Thirty Twenty Five

Can it be that I’ve now crossed the line of 30 years of quilting?  I’ve celebrated by streamlining my garden shed, tossing out all (well, most!) unwanted/unused items that I’ve collected over the years and always thought I’d get back to, someday…  And many of the picture frames that lurked in dark corners are now up on the wall.  Dress fabric I’ll never use has been donated and now I’m eyeing off boxes of quilting fabrics I purchased all of those 30 years ago…  Will they ever come back into fashion? I think not.  I’ve slowly been reducing magazines and sorting patterns.  It’s all so cleansing and I feel quite virtuous although at times it can be hard to let go. 

From this to

This in 30 years.....

I’ve also realised that I’ve been with the RLI girls (yes, I know we hardly meet that definition now) some 20 years and although at times I wondered whether I’m feeling a little “P&Q fatigued”, something happens; someone finds yet another perfect quilt to make, a new pattern or exciting magazine finds its way into our meetings and I’m inspired.   I think of summer lunches in the garden, the many “I don’t need any more fabric” shopping trips and visits to exhibitions and galleries.
 
It seems hardly possible that it was 5 years ago that I started this blog, a personal voyage documenting my journey so far.  This process too has helped me sort and sift through collections of “stuff” to assemble a physical quilt journal of sorts.  The value add of blogging is that I can post photos and diarise this, my quilting life.

Its all been a wonderful journey. 

Christmas Lunch at Fiona's

Visitors arrive on Dangar by ferry

Celebrating

Birthday Fun: 2006

I wanted to make something for a friend's special (60th) birthday, so I put together scraps from most of the workshops and trips we had done over the years and made up a scrap commemorative wall quilt.  I asked all the Quilting girls to sign it after our November meeting – the last for that year.  Forgot to take a photo but I have something somewhere I hope!

The pattern I used is called Scot's Plaid from the ever faithful "101 Fabulous Rotary-Cut Quilts" by Hopkins & Martin.  I think I may have resized the block slightly to be more appropriate for a wall quilt.  It was a breeze to cut and machine up.  The result, whilst not a stunner by any stretch, makes a statement about our time (from the fabric styles) and shared experiences (quilting & workshop).  All floating on a background of Monet's water lilies...

(Found the photos!)

This piece was inspired by my exploration into the work of Edouard Villard (1868 – 1940), a French Post-Impressionist who painted mostly domestic interiors in his trademark highly decorative and sumptuous manner.  His mother was a seamstress and his world it seems, was influenced by the wonderful textiles she handled.  Typically Villard’s paintings are of compressed internal spaces, contain flat surfaces decorated with all-over patterns (eg wallpapers) and mimic the colourful textiles he saw daily.  I really love the way he paints flowers - bold & splashy!  His paintings are best explained as a rich tapestry of softly blurred colours. Doesn't that sound so seductive! 

"Vuillard12" by Édouard Vuillard - National Gallery of Art,
Washington, DC. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
 - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vuillard12.JPG#mediaviewer/File:Vuillard12.JPG/

 

Annette's Choice 2005

A Brighter Day: 2005

The Garam Masala Quilters were an active lot, gathering weekly and always with many projects on the go.  Meetings were always fun, we shared lots of ideas and of course, loved to find shops to satisfy our fabric obsession.

A Brighter Day Quilt made by Annette

We all loved to share our textile finds

One of our group projects (Dec 2004) was a set of exchange blocks.  We had completed a couple of blocks for departing members prior to this but had not organised a serious project that covered something for all group members to share.  I think I set the bar a bit high with my request for a fantasy bag.  My general idea was for a purse, basket etc to be appliqued (or even applied eg a photograph) to the block.  The item was then to be decorated with items that represented that "fantasy".  For example, a snake charmer's basket (very India) with said dancing snake or an African safari suitcase with grazing giraffe. Out of the 8 participants, I only managed to be given 4 blocks back.  So my lesson was not to get too creative with exchanges!   

One of my blocks made by Corinne

Sadly, those that were made, and the details of others' requests (yes, I managed to get my 7 challenges completed!) still languish in my UFO box waiting for inspiration.  However, I think I may have found a solution following my visit to the Caroline Bay Quilters Exhibition in Gosford last year...  But I have wait to see if a pattern by Linda Butcher is still available.  Meanwhile the design stage, if I'm ever to get this quilt out of the box, requires a little massaging.

