Greetings to all members of EQI! …
We have passed the winter solstice and our days should grow longer hopefully, more sunshine will come our way soon. We have had a chilly start to winter and this has provided an opportunity to hunker down at home and get lots of sewing done.
I have used this indoor time to pick up my “Wanderer’s Wife” project (by Jen Kingwell, previously called Gypsy Wife) after a 4-year hiatus. I had hand-pieced the blocks and then contemplate with horror the prospect of cutting the myriad strips needed and then assembling the quilt. I have nearly completed one of 10 sections and have a headache!!!
June was a busy month for EQI, our guest speakers at the day meeting Judy Robinson-Whitty and Robyn Packham wowed us with their beautiful quilts. Robyn drew on her travels using Japanese fabrics, for example, to create really attractive designs. Her hand quilting was superb too. Judy showed us a great variety of different quilts, it was fascinating to see how she created strata units, using different fabrics. One of the really interesting tips she offered was the use of upholstery fabrics as the backing for a wall hanging. The firmer fabric would help the piece hang more effectively.
The Saturday Stitching Session/Paint Chip Challenge judging and awards were held last weekend. I heard from Barb that the day went very well and there were great opportunities to chat with a range of visitors too. Congratulations to Robyn for the Paint Chip Challenge organisation, I also heard that the judge spoke well and made really interesting observations about the entries. Thanks to Barb for hosting the day and for Peter who took the coffee machine there. Thanks also to Denise who collected the money for attendance and made up an Excel List of attendees. We will all get the opportunity to see the challenge entries at the day and evening meetings in July. We will be able to vote for the Viewer’s Choice at those meetings. The quilts will also be on display at the Kilmore Quilters “Merry Christmas’ Exhibition on October 7th – 9th. The committee is liaising with the Incinerator Gallery to investigate the possibility of the quilts being displayed in Boadle Hall or a local library next year.
Our July meeting on the 20th is sure to be a really interesting one as we will be treated to a presentation of antique quilts by Janet O’Dell. At that meeting, Kerry will also demonstrate the techniques she uses for her beautiful needle-turn applique.
Due to a change in bookings, we will hold the evening meeting on July 20 as well. This is hopefully a one-off and I ask that you note this in your diary should you like to attend. The QFO day will still be held on July 27. Santina will be available at 11.30 to help us to improve our capacity to machine quilting the QFOs.
Please keep looking at the eNews to ensure that you get all the latest information about meetings, events etc.
Just recently, I came across the concept of “crumb quilting”, using up even the tiniest pieces to create “new fabric” or a block. Please find below an example of what Robyn has created using a cash register roll and scraps.
And so, I end with a question – what size scrap do you save??
Nadine
