Quilters World

Mount Isa Quilters Reunion Shop Hop

The much anticipated Mount Isa Quilters Reunion Shop Hop took place recently when fourteen quilters, accompanied by Gerry from Quilters World, assembled outside their hotel in central Brisbane eagerly awaiting the arrival of their transport for the trip.  Imagine their surprise when the bus appeared - the brand new 4WD vehicle from Stonestreet's Coaches in Toowoomba.  The girls all wondered what sort of trip they were in for - where exactly were the quilting shops situated?  However they needn't have worried as there was no hill climbing to be done and our very capable driver, Hammond, had no need of the extra gears!!

After a pleasant trip up the highway to the Sunshine Coast we arrived at our first shop, The Patchwork Angel at Forest Glen, where the girls were greeted by Penny and Jenny with morning tea and some yummy biscuits.  Then it was time for some retail therapy in the beautiful shop with lots of wonderful fabric, patterns, and all things quilty to choose from.  Steady girls, there's still another three shops to go!!

Leaving the Sunshine Coast we made our way back to Quilt Essentials, another wonderful shop at Eatons Hill.  Claudia and her staff made us feel very welcome and with such a well stocked shop, lots more plastic was in evidence!!  A lovely lunch at Alfina's next door to the quilt shop and we were able to tackle the next arduous trek to The Quilters Store The Embroiderers Store at Salisbury.  It's always such hard work being driven in style in a very comfortable bus and walking around delightful quilt shops !!!

 
 
Walking into The Quilters Store is like entering a library except that instead of books there is fabric.  Shelves and shelves, row upon row of every fabric range imaginable - we were totally spoilt for choice but we valiantly kept clear heads and were able to select what we wanted! 

 

Next it was on to our final shop, Bayside Stitchcraft where we met Margaret who had dashed back from the Craft & Quilt Fair to be on hand to greet us.  What a lovely shop she has and all her staff were so helpful.  More retail therapy was in evidence and by now the girls were weighed down with all their purchases.  There's no way hubbies will be seeing the credit card bill this month!!

 
Shopping finally over for the day our trusty bus driver delivered us safely back to the hotel where all the Mount Isa quilters were able to spend a fun evening checking out their purchases.  Thanks to all the ladies, Lyn, Kerry, Lesley, Edi, Bev, Jenny, Teresa, Kim, Rita, Wendy, Michele, Debbie and Karryn with an extra big thanks to Debbie for all your organisation.  It was an absolute pleasure to be part of your special day.

Clover 18mm Mini Rotary Cutter

The 18mm Clover Rotary Cutter is ideal for cutting delicate pieces and shapes from fabric to use in applique, crafts and patchwork. Slender and easy to hold you can easily cut out a curved pieced - just like drawing a line with a pen.

New Zealand (With Gerry)

In 2008 Gerry escaped from the Quilters World office for a well-earned vacation in New Zealand. Working on the itinerary for the Quilters Tour of New Zealand's beautiful South Island, brought back some wonderful memories of her own tour around the south island in a rented Winnebago. The tour Gerry has organised for March 2010 will be covering much the same ground as her own trip.

So here is a firsthand account (and some wonderful photos!) of her remarkable trip!

Arriving by air into Christchurch we took a trip on the Trans Alpine Railway across to Greymouth and back - this really whetted our appetite for the mountains and lakes which are so much a part of the south island.  The next day we picked up our rental vehicle and headed off to Oamaru (via a little town called Geraldine) along the east coast.  What an interesting place with it's beautiful and ornate old stone buildings all made from the local Oamaru stone, which apparently was very easy to cut and might explain the preponderance of so many imposing pillars and arches!  A town quite unlike any other I've ever visited!!

Passing the Moeraki Boulders to Dunedin, a town with a strong Scottish connection and the most magnificent railway station not to mention the Cadbury chocolate factory where we had some tasty samples, then across to Te Anau and Milford Sound.  If I begin to wax lyrical about these places this article would be too long so suffice to say that everything just takes your breath away - you really need to see for yourself! 

Then to Queenstown with the spectacular backdrop of the Remarkables, a town bustling with life and so much to see and do - I just loved it there.  On to Wanaka, via the quaint little village of Arrowtown and the Kawarua Bridge where we watched the bungee jumpers doing their thing!  Up the east coast we took a helicopter flight over the glaciers and even though the weather was closing in the view was amazing.

