First Impressions

Guild Guest Speaker:  Susan Denton “Contemporary Design” 19 Mar 1988

Sadly I can’t remember this event – my mind is a total blank.  However, I mention it to remind myself of the powerhouse effect that Susan Denton and Barbara Macey had on me in those early days.  Their work was exciting, thoughtful and professionally constructed.  It also sent out clear messages that textile art could be far more than simple reproductions of traditional works – if that’s what you wanted to do.

My signed copy so I must have been there!

I had a lot of exploring to do in the quilting world and I wasn’t sure I had even thought about developing “personal style”.  I was caught up in learning techniques and perfecting my stitching.  As one does! 

The internet makes it just so easy to study other artists work.   Links to Susan Denton’s work appear as listed: (I've just discovered that none of the links below are active anymore. I suppose it's now 2021 not 2012! Google may be as ever helpful in finding more about Susan Denton and Barbara Macey.  It was after all, the beginning of the modern quilting world in Australia.) 

• News article: Susan Denton’s work
• Art quilt: Susan Denton's membership so you can get an idea of her current work (Susan is no longer with this group)
• Exhibition photos courtesy of shiny: (blog post no longer available)

Not forgetting Barbara Macey, whose clean lines and precise stitching has fascinated me for years.  Barbara perfected a "quilt-as-you-go technique that she manages with confidence and extreme precision.  Wonderful!

If you are interested in discussion on developing your own artistic style, then creative journey offers some interesting links too.  Let it be a start, a New Year’s resolution to find out more about your own contribution to the quilting world.  Start a journal and thoroughly explore each aspect of discussion; don’t be put off by some of the fancy journals you see about today – just making notes can be enough.  Visit a gallery and jot down your thoughts on a couple of artists pieces.  Compare it to your own work.  A bit of reflection never hurt anyone! 

A further Comment: 2023.  Susan Denton and Barbara Macey's amazing talent and approach to the modern quilt genre were certainly well ahead of their time.  Now some 35 years on, given we support both traditional and modern quilt guilds and a huge appreciation for textile art, we should be thankful for their pioneering spirit, leadership and encouragement in growing this textile art form.     

Stella's Legacy

Stella’s Quilt: 1988

My MIL had asked me to make her a machine cover in apricots and browns.  Her machine was set up on a desk in her bedroom at her unit in Bayswater.  I made the machine cover between Feb and March 88 using a very sweet “Swallows in the Window” pattern. (I have no idea what the source of this pattern was - no internet or googling then!) I gave this to her, along with two hand quilted cushions, for her birthday in 1988.  The blocks were handmade; the machine cover machined together to make it a little robust.  

Not the best of photos but it was a rather nice block
Collection: Home# 007 Sewing Machine Cover

This gave me the idea to make a matching sampler quilt for her bed.  I had been teaching beginner’s patchwork at the Queenscliff Neighbourhood House and did a few blocks along with each class as demonstration pieces. I can see a few Jinny Beyer pieces in this quilt so my taste in fabrics (and colour palettes) was perhaps starting to become a little more sophisticated?   I set the blocks on point and then finished off the quilt with some basic hand quilting – just to get it done in time for Christmas 1988.  Hand pieced and hand quilted between March & December 88.

Stella's Quilt on the line at her unit

We are told she was found wrapped in this quilt when she passed away in 2010.  I am fortunate to have this quilt in my possession now.  It is a wonderful reminder of her.

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 152 x 195cm
Block Size: 12”
Cut in: 1988
Pieced & Basted: Blocks by hand; borders machined 1988
Quilted: Hand 1988
Quilt Type: Gift
Quilt Finished: 1988
Exhibited: 
Collection: Home# 008 Stella's Quilt
Pattern Name: Sampler set on point
Pattern Source: Ruby McKim & Ginny Beyer
Fabrics Purchased: 1987/88
Fabric Design: Ginny Beyer & Mixed Prints
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Poly Batt
Backing: Cotton

The colours are much more appealing in this digital shot

Lessons Learned:
This was a serious amount of work to “give away” even if it was for my MIL.  I discovered that making quilts for money was never going to be for me; too much time and effort with insufficient recompense to make a “living” out of crafting.  I’m just not that motivated.  Knowing this has also allowed me over the years, to say a firm no to offers and suggestions that I might really like to finish someone’s family heirloom (sitting in bits in a box under their house). Life’s too short!  Find yourself a little bolt hole, set up the machine (or what-ever) and make a date in your diary (and keep it!) for some stitching. It’s very Zen….

