Quilting in Kerikeri

Beneath the Southern Sky

2012-03-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

Image from www.beneathsouthernsky.com

Beneath the Southern Sky is a travelling exhibition of 30 contemporary textile works. It will be touring Australia and a couple of venues in the USA and you will be able to see the collection in New Zealand at the Craft and Sewing Show in Auckland, 15th to 18th of March. It is being curated by Brenda Gael Smith, one of the now famous twelve by twelve quilters.

For full details on this exhibition, have a look at the website www.beneathsouthernsky.com

Check it out if you have the chance - it looks like it will be a great show!

Jeanette DeNicolis Meyer Workshop

2012-01-30T16:22:00.000-08:00

Renowned international fabric artist Jeanette DeNicolis Meyer is coming to Northland. She will be teaching a two-day course on designing and collage with translucent fabrics.

Quilt and Collage with Translucent Fabrics

Discover the design and color world that opens up while composing quilts or fabric collages with layers of luscious silk organza and crisp cotton organdy. We will begin by producing a gem-like palette of translucent fabric with easy to use paints and then proceed to the design wall, where new colors and shapes will emerge as the translucent fabrics are layered. We will also produce a technique sampler notebook as we experiment with fusing and a variety of machine and hand-sewn seams to explore the design possibilities different finished edges can provide.

Dates: March 10th and 11th 2012

Location: Whangarei, venue to be advised

Cost: $115.00 per person. $40.00 non-refundable deposit. Limited places available.

Contact: Charlotte Scott 09 404 0644

Brought to you by the combined efforts of Whangarei and Kerikeri Patchwork and Quilting Clubs.

Jeanette’s website: www.jdmeyer.com

2012 Exhibition

2012-01-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

January sees our guild busily preparing for our annual exhibition. This year it was in a new venue - the Kerikeri Primary School Hall. Larger and brighter, it certainly gave us more room to stand back and view the quilts. It was also a smaller exhibition this year than usual.

My little darlings couldn't resist sneaking into a couple of shots - sorry! I hope you enjoy having a virtual tour. I daresay I've missed a couple of pieces here and there and apologies for that.

I took a close up of this one to show the beautiful cream-on-cream machine embroidery.

This dinosaur quilt is our delightful second prize for our raffle. This was won by Sue Berquist, a member's sister. First prize (below) was won by Robin Boud of Kohematama - congratulations!

Our merchant this year was The Country Yard and I was going to get a picture of their lovely bunting - but seem to have missed it. I probably got too caught up in looking at all their lovely merchandise. Many thanks Kerryn and friends for putting up a great stall.

Hope you enjoyed the show and here's hoping we are able to use the same venue next year and we have a bigger number of quilts to fill it.

Spring Retreat 2011

2011-11-04T00:53:00.000-07:00

There were fifteen of us on this Spring Retreat. We stitched and quilted and chatted and ate chocolate. Some of us went to bed early, some of us (the ones determined to finish something) went to bed late. But I think I speak for us all when I say a great time was had.

I was sitting across from Carol and got to watch her bag-lady bag take shape. A lucky recipient will be getting this for Christmas.

Steph got busy putting together her embroidered panels for the centre of her quilt.

The notice board in the hall makes a pretty good design wall.

Valerie concentrated on two mosaic type wall hangings/table runners.

And despite a few hiccups and disappointments with the kit, she finished them and they were beautiful.

Both Friday and Saturday saw me machine quilt, quilt, quilting.

And Sunday morning saw me tying in thread ends. No more quilting, yay!

Aida worked away at Christmas presents - quilting the tops she showed at October's show and tell.

Ingrid was foundation piecing these little blocks around an embroidered butterfly.

And by the end of the weekend she had a quilt top to show for her efforts.

Many of us took a turn at hand stitching the binding down on our exhibition raffle quilt, "Nora's Delight". Here is Nora threatening to swallow Imogen!

The couch was a productive place to be this weekend. Margaret stitched and stitched (and regaled us with funny stories!).

Although Camilla the Gorilla was on the couch too, and she did nothing except loll around and gossip about Richie and Dan!

Darryl was machine quilting her lovely scrappy log cabin. Although she complained that she didn't really get much done.....

I wonder why?!

Carol and Margaret were busy in the corner.

And Carol really was busy. I watched this top for Quilts for Kids grow and grow over the weekend.

I think it's a stunning pattern and I can see it in a taupe background with red and cream diagonals....hmm, the last thing I need is another quilt on the to-do list!

Imogen won the 'longest chain-pieced chain'. These are lovely hand dyed fabrics that she bought when she had a holiday in Australia.

Here is Nora's Delight in all her glory. She is the first prize in our raffle for the January Exhibition. Members have tickets to sell for $1 each. If you want to buy some, flick me an email (look in my profile).

And a close up. Needle turn applique interspersed with machine pieced blocks. Machine quilted by Leonie Wihongi.

Carol was really concentrating on those Christmas presents - these are cushion tops for her daughter.

And once I tied in threads, I did a little basting on a quilt for Quilts for Kids.

Last pic of the day is Margaret showing us her 'finish'!! Margaret is a master of embroidery and crazy quilting and she just finished the little stitchery in the top corner. And she's hiding her usual cheeky grin! I better not repeat any of the jokes she told us at Saturday night's dinner, Blogger might object!

Happy stitching everyone.

Show and Tell - October Meeting

2011-10-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

Bia has been making bags again. And isn't this one a stunner?!

Dolores showed us a lovely Christmas table runner. I think she told me she was planning to make six more!

I missed who made this cushion - Elaine, was it you?

Vicky showed off her wonderful cat quilt. She got this block of the month when she first started quilting but took one look and wisely put it away until she was more confident.

I could resist a couple of close ups. Vicky has done embroidery on their faces.