Up to Nelson and Picton and of course a visit to the wineries of the Marlborough region the home of some of the best sauvignon blancs around!  Then down the coast to Kaikoura to glimpse the whales and dolphins and see the baby seals frolicking in their 'playpen' - just delightful. 

This has just been a potted history of my tour to give you an idea of the delights that New Zealand has in store for the traveller.  Why not join us on our 2010 Quilters Tour of New Zealand, we will be travelling in style in a luxury coach and staying in excellent accommodation throughout the tour.  We will be visiting all these wonderful places and more, as well as enjoying workshops with our tutor Ruth Bloomfield and get togethers with quilting groups along the way.  And of course not forgetting plenty of retail therapy at the many quilt shops throughout the south island.  Can't wait!!

We'll Be at the Quilt Fair

Quilters World will be at both the Brisbane and the Adelaide Shows.

Pauline would love to see you, so please stop by our stand. You can check out our popular DVD's and show specials while you're there.

Or watch Pauline demonstrate her favourite tools. You're sure to discover a solution to your quilting woos or a way to save time!

It's also a great opportunity to get more information on the Schoolhouse Programme. And if you've always dreamt of visiting New Zealand ask about our Quilters Tour in March 2010.

Stand F16
Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair
21 - 25 October
Brisbane Exhibition Centre, Southbank

Stand D19
Adelaide Craft & Quilt Fair
5 - 8 November
Adelaide Showground, Wayville

Ruth's a winner!

Congratulations to our good friend Ruth Bloomfield who has been awarded Second Place in the Naturescapes Class at the prestigious Houston International Quilt Festival.  Ruth's fantastic quilt is a confetti inspired jigsaw of the beautiful scenery of North Queensland where she lives.

Whilst on our recent Outback Tour some of the girls were lucky enough to have a sneak preview of this masterpiece before it was packed up and sent off to be judged.

Ruth will again be our tutor on the forthcoming tour of New Zealand in 2010 - so if you would like to join us please don't delay as places for this wonderful tour are filling fast.

Remarkable Quilters Tour

BOOKINGS FOR THIS TOUR ARE NOW OPEN
 
 
16 Day South Island New Zealand Tour
Tuesday 16 March 2010 - Wednesday 31 March 2010
$4695 (air fares not included)
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive in Christchurch
Day 2 Christchurch - Omarama
Day 3 Omarama - Oamara
Day 4 Oamara - Dunedin
Day 5 Dunedin - Invercargill - Te Anau
Day 6 Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Day 7 Queenstown
Day 8 Queenstown - Fox Glacier
Day 9 Fox Glacier - Greymouth
Day 10 Greymouth - Christchurch
Day 11 Christchurch - Nelson
Day 12 Nelson
Day 13 Nelson - Picton
Day 14 Picton - Christchurch
Day 15 Christchurch
Day 16 Christchurch - Home
 
A detailed itinerary will be available shortly.
 
Email us at info@quiltersworld.com.au if you might be interested.

Transfer Designs the Easy Way

Easily trace and transfer designs for quilting or applique, with the Clover Mesh Transfer Mat. It's quick and easy - just place the mesh mat over your design. Use a 2B pencil to trace the design on the mesh. Then you lay the mesh mat onto your desired fabric and retrace the outline on your mesh again using a Karisma Pencil. No need for a light box. And unlike tulle or net, the mesh transfer canvas will not stretch, so no worry about distorting the design. You don't need to cut it either, and since it's reusable it will save you money in the long run. It's great for stencilling and craft projects too.

Portable Pressing & Cutting Board

Handy combination ideal for  patchwork classes, the Clover Multi-functional Ironing and Cutting Board folds for easy travel. The outside is a fabric covered ironing board. Open it up and you discover a cutting mat with grid marks and angle lines, and sandpaper for stabilising your applique shapes.

Glen Innes School House

Rob & I had a fantastic day with the Glen Innes quilters, teaching them lots of new patchwork & quilting techniques.

