Nearly there

We had a big day last week and put the 20 blocks for the quilt together.

Ann, Vicki and myself put the pedal to the metal and it went like clockwork.

All the blocks were trimmed and sewn in rows with the cream triangles and unbelievably it all fitted perfectly.

With so many people sewing the block we were a bit apprehensive about the final steps.

Our inspiration (thanks Jane) is on the table in front of Vicki and Ann and our WIP progress is on the wall behind. They could both be the same quilt.

Ours has been passed on to Susie Anderson to work her magic with the quilting. Can't wait to see it finished.

Careful cutting makes all the difference!

In other exciting news we have arranged for Lyn Alchin from Leura to be our featured quilter at next year's show. Lyn was the designer of our Alice's Tea Party raffle quilt for 2008 which won it's category at the Sydney Quilt Show in the same year. She teaches beautiful antique-inspired quilts at a host of shops in Sydney and surrounding areas. Keep an eye out for a profile on Lyn in the near future.

Our chosen charity for the next show is the Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service who do a fantastic job looking after all  Mountains residents not only over the long hot summer but all year round.

Winners are grinners!

Here's a good news story associated with the winner of last year's magnificent raffle quilt designed by Petal Davies.

We've had an email from Kathy and Greg and I'll let them tell you the story....

"We were very excited to win the quilt as it will be a perfect show piece item for our newly acquired holiday letting premises. We opened just last week and it is one of my first jobs to mount the 3 sisters in a way that highlights its Australiana suitably. We hope to have lots of overseas tourist coming through the place and I feel sure they will be drawn to this representation of one of the main things they come to the mountains to see, I hope to mount it using old corrugated iron and timber to frame it and use big screws holding it onto the wall so it cannot be removed.
Kathy is keen to see the place used by quilting groups and from what she tells me about these weekends it would be a perfect venue. There are plenty of spots to sit and sew it has a large games room that could be easily converted into a work room
If you would like to see photos of the place all fitted out then look here.

I will have to add a photo of the wall hanging when I get it up.

Greg and Kathy"

If you are a quilting group looking for a weekend away check it out. It sleeps 10-12 and the photos of the house and surrounds are amazing. Lovely to hear feedback on the winner and that the quilt has gone to a great home in the Mountains.
Now to the 2nd prize of the Bernina sewing machine generously donated by The Stitching Post in Katoomba. In my class at Cottage Quiltworks at Warriewood a new student arrived with a brand new sewing machine. I asked her if she was happy with her new Bernina and she said
"Yes I love it and I won it at the Springwood Quilt Show".

How freaky is that! What are the chances that Judy would end up in my class at all? Here is her email....

"My girlfriend Terri asked me to go with her to the Springwood quilt show. She wanted to support Susie (Anderson) who had done some quilting for her.
We had promised ourselves that we were going to do some "Quilt Excursions" during the year and this seemed like a fun excursion to get us started.
On arrival at the show we both bought some raffle tickets and made our way into the hall thinking nothing more about the tickets. We spent quite a while
at the show and then ventured further on to Leura for a late lunch. Later the following week I received a phone call enquiring if I had been at the quilt show the previous weekend.
(all I could think was that I had left something there, but then I couldn't figure out how they had known it was mine, and how did they get my phone number.) You can image my surprise when I learned that I had won second prize in the raffle, and I was even more surprised to find out that I had won a sewing machine. I was absolutely thrilled, I had been contemplating buying a new machine for some time, but had not gotten around to it. My current machine I have had since I was 21. I am absolutely amazed at the generosity of such a wonderful donation for the raffle.(thank you so much to Karen Kirk from the Stitching Post) The first project on my new machine is New York Beauty Quilt by Chris Jurd and I am really enjoying the class with Chris at Cottage Quiltworks in Warriewood. I must also thank Karen Cunningham for delivering the machine to me from "the Mountains".

Kind regards, Judy"

How good is that! Now for some pics of this year's raffle quilt which is Seven Sisters in blue and cream. (See the previous post for pics of the start of our gorgeous quilt).

This version belongs to the lovely Jane who has loaned us her quilt to guide us through the process - thanks Jane. This one was quilted by Susie as well so you can see how good ours will look in the not-too-distant future. All blocks will be ready by the end of October and we hope to have it quilted and bound before Xmas.