Aida is busy making more Christmas presents. Someone is going to get a nice surprise on Christmas Day.

Terri quilted this quilt made by a family. Every member made a block. And with a little judicious realignment, it has turned out wonderfully.

Beatrice made this bright and cheerful one for Quilts for Kids.

And this wee mini attic windows, which apparently has no Y-seams. I forgot to find out how she did it.

Ingrid thought she'd have a go at painting - actually it's machine embroidery, but it could almost be a painting.

A quirky jar quilt done by Beatrice.

And a real scrap buster. I'm pretty sure this was Elaine's. Please tell me if I'm wrong

And I didn't catch the maker of this cute little bag.

I've just come back from attending the guild retreat, so shortly I'll be uploading more photos for you. Including our stunning raffle quilt for this year's exhibition - stay tuned!

Show and Tell - September Meeting

2011-09-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to September's Show and Tell. We hope you enjoy browsing our member's work. Remember, the Kerikeri Patchwork and Quilting Club annual exhibition is on the 13th - 16th of January 2012 at the Kerikeri Primary School Hall and there will be plenty of work on display then. Members - have you got something organised to exhibit?

First up was Chris, who made this for a wedding present. It uses a clever cutout technique for the centre.

Judy has been blessed with ten grandchildren and this quilt was made for the tenth.

Judy used to hook rugs and the first few grandchildren got rugs instead of quilts and Judy brought in an example to show us.

This is Lyn's cushion - too precious to put on a couch!

Imogen has been so busy she hasn't got enough hands to hold it all! These are made with teeny bits of kiwiana fabrics.

This is Lois's quilt. Covered in cats - just the way she likes it!

Darryl shows off a new table runner. She is trying to decide what to quilt in the centre squares.

This is also Darryl's, destined for one of her spare beds. Made of lots and lots of strippy scraps and quilted in a variegated thread on the front and back so it can be turned over now and then to save it from fading too fast.

This is a wee quilt made by Caroline for Quilts for Kids.

These are all destined to be Christmas presents for Aida's lucky family. They are beautifully embroidered. Click on the picture for a closer look.

This is one of Alison's pictures, shown to us to entice us to have a machine embellishing workshop.

And here's another one.

This is Shirley's, made in a class at Whangarei and is another example of machine embellishing.

This is Shirley's too and is very intricate. There is even copper shim incorporated.

And after show and tell, we had an informal class on template making and hand piecing run by Margaret. We are trying to run a small 'technique' class at each meeting to help members increase their skills or brush up on certain techniques. We think it's going well and have had lots of positive comments from participants. Members - if you have any suggestions for classes you would like us to hold or you would like to run, just see someone on the committee.

Snippets from September Newsletter

2011-09-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Before the September meeting, here's just a few reminders from the September Newsletter:

September Club Meeting – ‘Hand Piecing and Template Making’ – Margaret:

Requirements:
• Double sided sellotape
• HB pencil with sharp point
• Ruler - measuring inches
• Scissors - for cutting paper and template plastic (it's not thick and easy enough to cut)
• Two fat quarters - contrasting colours - light and dark etc. If one of these fabrics is very dark then a light coloured marking pencil will be needed.
• Sewing kit containing neutral colour sewing thread, pins, a fine needle and all the rest of the paraphernalia

Margaret says “I will bring the template plastic, notes, diagrams, graph paper, and I will make other templates to hand out. Making templates is time consuming and as long as you know how to do it, it's more enjoyable to spend our time sewing”.

???????????? A Dilemma ????????????

The Current Committee is getting organized….. Before a new committee is elected in March we want to have activities organized for February, March (AGM), April and May so the new committee can get on with the business of doing their best for the club. Having said that, we have 5 activities we would like to run but only have 3 meetings to fill. At the September meeting we are going to ask you to vote for 3 of the 5 classes you would like us to run. So come to the September meeting and have your say and be apart of the decision making.

Spring Retreats - $30.00 per person – BE IN QUICK

As you are all aware we had to change the dates of the 1st Retreat NOW being held 23rd, 24th and 25th September. (NOT 30th September to 2nd October). There are still plenty of places available for the 1st retreat

If you are interested in joining the fun for the September Retreat please contact DARYL

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON – 22nd NOVEMBER 2011

Note: (NO CLUB MEETING ON THIS DAY)

Please write your name on the list on the “Notice Board” at the September and October meetings. The cost of the luncheon will be $17.00 per person and you can pay Imogen at the September or 25th October meeting at the latest.

GIFT: As in the past we would also invite you to bring a modest gift. This is to be hand made, either by yourself or purchased. Please wrap it anonymously ready for ‘secret santa’.

Another contribution we make at the Christmas Luncheon is for Women’s Refuge. Now, this is strictly your choice but if you would like to donate new knickers for children (boys and girls) and women and small toys that are stocking fillers, these will be donated on your behalf to Women’s Refuge.

Helensville Patchwork Group

Are holding their exhibition 10.00 - 4.00 Sat & Sun 1st & 2nd Oct at the Helensville War Memorial Hall, Commercial Road.

There will be a quilt raffle, merchants, a trading table and refreshments.

Entry $3, under 12 free if accompanied by an adult.

Show and Tell - August

2011-09-12T00:08:00.000-07:00

It's September and the month seems to be getting away on me. So before I have to do two month's worth of show and tell together, here's a quick look at August.

I started off show and tell with a little wall-hanging I made with some of my positive/negative applique blocks. I demonstrated the technique later on at the meeting too. Next month (September) will be a demonstration of template-making and hand-piecing by Margaret.

Sorry about the reflection on this one, but it's behind glass! Imogen had a sneaky trick for avoiding all the tricky applique on this piece. Once it was all fused down she had it framed and it looks fantastic!