During the day they made a presentation to the members of the Men's Shed. The ladies made a superb striped pieced multi coloured quilt for the men to raffle to raise money to purchase new equipment for the shed.   A comment was made that "a man's shed is just like a quilters sewing room... full of all the stuff we love."

You inspire us all ladies - keep up the great work & happy quilting!

 

 

More from the Outback Tour

Workshop at Bourke NSW.	Travelling in style in the Outback.
Lunch onboard the coach.	Sunset on the roof at Whitecliffs
Meeting the Cameron Corner locals.	A long way from anywhere.
Ruth with June Andrews of Marree SA	Enjoying a workshop in Whitecliffs.

Sights of the Outback

The Outback is wide open spaces, isolated but peaceful. the landscape holds many surprises.

Outback Tour 2009

 
Everyone's ready to leave on the adventure.

Bribie Island Quilters

 
At the Gold Coast Show, Maureen Kavanagh was the lucky winner of a set of Quilters World DVD's for her quilt group. Pauline presented the prize to the Bribie Island Quilters during a recent schoolhouse day. Happy quilting ladies.

Jandowae Arts & Craft Day

With the Jandowae Cottage Craft Group hosting a Leukaemia Foundation Fundraiser on Wed 8 July and Thurs 9 July 2009, it's a great time to see what "our country cousins" have been creating.

The special Jandowae Arts & Craft Day will feature a Quilt & Craft Display, Minature Quilt Challenge and Decorated Shoulder Pad Competition. Also planned are local craft stalls, including woodwork and jewellery, and a Bring & Buy Stall.

With the first prize a Patchwork Quilt you'll want to get some tickets on the raffle. There's a Devonshire morning tea, light lunches and afternoon tea available.

Jandowae Arts & Craft Day
Wednesday July 8 & Thursday July 9 2009
9 am – 4 pm each day
Venue: Jandowae Uniting Church Hall, George St. Jandowae
Adults $2 entry /Children under 12 free

The peaceful little country town of Jandowae is located in the Wambo Shire of Queensland. Situated on highway 82, it's 48 km north of Dalby, en route to Mundubbera.

While in Jandowae you can check out the the Dingo Barrier Fence display, and visit historic Athlone Cottage, the Boomerang Factory and Jandowae Dam.

Emu Park Crafty Chics

 
Ladies from all over visited the recent Biloela Quilters Gathering. Bev Hamilton from Emu Park won some Quilters World DVD's for her and her craft group to enjoy.

Traditional Ideas with a Twist

Mother and daughter quilters, Annette and Jody share a passion for designing and creating quilts. 

They've made many quilts from others' patterns, but were always searching for something striking and unusual that would make their quilts a bit more special.

That's why they started designing their own!

For years now they've been creating quilts from their very own designs.The great comments and praise from friends, family and their quilting group encouraged them to share their unique quilt patterns with others. 

They discovered that by making the designs fit the traditional idea of a Block of the Month Program, they were able to break down the patterns into much more manageable chunks, making it easier for everyone to create their own fabulous quilts.

That's how the Quiltblockofthemonthclub.com began!

The online club has a fabulous range of exclusive quilts we think are just wonderful. Quilters who appreciate a slightly different sense of style, a twist on the classics, or something more "arty" will want to check it out.

Would you like to get the latest quilt patterns, cheaply and easily, delivered right to your desktop? Find out more about the Quilt Block of the Month Club.

 

  

Make Your Own Bias Tape

For unlimited choice, you can make bias tape from any fabric print you like with the Clover 6mm (1/4") Bias Tape Maker. Excellent for use in projects that use bias tape - stained glass quilting, celtic, and applique work.

Denise Vanderlugt Workshops

Textile artist Denise Vanderlugt specializes in hand stitched pictorial quilts. Working with a variety of applique techniques, Denise has created a method called "Fabrique - constructed images in fabric". Another love of Denise's life is making coiled baskets from recycled material.

Denise is also an award-winning children's author and illustrator. The artwork from Denise’s book “Where Rainbows Live” and examples of her baskets will be on display at the Toowoomba City Library from 6-10th July. She'll also be visiting the library and will be offering a children's workshop, as well as two-day workshops in Fabrique and creating Coiled Baskets.