Thanks Lyn and Vicki for the beautiful pics.

Work has begun...

... on the 2012 Raffle Quilt!! In celebration of the 7th show we decided to use the Seven Sisters Block. You can see an example of a Seven Sisters quilt hanging on the design wall as our inspiration.

Committee members brought shades of blues from their stashes.
They soon turned into blue mountains of fabrics as we rummaged through to mix and match our selections.
The variety of fabrics will make this such a fun and beautiful quilt.
These may be diamonds in the rough but using the English paper piecing method they'll soon be beautiful blocks.

So stay tuned to see it's progress.

With great delight we can tell everyone we raised $9300 from the Springwood Community Quilt Show. The money will be split between the local Rural Fire Service, the Springwood High School Hospitality students and the P & C.
Congratulations to all the committee and volunteers who helped make this year's show such a success.
We have already started planning next year's show and after a well-earned rest will begin work on the raffle quilt, having it ready for early January 2012.
We were lucky enough to have a write up in the latest edition of Country Threads - Stitchery Special with a lovely profile of the group/committee who are involved in the show. Check it out if you can.

The blog will be in limbo for a while until we have some new info re next year's show. So get sewing on your entries for 2012!
Thanks for all your interest and we'll see you again soon.
Regards - The Show Committee

RAFFLE WINNER DRAW

Isobel Lancashire draws the winning ticket for the 2011 raffle quilt.

'Mountain Magic' has been won by Hazelbrook resident Kathy Kitchner.

2nd prize of a Bernina Machine has gone to Judy Pulham of Mona Vale. Kindly donated by The Stitching Post of Katoomba.

The Lucky Door prize winner is Anne Gordon from Penrith. Anne receives an antique sewing machine drawer full of vintage sewing notions, beautifully presented by Alexandra Callow.

Congratulations ladies, we hope you enjoy your prizes.

Thankyou everyone who purchased tickets and visited the Springwood Community Quilt Show, your support has enabled funds to be dispursed to the Rural Fire Service, the High School Textile and Hospitality department along with the P & C for future spending within the school.

Stitching will begin on the 2012 raffle quilt soon. Ideas are already being floated by committee members. Check our blog later in the year for an update.

AND THE WINNERS ARE.........

Viewers choice with the most number of votes was "Dear Jane"

pieced by Julie Clarke

It was a very close count for 2nd and 3rd place, "Lots of Dots"

made by Chris Jurd came in 2nd

with "Just for Me" made by Wendy Spring close behind for 3rd place.

Well done ladies!!
The Springwood Community Quilt Show is not a judged show, visitors are given a viewers choice slip so they can nominate the quilt that stands out for them. These are placed in a box and counted daily. These slips are pinned to the corresponding quilts so the owner of the quilt gets to read any comments after they collect their quilt at the end of the show.

Congratulations to all the entrants in this year's show. The event would not happen if we did not have your beautiful work to display. If you are a local quilter please consider entering the show next year - last weekend in April and you can be part of this exciting event.

The committee would like to thank all our hardworking volunteers who gave their time over the three days of the show. Building the stands for the quilts, hanging the quilts (150 of them),

manning the entry desk, selling raffle tickets and helping in the canteen to name just a few jobs they performed. I almost forgot the pulling down of the quilts and stands. There were so many helpers it was done in record time - thanks again!

So many wonderful and inspirational quilts again this year. I know I am already thinking what I can do for the 2012 show, aren't you?

Raffle results soon.

FABULOUS SATURDAY

Down Patchwork Lane from Penrith has a wonderful selection of modern fabrics for sale. Their display of fresh looking quilts look great hanging behind their stall. Mother and daughter team, Gail and Tamara work very well together and their enthusiasm for patchwork is evident.

Pictured are four very happy and obliging Year 11 Hospitality students. Being able to work in the Show Cafe is a wonderful opportunity and experience for the girls. The best devonshire teas in Springwood! Congratulations girls.

This group of visitors were shopping till they dropped. Home Patch from Bathurst always has interesting items for sale. Hope the stock lasts tomorrow.

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Saturday started with a drizzle of rain that soon turned to a down pour. Even bad weather won't keep a quilter from a show. Visitors were lined up before 9.00am to make a day of it, and those who attended certainly had no complaints. The show cafe is located in the foyer and the aroma of fresh coffee seemd to draw the early ones to indulge before viewing the quilts.