Terri showed off a lovely piece done in a workshop. The poppies are three dimensional.

This is Bia's beautiful black and white creation and it's all handquilted by her too.

Here's a stunning example of a round robin. The central block was made to set the style and then other participants contributed sections to match.

Carolyn made a special quilt for a friend and she pieced the back too.

Another piece by Terri. This one has a special back. Not happy with plain calico, Terri tea-dyed it and then painted leaves on it.

Here's till next month - and I'll try and remember my camera so I don't have to scrounge around at the meeting for one to borrow!

Pictures of the Remarkable Symposium Exhibitions

2011-05-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who weren't able to make it to the Remarkable Symposium in Queenstown, I've found a fantastic little 'vidcast' done by Bonnie McCaffrey, who was one of the international tutors. She has taken many photos of the quilts in the exhibitions, talked to the convener and some of the artists, and I was surprised to catch a glimpse of myself (for those of you who know me you'll have to watch it and see if you can find me!). There is also a lovely shot of Shirley's Salmon quilt, which won a merit award. Congratulations Shirley!

Here's the link http://bonniemccaffery.com/vidcasts/059.html

Enjoy!

Sale

2011-05-31T00:44:00.000-07:00

I received this email from Grandmother's Garden today, I'm sure they won't mind me sharing it with you - nobody ever says no to free advertising, do they?! Click here to go to their internet site.

Friday, 27th May 2011

Our Sale starts Thursday June 2nd and runs through to Sunday June 12th, 9am - 5pm daily.

We’ll accept Internet orders only from Wednesday 1st June.

What's on Special!

All regular width cottons & batiks will be 21 dollars per metre. Make your selection from our website or visit us at the store.

Fabric Specials - selected fabrics at 12 dollars per metre. Order three metres or more of any one fabric and pay just 10 dollars per metre. Some are Internet Specials only. Check out the Fabric Specials on our website.

Smash & Grab Fat Quarters

10 for 39 dollars. These are ready cut fat quarters, so you can't order specific fat quarters but you can ask for 10 of a specific type or colour - say blues, reds, greens etc.

Our Fat Quarter Fairies will hand-pick your order from any of the following categories:

Jinny Beyer Palette - tonal texture prints from RJR Fabrics.

Novelties/Conversationals - great for I-Spy quilts.

Spring Fling - soft and pretty flowers and friends.

Summer Spree - strong, bright prints.

Autumn Splendor - brown through gold with a hint of green and yellow.

Winter Wonders - cooler blues, mauves etc with black.

Reproduction Prints - 1840's reproduction and civil war.

Mostly Marbles - tone-on-tones.

or, tell us your own style or colour choice.

You can order your Smash & Grab Fat Quarter Deal(s) on our website, email or phone us.

Shop Samples Sale - ex-shop models from previous projects. Have a look in the Quilts For Sale section on our website.

Kitset Specials - some kits will be cleared at half price. Check them out on our website.

Book Specials

See the Book Specials on our website for one-off deals. These are all ex-shop copies and may have slight cover damage. 10 dollars have been taken off the regular price.

Keep an eye on our website as we will add more Internet only specials during the sale.

If you can visit us in person please make time to go down to our workshop to check out our in-store specials of selected fabrics, kitsets, books & notions. Enjoy a cup of tea and a scone. Devonshire Tea will be served daily. Please phone us ahead of time if you are coming in a larger group.

I ordered a lot of fabric in Salt Lake City so let's have a jolly good clean out to make room for it all.

We look forward to seeing you in the store or to hearing from you via the Internet, email or phone!

Until next time,

Hazel

It's that time of the year again - our Birthday Sale is on. This year Grandmother's Garden has been operating for 28 years! It seems like half of that. Where does time go?

May Meeting Show and Tell

2011-05-29T01:07:00.000-07:00

Jane has been attacking her scrap bag with a vengeance. Sorry, that's a fingerprint on the lens in the upper left corner, not muddy colours.

This is Olive's sumptious pink fairy quilt. Isn't it a sweetie?

Okay, I'm hoping someone jogs my memory on this one. I know it was started in a class and then made into a bag - but I can't remember who made it! And then she gave it to someone else - and I can't remember that person either! Sorry!

Judith did a class at the Powerquilter with Lyn Manning. She was so inspired that she's started another one!

This is Valerie's machine embroidered quilt, which is a fantastic geometric study.

Suzanne couldn't resist the layer cake that she then made into this lovely quilt top. Can't wait to see how she quilts it.

And this top started with some fat quarters that she couldn't resist! It's the biggest top she's ever made, but I bet she still squeezes it under her domestic machine for quilting.

Barbara-Mary finally made something for herself.

Check out the psychedelic backing!

Ingrid got given a book on spiral quilts for Mother's Day - and she's got stuck right in.

This is also a quilt of Ingrids. Another cool way to use up scraps. This is a pattern called 'Charlotte's Web'.

Shirley loved her ugly fat quarter that she got in a swap and she's made this cute wee bag from it.

Here's another of her bags. This is a lovely feature fabric so click it to look closer if you like.

Carmen is a new member. Judging by her stories she is well and truly addicted! These are blocks for her first ever quilt, she is making it for her daughter.

Sorry, Delores! I forgot to turn this around before I uploaded it. Delores started this beautiful yellow canna lily wall hanging in a class at Symposium.

This is one of Margaret's cushions. Have a close look (you can click on it to enlarge) and start collecting bits and bobs as Margaret will be doing a workshop session on this in an upcoming meeting.

We also had a great talk from all the members who went to the Remarkable Symposium. It sounds like a lot of fun and laughter was had, and even a bit of work was done. I didn't get a picture of Jenny's sugarplum fairy or Shirley's felted beach scene or of any of the other work except Delore's canna lillies (see above) - but take that as a commendation because I was so wrapped up in what everyone was saying.