The Children's Workshops will take place at the library on the 6th of July. Denise will read from her magical book “Where Rainbows Live”. The children will be able to get a up close look at the original artwork from the book and create their own mini-book. There will be two sessions - the first one for ages 4-7 from 1-2pm and the second for ages 8-12 from 3-4pm. The cost is free but bookings are required. Please phone the library on 4688 6678.

FABRIQUE
2 Day Handstitching Workshop
CONSTRUCTED IMAGES IN FABRIC
Date: 9 & 10 July
Ages: 14 - Adult
Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm (if people are interested
Denise is happy to negotiate times and stay until 8pm)
Where: Toowoomba City Library
Cost: $150 morning tea and lunch included
Class Description
This method of construction is derived from existing traditional applique techniques. A realistic or abstract effect can be achieved. Instruction will be given using Denise’s own method of working on paper as a ground
instead of on a background fabric. The paper is
covered with fabric, as a painter would cover a
canvas with paint, and, when the image is formed, the paper is removed. There is discussion on composition, colour, overall design and how they apply to this method of working, with consideration to designing the quilting that will eventually enhance the constructed image. This workshop concentrates on the student’s own ideas and personal inspiration and, will translate
these ideas onto fabric. Denise has produced two patterns if you get stuck coming up with your own idea,these form the basis of the samples she will bring to class. This method is the same as the illustrations in
her children’s book ‘ Where Rainbows Live’.

COILED BASKETRY
2 Day workshop
Using Recycled Material
Date: 7 & 8 July
Ages: 14 - Adult
Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm (if people are interested
Denise is happy to negotiate times and stay until 8pm)
Where: Toowoomba City Library
Cost: $150 morning tea and lunch included
Workshop Description
Participants will be given a short introduction to the
history of Coiled Basketry and its place in our society,
as humans we love containers! Each student will then
learn to make a Coiled Basket using recycled material
as the core, then wrapping over that core with leftovers
from other sewing projects or old clothes etc. to form a
basket of their choice. There is no going back over
your work to finish off, it is finished as you go.
The workshop will include the following:
• Beginning the coil
• Various Stitches
• Adding colours
• Shaping
• Finishing the end of the coil

For more information or to make a booking phone the Toowoomba City Library during office hours on 4688 6678. Spaces are limited.

Lesson on Bindings

Quilt binding is the finishing touch to your quilt. Once your quilt top is pieced and quilted it's ready for you to sew on a binding... or is it? Here are a few steps you'll want to take to successfully bind your quilt.

Trimming Borders after Quilting
When you're finished quilting you should even up your quilt edges, as borders can stretch quite badly during the quilting process. 

Use your long 6½” ruler, lay the edge of ruler in the last seam line and find a measurement you desire to use and mark with marking pencil on outside edge of your quilt.  We recommend the Karisma pencil for marking as it glides smoothly on fabric. Trim back to this pencil line. 

Measuring  Your Quilt
Using a tape measure, measure the length of your quilt in three places – centre, left side and right side. Make a note of these measurements.

Let's pretend we measure a quilt and what we have is: Left = 68 ½”, Centre = 67 ¾” and Right = 68 ¼”. Your binding for the quilt should be the same as the smallest measurement. So you now know you need to make your left and right hand borders 67¾” long.

Next measure the width of your quilt in the same way and write the measurements down. Our pretend quilt has these measurements: Top = 43 ½”, Centre = 43” and Bottom = 44”. This means the binding for the top and bottom needs to be made 43” long.

Adjusting Border
Now that you know what size to make your binding you need to adjust your border. To do so find the half way and the quarter location of your quilt and mark with pins. 

Using a sewing needle and thread, start from the middle. Wrap the thread around the centre pin in a figure 8.  Now run a small gathering stitch to the next pin, unthread needle and re-thread.  Wrap around next pin in figure 8 as before, repeat to end.  Then repeat from centre out in the opposite direction. 

You now use each of these threads to pull your border into the chosen measurement (67 ¾”), repeat on other side.  Repeat on top and bottom until this measurement is 43”.   When you pull up each section, wrap the thread around the pins in a figure 8, this will hold the threads very secure while you stitch the binding on.

Preparing the Binding
Cut your binding 2 ½” wide across the width of the fabric. The length you need is twice the length and twice the width of your quilt plus ten inches. The extra ten inches accomodates all the joins, and the start and finish.