As the day wore on the sun came out and the crowd grew. The committee of the Springwood Community Quilt Show couldn't have been happier with todays result. The pictorial raffle quilt had to be seen in the flesh for some people to believe what Faulconbridge quilt artist, Petal Davies had done. Petal has a stall at the show and is always ready for a chat and happy to explain her techniques. Drop by and say hello.

The viewers choice of their favourite quilt on Friday turned out to be the same on Saturday. I won't spoil any surprises with a photo just yet. You will have to wait till Sunday around 3.00pm when the winner is announced. When marking your 'viewers choice award' nomination form, take time to write a comment. These slips are counted at the end of each day and all forms are given to the owners of the quilts, whether it is one nomination or one hundred. It makes interesting reading for the maker of the quilt what others think and why they voted for their quilt.

Tomorrow is the last day for the 2011 Quilt Show. Being Sunday we open at 10.00am till 4.00pm. With morning and afternoon teas, lunch and the announcement of the viewers choice awards together with the raffle quilt draw, it is a day not to be missed.

OPENING DAY

Susie Anderson, tireless committee member, welcomes Maree Gerbhardt, President of the NSW Quilters Guild. Maree said she wouldn't miss the Springwood show. The quantity and quality of the quilts is always inspiring. Well done to all the entrants.

One of the guest quilters this year is Karen Cunningham. This is a wonderful opportunity to chat in a friendly environment with her about her classes and workshops. Karen is happy to discuss any aspects of patchwork and quilting with you. Karen has brought with her a small selection of her favourite fabrics for sale.

Karen, from the Stitching Post in Katoomba has a stall full of wonderful fabrics and notions. Some are only available for the Springwood Show. Karen has brought along a couple of Bernina sewing machines which she will happily demonstrate. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions and have a go with the Bernina sewing machines.

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Thursday was a long day for all the committee members and the great volunteers. But we are not complaining!! 150 quilts were received between 10.00am & 12.00noon. By 6.00pm we were satisfied all quilts were hung to showcase them in the best way.

Today, Friday was the first day of the 2011 show. The weather has been kind to us, and the crowds today were very happy with what they saw. Stall holders were kept very busy, and over the weekend all the great stock should be purchased as must haves!

Today we were very fortunate to have the top hospitality students work their magic in the kitchen. The devonshire teas were the best. The choice of chicken or pumpkin soup along with the mixed sandwiches was more then enough to keep us satisfied.

Saturday hours are 9.00am - 5.00pm and Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm. Grab a friend and come and spend a wonderful day at the Springwood Community Quilt Show.

FABULOUS STORES - FABULOUS FINDS

The Springwood Community Quilt Show is very fortunate to have a vast array of local traders who set aside the last weekend in April to set up their businesses around the Quilt Show. The following are the shows permanent traders along with Bygone Beautys display. In no particular order we have:

Alexandra Callow - specialising in home made goodies and craft with emphasis on vintage sewing. From Mt Victoria. Pictured above

Unique Treasures - Original patterns and kits. Fabric scrap bags, quilts and variety of bric brac. Chris Jurd t/a Patchwork Fundamentals - Blaxland. Pictured below. Anne Sommerlad Designs and Patching with Petal. Pictured below is Anne with her patterns and quilts while Petal specialises in textiles, her own patterns and fabrics.

Home Patch - Annie Downes from Bathurst.Fabric, patterns, kits, woven wool and special show gift ware. Always popular, see below. The Stitching Post- Bernina Dealer. Embroidery patterns and threads.Karen Kirk from Katoomba.

Fortunes & Fairies - Lots of bargain priced fabrics, wool felts and kits.Leanne Masters from Richmond.

Sew 'n Save - Brings all her haberdashery, clover products and Amy Butler fabrics. Sharon Slowery from Springwood.

Down Patchwork Lane - Hand dyed fabrics, unique patterns and quilting supplies.Tamara & Gail St Remy from Penrith.

Lily Vale Treasurers with a Past - Vintage linen & lace. Buttons, china, sewing related goodies. Colleen Balkema from West Hoxton.

Bygone Beautys - Display of tea pots and fine china. His theme this year is 'unique and quirky'. Maurice Cooper from Leura.

