Guest Quilter

The guest quilter for 2015 will be the fabulous Rhonda Pearce. Rhonda has lived in the Blue Mountains for over 30 years and owned Post Office Patchwork in Glenbrook for around 17 years. Her background in professional dressmaking has assisted her in choosing fabrics, working with colour and creating inspiring designs.
In 2013 Rhonda's quilt 'Baltimore Classic' was accepted into the Houston Quilt Show in the U.S.A. She won the Viewers Choice section and 1st place in the Professional Applique section. Quite an achievement!

Centre of Baltimore Classic

This beautiful design is enhanced by her excellent hand quilting,which highlights the hand applique work.

Baltimore Classic-Winner of Houston Show 2013

Rhonda has been involved in the  'Cocktail Quilters' at Glenbrook for the past 12 years. This group holds a show every 3 years at Glenbrook to display their gorgeous designs.
Another of Rhonda's beautiful quilts is 'My Patchwork Journey', consisting of hand applique and hand quilting.

Centre of 'My Patchwork Journey'

Imagine the years it took to create the quilt top and then complete the hand quilting!  And check out that border-all hand stitched!

Rhonda and her finished work.

Rhonda will have more time to work on quilts now that she has sold her shop in Glenbrook and is looking forward to working on many projects for her grandchildren.
You will be able to visit Rhonda and check out her patterns on stage at the show in April 2015 where she will be available to discuss her projects and display her quilts.
In the shade of the trees outside her home Rhonda displays her intricate work in 'Baltimore Symphony.'

Can't wait to see what other surprises Rhonda has to show us at next year's show!

BIG cheque!

Yesterday several members of the Quilt Show Committee had the pleasure of handing over to the Rural Fire Service a cheque for the massive amount of $7000!

We were luncheon guests of Maurice Cooper, OAM at Bygone Beauties in Leura.

L to R: Daniel Myles BMCC Councillor, Chris Van der Kley Deputy Mayor BMCC, David Jones District Manager BMRFS, Moyra Sanderson Committee member, Maurice Cooper OAM Bygone Beauties, Ann Murray Committee member

Front: Susie Anderson, Suzanne Laird and Chris Jurd Committee members

We had a delightful lunch and with all those Councillors on the scene it was a chance for the Committee to gain ideas for future fund raising via Community grants.

Our donation to the RFS this year is our biggest yet and brings our total donations over the last four years to nearly $20,000.

Quite impressive for a Community quilt show run by a group of around 10 enthusiastic women who all have lots of other tasks consuming their time, not to mention several in full and part-time work.

 

Well done to us all and maybe we can beat this year's effort next year!

On-line entries in 2015

Exciting progress is being made towards on-line entries for the 2015 Show. After eight years of typing all the entry details into a computer program so that we can securely manage all the lovely quilts, we are creating an on-line entry process which will make it much easier. Look out for the links in the coming months!

ANNIVERSARY QUILT- A work in progress.

This year's raffle quilt 'Anniversary Quilt' is based on a design published in the U.S.A. in 1870, basically named ' Square A'. The pattern flourished and later became known as Carpenter's Wheel, Star and Diamond and Double Star. The committee displayed a Bethlehem Star quilt at the 2014 Springwood Community Quilt Show made in the 1930's based on this pattern and due to its popularity decided to collaboratively construct the 2015 raffle quilt based on this design.

Who is that playing 'Peek a Boo?'

The owner of the 1930's quilt donated fabrics in soft pastels and contrasting patterned pieces to enhance the design which includes white squares and triangles wrapped around the diamonds.

Squares and Triangles

Thanks Robyne for all your hard work putting the blocks together. The quilt will be edged in colourful kites as an alternative to binding. Looking  forward to the next step.

Show and Tell

At the September meeting held at Suzanne's house, committee members brought along small sections of the raffle quilt we had been working on. Everyone had 2 pieces to make up for display at the committee meeting. It was exciting to see the colours coming together as the pieces were laid out.



          

Contemplating- What to do first?

Susie and Carol take measurements and think about what to do next.

Tanya displays her lovely piecing 

 

Some committee members had piecing with corners while others had centre pieces. 

Finished pieces

Around 20 squares make up the 2015 raffle quilt- some members even had to take their pieces overseas to finish them in time for the meeting. Robyne collected the squares at the end of the evening and offered to stitch them together. Thanks Robyne. Can't wait to see them this Thursday.