For this example you would have:
67¾”+67¾”=135½” and 43+43”= 86” for a total of 221½”
Plus the additional 10" for a grand total of 231½” of fabric.

How much fabric do I need to buy?
We know we need to make our binding 231½” long. To calculate how much fabric you require, depends on the wide of the fabric. We'll use 42" for our calculation as it is a common width for quality quilt fabric.

Required length divided by width of fabric equals the number of strips you'll cut.  For our example: 231 1/2"/ 42 = 6 strips

So we'll be cutting six strips 2 1/2 inches wide. There's just one more quick calculation to make. The number of your strips times the width of the strip.
6 x 2.5" = 15"

If your quilt shop sells fabric by the meterage you'll want to convert from inches to centimetres. You can use an online conversion tool to do the math for you or multiply by 2.54.

For our example we need 15" of fabric, which is equivalent to 38.1 cm. Therefore we'll purchase 40cm of fabric for our binding.

Making the Binding
Sew all your 2½” strips together into one continuous length, using a 45º angle join. Trim seams and press open.  Fold one end of binding strip over at a 45º angle and fold and press the entire binding fabric in half down the length, wrong sides together. 

Adding the Binding
On most quilts you'll stitch your binding to the top side of the quilt. Begin at the center of one edge of your quilt top. Place the binding so its raw edges meet the raw edges of the quilt.

Stitch through all layers using a ¼” seam. Stitch to a quarter inch from the corner and turn the corner. To do so leave the needle in the down position, lift the presser foot, rotate the quilt, lower the presser foot and backstitch  ¼”, fold the binding back to the corner so that the folded edge is at the top and the raw edge lines up with the raw edge of the quilt. Repeat this process at each corner.

Turn your binding to the back of quilt and hand stitch using a blind hem stitch.  Don’t forget to add a label to masterpiece.

Biloela Quilters Gathering

The Annual Quilters Gathering is on again!

A grand time was had by all the attendees of last years Quilters Gathering held in Cabarlah. This year the event is hosted by the Biloela Quilters on Saturday 20 June. Biloela's a friendly country town located 120km inland from Gladstone in Central Queensland.

Guest Speakers
With the doors opening at 9.30 am it's sure to be a fabulous day. Quilters will be treated to two entertaining talks by the guest speakers - Ruth Bloomfield and our very own, Pauline Rogers. As one of our DVD presenter's we could possibly lay claim to Ruth also! One thing is sure - both these ladies are knowledgeable and fun, so you're guaranteed to have a good time and will probably learn something very handy.

Ruth Bloomfield
Ruth has just had a quilt accepted for exhibition at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. In 2007 Ruth not only exhibited at Houston, but her quilt was choosen as a finalist. She'll tell you about her visits to the Houston Quilt Festival, and share with you her wonderful work and unique techniques.

Pauline Rogers
Pauline's extensive knowledge of patchwork and quilting covers nearly every facet of the craft. She'll show you how tools can help you achieve better results while using your time more efficiently, what tools are essential and which ones are just nice to own!

The Biloela Quilters have busy planning a great day . You'll surely want a raffle ticket on their exquisite quilt.

A Fun-Filled Day
There will also be a quilt display put on by the Biloela Quilters Group, Show & Tell (so bring your own quilts), a delicious morning tea and sit-down lunch, opportunity for some retail therapy, plus chances to win some fabulous prizes.

The gathering runs until 3.00 pm at the Biloela Civic Centre, so come along for a day of fun. It's a great time to catch up with your quilting friends and meet other like minded ladies for a good gossip! You may even win a prize.

Book Today
Entry is $25 per person and bookings are essential. Contact Gwen on 07 4992 2265 or Fay on 07 4992 3959 for tickets.

Brisbane Stitches & Craft Show

Quilters World will be at the Brisbane Stitches & Craft Show from 29 April to 3 May 2009.

You'll find Pauline in Stand 62. Drop by for a demonstration of some very handy tools and you might even learn a few useful techniques. While you're there make sure you see our latest arrival - the Karisma glue pen.

Also featuring at the Quilters World stand is the creative queen herself, Ruth Bloomfield. This is a great opportunity to see Ruth work her magic with her amazing confetti technique.