Roll on Taupo in 2013!

Heads up for the May Meeting

2011-05-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

First up, apologies that there has been nothing on this blog for a wee while. I didn't get to the last meeting as I was swanning around Queenstown, enjoying the Remarkable Symposium. Have you registered for the Taupo Symposium yet?

So, to get back into the groove of updating, here are some excerpts from the last newsletter:

AGM - You will see we have a new President, Ingrid McLennan, and a fresh, new look committee: Elaine Bryant, Doreen Crossland, Carol de Ridder, Daryl Jay, Charlotte Scott and Judith Sweet. Welcome aboard.

After the AGM Jill Bezencon shared with us some of her wonderful quilts and stories and positively critiqued some of our club members quilts. I am sure everyone was inspired all over again with her presentation, ideas and opinions.

Subscriptions: Subscriptions have been kept at $20 per year and are now due. Please make sure you have paid your subs by the 24th May meeting. The 2011 Membership list will be forwarded to you in June.

May Meeting:

1. Show and tell: We thought it would be great if we could take a little more time over show and tell. We would really like to know more about your motivation, thoughts and techniques used. So have a little recitation prepared. After all it takes so long to make these things. You may be able to inspire someone else. And if you can leave your quilt in the room by the kitchen everyone can have a really good look and perhaps gain some inspiration.

2. 2012 First Prize Raffle Quilt – Proceeds to Project Promise: Could everybody who still has an appliquéd square for the 2012 raffle quilt please return them at the May meeting? And anyone who has finished a pieced patch, please return that too.

2012 Second Prize Raffle Quilt: A quilt for the exhibition second prize is underway and Doreen has requested that if you can donate some suitable bright fabrics please give them to her at the May meeting. The theme of this quilt is “dinosaurs”.

3. Show us your bags: Not a lot of bags were brought in last month from the fabric Darryl gave us last year. Could those who still have a completed bag at home please bring them in to the May meeting?

4. Symposium Presentation: Those ladies who were at Symposium are going to tell us of their experiences and show us some of their work.

5. Magazine Day: Beryl and Nita are going to make up bags of 10 magazines (same title but 10 consecutive magazines) and for $1.00 you can take these home for 1 month for return at the June 28th Meeting. Beryl wants you to know that these magazines, although past issues, are still relevant and often have information far more valid than many of the latest issues. So if you want some old fresh ideas come and take a bag.

6. Wall Planner: We will have a wall planner on the notice board on which all events both local and national will be placed. Please take the time to check it out so that you can plan events you would like to attend.

7. Spring Retreat: A list of the 2 Spring Retreats will be on the noticeboard in May so that you can book into which retreat you would like to attend. Please put your name down against the date you would definitely like to attend and if you would like to attend a second one then add your name to that list also.

A Challenge from Charlotte:
Do you want to take part in a group activity for some fun and motivation? I am coordinating a Row-by-Row Round Robin. You'll need a metre and a half of a favorite fabric(s) and a commitment to finishing a few blocks every month, but that's it! You won't even need to make every meeting (we're a flexible bunch, us quilters).

We have decided that the starter row will be 8" x 40" finished (8½” x 40½” including seam allowances) and we want everyone participating to bring this along to the May meeting, plus whatever is left over of their metre and a half of feature fabrics and their information sheet (see your newsletter) - all in an opaque bag or box. The starter row can be one panel, or blocks (such as five 8" blocks) and is to set the style of the quilt.

Call me (Charlotte) or email me or for more information.

Autumn Retreat

2011-03-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous weekend! Because of a slight hitch with dates, we are running two Autumn retreats this year and this first one was attended by a much smaller number than usual. So we had plenty of space to spread out, less dishes to wash and fewer sewing machine motors to talk over.

Because this only needed the binding sewn down, I grabbed the first 'finish' of the weekend.

Steph showed us her finished beauty of a quilt. She was working on this at her last retreat.

And here is part of her next masterpiece. I've seen the pattern and it's truly stunning.

Here's Edna contemplating what to do to turn these orphan blocks into a usable quilt. Aren't they a neat pattern?

Margaret joined us for a day and managed to get several bindings sewn down. This one has a skateboard fabric as a feature.

Here's Dianne and Daryl basting Shirley's troublesome quilt that just won't lay flat! The problem is in the fabric we think - such a gorgeous soft damask.

This is one of a pair - or will be if Dianne can find a few more inches of the purple stripe inner border fabric.

Imogen managed to complete the quilting of her lovely batik bargello.

This is another of Margaret's that she managed to get the binding finished on.

And here is a detail of the quilting from the back.

I managed to finish the border on this round-robin block. Just in time to send it off to Australia. Remind me never to work with teeny tiny pieces again!

Carol had been lucky to attend a workshop with Kaffe Fassett recently - here she is working on the layout of her quilt started that day.

Ingrid has been experimenting with fabric paint. And now she's using the painted fabric to fantastic effect in this cathedral windows piece.

Mmmmmm, colour!!

Carol finished this top off for her brand new grandbaby.

I managed to piece together my centre applique block into my big blue and white quilt and add a border. I've yet to decide whether to add another one - what do you think?

And that's about it for photos. Plenty of stories though! Like the cricket hunts that had varying degrees of success!

Anyway - take care and enjoy whatever it is you are working on.

Show and Tell February

2011-03-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

Apologies for taking so long to get this posted. Hope you enjoy it.

Jane showed us a couple of lovely children's quilts. Isn't the green and pink one a clever design?

Ingrid has been productive with a lovely table runner and her first drunkard's path.

Terri is the proud owner of this - I've take a photo of the back to show the quilting better - very intricate.