This exchange sadly marked my departure from the group and India in 2005.  I was sad to leave as I was just getting to know India.  It’s a big country with such incredible diversity that even our trips around Delhi and into other states did not cover everything we wanted to see and do.  And of course, the more you look the more there is to find.

(GM exchange blocks & exchange blocks #2  UFOs both Home Collection # 046 & 047)

Meeting Mr Singh

Mr Singh & I: 2006  (Started: 2004)

This piece is one of my all-time favourites.  I purchased the fabrics (florals) at Nehru Place, specifically from HP Singh and Amit Textiles (Mr Jain).  Shankar Market provided me with an amazing variety of shirt stripes and a man’s lunghi (said "loone ghee"- a sarong) which became border pieces, albeit fussy cut. 

The story begins with a photo of the Garam Masala Quilters taken at Sandra’s home in October 2004.  It was then photocopied on fabric (commercially) and given to out to all those who wanted a copy.  Mine became a central medallion for this quilt and was kindly signed for me when I left the group mid-2005.

Using the Tin Man pattern, I made the “men” in florals to represent the Garam Masala Quilters and used the stripes in each block for background zing.  I also upsized the 6” block to 9”.  Now I had a fun “group”!

This fabric mix best represented our varied backgrounds and the man’s lunghi added a slightly masculine attitude and colour.  I had wanted to move away from using American florals and use locally available fabrics – these give even traditional patterns a new fresh look.

Once pieced, I took my top into a fabric shop in Khan Market to find a stripe to bind my quilt.  The store assistants were shocked to learn that I had sewn it myself. And I suspect they did not believe me initially!  I’m not sure that they had ever come across a quilter before.  I felt proud of my achievement as they admired the “quality work, Madam”.

My quilting visitor, Yvonne, lugged over masses of cotton wadding for me so that I could get a few projects underway – basted at least!  Finally, I managed to get the piece machine quilted (with my domestic).  I’m so pleased I took Bernie Bernina away with me to India (& then on to Nepal).  It was well worth the effort to have quality tools at my disposal.

"Mr Singh & I" was eventually hung, fittingly, on a wall in our house in Kathmandu – a happy reminder of my time with the GM Quilters.

Living in Delhi was a glimpse into many worlds, one of which was that of expat life.  One woman had a tailor on staff; another decorated her home like a gorgeous gallery.  I seriously fell in love with decorating Indian style!  So yes, serious envy on all counts!!

Just for the Record:

Quilt Finished Size: 108 x 175cm
Block Sizes: 6”
Cut in: 2004
Pieced & Basted: 2004/05
Quilted: Machine 2005
Quilt Type: Friendship
Quilt Finished: 2006
Exhibited: Australia Day, 2010
Collection: Home# 045
Pattern Name: Tin Men (enlarged to 9”) p229*
Pattern Source: *101 Fabulous Rotary-Cut Quilts” by Judy Hopkins & Nancy Martin
Fabrics Purchased: India 2004/05
Fabric Design: Various florals & stripes
Fabric Style: Handwoven & Commercial Cottons
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Cotton Batt
Backing: Cotton Sarong

India’s Bounty

India proved to be a textile lover’s dream.  I was able to select and use fabrics that were handmade, specific to region and full of symbols and meaning.  Wow!  My explorations into fabric shops only tipped the iceberg (to coin a phrase) of the variety in India as a whole.  Never been to a wedding exhibition?  Try it, your textile horizons expand rapidly!  Of course, the best place for me personally to start was the Crafts Museum. 

Sari Shopping

My time for sewing was limited (given there was just so much else to see & do) so I set a few boundaries for myself to ensure I actually finished something.  Firstly size; I chose to limit the width to no more than 45” (114cm) and let length take care of itself in the design phase - with some guidance from Fibonacci sequencing.  It goes without saying that my only fabric choice was local designs.  As for a theme, colourful saris fascinated me, particularly the pallu (free-flowing sari end) which is a designer’s heaven.  Like the Korean textiles I saw at the Powerhouse, saris are rich in history, specific to area and their designs jam-packed with meaning.  Finally, I wanted to work in a “sort of series” to learn from the design process, so the sari theme met this requirement quite nicely.

During thinking time and those exhaustingly hot July days when the aircon fails and water scarce however, I attended to a few little projects, including the tea leaves I’d brought with me.  When I felt I'd done enough research on saris, I started planning my quilt series; more specifically, designing the first one. 

