn a new skill or brush up on your technique?

Join us the first weekend in November for a class in the country at the Cabarlah Hall, Cabarlah. There are three classes to choose from.  Book one class for $35 or book both days and pay only $60

	Sat 1 Nov  9.30am-3.30pm Kay's Craze Hand Applique Discover the charm of hand applique with Kay Meale. You can learn a variety of techniques including needleturn, tacked edges and  broderie perse.
	Sun 2 Nov  9.30am-3.30pm Fay's Flair Machine Quilting Take the worry out of machine quilting and get comfortable with straight line stitching and stippling.  Fay Suley will help you build confidence while you work on a practice piece or your own quilt.
	Sat 1 or Sun 2   9.30am-3.30pm Pauline's Passion Hand Quilting Once you learn the technique you can quilt anywhere.  Pauline will have you 'rocking' in no time at all.  Then you can sit back and relax while you work on a practice piece or bring your own quilt to work on.

Viewers Choice

Congratulations to Karen Klein of Toowoomba whose quilt Oak Leaves received the Viewer's Choice Award for Quiltfest 2008. With 100 stunning quilts to choose from, visitors to the exhibition voted for their favourite with Karen's lovely creation coming out on top of the poll.

Relatively new to quilting, Karen was "over the moon". We're really proud of her here at Quilters World... Karen was one of our students.

Where In the World?

Patty and Pauline have been travelling about, presenting the popular school house program. Can you guess where this photo was taken?

Head to the Hills For Quiltfest

It's spring... time to get out and about, and the perfect place to head is Toowoomba, for the Carnival of Flowers. Much more than a festival celebrating flowers, the carnival celebrates beauty and creativity.

With over 40 events there's lots to see and do. For quilters one of the highlights is Quiltfest held at Downlands College on Ruthven Street. Running from Saturday 20th to Wednesday 24th, Quiltfest's venue is also a prize winning garden.

The Quiltfest quilt exhibition is always popular and features over 100 awe-inspiring quilts. There are traditional quilts, art quilts, kids quilts ... quilts large and small... and definitely more than one which will stop you in your tracks. You might have a bit of trouble deciding which one you should vote for "Viewer's Choice"... there's just such an amazing assortment.

Gerry's been busy! It's not such a bad job having to deal with a hundred or so quilts.

An important part of the exhibition, the Margie's Quilts of Hope Challenge display is a special show of hope and dreams. It showcases the winners of this years competition as well as all of the 2008 entries.

For the first time at Quiltfest, you'll also be able to purchase a Margie's Quilts of Hope Quilt. Although this years quilts are not for sale (as of yet)... there is a wonderful selection of Margie's Quilts of Hope Quilts on offer. Remember every cent raised in the sale of a MQH goes to charity to support the fight against breast cancer.

Another featured display is the Goonellabah Quilter Quilts & Fibre Arts Exhibit of Bra Quilts. You just have to see it! There will also be a special show of Outback Tour Quilts. You'll be surprised at what quilters can create while travelling around Australia on a coach.

You'll also want to check out the delightful winners of the Fresh Hope Pincushion Challenge. The pincushion challenge is a fundraiser for Fresh Hope, a special organisation that helps mums with addictions. To help support this worthwhile program they'll also have items for sale.

After viewing the incredible quilts on display you'll need to stock up on some supplies. Quilters World have patterns from Kay Meale Designs, along with some must have tools and those fantastic DVD's. Patchwork Paradise from Rockhampton has amongst the gorgeous fabric a few great kits. The Country Quilt Co. stall boasts some lovely patterns with their fabric stash. Then there's the Thread and Ginger Patchwork Boutique with more wonderful fabric, books and patterns.

In the market area you'll also find Ruth Bloomfield and her unique designs. She has new block of the months available for those who'd like to explore their creativity. You also must check out what Annette and Jody from the Quilt Block of the Month Club have on offer. For something a bit different check out Val's Bits & Bobs - she has a fabulous collection of antique buttons. 

They'll be tool and technique demonstrations throughout the day. With morning tea and light lunches available you can spend the whole day browsing amongst the quilts and merchant mall.

If you'd like somewhere really fun to grab a bite to eat try Colours of San Cris. It's about a ten minute drive out on the New England Hwy in Cabarlah, but the food is delicious and you can browse amongst the South American arts & crafts while you wait for your meal. If you're looking for something a bit more indulgent visit Weis Restaurant in Margaret Street for their seafood smorgasbord.