Terri also made this wallhanging incorporating photos printed onto fabric.

Alison has finished her embroidered white and cream quilt that she was working on in retreat last year. What a stunner! She also made matching pillowshams.

Imogen finished her bargello top in record time.

A quilt for kids made by Caroline. There was another, but that may have been when my camera battery ran out! Sorry!

Jan was the lucky recipient of this gorgeous table runner. She doesn't know who made it for her - her Patchwork Angel sent it to her!!

Bia had a beautiful and practical bag to show and the cutest wee wallhanging for dog lovers.

We were lucky enough to have Bobbi, a visitor for Australia, show us some beautiful handwork made by the Tentmakers of Cairo. Bobbi just happens to be friends with Jenny Bowker (!), who let her choose a couple of pieces from her collection. Click here to read more about the tentmakers, written by Jenny Bowker.

And here are two of Bobbi's stunning quilt tops she brought over to show us. Thanks Bobbi - we much appreciated meeting and listening to you.

This is a sweet wee box made by Ingrid. We're hoping to persuade her to give us a workshop!

And last but not least - this is a picture of all the blocks members brought in for our 'Guess the Block Name' game. Steph got the highest number right with 14 out of 32. Well done!

Queensland Flood Appeal

2011-01-22T11:18:00.000-08:00

URGENT REQUEST FROM QUEENSLAND QUILTERS FOR FABRIC

TO MAKE QUILTS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

An urgent phone call from an Queensland Quilter has been received seeking fabric donations. She belongs to two Queensland quilting groups and she and her fellow quilters are frantically making quilts for those in Queensland who have lost everything in the floods.

The two quilting groups have run out of fabric and are desperate for more.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP?

No amount would be too big or too small. Every bit would be gratefully appreciated.

We need 100% cotton.

I am asking all the quilters and crafters I know for help in this.

AND IF YOU HAVE ANY FABRIC SCRAPS, QUILTS OR QUILT TOPS OF ANY SIZE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE, PLEASE SEND THEM TO US. BRING THEM INTO THE SHOP THIS NEXT WEEK, FROM TUESDAY 25 JANUARY TO SUNDAY 30 JANUARY, AND I WILL GIVE YOU A 10% DISCOUNT ON YOUR PURCHASE (not including classes, gift certificates or items already on sale) THAT DAY.

We will then make sure that the fabrics & quilts go to the quilt groups in Queensland and they in turn will ensure the quilts they make will go to those who need them. Many of the people who thought that they had insurance now don't have any as it has been deemed by the powers that it is now not a flood but an act of God. WHAT IS A FLOOD ?

We will be donating fabrics and some quilt tops and we are pleased to advise that New Zealand wholesalers, Tiffanies Treasures, Nutex, Fabco and Ascot Lane have all agreed to support this worthy cause.

I will then send everything down to the Wholesaler who is the coordinator of this appeal, so shipment can be expedited to Australia.

I look forward to seeing masses of fabrics and blocks, and quilt tops coming in next week. Thanks for your help and support in this.

Best Wishes,

Caroline Pyne

THE POWERQUILTER
22 Selwyn Rd., Paihia, Bay of Islands
NEW ZEALAND
(64) 09 402 7171

Raffle Results

2011-01-17T15:26:00.000-08:00

The raffle has been drawn and first prize goes to J. Riddell. Second prize was won by A. Gawith. Congratulations to both of you!

Phew! The annual exhibition is over.

2011-01-16T23:33:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the virtual Kerikeri Patchworkers and Quilters Club exhibition for 2011. Take a seat, click on any picture to make it bigger, and accept my apologies if your entry is not photographed - there were so many amazing quilts and wall hangings that I just know I can't have got them all. But I guess that's an incentive for you to go and see it next year in full colour and real life!

Thank you to everyone who made the effort to exhibit something. Thank you to everyone who helped organise and set up and clean up. Thank you to all who sold raffle tickets. Thank you to The Powerquilter for a lovely wee merchant stall. And thank you to everyone who came along and made this exhibition such a success. Well done.

Stay tuned for the winners of viewers choice and the raffle will be drawn in the next day or so and results published in The Bay Chronicle and here.

Annual Exhibition, Summer Project and January Meeting

2011-01-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

Annual Exhibition – Friday January 14th – Monday 17th Inclusive, Kingston House, Kerikeri:

In the November Newsletter we detailed “requirements” to enable you to exhibit your quilts and related items in January. Remember you can get the forms and cards from Imogen or she can get them to you. Just phone her up, her number is on your membership list.

NOTE: - SET UP:
Kerikeri and Surrounding Members - You will need to arrange delivery of your items to Kingston House on Thursday 13th January BETWEEN 1 PM AND 2 PM.

Whangarei Members – You will need to deliver your quilts to Dianne or Leonie no later than the evening of Wednesday 12th January.

Kaitaia Members – You will need to deliver your quilts to Beatrice no later than the evening of Wednesday 12th January.

NOTE: - PICKUP: You will need to arrange pickup of your items from Kingston House on Monday 17th January just AFTER 4 PM (no earlier).
!!!!Also please call Daryl if you can help on any Exhibition days!!!

Remember your raffle tickets. Post off butts and payment to Imogen asap if you are not going to make it to the exhibition.

SUMMER PROJECT

*** We would like everybody to bring a block ***

for presentation at 22nd February 2011 Meeting

A FEW REQUIREMENTS

· SIZE: Block can be any size up to 12” square.

· PATTERN: Your choice. It may be a block of a current project, a new project or even a left over block from an old project! (You will be able to take it home afterwards.)

· THE CATCH: Preferred (but not essential) would be a block of a known “Title” e.g. Flying Geese, etc.