Support a Guild

Guild Exhibition 21-25 Jan 1988

The year of 1988 began with a bang.  The Geelong Quilters Guild had organised an exhibition of members work and we all happily participated.  This was a very active and friendly group and we all got so much more out of it than just stitching. 

Just as a reminder, I exhibited my Christmas Sampler, the Little Boys Breeches and my snazzy strip pieced Jacket. (See descriptions in previous posts.)

I still have the catalogue from the exhibition!

It didn’t matter whether we worked in a traditional style or followed our own creative leanings.  Our achievements were celebrated and classes or workshops offered regularly to tempt the most fastidious needleworker, textile artist or quilter.  I’ve described my time on the Bellarine Peninsular as one of “serious influences” and for a beginner, it was exciting though demanding.  We learned from the best tutors who encouraged creativity yet inspired us to improve technical skills.  We had Barbara Macey, Deborah Brearley and Fiona Gavens, to name a few, all come to share their skills and expertise with us.  How lucky were we!  I think I realised even then, that textiles were part of me and best expressed my “place” in the world.

(Just for the record, the year noted after the quilt title in my post headings is the year finished.   I am trying to list my quilts and creations in the year and order that I made them.  Difficult, particularly in 1987, as my record keeping skills then were not quite what they have grown to become! I now sign each quilt, add its title and list the month and year I finished it.  If it’s been a long time in the making then I might also add the year I started it - just to horrify myself more than anything.) 

Neighbourhood Event

Clays Choice: 1988  (Started: 1987)

This is the best photo I have of the quilt from 1988

Hand pieced and quilted, this was a Raffle Quilt for the Queenscliff Neighbourhood House. 

We started work in March 1987.  Blocks were made and donated by the Swan Bay Quilters.  It finished as a Double Bed size (eight blocks wide by ten blocks long) in autumn tones – design and colours chosen by Sue Longmore.  Completely hand crafted.

And I'd clipped this from our local newspaper at Raffle time

This quilt raised $1700.00 for the QNH in 1988 - an amazing sum.

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 183 x 152cm (I'm guessing)
Block Size: 12” 
Cut in: Mar 1987
Pieced & Basted: Machine 1987
Quilted: Hand 1987-88
Quilt Type: Group for Raffle
Quilt Finished: Mar 1988
Exhibited:  Various venues to raise money
Collection: with Prize Winner
Pattern Name: Clays Choice
Pattern Source: Ruby McKim p93 (10" block)
Fabrics Purchased: 1986/87
Fabric Design: Small prints& plains
Fabric Style: Homespun
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Poly Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
We felt so pleased to give something back to the neighbourhood house. The house concept was perfect for busy mums to get some “me” time and for the community to get together for learning, socialising, contributing and just having fun.

Lessons in Patience

Karen’s Quilt: 1988  (Started: 1987)

The trouble with using solids is apparent now!

This is the original applique sampler from an early class with Sue Longmore in needle turn applique.  I had taken an advanced applique class at the Neighbourhood House in 1987 and learned how to applique: 

• Starflowers
• Double Hearts
• Wreath of Roses
• Great Grandmother’s Rose

Hanging on the clothes line 1987

This quilt was hand appliqued, hand pieced and hand quilted.  Colours I chose to work in were primarily greens and apricots. At this time fabric range was limited, although we had a few shops open up on the Bellarine Peninsular/Geelong area to service a growing and active group of quilters. I gave this quilt to Karen as a house warming gift.

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 45 x 45cm
Block Size: 12”
Cut in: 1987
Pieced & Basted: Hand 1987
Quilted: Hand 1988
Quilt Type: Sue Longmore Workshop
Quilt Finished: 1988
Exhibited: 
Collection: Gift
Pattern Name: See List
Pattern Source: Class provided
Fabrics Purchased: 1986/87
Fabric Design: Prints & plains
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Poly Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
I was taking every class I possibly could either at the Geelong Quilters Guild or at the Queenscliff Neighbourhood House. Sue was a fantastic teacher and the class ladies always friendly. It was a supportive learning environment and I had the time to get “carried away” with my sewing. So I did!

Christmas Spirit

Christmas Tree: 1987

My fascination with speedy Seminole piecing knew no limits now and I completed many projects during & for classes at the Queenscliff Neighbourhood House.  It must have been getting close to Christmas because I later put together a rather large Christmas Tablecloth (which is still hiding in my linen closet somewhere) to use up all the leftovers from two Christmas tree hangings.  Stash control at such an early stage...whoa!!