After visiting Quiltfest... we recomment that you take in the Toowoomba Quilter's Quilt and Fine Art Exhibition at TAFE on Bridge Street. 

With two Quilt Exhibitions, all the lovely gardens and much, much more happening at the Carnival of Flowers... if you can visit... you simply must!

Quilters World Classes with Donna and Monica

We are very excited to be able to offer you the choice of two well known tutors and designers who will be with us for our Quilters Gathering on Saturday 4th October and who will both be teaching workshops on Sunday 5th October.

Donna Ward, one of New Zealand's top machine quilters will teach her Fearless Freemotion Quilting workshop.

Are you tired of quilting the same designs on your quilts.  This workshop is for the student who has master the basics of free form machine quilting and is looking to try new and innovative quilting designs.

Donna will teach you how to quilt designs without marking.

At the end of the day you will have a collection of quilting samples for future reference and the confidence to tackle more exciting quilt designs for your own quilts.

We are also happy to welcome Monica Poole, well known to many of you as the designer of the   Moonshine pattern range of exciting quilts and bags. 

This exciting workshop explores six of Monica's favourite machine applique methods used frequently in her designs.  Techniques include: 3 dimensional applique, satin stitch and machine embroidery, invisible machine applique, applique with crazy patchwork, sketchy applique and bias applique. 

Truly a valuable workshop with loads of information passed on to you to assist with your future quilting and best of all Monica will be there to answer all your machine sewing questions.

During the workshop, you will make 6 difference floral applique 10" blocks and join them together using a quilt as you go method.  This quilt will be the ultimate scrap quilt, which will make it simple to continue making more blocks if you wish.

Both workshops will take place on Sunday 5 October at the Cabarlah Hall from 9.00am until 4.00pm.  The cost is $75 which includes morning tea. 

The first 30 customers who book for both the Quilters Gathering and one workshop will each receive a $25 voucher to spend on fabric or tools on the weekend.

For bookings please ring 07 4696 9825 or email info@quiltersworld.com.au

Happy 20th to the Gold Coast Quilters

The founding members of the Gold Coast Guild

Last week the whole crew from Quilters World visited with the Gold Coast Quilters. Pauline and Patti had gone down to the coast the night before, so that they could get an early start. Some think they were really trying to escape from the cold weather up here in Toowoomba.

We love surprises and the Gold Coast quilters had two big surprises for us. The first surprise was apparent the minute we arrived. Having expected a group of 20 or so... we were greeted by about 100 quilters. It may have been such a large group as they were celebrating a milestone - their 20th birthday. We hadn't expected a party, and we were honoured to be there on this special occasion.

It was a fabulous day and the cake was ever so yummy! Thanks to the guild for having us.

Quilters from way back	Happy 20th Birthday
Patty the entertainer	A bit of retail therapy

It really was a lucky day.

Beautiful weather, great company, lots of fun ... and we even got extra time to sit back and relax.

That's right we stopped for a coffee on the way home and the car wouldn't start again.

We we're just wondering what to do... when Mr RCQ man appeared. Although he was there to tow another car, he did send for someone to give us a boost.

Sights from the OBT 2008

Quilters Gathering - Don't miss out - Book Now!

The annual Quilters Gathering is almost here - join us for a day in the country on Saturday 4th October from 10.30am to 3.30pm at the Cabarlah Hall, on the New England Highway at Cabarlah, just 18 kms north of Toowoomba.  You will be able to share in the secrets of our two special guest speakers.  Well known quilt and handbag designer, Monica Poole of Moonshine Designs and expert machine quilter and tutor, Donna Ward from New Zealand.

As  well as being entertained by our two exciting speakers there will be lucky door prizes, cent auction, demonstrations, quilt display and 'surprise entertainment'.  A scrumptious morning tea will be served before the fun begins and you will enjoy a sit down lunch.  Every attendee will receive a gorgeous gift bag.

So why not indulge yourself with a day out amongst your quilting friends, hear our speakers, share your quilts and ideas, and have the chance of winning some great prizes.  After a season of Saturday sport you deserve a break with our happy hosts!!

