Patchwork on Parade

It has been quite a few months since I’ve blogged and I have no idea where that time went.  It wasn’t until I looked back through my diary and downloaded my photographs that I thought….”geez, how’d I fit all that in?”

The following was my life for the past 6 or so months,

•  100 quilts were quilted
• 2 Trade Shows in Melbourne were attended
• Wallaroo Retreat was held in October
• 4 visits to Mums’ at Wallaroo
• Our 20th wedding anniversary – pilgrimage to Mildura (for Speedway)
• Babysitting duties recommenced in September – my favourite time of the week!
• Other duties as required:-)

Below are a few photos from the “20th Wedding Anniversary”.  These were taken at Trentham Winery – the wine and food were delicious and the view was gorgeous.  Don’t you love the limousine??  Many a bride would be jealous!!

At present I’m having a brief holiday in Tasmania, once again my holiday has a Speedway connection – it seems the only way I can see Tony! Once I get home my work will begin in earnest – quilts are lined up ready to go and my workload for AMQF will increase.  If you’d like to see what’s happening for the Australian Machine Quilting Festival have a look at the website and register for the Newsletter http://www.amqfestival.com.au/

I’ll post some photos below, in no particular order, that I happen to have here with me on my camera – my plan is to post more of my customer’s quilts in the coming months.  Please don’t hold your breath as it may not happen but you have to have a plan….remember the saying…..if you fail to plan you can plan to fail. 

Hope you enjoyed the quilts – I had more on my camera than I thought!

And to end on a personal note I thought I’d share a photo of my beautiful grandchildren, Scarlett (the angel) and Ethan (the little prince).  They are just so adorable!!

Until next time (hopefully soon),

Hugs,  Sharon

If you would love to take some time out for a fantastic weekend by the seaside then look no further.

There are 2 vacancies on the Wallaroo Retreat which is being held from Thursday 27th October until Sunday 30th October.

This is a fantastic weekend, you will find yourself being totally spoiled and we have some lovely projects on offer – Carpenter’s Star, Hunter’s Star & Dresden Plate.  If you prefer you can work on your own project or just chill out and relax!

All details can be found by clicking here.

Sunday, 31st July saw us leaving home early and heading to Mawson Lakes to host our first Workshop for the year.  Shontelle taught a variation of the Hunter’s Star using the Rapid Fire Hunter’s Star Ruler which saved many, many hours of cutting.  It was simply amazing watching how quick and proficient the girls were with the cutting and getting their blocks together. 

Here are some of the girls proudly displaying their blocks and it’s always interesting to see the different effects produced depending on fabric choice.

Denise & Carolyn looking happy                 Robbie, who is piecing hers  themselves!                                                  row by row- rather block by block

Pat & Faye – great work                            Marina & Deb – new to the mix and it

                                                                    was great to have them with us!

Doreen – the very quiet achiever            Teinano – always great with colour!

Margaret – good job!

Well done girls, it was a great day and Shontelle and I enjoyed catching up with you all.  I have to say I was exhausted when I got home and all I did was sit around and watch you all work!

If you are interested in learning how to piece this quilt and would like to have Shontelle do a workshop then please feel free to email Shontelle for details.

Hugs,

Sharon

As a longarm quilter I get to see many quilts and always feel fortunate that the people that piece these quilts trust me enough to allow me to quilt for them.  Longarm quilters get to see and handle all types of quilts – some beautifully prepared and pieced and sometimes they need a little bit of coaxing and that is where the skills we learn come into play.  A lot of time, effort and money is spent on equipment, tools and education and I, personally, have shed many tears of frustration during what has been the biggest learning curve of my life.  There have also been tears of joy and beautiful friendships made within the industry and also with  my customers.

Having said all that I’d like to share a quilt from one of my favourite customers who has also become a good friend.  The quilt was given to me to quilt well over 2 years ago and it was only finished about 5 weeks ago…..thanks for your patience Judy!  If I’d attempted to quilt this when it was given to me I’d never had managed it – it would have looked like a “dogs breakfast”!  That’s where education and experience are invaluable.