All these businesses continue to support the Springwood Community Quilt Show each year with their own specialities, along with a fantastic diverse range of patchwork and quilting goodies. There is always something for everyone. Each store owner has plenty of stock on hand throughout the event, so if you can't call in until Sunday - there will still be plenty to choose from.

When visiting the SCQS, we know you will be inspired not only by the number and variety of quilts on exhibit but the fabulous traders stalls.

Please allow time to visit and support the stalls. Call in and say hello to the owners who love to meet both new and returned customers.

Unfortunately, during 2010 three Blue Mountains patchwork stores have closed. The Patchwork Shop in Blaxland, Vintage Patch from Springwood and Ribbons & Rainbows at Blackheath. The committee of SCQS thanks all the owners from these businesses for their support leading up to and during the show over the years.

GLENBROOK BRIDGE BANNER

The Fletcher Street bridge crosses over the Great Western Highway between Glenbrook and Blaxland. This is one of the first R.T.A bridges that we were able to gain permission to hang one of many banners advertising the Community Quilt Show in Springwood. Looking at it now, you wouldn't think it is 5 metres long! (The banner that is).

Many cable ties later, committee member Vicki along with helpful nephew James let go of the banner while invaluable husband Graham, ties the final knots .

If you enlarge this photo, try and find the visitor. (A hint, look at the largest word on the banner).

Holding on tight - we'd hate to lose it now!

Many thanks to one of our new committee members, Tania, who has been responsible for the design and ordering process of our great banners. The R.T.A have very strict rules for banners before being approved. They have allotted us a two week block in certain locations. We will see how it all goes this year, and with any feed back you give us - we may be able to obtain different locations next year. So when driving around the Mountains over the next few weeks, if you see a banner advertising the Springwood Community Quilt Show, a big thank you goes to Tania.

ENTRIES CLOSED - THE NEXT STAGE BEGINS..........

Did you ever wonder why entries had to be submitted a month before the Quilt Show? Last day for submissions was 31st March - by the close of this day Suzanne's letter box was brimming over. Again the committee of the Springwood Community Quilt Show says a big thankyou to all the wonderful quilters who have submitted their entry forms and we look forward to seeing your quilts in April.

From now, Suzanne will work tirelessly transcribing all your data from your entry form onto a data base. Margaret then takes over by creating and printing the information of each individual quilt onto display cards, this also creates the entrant number. Margaret also does a splendid job overseeing the collection of the quilts on Sunday afternoon.

You may wonder why the dimensions of each quilt is required. This information, especially the width is critical in being exact for the layout of the hall. An extremely talented quilter and silent committee member, Marilynn, is given the dimensions and entry number of every quilt along with the dimensions of the hall. With this information only - she is able to do a layout plan of the show. Extra large width quilts are hung high on the perimeter walls. These quilts give the show the WOW factor when you enter through the doors. Marilynn never knows the colours or designs of the quilts, she works purely on a mathematical level. When she is happy all quilts have a place to be hung she hands the master plan over to Chris for the next stage.

Chris now orders all the stands and rods from the Quilters' Guild of NSW. Renting them is a large expense that we must recover from door takings. Thankfully, this always happens. As there are a lot of quilt shows all over NSW we always re book with the Guild for the same time the following year. Chris fine tunes our needs once Marilynn advises her on the quantity of stands and rods needed.

The Wednesday before the show our equipment from the storage facility of the Guild is picked up and delivered. All this arrives in bags - it is up to those wonderful volunteers to help with the erecting process. As we work off Marilynn's plan, armed with a small step ladder and shifting spanner we should see the job complete within a few hours. Like any construction zone - if there are any glitches, it just takes a few experienced heads along with Chris' years of experience to get it sorted.

Thursday is our exciting day. As you see on your entry form, we request your quilts to be delivered between 10.00am - 12 noon. Vicki is always there with helpers to welcome you and double check we have the right description card pinned to your quilt. This is the first time any of the quilts are seen, and it is exciting to have a quick peek if time permits. The entrant also receives their free entry ticket which can be used on any day, along with instructions of how to collect their quilts. As the quilts arrive and are identified, they are whisked away by 'runners', usually Suzie and Chris and remain folded - but placed on tables in the row where they will be hung.