· ATTACHMENT: Attach, either written or typed on a piece of paper, either or both of the following, whichever suits your project:

- the meaning or history of your chosen design (but not the name. You will reveal the name of the block to Imogen, Shirley or Ingrid only, on arrival on the 22nd February.)

And/or

- your inspiration or reason for choosing the block presented. (Have the name for the block but reveal the name only to Imogen, Shirley or Ingrid on arrival on the 22nd February.)

Please do not add your own name to your block – you will know which one it is when you collect it!

Find out what happens next at the February meeting!!!

First Meeting 2011 –

Tuesday 25th January at Margaret's in Kaitaia

Once again Margaret is generously opening her (new) home to all members for the first meeting of the year. She has moved house and we have provided a map in your last newsletter and a list of things you need to bring including the mystery project -

Time: 10 a.m. (If you arrive earlier Margaret will appreciate help to set up).

Lunch: Please bring a plate for a shared lunch.

Seating: Bring your own seat as Margaret doesn’t have enough seating.

Mystery Project: - 4 ½ inch squares fabric (couple of dozen squares approx.) - any colour

- Sewing thread - three or four colours - any colours

- Offcuts of thin batting - 4" or bigger

- HB pencil

- Sewing kit

I hope you have all had a safe and happy Christmas and New Year's. Here's hoping 2011 is a great one for all with many hours of quilting and some fabulous finished projects.

Ladies who Lunch.

2010-12-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

At our annual Christmas lunch, we have a secret Santa game. Everyone brings along a wrapped, handmade gift and puts it on the table. Then everyone takes a number from the hat. You get to go up to the table and pick a gift and unwrap it, in numerical order Except we like to have fun, so we steal too! The second person to pick a gift can choose to pick a gift OR steal the first person's gift. If they steal, the first person gets to go and choose another gift from the table. The third person can either steal one or two's gift or choose from the table. There are only allowed to be two steals in a row and then the last person stolen off has to go back to the table.

Everybody watches with great interest, because they might be able to steal it later!

This gold-wrapped one was an apron and a Christmas cake. And it got stolen quite a few times!

All eyes on Shirley.

If you like your gift so much that you don't want anyone else to have it, you can try and hide it behind your back like Margaret is doing!

Poor Ingrid. I think the chicken went home with someone else.

Then it was time for a lovely lunch, prepared by Beryl and her team of hardworking ladies. Delicious. And some fun with a raffle at each course thanks to Itch to Stitch and the Garden Club.

Homemade by Jane and well worth sneaking a second one.

It was my first Christmas Lunch. Well worth it, I'll be back next year. Save me a mince pie!

Pike River Mine - Healing Heart Blocks.

2010-11-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

Many of you will know about the tragedy that New Zealand has suffered involving the deaths of 29 miners yesterday.

Go here to read more if you haven't heard.

If you would like to do something to show your feelings and help the families involved in the tragedy, please consider making a Healing Heart Block to be made into quilts for the people who have been suffering so much over the last week.

Go here to Shirley Goodwin's blog to find instructions and an address.

Take care everyone.

History in the (Block) Making.

2010-11-19T00:20:00.000-08:00

Coming up in the Newsletter is a surprise block game for February's meeting. I know that seems a long way away, but next week is the November meeting (aka The Christmas Lunch), then we have no meeting in December, a special meeting usually in Kaitaia in January and then before you know it, it's February.

Anyway, I've been searching for sites to help you out for this game. I'm listing them now, before you get your newsletter, 'cause otherwise I'll get too busy with Christmas stuff and school hols and then I'll forget!

I'm keeping you in suspense, I know! But all will be revealed in the Newsletter and I'll post it here too when it's all finalised. Meanwhile, enjoy browsing these sites and learning something new.

Patterns from History - Here you will find quilt patterns like the ones that women shared with each other in days gone by. With each one you will discover a bit of history that will give you a sense of what the pattern meant to quilters of the past.

Quilter's Cache - has all sorts of Instructional Pages, and hundreds of free block patterns, all of which are hand drawn, well, mouse drawn, without the use of any quilt programs.

History of Quilt Patterns: A Quest for Their Stories - Quilt pattern articles on: Biscuit or Puff, Bear's Paw, Honeycomb, Jacob's Ladder, Basket Quilts, Log Cabin, Mariner's Compass, Irish Chain, Wedding Ring, Lone Star.

Enjoy!

Grab a cup of tea - this is a long one!

2010-10-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

October's Show and Tell was a busy one. First up was the completed first prize raffle quilt. Raffle tickets were given out to members to sell, $1 each. If you are a member and you haven't received your tickets yet, they will be in the mail, or ring Imogen or Charlotte to find out who picked up your tickets for you.

This is the back of the raffle quilt, which shows Leonie's fabulous machine quilting. You can click on the pic to enlarge it if you want.

At September's meeting, we held a Quilts for Kids Day and the above pictures show some of the quilts that were completed at the day, or donated, or completed by people at home. A big thank you to everyone - these quilts will go to kids who need them through Women's Refuge or other community services.

Jane worked on these tesselated placemats at Retreat.

This is Judy's quilt for her (I think!) ninth grandchild. Those are pcitures of sea creatures in the square in square blocks.

Carol - the queen of bag making.

More of Carols - always beautifully made.

This lovely big quilt is Colleen's.

This lovely placemat is actually woven. It belongs to Carol.

At the beginning of this year, Suzanne organised a new type of block of the month challenge. Everyone who decided to take part chose at least eight fat quarters, then we cut each fat quarter into the same shapes from a cutting diagram provided. Each month Suzanne would give up different suggestions for blocks we could make with the pieces. We discussed final layouts, took sneak peaks at other peoples and generally had a good time. On Tuesday we had the big reveal and it was amazing to see how different all the tops looked. Suzanne won viewers choice and donated the book she had as a prize to the Group Library. Thanks, Suzanne for a job well done in organising and for the generous donation!