This quilt had a large amount of fullness in the centre due to the insertion of the Mariners Compass….

As soon as I hung the quilt top over the front of the machine I could see I was going to have issues.  Following are the steps I took to combat (yes, it was a little like going to war) this fullness,

• Laid the quilt top on a flat surface to get an idea of just how much fullness there was
• Cut 2 layers of Hobbs Wool Batting  a little larger that the centre circle of the Mariner’s Compass
• Used Roxanne’s glue to stick the 2 layers together
• Sprayed basting spray on the back of the quilt top, then stuck the 2 layers of batting on the back of the quilt top to cover the Mariner’s Compass
• Loaded the quilt top, very carefully,  basted the top and sides and proceeded to quilt.  The quilt had 2 layers of Hobbs under the Mariner’s Compass as well as the Minijumbuk that was being used on the whole of the quilt.
• I pin basted the quilt as I was quilting, taking particular care throughout the centre of the quilt.
• Once the majority of the quilting was completed I then worked very slowly and precisely on the centre piece

And here is the finished product,

So, what could have been a total disaster turned into a beautiful “trapuntoed” heirloom for their new boat.

I hope you enjoyed this mini tutorial and if you ever find yourself in a similar situation it may be of some help.

And finishing on a personal note….here’s another photo, complete with a story of Scarlett.  We were about to have a spa and she asked if I could take her hair out of her ponytail as she wanted to be a mermaid.  She was in the spa and I during my very inelegant attempt to join her asked if she could please move her legs so that I could get in.  She told me in no uncertain terms…..”they’re not legs Nanny, that’s my tail”!!

Until next time,

Hugs,

Sharon

It’s only taken almost 5 years but I went on a Quilting Retreat on the weekend – yes, that’s right – I was a guest instead of the host.  Thanks to Wendy for organising a fantastic weekend with lovely people and great food.  It was so nice not doing anything other than eating, chatting, sewing (if one was inclined), walking and just slothing around in general.  Thanks to Mike, the retreat photographer, I have a few photos to share.

Yes, I am the Pyjama Quilter…oops that name has been taken….I’m the Dressing Gown Quilter.  You’d never think so much concentration and joint effort could possibly go into a “Disappearing 9-Patch” made from a Charm Pack.

Here’s one I prepared earlier – a “Lasagne Quilt” for Scarlett.  Yes, I hear you all – does that girl only piece strips of fabric????  Well, yes that is all she does!!  She also sometimes performs miracles but that’s a “whole nother story”.

Now we have the group shot – somebody (Wendy) told us that if we held our hands under our chins we’d look slim – do you think it worked?  Thanks Mike for taking the photos, great job!  And thanks to everyone else for making me feel so welcome.

That’s it for now – please visit again soon as I have some great shots of recent quilts to share!

Hugs,

Sharon

The Mannum retreats are now over for another year and a great time was had by all that attended.  We’re so lucky to have such a fantastic group that continue to come back time and time again.   We also had a few “newbies” and it’s always great to meet new people.  The weekend was focussed on UFO’s and there are lots of photos – so sit back and enjoy.

Retreat 1 – Friday 20th May – Sunday 22nd May

Show & Tell

Robbie’s quilts – Starburst & Jane Says – both are Shontelle’s patterns and were taught at previous retreats

Joanne’s Christmas Table Runner            This quilt is called Dear Prudence.

                                                                       Wonder who it belongs to

The next 2 quilts belong to Jean – she has certainly been busy!

A quilt that Prue made for a friend.         Faye’s Aeolian quilt – taught at our

Lucky friend, I say.                                      workshop.

Another of Faye’s – great job!                  Marjorie’s Aeolian quilt – pretty in pink

Pat – a beginner, which you’d never know, with her Aeolian quilt and another which she designed herself.

How cute is this rug – made by Mary.     Mary-Anne’s Jane Says – well done!

Jenni’s quilt uses Le Petite Ecole             Mary Ann’s table runner from a          fabrics from moda – great quilt!               previous workshop – good job!