You get a full day of fun for just $55 - bookings essential - phone 07 4696 9825 or email us at info@quiltersworld.com.au to reserve your seat.

The day after the Quilters Gathering, Monica and Donna will each be holding a workshop at the Carbalah Hall. You can do the Trendy Technique class with Monica or Fearless Free Motion Quilting class with Donna. These great workshops are $75.00 for the day.

Early bird special - the first 30 customers who book for the Gathering and one workshop will each receive a $25 voucher to spend on fabric or tools on the weekend.

Cara Comes to Cabarlah!

As can be seen from the smiling faces, Cara's recent workshop held at the Cabarlah Hall was a big hit!  Everyone had lots of fun and with Cara's expert tuition produced some amazing results.

We were very lucky to be able to have an international tutor of Cara Gulati's calibre come and teach here in Toowoomba.  The students who attended were treated to a weekend of creativity and learning second to none.

The venue at Cabarlah was ideal with lots of space for everyone's needs, plenty of parking and a great little cafe close by (Colours of San Cris) who provided a delicious lunch.  For anyone needing something a little stronger there was the well known Farmer's Arms within walking distance!!

Everyone hard at work producing their masterpieces!

We hope that some of these works will be on display at Quiltfest in September.

In Cara's own words:

"I had such a great time teaching in Toowoomba. The wind blew me in as fast as it blew me out! We had a great venue, with a group of very talented ladies. Check out the photos!"

Some of Cara's beautiful art quilts.

Quilters World would like to thank the Gold Coast Quilters for making this workshop possible by arranging for Cara Gulati to travel from the US to teach here in Australia.

Patty McCormick

Patty has been involved in quilting for more than 25 years, actively participating in the development and growth of quilting guilds and organisations , museum exhibitions, and community education throughout Southern California, USA.  In 1994 she was the technical advisor on the film, "How To Make An American Quilt".  Patty brings her love of all things quilty, her delight in the creative process and her joy of life to her workshops making them instructional and entertaining.

In her "Template Free Feather Star" DVD Patty shows you that a classic feathered star quilt is within everyone's reach!  You'll learn speedy rotary cutting and accurate piecing techniques to make this "really difficult" block simple and achievable.  You'll be amazed when you discover how easy it is tomake a classic feathered star quilt.

Ruth Bloomfield

In 1992 shortly after becoming involved with traditional patchwork, Ruth began a journey. It was a journey to explore a way  of producing picture quilts that had no hard lines. Ruth wanted to make quilts or picture quilts that looked like paintings and so, for me, this technique, which she has developed, was born.

 

For want of a better way to describe what Ruth was doing she coined the term ‘Confetti’. The word speaks for itself. Her work is produced by using thousands of tiny pieces of fabric, literally smaller than your fingernail – confetti sized pieces.

Over the years Ruth has gone beyond landscapes to include in her work creatures with fur and feathers, flowers and even people.

 

You can find Ruth in print in………..
Down Under Quilts Magazine Issue 96 2006
Down Under Quilts Calendar 2006
Down Under Quilts Magazine Issue 88 2005
Australian Homespun No. 30 (6,4)
Australian Quilters Companion No. 8
Down Under Quilts No. 61 200
Country Quilts & patches (Town and Country needlecraft) Issue 2
Down Under Quilts Vol. 5 No. 1 March 1992

Awards………
2007 Quilt chosen as a finalist at the International Quilt festival in Houston
            U.S.A.
2005 Quilt chosen for inclusion in DUQ 2006 Calendar
2003 Quilt commended in 2003 inaugural Australian Quilt show.
2001 Quilt won Pigasso competition ( any medium)
1996 Runner up with a quilt in a Cairns Quilt challenge
1990 Quilt won Cairns Quilt competition

 

Outback Tour - 22 Grannies to the Rescue!!

Every day is memorable when you're travelling the Outback. Then there are those extraordinary days!!

We left Kalbarri early, filled with anticipation on this warm and sunny day. Along the roadside wildflowers were starting to bloom. Our coach captain Phil was taking us to a nature walk that he said was spectacular. We arrived at the turnoff and discovered it was closed because of all the rain. Phil not wanting to get bogged (even though he remembered to bring a shovel this time just in case he had to dig the coach out), thought better of trying it anyway so we travelled on, stopping along the way to take pictures of the flowers along the road.