Meeting a few friends in my street. Not a normal day...

But in the city it was just another normal day...

Life in Delhi was not limited to the four walls of my apartment and I was introduced to the fabulous Seven Cities Group.  This absolutely brilliant concept added immensely to my knowledge of India’s history and appreciation of their “style”.  Not to mention my photo collection.

Luckily, I was also led to a patchwork group made up of expats and locals alike, Garam Masala Quilters.  We met regularly (weekly) and our chief organiser was the indefatigable Anju.  Life was grand!

The GM Quilters not only stitched; some of us travelled as well.
Here we are in Orissa

(In case you were looking for more information on India & my travel adventures, you won't find it here.  That task will be given over to Textile Tourist and as there's so much to pack into these posts, it's going to take a while..  Hope you enjoy your virtual tour!) 

On the Move

2003: A Year of Big Decisions

The year 2002 had passed in a blur with the promise that 2003 would be no easier.  I had made the decision to finish my work contract and move to India – an opportunity of a life-time.  I needed time to think about how I was going to approach this in terms of my quilting life and as I had just purchased my new Bernina (my reward for finishing uni), I also had a stack of UFO’s needing some attention. 

I made my decision fairly quickly – take only minimal “supplies” to India, go with an open mind and explore what’s available there.  Then began a mad panic to machine quilt up pre-prepared tops and baste any others as I went. All this whilst packing our household into storage for safe keeping.  I gave myself 12 months to plan, prepare and pack.

Even so, there was time for a few little extras:

Felting Workshop with Tjenka Murray Feb 2003

Despite all this activity, I did manage a weekend stay out in the Bathurst area to attend a felting workshop with Tjenka Murray (Feb 2003).  The Randwick girls were keen to try this increasingly popular craft and had fallen for nuno felting.  We had a wonderful day with our hands in soap & water, kneading and pummelling bits of colourful wool fibre – trying to make it look respectable!

Well, I think it was worth a try but found I wasn’t that enthusiastic.  Back to quilting then and onwards with my mission to finish as many UFO's as I could.

Bondi Evening Group

Alison's Farewell Quilt - Keeping a Japanese Theme

The Bondi Evening Group says farewell

Our friendly Bondi Evening Embroidery Group sent in some items for an exhibition at the Guild HQ, including the quilt we had made in 2002 (wools & wagga).  I sent along my “Exploring Old Kyoto” and the Hussief. 

Sadly for us though, Alison was also on the move.  So we had a little bash, right on Christmas…  Naturally, we gifted her a quilt. It was made using Japanese fabrics and blocks of sashiko stitched medallions.  I have no details for this group quilt only a pre-digital photo.  

Exhibitions & Outings

1998 was a breakout year.  I’m not sure I finished much or indeed started much but I was, as they say, “stocking the pond”.  Perhaps over-stocking more like…but I did have fun!

Quilt Camp:
First event of the year was a relaxing weekend of finishing off, meeting like-minded ladies and not cooking meals.  Quilt Camp retreat (May 98) in rural Fitzroy Falls was a perfect way to hide away from work & family.  Our welcome pack included this bear as a kit – just in case we arrived with nothing to do!  I was inspired by Erica’s tea leaves.

This young fellow isn't mine but we all made clones.

Quilters Guild NSW Quilt Show:

Finally, I had a chance to visit the huge Sydney Quilt Show at Darling Harbour (Jun 98).  I’m sure I’d visited at least once before (they started in 1993) but this year was inspirational for me.  I took my time, shopped from an amazing array of merchants stalls, picked up some great ideas and best of all came away with my head just spinning with ideas. 

Meeting Annette Gero:

My interest also extended itself to Australian Quilt history and with an introduction to the Quilt Study Group, we took a “History Lesson” with Annette Gero (Jul 98).  A fantastic follow-up to this was to see the real deal on display at Elizabeth Bay House (Jul 98).  After mooching around for a bit, we took the offer of going on a guided tour of the quilts.  Having seen (in books) so much information about American quilt history, it was quite an experience to realise that we too had our own (both history and style).

Quilters Gathering, Mittagong:

Not satisfied with just one retreat this year, I packed up and headed off for the Quilters Gathering in Mittagong (Sep 98). I’m not sure that this resulted in any finished product (or at least I can’t find any specific evidence at the moment) but I did have a good time. No matter where you go, I always find that quilters are the nicest people.