Another by Mary Ann.                              Joanne’s stichery

Another by Pat – no longer a beginner.   This quilt made by Marjorie uses

                                                                       fabric from a Layer Cake, Jelly

                                                                       Roll & Charm Pack

                           Joanne is quite simply an overachiever!!!!!!!!!!!

Kylie with her completed table                Local scenery – I love the sound of

runner-   well done!!                                  the paddle steamer’s horn.

Our friendly possum – he is so cute and    Ali feeding the family.

certainly well fed!

Our fantastic retreaters                             With all the talk of planking in the

                                                                     media lately, somebody just resist.

                                                                     Great effort Prue!!!!!

Saving the best til last – Shontelle and her latest project – Ethan James.

Retreat 2 – Monday 23rd – Wednesday 25th May

Show & Tell

Margaret’s table runner – set on point         Pam’s Jane Says – just beautiful

Pam made this Carpenter’s Star for her      Heather’s pineapple quilt which she’s

Mum – lucky Helen                                       quilting herself – I heard she won’t be

                                                                     doing that again

Another of Heather’s but she’s not sure     The chocolate fondue was a great success!

what happened.                                         Too hard to get a photo with everyone

                                                                    looking like a lady – sorry Cheb…..not!!

Cheryl’s quilt from the Wallaroo               This was stitched by Margaret and

Retreat – well done.                                   it is amazing up close!!

What can I say – I’m sure Jill’s eyes         The Group Shot! 

crossed.

Thanks go to everyone for making our Retreats a time to remember – see you next time!!!

Hugs,

Sharon

That’s not quite true as some of the quilts that will appear in this post are from April but as Tony (DH) says, never spoil a good story with fact! 

This first quilt was done by a “rank beginner”, she’s never been to a class and designed this quilt herself and then proceeded to stitch it.  It came with a few issues, nothing that 2 layers of Hobbs Polydown and a few tucks here and there couldn’t fix.  Alex had booked in to come to our May Retreat which would have been a good learning curve for her.  However, she’s giving it a miss because she’s concentrating on her other project for the time being – she’s having baby!!!  Congratulations Alex & Shawn.

Breast of Friends was a BOM with each block designed by a different person with various “finishing kits” offered.  This quilt was “in my head” for a long time – the concept of these quilts is fantastic and part proceeds go to various charities – in this case the proceeds went to Breast Cancer Research which is wonderful.  From a Quilter’s perspective they can be difficult to come up with a design that complements the quilt and brings it altogether.  I spent hours searching on the internet to see what other quilters had done but in all those hours of searching I only found 2 and they had only been SID’d and I thought it needed more.  As you’ll see from the following photos the good old stipple got a run.  The photos are shown in various lights and some aren’t of the best quality (as hard as I try I’m certainly no photographer!)

Robbie’s quilt follows – it is called Jane Says and was designed by Shontelle and she taught it at our Retreats last year.  The full story of this quilt is on Shontelle’s blog if you’re interested.  The cost of the pattern is $14.00 and can be purchased by sending an email. (This is not a quilt for a beginner)

The loose plan for my blog is to end on something personal.  The following photo is of my precious Scarlett, even just typing her name fills me with joy.  Moments after taking this photo in the studio (in which she has a tea cosy on her head) we were walking down to the house.  She was following me holding my large magnifying glass (which she’d found in the studio) up to her little face.  Then I heard the words that all Nana’s long to hear……..”Nanny, you look fat and old”.  Well, I ask you, from behind through a magnifying glass I may look fat…but OLD??????  God, how I love her!!!

Til next time,

Hugs,

Sharon

I am re-writing this post in the vain hope that it’ll work and the formatting will be fantastic!  I’m such a glass 1/2 full sort of girl although that has certainly been tested getting used to WordPress.

“Drifting Leaves” was quilted on the following quilt with the centre medallion being custom quilted with Stich in the Ditch, McTavishing and freehand leaves.

Next is one of Di’s many quilts and I have used Tendril by Lorien Quilting, this pattern works well on so many quilts – it gives lovely texture and movement.