Well that threw the whole day's schedule off (as happens at times). Next we headed toward the Billabong Roadhouse for lunch.

About 25 k's out of our destination, we heard a distress call over the two way. A ute had broken down and they needed some oil. Phil was carrying extra oil onboard, so stopped to see if he could help.

You can imagine everyone's surprise when nearing the location of the breakdown we first see a 50 ton tip truck bucket.

There was a ute though, which belonged to a young couple, Ron and Sonja, who were on their way home. Also with them was their four week old baby.

Pauline was out of the coach in a flash and before you knew it, our numbers increased by two. Sonja and baby Ella Grace joined us in air conditioned comfort in the coach for the ride to the roadhouse.

And, oh, 22 grandmothers (if you could get the baby away from Pauline) were there to take over the nursing while Sonja collected herself (they had been travelling since 2am).

Sonja joined us for lunch while we waited for the ute to be towed in and it gave more of the grannies an opportunity to play with Ella Grace.

This is what the outback is truly about - strangers helping strangers. No hesitation to stop and help - even a 50 ton tip truck bucket with a lead truck and a chase truck.

And if our morning hadn't gone off schedule......Obviously, it was meant to be.

Sonja and her husband live in Carnarvon and we will call in on them to make sure all is well and to let all the grannies play with Ella Grace just one more time.

Pauline & Patty

Outback 2008 - A Note From Denham

Where the heck is Denham??? It's the most westerly town in the whole of Australia! The population is 200 - we increased that by 10% when we arrived.

We've had a great couple of days.

Yesterday we fed the dolphins and than went out on a catamaran to see dugongs - distant cousin of the manatee but with "mermaid" tails instead of "rudder" tails.

We saw 13, several of them with calves!Then the captain let Patty steer the boat in, up to the docking part when he said girls can't park worth beans.

A dangerous statement when he was greatly outnumbered!

Last night we put on a mini olympics - only three countries showed: Australia, New Zealand and the USA. The Aussies wooped the American bums. Patty was not so good when all she could do was Yankee Doodle. But the Kiwi's outshone us all singing their national anthem.

Off to Carnarvon today with adventures still ahead of us.

Patty and Pauline.

Touring the Outback 2008

Day 1: Packing the coach in Sydney

Day 2: Wagga Wagga and the Blue Wren Quilters

Day 3: Renmark Quilters

Day 6: Halfway Across Australia

 

Day 7:  The Nullarbor Plain

 

Day 10: The Esperance Quilters

You Can Too!

We know our customers are amazing as we've seen what they can accomplish. Many of them never thought they could create a beautiful quilt... only to prove themselves wrong.

Anne from Bowen wrote

"After nearly 18 months, I've finally finished the Skill of the Month course!!  The quilt is so big.  I didn't realize how big it was going to be.  There are plenty of mistakes in it but I guess it is all a part of learning.  Thanks for all the support - the notes with the CDs were great as I prefer the visual, and kept going over the notes many times!"

Congratulations Anne. You should be proud - we're certainly proud of your achievement!

Wena from Malmesbury, South Africa wrote:

"I bought a patchwork magazine with the Basic Trapunto dvd as a gift.  I enjoyed this dvd so much and made a few of the blankets as baby shower presents and I learned a lot – even every time I watched the dvd I saw something new.

I received a gift from my sister who is living in Oregon USA, a kit to make a mystery quilt with moda fabrics – after finishing the top I decided to try and quilt this quilt with my machine so I ordered the dvd  Quilting your Quilt. After watching the dvd Quilting your Quilt  (a few times) I am so  inspired.  The dvd is wonderful and I have started quilting and was able to handle the quilt under my machine. This is the most wonderful feeling."

Thanks to Wena for sharing her experience and success. As quilt teachers we know how hard it is to fit workshops and classes into busy schedules which is exactly why we produced the DVD's.  It's an added bonus that with the DVD's we have been able to teach those who want to learn... regardless of where they live.  We now have "students" not just in Australia, but all over the world.

 

Sonia sent us photos of three quilts she quilted and told us:

"I have really enjoyed the DVD's I purchased and have become an avid fan of Bev McClune having made the basic Trapunto quilt, and followed up with a quilt by Keryn Emmerson, which I would never have attempted without the DVD.  I also used the method introduced by Bev in a quilt featuring Australian Birds." 