Memories

After piecing, I decorated these trees with lots (for me) of beads & sequins. So much for not enjoying embroidery.  One wallhanging was given away to St Aloysius School as a raffle prize in 1987.  It was won by Rose Nicholson.  The other was only recently donated (2008?) to the Dangar Island “Kindy Kids” who decorate our Ferry Shed for annual Christmas celebrations.  So I am not sure where it is now.  

(It seems so appropriate to have this post up at this time of year & good reason to celebrate 26 years of fiddling around with quilts! ) 

I found a photo after all!  This is my seminole tablecoth

 

Seminole Moment

Seminole Samplers: 1987

Seminole Sampler 1987

1987 was the year of Seminole production.  It began with a workshop run by one of the Fort Queenscliff Quilters (I think) and as a result we produced a sampler wall hanging with horizontal bands of Seminole strips, great for developing machinist skills!  I also had a thing for Amish designs and was into exploring patterns made with bright, solid colours. 

Most of the patterns I used were taken from a handy little supermarket publication, "Quilting and Patchwork" by Southern Cross Decorative Craft Magazines.  It was inspiring, colourful and had over 40 different quilt patterns to browse through. 

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 63x 108cm
Block Size: Various Seminole Strips
Cut in: 1987
Pieced & Basted: Machine 1987
Quilted: Not Quilted
Quilt Type: Fort Queenscliff Quilters Workshop
Quilt Finished: 1987
Exhibited:  Geelong Quilters Guild 1988
Collection: Home# 006
Pattern Name: Seminole Sampler
Pattern Source: Southern Cross Magazines
Fabrics Purchased: 1987
Fabric Design: Plains
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: None
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
This was a great way to improve machinist skills, produce a quick quilt or wall hanging and was a fun sewing day with friends.

Bow Tie Baby

Bow Tie Baby: 1987

Baby Bow Ties made for Anna, a member of the Swan Bay Quilters, who was leaving the area to live in Bendigo.  It was also a baby present.

Anna's Baby Quilt

The group made the quilt under direction from Sue Longmore, who had also drafted the pattern for us using Ruby McKim’s 101 Patchwork Patterns.  We loved the antique feel to this book and the quilts we made up from it.  This book was also one of the few “pattern” books we could lay our hands on in the mid to late 80’s.  I can’t remember if we added our names, but we did tie rather than quilt it.  Cost $1.10 per person; hand pieced, hand quilted and tied.  Colours biscuit, blues & pinks (to cover all bases!),

Presented to Anna at our regular meeting in September 1987.

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 48 x 48”
Block Size: 9”
Cut in: Aug 1987
Pieced & Basted: Machine 1987
Quilted: Hand Tied 1987
Quilt Type: Friendship
Quilt Finished: 25 Aug 1987
Exhibited: 
Collection: Gift
Pattern Name: Necktie
Pattern Source: Ruby McKim (p25)
Fabrics Purchased: 1986/87
Fabric Design: Soft prints
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Poly Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
It didn’t cost much in either time or money to make a memorable gift. The KISS approach still produces a nice baby blanket – one that can be well used and readily washed; a bonus for busy mums.

Cloaked in Patchwork

Patchwork Jacket: 1987

Like everyone else at the time I became obsessed with having a distinctive patchwork item of clothing.  I had seen Yvonne Porcella’s colourful designs and began collecting a few books on how to make patchwork clothing.  At the time I was still making my own clothes, especially knits.  An Australian company, Knitwit had just taken off and the fabric and patterns were all top quality, not to mention easy to make.

A scanned photo not showing true colour

I was certainly pleased with the outcome and this jacket that took me to many a formal function in the late 80’s.  Today, we sadly seem to have reverted to “patchwork means a bit hippy”.  Too bad, it really did look nice…back then.  Class run at QNH by Sue Longmore on strip patchwork.

Who could forget this great book & inspiring clothing?

Each pattern piece was strip pieced over backing and ultra-thin wadding.  I chose to use dusky pinks, blues and maroon.  For a bit of glam, I finished the jacket off with closures using bias button loops and cow horn buttons.  I did a little hand quilting to add to softness to the vertical strips and enhance that handcrafted feel.  In all it took about 15 hours to finish.