The volunteers arrive after lunch - many are very welcomed return volunteers who enjoy this process and who can work quickly knowing what needs to happen. Under Chris' direction we start to see the wonderful quilts as they unfold and are hung. The largest are hung first on the perimeter walls. All the 'hangers' have no idea of design or colour of the quilts until their row is complete. It is always frustrating at this stage if your rod pocket is too narrow or worse still - doesn't have one! When all the quilts are hung we do a spot check just incase two of similar colour and or design are next to each other as this is the only opportunity to do any changes. By late afternoon the traders arrive and we need to be out of the way to give them their space to set up their stalls filled with all the goodies we like to purchase.

By the end of a very long day, Chris stands back and starts breathing again!

So if you ever wondered why your entry had to be submitted a month before the show, hopefully the above has given you an insight into the process.

To all the fabulous quilters who have re-entered our 6th Community Quilt Show - we look forward to seeing what you have been up to since last year - to our new entrants, welcome and we hope you enjoy seeing your quilts hung in a friendly environment.

CALLING ALL QUILTERS

We are now entering the exciting stage of the Springwood Community Quilt Show. Entries are now being accepted for this years event. If you haven't received a form please visit your local patchwork shop to collect one or maybe two, alternatively down load from this blog site. An easy way of receiving an entry form, giving you plenty of time to complete your quilt, is to supply the committee with your email. Your email address is never given to any other party, it is solely used to distribute the entry form and conditions to you. This usually happens towards the end of February. So if you haven't already done so, grab a form, fill it out, post it off, then finish off your quilting, or maybe you are up to the binding or lastly sew that rod sleeve on.

It always surprises us when receiving the quilts how many do not have rod sleeve pockets sewn on. Of course if your quilt was not meant to be hung when creating it, you wouldn't think to put a sleeve on it during construction. The rods and stands are hired from The Quilters' Guild of NSW and as you can see from the photo below just how much the rod goes through each side. If you sew your sleeve on and leave it very short either side of the width of the quilt, it will not hang straight as there is nothing supporting the area of the quilt without a sleeve.

Alternatively, smaller quilts and wallhangings need to be hung on special fabric covered stands. For these quilts we have to use 'T' pins. Great care is taken to pierce the fabric as close to the seam of the binding and going in at an angle the 'T' pin firmly holds the article in position. Any small holes in the fabric easily come out with a stroke of your fingernail or other blunt tool. Hanging this way allows your smaller quilt to be appreciated at eye level.

How do I put a rod sleeve onto my quilt for hanging?

If your quilt is going to be displayed on a wall or an exhibition, then you will need a rod sleeve on the back of the quilt.
Cut a piece of fabric 8" wide and 2" less then the width of your quilt. Fold in half lengthways and sew along the two short and long sides, leaving about 4" in the centre of the long side to turn the sleeve inside out. Turn and press, and hand sew the centre hole together.

Pin the sleeve to the top of the quilt, about 1/2" inside the edge, or at the inside edge of the binding. Hand sew the top edge of the sleeve to the quilt, taking care not to catch the front of the quilt as you sew. Push the sleeve up a little so it has a little 'give', this allows a bubble in the pocket to accommodate the rod thickness. Pin into position, and hand sew the bottom of the sleeve to the quilt, again taking care the stitches do not show through to the front of the quilt.

At the last minute, if you have forgotten to attach a sleeve, a quick method is to cut a strip of fabric, measurements roughly as above, and instead of hand sewing, use safety pins!!

The Springwood Community Quilt Show is a non juried event . When all the quilts have been hung, it is a marvel to look at the display with everyone's quilts hanging so beautifully.

Enjoy your quilting!

Mountain Magic's Journey

On Friday 4th February 2011 it was lovely to call in and see Michelle Marvig at The Patchwork Heart in Penrith. Michelle's store is the first in a long line of venues to display and sell tickets for the show's raffle quilt. Pictured is Kim Harris very obligingly bringing down the quilt. The Patchwork Heart will continue to sell tickets on our behalf, just ask when in the store.

The next stage of the journey for 'Mountain Magic' will be at Annie Downes' delightful shop in Bathurst. Starting on Monday 7th February.

