A new beginning

Sewing has started on our raffle quilt for the 2013 Springwood Community Quilt Show!

We had a fun day sorting fabrics and preparing packs to be taken away and sewn into lots and lots of hexagons.

Here's part of the committee hard at work last Saturday.

Some girls were a bit apprehensive about all the hand sewing involved but when it's shared around lots of helpers the task is diminished don't you think.

Fabrics were chosen or discarded.

Tania and Suzie deep in discussion.

What a lovely combination.

Thanks to Marilyn for doing all the prep for the blocks - only 263 of them!

Can't wait til the next meeting to see it all coming together.

Fantastic results

Well over 1200 visitors attended the 2012 Show. People traveled from across Sydney and the Blue Mountains and the number of interstate and country visitors is also growing. 

Many of our exhibitors support the show by volunteering their time and energy to assist with the many tasks. With their unflagging support, the show has developed a great vibe and a reputation for being a “show not to be missed”. Our grateful thanks are offered to these many women and men. 

The committee acknowledges the generous support of the Bendigo Bank this year in supporting our fundraising efforts. This  year the Rural Fire Service will receive $5750 from the profits raised, and $3,000 will support  Textiles studies at Springwood High School.

Planning for the 2013 Show has already started. The 2013 Show will be held on 27-28-29 April, and we encourage everyone to put the date in their diary and join us for another display of exciting patchwork, fun buying and delightful café food.

What a great show!

Well it's come and gone for another year and what a show it was. I don't know the numbers through the door yet but on Friday and Saturday this was the view from the stage most of the day. Lots of happy quilters/shoppers.

We had all sorts of visitors too. Didn't grab this couple's names but I hope they enjoyed the quilts and the cafe.

This young man is a star! This is Patrick from Lawson who is eight years old and this is his first quilt. How lucky are we he decided to enter it in this year's show. Patrick did all the sewing after mum did all the cutting and it was quilted by Sue Bell.

We look forward to seeing more of Patrick's work in future shows. Isn't it great to see young quilters displaying their work and even better when they are of the male variety.

Patrick was then off to play soccer - multi-skilled isn't he!

This beauty was the Viewer's Choice quilt for the show - Judy Sanday's My Tree of Life.

A Sue Cody design which was quilted by Carol Pratley.

Click on the pic for some close-ups of the amazing applique and fabric choices. That green linen background is the perfect fabric. Well done Judy.

This quilt was Friday's Viewer's Choice - Dragonfly Dreams by Lesley Prince from Orchard Hills

and this was Saturday's Viewer's Choice - Hexagons Galore by Judy Lyell.

Thanks to all entrants for making this one of the best quilt shows around. Without all your hard work we wouldn't have a show.

Guest quilter Lynne Alchin and the lovely Isobel Lancashire at the presentation.

Isobel sat on the stage for the duration of the show, hand quilting and chatting to all and sundry

(I think she had a ball!) and Lynne was busy promoting her classes and her beautiful quilts.

Sad isn't it to see all our hard work taken down and packed up in @ 2 hours.

Now for a well-earned break for the committee and then we'll start thinking about next year's show. Stay tuned!

Almost forgot the exciting bit!! The winner of the raffle quilt was "Robert" with just a phone number on the ticket. Hope he at least knows what a quilt is and appreciates this beautiful piece.

It won't be his til after the Darling Harbour quilt show where it is an entrant. Thanks to all the buyers of tickets with the money going to our local RFS.

Talk soon.

SHOW DAY!

Rachael's Quilt

What a day!

Doors opened at our new time 10.00am.  Instantly the cafe was put to the test.  Barista Jackie, did a fantastic job all day.  Committee member Carol has the enormous responsibility of keeping the cafe running smoothly over the entire weekend.  Her soups are fuel for the soul.  Many volunteers drop off cakes and slices, this is greatly appreciated. 

Bendigo Bank have lent a marquee that is erected outside for those who wish to take a break in the outdoors.  Today the sunshine was glorious to sit with a cuppa and cake!

The above photo is of Rachael's quilt hanging high on the wall. The size of her flying geese have to be seen to be believed.  Spectacular! It is even better in the flesh.

So what are you waiting for, come and enjoy yourself at the Springwood Community Quilt Show. Entry remains at $5.

ONE MORE SLEEP TO GO ......

All hung and ready

On Thursday, over 135 quilts were received between 10.00am - 12 noon by our committee receiving team of Vicki and Tania.  At this stage the quilts were checked for labels and correct size rod pockets.  All details were check referenced and logged.  All entrants received a receipt and free entry ticket.
Sometimes an entrant can be concerned while handing over their quilts, but be assured we take extreme care with each and every quilt entrusted to us and treat them like the precious cargo that they are.

After a quick lunch the magic of creating a Quilt Show happens.  Eager volunteers arrive, most from previous years, now knowing the procedures.  First time volunteers are always welcome.

We are guided by Chris with the master plan in hand. Quilts have rods slipped through their rod pockets and are hoisted to the top of the poles.  Colours and designs are starting to consume the hall as each row is completed.  At this stage many oohs and aahs are heard as the hangers see for the first time some beautiful work unfolding before them.

Bygone Beautys Display

Maurice Cooper, from Bygone Beauty's of Leura,  has a collection of his blue and white tea pots on display. Maurice very generously gives the committee vouchers to be handed out to the first 1,000 visitors .  This voucher entitles you to enjoy a devonshire tea for two, pay for one at his Leura Tea House.  The committee thank Maurice very much for his ongoing support of the Springwood Community Quilt Show.

TWO MORE SLEEPS TO GO ...

The above photo shows the hall in readiness for the stands to be built.  Thankyou to all the volunteers who gave up their ANZAC afternoon to set up the hall.

Building the stands is achieved from the plan Marilynn has worked on using the width and length size only, from the entry forms received of the quilts being exhibited.

Goes to show how important those measurements are.

To Whet Your Appetite . . . . . .

For those who have seen many of Lynne's quilts in magazines, displayed in shops and exhibited at shows, you will be happy to know that the following will be on stage throughout the three day Springwood Community Quilt Show.

A Little Bird, An Apple For The Teacher,  The Antique Sampler, Chesterfield, Elizabeth's Medallion, The French Medallion, Laurel's Stars, Mrs William's Kindness Quilt, The Chocolate Box, The Faraway Tree, The Roadshow Quilt, The Roebuck Medallion, The Silk Skirt, Summer Baskets and of course, Alice's Tea Party.

A stand out for me is Mrs William's Kindness Quilt.  The story behind it is as beautiful as the quilt.

Now, doesn't all this make you want to mark your diaries for the last weekend in April?  Bring a friend and have a wonderful time.