3rd Prize Sydney Quilt Show

Springwood Community Quilt Show raffle winner, Peter Kennedy attended the Sydney Quilt Show to collect his prize, 'Grace's Quilt'. This quilt recently won 3rd prize at this year's show in the group category at Darling Harbour. 

 Peter enjoyed collecting his prize on the day.

Lucky Winners

The gorgeous raffle quilt was won this year by lucky ticket holder Peter Kennedy from Annandale in Sydney. He is excited to gain possession of the quilt after the Sydney Quilt Show.

Grace's Quilt-2014 Raffle Quilt

The second prize was won by Robyn Chaffey of Hazelbrook- a gift of a quilters pack containing a sewing machine carry case.

Third prize was won by Carmel Grenway who is happy to receive dinner for Two at Silk's Brasseri in Leura.

The Lucky Door Prize was won by Adele Avery from Annandale.

The volunteers prizes were won by Arthur, Jim, Rose, Helen and Anna. Thankyou again to all the volunteers.

Fabulous weather for the show weekend- looking forward to the 10th Anniversary Show next year.

Wrapping It Up!

In the past few days we have had an enormous number of volunteers assisting in running the quilt show. Without these fabulous people the quilt show would not happen. Some people gave a few hours

 of their time while others only went home to sleep. Thankyou so much for your help and support. Thanks also Mathew for sleeping over and minding the quilts.

Our fearless security guard- Mathew

The beginning of another busy day in Patchwork alley.

 

View from the stage

Every day of the show, viewers are invited to vote for their favourite quilt. This year  Friday's viewers choice was awarded to Laurelle Krebs for the Randwick Applique quilt.

 

On Saturday the viewers choice was awarded to Jeanette Mc Kechnie.

Sunday's viewers choice was awarded to Racheldaisy for Pocket Full of Posies.

Rachel receiving her prize

Volunteers worked tirelessly to pack up the show soon after the prizegiving.

Everyone has a job at the end of the day!

Things that go up usually have to come down. The volunteers do a good job at taking things down.

A final thankyou to our guest quilter, Ann Langley. Ann and Isobel entertained visitors on the stage all weekend and explained the finer points of quilting techniques.

We have just about wrapped up for another year and committee members are going home to think about next year's raffle quilt!!!!!

Anzac Day

The Springwood Community Quilt Show Committee remembers the Anzacs.

Remembrance Poppies- Ann Langley

Lest We Forget.

Busy Getting Ready

The past two days have seen great changes in the hall at Springwood High School. Volunteers appeared from all around the district to help in setting up this years show. Following the delivery of the frames many people worked frantically to erect the structures for the hanging of the quilts.

This job isn't as easy as it looks.

Can do this single handed.

Vicki and Ann measuring for the tables.

Who said lunch wasn't important?

The ladies made the volunteers a gorgeous lunch of fresh sandwiches and coffee.

Things are looking up! It takes four people to hang those high ones.

There is a job for everyone here.

The hall looks  empty until the day before the show when it fills with the most delightful quilts.

A few of Ann Langley's beautiful and colourful quilts on the stage.

Rabbits around even after Easter! You can find the most unexpected gifts at the show.

Steve and Graeme putting up the Bendigo Bank tents.

 One more sleep till it all starts. 

Volunteer Help Needed

The Springwood and Community Quilt Show simply could not operate without the generous help of the dozens of volunteers who donate their time and efforts to help make the event a success. There are 3 main areas that we ask our volunteers to help with...


Front Desk and Raffle Ticket Sales
A lovely people based job selling entry and raffle tickets to our visitors (and you can sit down while you do it!) 

White Glove Duty
Another people based, social job of chatting to visitors about the quilt entries and displaying the back of quilts if asked (hence the white glove).

Cafe Support
An integral part of our quilt show is the terrific cafe which sells everything from coffee (made by our very own barista) to scones and homemade soups for lunch. We always need extra helpers to assist with duties such as taking orders to tables and washing up.

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We currently need extra volunteers to help in our cafe on Saturday (26th April) to assist with the lunch

and afternoon tea trade.

All help would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

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Each volunteering shift lasts for 2 hours and your name is entered into a draw to win fantastic prizes.

 

 

If you're able to help, please email your details to

gunther9@bigpond.net.au



EXCITING STALLHOLDERS NEWS

The committee warmly welcomes four new stallholders to trade at this year's show.
Three exciting local girls will share one floor space and each will trade for one day only.

