Chris Jurd- The Featured Quilter for 2016

It's time to cheer for our Featured Quilter for the 11th Annual Springwood Community Quilt Show in 2016. 

Drum roll...

It's The One and Only Chris Jurd!!!

Chris's innovative quilts featuring foundation piecing and other clever techniques have led her on a journey to international acclaim and a reputation as a very popular teacher. The 2016 Springwood Community Quilt Show will be a great opportunity to see lots of Chris's quilts up close and meet her in person.
We asked Chris a few questions so you could get to know her a little better


Hi Chris , tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a full-time quilt maker, pattern designer and teacher living in the Blue Mountains outside Sydney. I have two adult children and have just become a grandmother for the second time.

How long have you been quilting?
I’ve been quilting since my son was a baby. I started in the early 80s before rotary
cutters came to Australia. We ruled lines and cut with scissors! Seems hard to believe doesn’t it?

What enticed you to start quilting?

As a stay-at-home mum I looked on it as a way to make some money while at home with the kids. After that I was hooked. I made the obligatory sampler quilt then branched out into other designs.

What do you love about quilting?
All the beautiful fabric available and how you can use it make something so usable. I like the whole process from cutting the fabric to quilting the quilt.

Is there any part of the process that you don't like?
Not really. Piecing is the design coming together and the quilting is what enhances all your hard work.

Do you have a favourite sewing saying or motto?
I tell my students – “Finished is better than perfect”. Don’t stress too much – it’s supposed to be fun!

What model sewing machine do you use?
I have a Bernina 150 which is quite a few years old now but it's still going well and it gets quite a workout.

Do you listen to music while you sew? What is your favourite type or cd?
I usually have the radio on in the house – Triple J is my station.

What is your favourite food? 
I have a real weakness for cake or a biscuit with my cuppa. Closely followed by a glass of wine or three every evening. Seafood/Asian would be my menu choice.

Thanks Chris, I think a few of us are partial to cake and biscuits with our cuppas.

Now with Chris Jurd as the Featured Quilter the choice of raffle quilt was an easy one - Lots of Dots with its floating compass and beauty blocks. The committee members have already been collecting dotty fabrics and have the sewing day planned. We look forward to showing progress photos. 

In the meantime you can pop over to Chris's blog Patchwork Fundamentals to see what she's been up to. And if you're inspired to sew Chris's quilts her quilt patterns are available at PatchworkFun.