Exhibited at the Geelong Quilters Guild Exhibition in Jan 1988

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 78 x 79cm
Block Size: Strip
Cut in: 1987
Pieced & Basted: Machine 1987
Quilted: Hand 1987
Quilt Type: Sue Longmore Workshop
Quilt Finished: 1987
Exhibited:  Geelong Quilters Guild 1988
Collection: Garment 1
Pattern Name: Not specific
Pattern Source: Knitwit #
Fabrics Purchased: 1986/87
Fabric Design: Plains & soft prints
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Pellon
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
Technically it was a challenge to move from quilts to clothing. I stripped the pieces, sewing backing, batting and strips all together then cut out the jacket shapes. Hiding raw edges, making pockets and collar details were all “little problems” needing attention along the way.
 

Colourful Environments

Tropical Birds: 1987

Small wall hanging made as a result of a 1987 Geelong Quilters Guild Workshop (25/7/1987).  Fiona Gavens themed “Colourful Environments” to assist us move away from traditional patchwork.  We attempted to portray the mood of our environment using simple shapes (squares & triangles) and bold colours; for me that was mostly plains. 

Looking a little sad because it's just been
washed & hung upside down....oops!

I enjoyed stepping out of the ordinary or rather traditional patchworking process and particularly enjoyed using vibrant colours.  Overall the process was somewhat frustrating as not all of our group participants “got” the process of breaking down a picture (real) into blocks of colour (abstract).  I found the size of the main building blocks to be too large (finished 3”) to successfully be able to merge colours to get the necessary effect. However as the workshop was only one day, I understand the need to complete something reasonably sized to understand the concept.  I spent about 10 hours on this project to ensure its completion.  I just wanted to get it done!

Leaf quilting pattern shows a little better on this old photo

I added my own stamp on the project by designing a quilting pattern to complement the overall design and theme of the project.  This was also the first time I had used a binding cut on the bias to finish the quilt. Not my best work but it was worth the learning.

Exhibited at the Geelong Quilters Guild Exhibition Jan 1988.

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 78 x 79cm
Block Size: 3”
Cut in: 1987
Pieced & Basted: Machine 1987
Quilted: Hand 1987
Quilt Type: Fiona Gavens Workshop
Quilt Finished: 1987
Exhibited:  Geelong Quilters Guild 1988
Collection: Home# 005
Pattern Name: Not specific
Pattern Source: Fiona Gavens
Fabrics Purchased: 1986/87
Fabric Design: Plains & bold prints
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Poly Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
It was probably a bit early in my quilting career to be “modern” although I enjoyed the exercise.  I decided I was more excited by the graphic possibilities of traditional designs and block combinations.  I also learned to look to bold colour in preference to the somewhat timid American prints that were available at the time.

Craft Crazy

Lidded Basket: 1987

Basket of Frills

I was still into ribbons and lace (we are talking 80’s here) and I was commissioned to make my SIL a lidded basket.  I chose a sweet little basket block and lined and frilled to my heart’s content.  Made in January 1987. 

Basket Block

To continue with a theme, I learnt how to make these topiary trees too!  This one was a gift for my MIL, probably about the same vintage as the basket.

It was rather fun to make

When I look back now, I am amazed at the lack of variety we had in craft fabrics.  Spotlight and Lincraft were my favourite haunts back then.  They still are today for craft and dressmaking supplies - if there's any time left after quilting!

Smitten

Little Boys Breeches: 1987  (Started: 1986)

Back to the 80's

Joc had a scrap version of this design which I just loved and decided to make one for #1 Son.  This was my second quilt (well, finished at least).  It was all hand done, except I machined the borders on.  I worked it in navy & red with a few checks thrown in to keep that country look.  I hate to confess that I did use a bit of poly/cotton fabric in this quilt; a sacrifice to get the right “non-fading” navy colour.


Digital shows up the colour a lot better

I love the graphic quality of this quilt and was very pleased that it came out well technically – ie hanging straight.  I started piecing in late 1986 and finished it by Dec 1987 after some (guestimated) 150 hours of work. 

Block Detail

This quilt was hung in the Geelong Quilters Guild Exhibition in January 1988 an in the Tamworth Regional Art Gallery “Regional Fibre Exhibition” in September 1989.  A really nice quilt for a boy.  

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 127 x 216cm
Block Size: 12”
Cut in: 1986
Pieced & Basted: Hand 1986
Quilted: Hand 1987
Quilt Type: Single Bed
Quilt Finished: 1987
Exhibited:  Twice – see above
Collection: Home# 003
Pattern Name: Little Boys Breeches
Pattern Source: Traditional American
Fabrics Purchased: 1986
Fabric Design: Checks & plains
Fabric Style: Country
Materials Type: Cotton & some poly blend
Wadding Type: Thin Poly Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
Hand piecing and quilting takes time but it is relaxing and fits in well with being a busy mum. I started to add a few little of my own touches to the quilt such as the red tassel ties in the middle of each hat (circle).