Traditional Korean Textiles:

Lured by colourful designs, I found time to visit the Korean Antique Textiles on exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum (Nov 98).  More on that in a later post.

Airing of the Quilts, Braidwood:

To round out an inspirational year (and realise just what I had been missing out on) we took a trip to the Braidwood Quilt Airing (Nov 98) and had a lovely day looking at quilts, checking out quaint homes and exploring interesting galleries. 

Now, I’m sure that I have photos from at least some of these events but I’ll add them as I find (and scan them).  Sometimes you just don’t realise how much resides in shoe boxes under the stairs….

Making New Friends

ACS Friendship Quilt: 1995  (Started: 1992)

The ACS Group spent our first year (1991) learning how to piece samplers in the traditional manner.  We had fun together and managed to fit in a few other interesting “technique” days to expand our repertoire of skills and of course to determine quilt construction methods that appealed to us individually. 

ACS Friendship Quilt

By mid-1992, the ladies were willing to give a Friendship Exchange quilt a go and we all chose a simple design to make the task easier on ourselves.   I chose a large Clays Choice block and asked that everyone hand piece it in fabrics they were currently using on their own quilts.  Just for good measure, I asked them to embroider their name on the block.  I added a couple of additional blocks to make a lap quilt size then finished it with pink fabric borders – very unusual for me!  Later, as I was still enjoying hand quilting, I chose to stitch a traditional design.

Finally I added some buttons (yes hearts) which seemed the sentimental choice to make a nice complimentary statement about friendships made over the 2-3 years this group was running. 

Detail - ACS Friendship Quilt

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 108x 150cm
Block Size: 15”
Cut in: July 1992
Pieced & Basted: Hand 1992
Quilted: Hand 1995
Quilt Type: Group Friendship Quilt
Quilt Finished: 1995
Exhibited: 
Collection: Home# 023
Pattern Name: Clays Choice
Pattern Source: Ruby McKim’s Book
Fabrics Purchased: Group Choice
Fabric Design: Floral Prints & Plains
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Poly Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
I had now been quilting for nearly 8 years and I finally came to the conclusion that hand-stitching quilts, whilst lovely to look at (and a chance to Zen out for a bit in a hectic life), was holding me back.  I had a wish list of quilts a mile long and somehow my creative spirit was starting to rebel.  The TAFE classes had included a few on machinist skills so I was well prepared to tackle the accuracy demanded when machining together a top.  It was time to up-skill.    

Ed Note:

Participants in this project included:
Diana  - Overall Sam,
Chris - Doe & Darts,
Monica - Little Boys Britches,
Cathy H - Checkerboard Heart, 
Cathy J - Our favourite traditional design, Ohio Star; &
Me - Clays Choice.

Fresh Beginnings

Tamworth Community Art & Craft

There was not a Guild as such in Tamworth but a couple of local groups did exist. At the time I joined up with a group offered by Tamworth Community Art and Crafts.  As my life was pretty much consumed by TAFE, I don’t think I used my time there to do much other than finish off “what was due”.  Either way, I met some nice people and confirmed that quilters are a friendly bunch.

Moon over the Mountain: 1995  (Started: 1989)

The Tamworth Patchwork & Quilting Group was led by Lyn.  At some stage the members had each appliqued a “Moon over the Mountain” challenge block and when I joined, Ruth was in the process of machining the blocks together in fun way.  I loved the colours – strong pinks balancing the blacks and checks to tame the “cuteness” of the finished blocks.  In Nov 1990, I bought this top as a memory of my 2 years in Tamworth.  I finally got round to quilting it in 1995 (hand & machine) and then added a small Moon over the Mountain block of my own on the back as a signature block.

Tamworth Moon over the Mountain

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 135x 178cm
Block Size: 12”
Cut in: 1989
Pieced & Basted: Machine 1990
Quilted: Hand 1995
Quilt Type: Group Challenge Quilt
Quilt Finished: 1995
Exhibited: 
Collection: Home# 022
Pattern Name: Moon over the Mountain
Pattern Source: Traditional
Fabrics Purchased: Group Choice
Fabric Design: Prints & Plains
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Poly Batt
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
I loved the adventurous border colouring in this quilt and the way it “hangs” all the individual blocks together. After finishing the quilting, I was determined to be a little more radical (ie brave!) in my colour and fabric choices. 