Shontelle taught this pattern, by Joanna Figuroa of Figtree Quilts, called Jelly Stars at the July Retreat last year; it is made using 1 Jelly Roll plus yardage.  Custom quilted with SID, feather motifs using the Intelliquilter, freehand feathers and minimal X-hatching.  The photos show the front and back of the quilt.

The strippy quilt, also taught by Shontelle at the Wallaroo Retreat, was made by Sue.  Sue has chosen Baptist Fans for the quilting and the final results is just gorgeous.

The next quilt was made by the ever patient Silvie for her sister.  It has been custom quilted using SID, motifs, x-hatching and McTavishing.  I had organised with Silvie to deliver the quilt as Tony and I were having a “play date’ at Virginia Nursery (if you’ve not been there, and you live nearby, I suggest you give it a go)  Anyhoo, I digress!  Tony thought it would be a good idea to give the truck a run so I hopped aboard and off we went.  However, when I was disembarking from said “truck” with quilt bag in one hand and a flower arrangement for Silvie in the other I tripped and did a faceplant in her neighbour’s garden.  Picture this! a dishevelled person knocking on your door with a quilt in one hand and some tragically mangled blooms in the other.  Come on in!! Thankfully, she was delighted with her quilt.

Every quilt has a story to tell and some more than others.  This quilt was started over 20 years ago – it was to be for Jan’s son on his 8th birthday.  He actually turns 28 this month and I hope he is as excited with his quilt as his Mum is.  She had started to hand quilt it and with her permission I removed the stitching and put a lovely “allover” pattern on it using a red/white/blue variegated thread.

And for those that believe that men can’t do 2 things at once….look at Tony multitasking!!!

Something to ponder??  Why is it once you’ve hit 50 and have a little trip it’s classed as “having a fall”.  Up until then it’s just falling over!!

Hugs,

Sharon

I’m still having problems with WordPress, in my opinion it’s the biggest time waster since babies were invented (and at least babies are gorgeous!!).  The formatting below has gone haywire along with some of the pictures of the Joanna Figuroa quilt – if I ever get it sorted you’ll see the front of the quilt!!  Stay tuned and I’ll try and keep my hair on

This week I feel like my feet haven’t touched the ground which has been a good thing as it has seen my queue diminish somewhat with 10 quilts (some of which are pictured below) being completed and thanks to Cheryl (affectionately known as Chebby) another 8 are pinned and ready to go!  I have no idea how I ever managed before I was blessed when she came into my life (thanks Lizzy).

I hope you enjoy looking at my week’s work – thanks for stopping by.

	This quilt was pieced/appliqued by Jan and her work is always a pleasure to work on.  As you can see an “allover” pattern (Simplicity by Lorien Quilting) was chosen and really suits the quilt and doesn’t detract at all from the applique.  My favourite creature is the Octopus.
	This quilt was a joint effort by Jan/Miranda (mother/daughter team).  They were first time retreaters at Wallaroo in November.  The block pattern is the Jacob’s Ladder and this variation was put together and taught by Shontelle.  Great effort ladies!
	Di asked me to quilt this fabric t make a bedspread which will match her curtains.  I’m not going to add up how many quilts I’ve done for Di and would never ask the question why she isn’t using one of them   Quilting this was challenging but the result was certainly worth it!
	This was a quilt cover, bought from Target, reassembled, and turned into a cute quilt.  The fabric and piecing were questionable but I was really happy with the outcome as were Jan and Lesley.
	Table runners for Jan – she’s been a lucky girl this week.  I’m not going to tell how long these have been waiting – lucky she loves me!
	This came to me as a Quilt Cover which Jennie had purchased from “Hills Tribe People” during an Asian holiday.  It was a challenge to say the least with the type of fabric, symmetry and removing the little bits of applieque and reapplying them.  I used Hobbs Wool wadding to absorb some of the fullness and then waved a magic wand – Jennie loved it and her Mum said it was “magnificent” – gotta be happy with that!

I’d love to hear what you think of the quilts – please leave a comment.

Hugs,

Sharon