By now I was really hooked and luckily exposed to some enthusiastic and skilled teachers.  Also quilting was taking off; the quilters I knew were really passionate and keen for a challenge, not to mention generous.  We saw the beginnings of the "art quilt" so techniques such as fabric manipulation (dyeing, texturizing etc) were on offer at the Geelong Quilters Guild.  Fabric designers were rising to the challenge and we saw some wonderful new fabrics on offer.  It was a fun time to discover the art and craft of quilting.    

Memory Scraps

Farewell from Queenscliff: 1986

The Fort Queenscliff Quilters put together a signature quilt for Margaret, our resident Canadian and expert teacher, when she left for home.  Joc suggested the design to keep it easy and asked us all to embroider (or at least ink) our names and include some pieces of fabric from the quilts we had been making.  I’m guessing we quickly tied it, although Joc took responsibility for finishing the quilt on time. 

Margaret's Gift

I can’t remember sizes for sure and this is the only photo I have.  I can't even see if we put our names on it.  Soooooo, it’s all a bit hazy. 

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 38 x 44”
Block Size: 6”
Cut in: 1986
Pieced & Basted: 1986
Quilted: 1986
Quilt Type: Friendship
Quilt Finished: 1986
Exhibited:  Not Exhibited locally
Collection: Gift
Pattern Name: Indian Hatchet
Pattern Source: Ruby McKim
Fabrics Purchased: 1986
Fabric Design: Pieces from student’s work; various small floral prints
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Poly Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
Hand pieced and tied; we used fabric from our projects.  Fell for the charms of scrap piecing; still one of my favourite quilting styles twenty something years later.

Christmas Sampler

Back in the Day...And my very cute Assistant!

Christmas Sampler: 1986  (Started: 1986)

This was my first real quilt under guidance of Joc and Margaret (Canadian) who helped out teaching patchwork to the Queenscliff Quilters in 1986.  Learners in the group were doing a sampler and I chose Christmas colours, in part because I had some fabrics left over from previous crafty endeavours but also because I had seen quite a few antique red/green quilts and was enraptured.  I thought the colour combination worked really well and hoped to produce just such a masterpiece.  Ha!  We talked about quilt sizes and decided that a lap quilt was best – an achievable end result given time and our level of technical skill.  It also kept costs down too.  We started work in March and my 6 chosen blocks, sewn in order were:

1. Ohio Star
2. Monkey Wrench
3. Drunkards Path
4. Grandmothers Fan (completed two of this block – perhaps this was cathartic)
5. Bridal Wreath &
6. Flower Basket

They were completed; a block each month.  I found a stars in the sashing border to brighten it all up, used a really nice quality poly batt from the Quilt Shop Joc was working in at the time (I think) and got to work hand quilting. I remember thinking I had done enough quilting a couple of times, but my taskmasters sent me home to add still more.  Finished hand quilting at last in Nov 1986. Phew!  The whole thing took me more than 60 hours.  This quilt was exhibited at the Geelong Quilters Exhibition in Jan 1988.

Fan Cushion

I completed a cushion with the extra fan which I donated to St Aloysius School to raffle (1986).  I wasn’t (and still aren’t) big on patchwork cushions but one has to learn…. 

 Home# 023 Beginners Sampler 1991 (Apricots & Browns) 

I rather enjoyed making sampler quilts and this style became a mainstay for me to later teach with at the Queenscliff Neighbourhood House when Sue was no longer able to teach.  I used patterns from Ruby McKim mostly as we were nearly always hand piecing then.  I amassed a few quilts in this sampler style, most given away as gifts.

Finally, a better quality photo of my first sampler/first ever quilt. (1986)

A more recent & digital photo - we've come a long way in lots of things

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 112 x 154cm
Block Size: 12”
Cut in: 1986
Pieced & Basted: 1986
Quilted: 1986
Quilt Type: Group
Quilt Finished: November 1986
Exhibited:  Geelong Quilters Guild 1988
Collection: Home# 002 Christmas Sampler
Pattern Name: Sampler – see list of block names above
Pattern Source: Supplied by Tutors
Fabrics Purchased: 1986
Fabric Design: Christmas Prints & Plains
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Poly Batt 50g
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
Hand pieced and quilted; estimated 60 hours of work.  There’s never enough (hand) quilting…