Fond Farewell

Swan Bay Quilters Friendship Quilt: 1988 

This wonderful signature quilt was given to me on my departure from Queenscliff and the Swan Bay Quilters.  It has a central applique medallion, a black swan typical of the area and is surrounded by smaller autographed blocks.  The idea was to use fabrics from their current project or stash.  I still love it as it brings back many fond memories of my time in Queenscliff and the friends I made.

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 68 x 69cm
Block Size: 12” & 6”
Cut in: 1988
Pieced & Basted: Hand 1988
Quilted: Hand 1988
Quilt Type: Friendship
Quilt Finished: 1988
Exhibited: 
Collection: Home# 016
Pattern Name: Signature Blocks around original design Applique Medallion
Pattern Source: Sue Longmore
Fabrics Purchased: Group scraps
Fabric Design: Plains & subtle  pastel prints
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Thin Poly Batt
Backing: Cotton

Quilting Friends

Geelong Friendship Quilt: 2006  (Started: 1987)

Hand pieced with friendship exchange blocks made by the Swan Bay Quilters.  I added an extra block stitched by me with signed (embroidered) inserts from the Fort Queenscliff Quilters.  I thought my block was an easy one by comparison with some of the other requested designs, but I was advised differently!  I recall machining several of the feathered star blocks – a big test of my machinist skills.  Now that was difficult!  Most of the patterns I chose for those who specified "own choice" ie my choice blocks were from Ruby McKim's book.  Fanny's Fan, my choice came from Jinny Beyer's book "The Quilter's Album of Blocks and Borders."  

What I particularly like about doing block exchanges is that although you get to  sew a variety of blocks, some you might never have chosen otherwise, you still end up with a one-block quilt rather than a sampler.  I was a bit "over" making samplers, although it's a right of passage for beginners.  

These creases are not nice!  Comes from storage
in vacuum seal bags during renovations...

We each specified design and colour way, provided background fabrics (mine was seeded homespun which I’m still a bit nutty about!) and provided any colour specifics.  We then left the ladies to select fabrics from their own stash.  All cottons of course! I asked for everyone to sign their blocks and luckily for me, Elaine dated her block too, so that's how I know it's from 1988.

Pam's block

Hand quilted using a wool batt which needled superbly but has since started to pill through the cotton top.  Very disappointing considering the effort gone into this entirely handmade quilt!

Hand Quilting detail

I have to say that I am not entirely sure when we started this project in 1988 but it took me until 2003 to get the top basted ready for quilting and then 2006 to get the top quilted.  Finally.

Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 172 x 174cm
Block Size: 12 - 15”
Cut in: 1987
Pieced: Machine 1988
Basted: 2003
Quilted: Hand 2006
Quilt Type: Group Friendship
Quilt Finished: 2006
Exhibited:  No
Collection: Home# 010
Pattern Name: Provided by Members. My choice was Fanny's Fan
Pattern Source: Group Members; Ruby McKim; Jinny Beyer
Fabrics Purchased: 1987
Fabric Design: Subtle pastel prints
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Wool
Backing: Cotton

Lessons Learned:
I enjoyed the experience of working in a group swap.  Some of the blocks were challenging to make, but it’s all a learning experience really.  I’m more than happy with the outcome of my quilt but over the years I’ve seen others that were less successful.  Much rests on the experience and skill of group members.  I’ve known people who, less than satisfied with the quality of group blocks or round robin quilt tops, will unpick and re-do them.

I want to also make a comment about the wool batting.  It was great to needle given all the hand quilting on this quilt, however it has left a finish reminiscent of a vintage, well-worn quilt - quite possibly because it shrunk in its only wash.  I am very disappointed (given all the hand work that went into this quilt!) and to this day have never again used a wool batting.  My preference, used particularly for machine quilting to give a nice flat finish, is good quality (thin) cotton Warm Company (USA) product.  Quilters Dream (cotton) is better for hand quilting or boro work (i.e. using a thicker thread like Perlé). 

Note:  I've just discovered my templates for our exchange blocks.  They were:
Sue: House (of our choice. I did the Queenscliff Neighbourhood House)
Marion: North Carolina Lily
Keri: Sun Bonnet Sue
Val: Basket of Tulips
Pam: Star (of our choice. I did a Mexican Star)
Elaine: Weathervane
Dawn: Radiant Star
Jan: Applique (of our choice. I did an Ohio Rose)

Mine: Fanny's Fan

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.

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.