Suzanne's Fat Quarter BOM top - viewer's choice winner.

Monika's picnic blanket with the Fat Quarter BOM blocks.

This is Carol's well-planned quilt.

Ingrid's Fat Quarter BOM quilt.

Beryl's Fat Quarter BOM quilt.

Imogen is turning her Fat Quarter BOM top into a duvet cover.

Delores has almost finished her Fat Quarter BOM quilt.

This is Vicky's Fat Quarter BOM project.

Jane's Fat Quarter BOM - I love the little stripey offset border.

Joy didn't really like her Fat Quarter BOM quilt - but we all did and it came third in viewer's choice!

Diann's lovely coloured work.

Raewyn's Fat Quarter BOM which she sneaked in halfway through the day.

Next month is our annual Christmas lunch. If you haven't booked your ticket and would like to go there may still be a spot or two left. Phone Imogen - she has the list! See you soon - and remember - the Exhibition is coming up fast, start finishing (or in my case, start starting!) your exhibition entries.

Retreat Report.

2010-10-17T23:46:00.000-07:00

This blog has been a little neglected for a while, what with me missing September's meeting and then my son's birthday party to keep me busy. But I'm back and I have a few pictures from the Spring Quilting Retreat to share.

Here is the first prize quilt for our January Exhibition. It has been fabulously machine quilted by Leonie and the binding was finished off at retreat by some dedicated hand stitchers.

Ingrid used her time at retreat to tackle a few UFO's. Here is the first FO. What a beaut! The background is a piece she hand-dyed - well, rain-dyed she says, as a big rain storm happened by whilst it was drying on her deck. No matter, as it was the perfect piece for this little quilt.

Here is another of her FO's. It is the wall hanging started in the class run by Sonya Prchal. What a perfect border fabric.

Carol put together this top. The reproduction 30's fabrics are absolutely luscious up close. And it's a two-in-one design. She was also putting together a little cot quilt with the half-square triangles cut off when the red squares are attached to the light and dark strips.

This is Diane's quilt-as-you go to cover the divan bed in her sewing room. Lucky divan bed!

And the backing fabric is fantastic - what a find from the upholstery fabric section.

Stephanie managed (after a ~~little bit~~ whole heap of frustration with the pattern) to get this three dimensional kimono wall-hanging finished. It's lovely now that it's done, and I'm glad she persevered!

This is Beatrice's beautifully subtle quilt she finished at retreat.

There was lots more being done but I think I got so caught up in racing to finish what I was working on that I stopped taking photographs! Sorry!

It was a really great weekend. As a first time retreater I learnt heaps (like bring some earplugs and a wineglass) and I had a great time. Everyone deserves a pat on the back for their part in the kitchen work - the food all weekend was delicious - and who knew that gluten-free carrot cake could be so good?!

Lonsdale Park was a great setting and it's not so far away that devoted husbands couldn't bring in a replacement sewing machine when Leonie's first one bit the dust. In fact all those machines need a pat on the back too. I think mine needs a service after all those hours!

So put my name down for the next retreat, I'll be there.

PS - Camilla the Gorilla - you were missed by all!!

Symposium here I come!

2010-09-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

Guess what arrived in my mailbox yesterday?

Leafing through the registration book will have you drooling! Mine's already well-thumbed.

It's not too late to register your interest in attending. Click on the link in the left sidebar to go direct to their website.

And if you've already registered and your book hasn't arrived yet - start waiting, it'll arrive any day!

Snippets from the September Newsletter.

2010-09-06T23:50:00.000-07:00

September Activities – Quilts for Kids 9.30am to 4.00pm. Each year our Club sets aside a day when we bring along our sewing machines and sewing equipment to put together quilts for children in need. We need cutters, sewers, basters, quilters! Fabrics and patterns will all be provided – these are bits and pieces and scraps that have all been donated to the club. This year our fabulous organiser Daryl (who must be applauded for the amount of work she puts into Quilts for Kids) has asked if anyone has any surplus quilting cottons of any colour they would like to donate – particularly variegated. Please bring them with you on September 28th. You will notice we have extended our Club day to 4.00pm so we can maximise our efforts.

Bernina Day – Monday 18th October. Cushla and Robyn from Itch to Stitch Bernina, Whangarei, will be holding a Bernina Day in Kerikeri on Monday 18 October from 10am till 3pm. This is open to all Bernina owners and is to help people get the most from their machines. Jane will be taking names of interested people at the meeting on September 28. Space would allow probably about 20 people.

October Activity – Bag Lady Day!! Daryl has a heap of furnishing fabrics that we can use to make cushions, totes, ruler bags – anything that takes your fancy. If you don’t want to bring your sewing machine you can just bring some scissors and cut out on the day and sew at home. Please bring any patterns that you might like to share, and any spare zips or large buttons for cushions. We thought it might be a nice idea to make one for yourself and one to donate – probably to Women’s Refuge.

Donations needed – The club is looking for donations of approximately fat-quarter sized fabric in plaids, country, naive styles for the 2012 (don’t laugh, it’s not that far away!) exhibition raffle prize quilt. You may have seen the quilt we are planning at last month’s meeting – it’s mostly hand applique, so we need plenty of time to organise and stitch. See Carol if you have anything you think might work.

Fabric Painting Workshop

2010-09-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

Ten lucky ladies got together for a fabric painting workshop with Sonya Prchal last Saturday. We got to admire Sonya's intricate painted whole cloth quilts and then we got to experiment with some paints ourselves. Fun!! Sonya makes it look easier than it is, of course, but I think we all ended up with beautiful and expressive sunsets and night skies.