We're thrilled that our DVD's inspired Sonia. Now she's the inspiration!

 

 

It's not every day you get the chance for 3-D Explosion

Cara Gulati, an American fabric and pattern designer, author of 3-D Explosion - Simply Fabulous Art Quilt Illusions and award winning quilter  is coming to Toowoomba to teach a workshop.

Would you like to create your own art quilt? Not sure where to start?

With Cara's simple recipe you can create something really spectacular. You'll learn how easy it can be to draw curved lines and choose fabric to create an explosion of the third dimension - depth!

In this two day workshop you'll also construct your creation and receive guidance on choosing a quilting design to enhance the illusion, giving you the skills to make almost any design your heart desires into an art quilt.

These are valuable skills, even for the traditional quilter,  allowing you to bring a new dimension to your quilts.

It's not every day we have the opportunity to learn from a quilter of Cara's calibre. She's featured in many magazines as well as on Simply Quilts TV in the United States.

The two day workshop is a bargain at $100 per day. Book your spot in the workshop to be held in Toowoomba on August 23rd & 24th by ringing 07 4696 9825 or email us at info@quiltersworld.com.au

  

We're Tickled Pink!

The long awaited baby has arrived!

Lannah Holly Rogers made her entrance into this big world at 8:56am on Friday June 13th.

Darling Lannah is the first child for Jason and Vicki Rogers and first grandchild for Rob and Pauline Rogers.

The tiny new arrival weighed in at exactly 6 lbs, measured 19.5 inches long and had a full head of hair.

 

The Rogers Bub

Expectant parents Jason and Vicki were in town last weekend and shared some special news with soon to be grandma Pauline.

It's a girl! At least that's what the latest ultrasound indicates.

As you can imagine everyone is very excited. We've decided to share this excitement and anticipation with you. For a bit of fun we've set up an online baby pool where you can guess if the baby will be a girl or boy (ultrasounds could be wrong), the weight and length and exactly when the baby will arrive.

 

 

Fun on the Quilters Trail

At 6 pm Wednesday April 9th the bus departed Quilters World. A delicious cold dinner was served en route by Pauline who even managed to serve wine. That's no mean feat on a smallish bus travelling quite fast along Queensland roads!! The group stayed overnight at Noosa North Shore resort, complete with kangaroos hopping around in the morning and parrots feasting on the remains of our breakfasts! Then it was off to the first shop for some retail therapy.

We visited Cooroy Drapery and Totally Patchwork at Palmwoods which were both darling little shops stuffed full of delightful surprises for quilters. Then it was on to Caboolture Sewing Machine Centre and Quilt Essentials at Eatons Hill for more spending, Patches at Indooroopilly and finally Sew Creative at Gatton - whew what a feast we all had.

We arrived back in Toowoomba by about 6.00pm so had been away for 24 hours of fun and laughter and lots of spending. Along the way we learned how to make some great fabric flowers, as the theme for the Quilters Trail was In the Garden, and we all had these great big flowers as name tags, including Col our long suffering bus driver!! Lots of prizes were given away during the trip and there will be even more prizes on offer at the Quilters Muster on the 18th May for all the Quilt Trailers.

Out and About

Pauline had barely returned from her Western Tour (holding workshops in Tambo, Ilfracombe, Longreach) when she headed down to meet with the quilting group in Lismore.

From Lismore she's off to Broadbeach for the Gold Coast Craft & Quilt Fair which is on Thursday to Sunday - 3rd to 6th of April at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

You'll be able to find Pauline at the Quilters World booth along with Sue Neil. If you're going to the fair drop in  to Stand E23 and say hi!

Looking for inspiration, information & encouragement?

There's an exciting new online club where you can meet quilters from around the world. The best place on the internet to find other like-minded individuals along with plenty of inspiration, information and encouragement.

Visit Quilters World

When you become a member (it's free!) you get your very own personal page. Take some time to fill in the "About Me" profile and put up a photo of yourself, so other members can get to know you.

On your "My Page" you can keep a blog, which is an online journal perfect for sharing your interests. You can even add photos to your posts. 

You will also be able to participate in forum discussions or join special interest groups. And more!

The group is brand new so it's still small.  Once you've joined you may want to send invitations out to other quilters you know to help the group grow.