Funds raised with our raffle quilt this year along with the show's profit will support The Rural Fire Service to purchase a mini bus to use in our mountains region. Having a mini bus will mean not only will they be able to fit more volunteers on -board but also they won't be searching for as many drivers. Maurice Cooper OAM will receive our donation on behalf of the R.F.S after the show and will be directly responsible for the bus purchase. Another part of the funds raised go to the P & C of Springwood High School for upgrading of the School hall in particular the kitchen and foyer facilities. The hospitality faculty will also receive a donation .

Last meeting

SHOW BAGS
Big news at this months meeting, our first shopping tote bag arrived. We have ordered 500. Going by the general response, they may end up a collector’s item! The following year we will use a different colour for the bag, so make sure you pick one up as you enter the show or from any of the traders stalls in the hall, only $2 each.

Scenes from the last meeting and a few notes from Vicki our publicity officer.

Christmas and the holidays are well behind us now. As February looms, so does the first Quilt Show meeting for the year. A few members of the committee were unable to attend due to teaching, work and family commitments. None the less we soldier on. Lots to discuss and some final decisions to be made. Our secretary, Suzanne takes notes throughout the meeting and sends them to all members within the week as the official minutes.

HIGHWAY BANNERS
The news doesn’t stop there. This year we have been fortunate enough to have three more roadside banners made. We have been waiting on permission from RTA for a spare bridge over the Great Western Highway to be able to hang them. Starting from 4th April 2011 you should see a banner or two around. Very distinctive is our new Show logo. A schoolhouse block! A lot of thought went into it, and as one committee member pointed out, we have been holding the Quilt Show at a school for six years, why look any further!! How appropriate! The colour is Shiraz.
ENTRY FORMS
Emails will be sent out shortly with the entry form attached. Entry forms will also be distributed at local patchwork shops. If your quilt isn’t quite finished, don’t despair, get the entry form to us and you still have a small amount of time to finish. Everyone loves to see quilts. Large and small. Those with a story attached, from pictorial to the classic.

We try to squeeze in 150 – 200 quilts. So if you are entering more than one quilt, read the entry form carefully, as you have the choice of which ones get to be exhibited, if we are in the position of receiving too many. Keeping the show to a certain number of quilts, allows an adequate size of space for the traders, and plenty of space in between the rows of quilts for us admirers to stand back and admire. This also allows us camera happy people to take snaps of our favourites.

BOOK MARKS/FLYERS
Today we were very pleased to have our 2011 Quilt Show book marks from the printers.
Thanks to Petal’s colourful raffle quilt, this year they will certainly stand out at all the usual venues. The decision to promote the Springwood Quilt Show using bookmarks was decided on a few years back as a handy item for us girls to have in our diaries, handbags or on the fridge. Collect one for yourself and a friend from your local patchwork shop, library, selected shops and tourist information centre. If you know of a venue we may have missed, let us know, by clicking on the email icon, we would love to hear from you.

It just wouldn’t be a meeting without the supper! Suzie did a splendid job and to prove we do watch what we eat, a small slice of cake was left. Nice plate Suzie!

Keep an eye on our blog with a count down to show time!!!

The raffle quilt Mountain Magic pictured above and designed by Petal Davies has started it's journey around the shops. Here is your chance to buy a ticket in this beautiful piece - it's at
Michelle Marvig's Patchwork Heart in Penrith at the moment. Tickets are $2 each and the proceeds go to Springwood High School and our local RFS group.
2nd prize in the raffle is a Bernina sewing machine kindly donated by The Stitching Post in Katoomba - gotta be in it to win it as they say!
Now check this out - handy carry bags with our show logo on the front. Available at the show for $2 from all stallholders so you can cart all those goodies you've bought around in style.

We have also received our bookmark flyers advertising the show and these will be available in the near future at a quilt shop near you. It gives details of the opening hours and includes a map on the reverse to help you find us.

Entry forms for the show will be available soon from local quilt shops so keep your eyes peeled if you'd like to display your quilting efforts.

We encourage all local quilters to enter something in this community event. It's not a juried show but there are viewers choice prizes and lots of other things like lucky door prizes each day.

There'll be more news about the show more frequently now that there are only 97 days to go!! The counter at the top takes a little while to load but it will keep us all on our toes I can tell you.

So keep us in your favourites and we'll keep you informed about what's happening as soon as we can.