Fiona  -      Front Porch Designs -   Friday
Jen      -      Gitane Jewellery       -   Saturday
Mandy -     Mandalin                   -   Sunday

Jennie of 'Burton Needlework Tools & Antique Quilts' fame will be trading all three days.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Fiona - Front Porch Designs, is a freelance textile designer. Loves playing around with hand dying pre loved crochet tablecloths and turning them into her renowned famous slip dresses.  The tunic style tops are a treat to see made from embroidered tablecloths.  Yes! Tablecloths and doileys made into women's wear.  Fiona's new winter line has long sleeves and is called a 'Foofoo". 
Here are a couple of photos to admire her work.

  If you miss chatting with Fiona on Friday you can catch her at Glenbrook markets on 3rd Saturday of each month.

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Jen - Gitane Jewellery sells unique jewellery made from buttons and other sewing related items.  Jen can custom make to order as well as help with repairs and restringing. Due to the nature of her extensive button collection, choosing which piece to purchase quite often leads to multiple buys. Jen and her collection will be at the show Saturday only.

Jen is a very respected stallholder and attends markets held every weekend from Glenbrook through to Leura.

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Mandy - Mandalin. 'Expressions through fabric'  loves putting colours and fabric together to create small useful items.  Mandy is also an avid bag maker - which we will see plenty of at the show.  Along with eye popping cushions and tablerunners.   Her variety of homewares makes Mandy a very sought after craft person. 

If you miss her on Sunday at the show you can catch Mandy at the following markets throughout the year.
1st Sunday - Blackheath
2nd Sunday - Grand View Wentworth Falls
3rd Saturday - Glenbrook

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  Jennie Burton brings her expertise in Needlework Tools and Antique quilts. Sourcing her selected items world wide then showcasing at Quilt Shows across the state makes Jennie an authority on the two.  If you have that special needlework tool but unsure of its name, specific use or age, bring it along and Jennie will be happy to help identify it for you. 

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Only 24 more days to go till the doors open for the 9th Annual Springwood Community Quilt Show. Absolutely brimming with 13 uniquely different stallholders, this is one show you do not want to miss.

Entries are now closed for the 2014 Quilt Show

Thank you everyone who submitted entries into this year's Quilt Show.  We received over 160 entries, we look forward to receiving these into the committee's care on Thursday 25th April from 10.00 am. 

A requirement of entering in the show is that the quilt has not been exhibited at the Springwood  Show previously. As the show is now in its ninth year, just think how many quilts have been made over the years . . . . .

 Marilynn and Chris will now start planning the layout. With the all important measurements supplied with the quilt, they do a great job. Thank goodness these two have the maths brain!  It isn't just a matter of where to hang what size quilt, the correct number and sizes of quilt rods and frames have to be hired from the Quilters Guild of NSW.

Over 40%  of entrants have volunteered some of their time during the show. Whether this is before hand with setting up, in the cafe, at the welcome desk, white gloving, pulling down at the close of the show or one of the many other support duties, this is very heartwarming for our committee members Petal and Tania who will now start their task of drawing up a roster. If you ticked the volunteer area on your entry form, expect to hear from one of the girls soon.

We have a few new traders coming to our show this year.  More details in another post. I will share one photo with you, just to get you guessing.

DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A QUILT SHOW......

10 DAYS LEFT TO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN.

Download an entry form from this blog and send it to us. We love admiring and hanging your beautiful quilts. Let's fill the hall!

Getting It Together

On Sunday at Susie's house in Leura, the finishing touches were made to this years raffle quilt. Susie worked furiously sewing on the binding while Moyra and Robyn drank tea and devoured Steve's delicious homemade cheesecake.

Susie in a bind

 

The next step was taking sides to begin the hand sewing of the binding. Susie's cat, Bella became curious and came in from the heat of the day to examine the handiwork.

 

Robyn and Bella

 

By mid afternoon the task was complete and Steve helped hang the quilt for a few photos.

 

Grace's Quilt

 

 

The quilt looks fabulous with meticulous quilting by Susie. Tickets are on sale soon at local patchwork shops and available from committee members.

Waiting for a lucky winner! Get your tickets now.

 

 

2014 ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE NOW!!

Entry forms are available for our 2014 quilt show in April by clicking on  this link.
It will take you to a 2 page file which you can then print off, fill in and send to the address on the form.
Make sure to download both pages as there's lots of essential information about preparing your quilt for the show, delivering it to the venue and picking up your quilt.
So hop to it and we look forward to receiving your entry.

The raffle quilt will be making its way to local quilts shops shortly and we appreciate your support by buying a ticket (or two!)