One of my favourite parts of the day was watching Shirley take the plunge and try free-motion quilting. You go girl! And I'm looking forward to seeing Carol's piece when it's finished. She used the painting time to experiment on a background for a landscape piece she was already working on.

Here is as far as I got. You can tell I was a little more hesitant with the paints than others! I really had fun experimenting with a free motion zig-zag. If you've never tried it before - grab a couple of scraps and have a go, it's a fantastic way to build up texture. I've put extra wide borders on mine because I'm thinking I'll turn it into a cutting board bag.

See you next time.

Cotton Theory Series.

2010-08-25T16:07:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to say that Valerie's quilt, shown in the last post, was made from a pattern in Betty Cotton's 'Cotton Theory Series - Book Two'. You can find out more here.

August Show and Tell Bonanza!

2010-08-24T02:41:00.000-07:00

Terri showed off a bright little cot quilt started at our last all day madness.

Judith's Crazy Cats is so fantastically vibrant it just about jumps off the wall.

Christine showed us a beautiful appliqued quilt.

Bia hand quilted this beauty.

Stephanie's masterpiece is not done justice by this photo.

Jane's Christmas themed table runner.

Suzanne was very glad to finish the machine quilting on this lovely piece.

Beatrice thought we might be interested in these pieces after we had a talk by the weavers and spinners a month or two back. The centre cardigan, made in the 70's, is dog hair!

Carol was wanting a quick project, but got a little carried away. Beautiful autumn colours.

Valerie's masterpiece for her daughter.

Here's a closeup. It's a quilt as you go and it has an intricate 3D texture.

And everyone was fascinated! I had to take this pic of everyone crowding round to get a better look!

Suzanne's daughter's first composition - I see a new masterquilter in the making.

Julie has been very productive and had several lovely little projects to show.

This is a bag of Julie's.

Julie's again.

And there will be no mistaking who is sewing behind the door that this hangs on.

These are funky little containers made by Beatrice.

Margaret made this just for her!

And she made us all laugh with the tale of how this wall hanging came about. Yes, those Minties are fake!

This is a quilt top I've finished, but hopefully it will have been quilted and sent to it's new owner by the next meeting.

Wow. That was quite the Show and Tell. I guess it's coming towards spring and all those rainy days of winter have been put to good use. Happy quilting everyone!

Summer Fun in Wintertime.

2010-08-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Just a preview for those who didn't see them at the last meeting. Here are eight of the jandal blocks for the second prize children's quilt "Jaunty Jandals" for our January 2011 exhibition. There is one more to add and I'll be getting that at the next meeting.

Exhibition Dates:

Friday 14th January 2011 to Monday 17th January 2011

Kingston House, Kerikeri

Mark your diaries everyone! And group members - have you thought about your exhibition entry yet?

Snippets from the Newsletter

2010-08-08T01:55:00.000-07:00

These are some snippets from the newsletter with important info and dates for you!

October Retreat – 8th, 9th and 10th October - This is a fun weekend away from 10am Friday to after lunch Sunday where all you have to worry about is your quilting, eating, sleeping and generally having fun. It will cost you $20 plus your share of the food. You need to pay to seal your place. It will be first in first served. So you can either forward your cheque to Ingrid or pay her at the August meeting when you will be advised of your share of the food.

Not quite the view from retreat - but it's still like having a holiday!

Christmas Party/Luncheon – Only a few months now until Christmas. So here is a date and a bit of information to put in your diary. Tuesday 23rd November, Kingston House, $15.00 per head. Beryl and her team are starting preparations for this fun event. More information in the September Newsletter.

Fat Quarter Block of the Month – Hope you are all going well putting your last blocks together. At the August meeting Suzanne will have her book and we can all bring our blocks and have a group meeting to get ideas for setting these blocks out. We are planning to have the big reveal of quilt tops at the September meeting. Suzanne has a prize for the person with the least amount of pieces left over and we will have a mini-exhibition for all the Club members to vote for viewer’s choice who will win a copy of the book! Get sewing, everyone!

Here's a couple of my blocks from the Fat Quarter Block of the Month. I decided to do two quilts the same, but in different colours (what was I thinking!!)

See you all on the 24th August for our next meeting!

Workshop Dates

2010-08-05T01:26:00.000-07:00

Check your diaries, ladies! We are lucky to have booked Sonya Prchal for a Fabric Painting Workshop on Saturday 4th September 2011. It will be a full day, with painting backgrounds in the morning and applique and free motion techniques in the afternoon.

Sonya will be tutoring at the Remarkable Symposium in 2011 and you can learn more about her by reading her profile on their website. (And you can find the link to the main webpage for Symposium off to the left there - go have a nosey, it's exciting stuff!)

If you're interested, bookings and payments ($30) will be taken at the August meeting. If you can't make it to the meeting, phone Charlotte (number's on your member list) and I'll see you right.

I hope to have pictures of Sonya's work up here soon - so check back again, it's gorgeous!

Show and Tell for July.

2010-08-01T02:05:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to see some beautiful work at our July meeting.

A lovely wall hanging from Ingrid.

Margaret regaled us with the wonderful story of her jacket and was proud to let us know that the fantastic "Phoebe's Quilt", has won more prizes.

Diann's beautiful quilt called "North Carolina Holiday".

A bright and breezy quilt from me.

And some bassinet quilts for Kawakawa Maternity Unit made with the scraps.

And another for the Maternity Unit.

I reckon I've saved the best for last! Zoom in on Lyn's bag to see her detailed work! Lyn's a new member from last month. Welcome! Lets hope we get to see more lovely work from her soon.

Welcome!

2010-07-27T01:17:00.000-07:00

The first post ever! We hope to publish important notices, photos of show and tell, dates of workshops and maybe even a tutorial or two. Tell us what you think and what you want.