The Craft and Quilt Fair - Part 1
I get pretty excited about Sydney's Craft and Quilt Fair. Not just because its full of eye candy everywhere you look but because it's also the anniversary of my journey into quilting. 3 years ago as a spur of the moment thing to do, GBF and I went to have a look at some quilts. I came away with a rotary cutter and a mat, and that was that!!
To honour my 3rd anniversary and because I have so many photos, I'm going I'd divide my pictures into 3 posts - People, Quilts and Fabrics.
I'm starting with people because that was the highlight of the show for me this year. I caught up with friends and met blogland buddies for the first time.
My friend Mandy saved a seat for me on the train as she lives further up the Mountains from me. We chatted all the way into town and before we knew it we were in Sydney. We fueled up on coffee and chai and got to the the show before it started. We had a fun time patchwork bag spotting in the crowd.
My lovely blog friend Terry found me straight away because of my BMDaisy jacket. She'd seen the post about the jacket and in a flash whipped up a design incorporating her initials TNT. I love that enthusiasm!! It was so so wonderful to meet a bloggy friend in real life. Now she's a real friend that I chat to in my bloggy life.
I loved seeing quilts Saffron had made and her fabulous fabrics. It really makes it so much more personal hearing a designer talk about their fabrics. The fabrics gain a personality that makes them more special to use. I caught up with Saffron and Patrick at their stall later and have to say they are the nicest, down to Earth, lovely people!!
This is the prize winning Lots of Dots quilt. As the name suggests Chris only used spotty dotty fabrics to create all those wonderful circles. It really is an amazing quilt!!
We did a screen printing class with Louise Snook. She was a natural teacher, with a zillion great tips to share with us and a bucket load of patience when the ink started flying.
Here I am trying to come up with a design idea. That was before I started playing with the ink and ended up with it all over the table, my hands and even spots on my face. I managed to get a little bit on the fabric.
Big smiles from Mandy and Lynne!! ( note Lynne's fabulous dress made from Patty Young's Flora and Fauna range). I think these two have found their calling, they took to printing like a ducks to water!! or should I say ink to fabric... I think I'll stick to fabric hunting...
It was an absolute treat to catch up with Linda from Quilts in the Barn. I've followed her blog pretty much from when she started it. Linda always has wonderful quilting trips to share. Amazing quilts made by her, her numerous friends and from her trips. On top of all of that she somehow she finds the time to organise one of Australia's best annual quilt shows -Quilts in the Barn, with all proceeds going to breast cancer research. This year US reproduction fabric designer and quilter Jo Morton is coming out as the feature quilter of the show. Linda happened to have this year's raffle quilt with her. Comprised of signature blocks from all over the world made with Jo's fabrics. Mine is in the photo, the dark red one with the fussy cut circles.
My only regret is that I didn't have more time to spend with everyone. We stayed to the very end and practically had to be kicked out. The day was a whirlwind and flew by way too fast!!! Next year I'll go for more than one day! At least Mandy and I had the train trip home to look at all our beautiful fabrics and purchases.
My friend Mandy saved a seat for me on the train as she lives further up the Mountains from me. We chatted all the way into town and before we knew it we were in Sydney. We fueled up on coffee and chai and got to the the show before it started. We had a fun time patchwork bag spotting in the crowd.
My lovely blog friend Terry found me straight away because of my BMDaisy jacket. She'd seen the post about the jacket and in a flash whipped up a design incorporating her initials TNT. I love that enthusiasm!! It was so so wonderful to meet a bloggy friend in real life. Now she's a real friend that I chat to in my bloggy life.
We started the day with Saffron Craig's talk. Here she is with her husband Patrick. They managed to fit a lot of information into half an hour. Their designing history, the design process, different ranges, how to use one directional fabrics, ideas and methods for making quilts.
I loved seeing quilts Saffron had made and her fabulous fabrics. It really makes it so much more personal hearing a designer talk about their fabrics. The fabrics gain a personality that makes them more special to use. I caught up with Saffron and Patrick at their stall later and have to say they are the nicest, down to Earth, lovely people!!
Next stop was the awards. My friend Chris Jurd won 1st prize in the New Traditions From Old Favourites category. It's not a great photo of her receiving the award. Chris is the blurry one in the photo, She's a fast mover! or maybe I was too busy trying to cheer, clap and take a photo at the same time!! I'm so excited for her.
This is the prize winning Lots of Dots quilt. As the name suggests Chris only used spotty dotty fabrics to create all those wonderful circles. It really is an amazing quilt!!
We did a screen printing class with Louise Snook. She was a natural teacher, with a zillion great tips to share with us and a bucket load of patience when the ink started flying.
Here I am trying to come up with a design idea. That was before I started playing with the ink and ended up with it all over the table, my hands and even spots on my face. I managed to get a little bit on the fabric.
Big smiles from Mandy and Lynne!! ( note Lynne's fabulous dress made from Patty Young's Flora and Fauna range). I think these two have found their calling, they took to printing like a ducks to water!! or should I say ink to fabric... I think I'll stick to fabric hunting...
It was an absolute treat to catch up with Linda from Quilts in the Barn. I've followed her blog pretty much from when she started it. Linda always has wonderful quilting trips to share. Amazing quilts made by her, her numerous friends and from her trips. On top of all of that she somehow she finds the time to organise one of Australia's best annual quilt shows -Quilts in the Barn, with all proceeds going to breast cancer research. This year US reproduction fabric designer and quilter Jo Morton is coming out as the feature quilter of the show. Linda happened to have this year's raffle quilt with her. Comprised of signature blocks from all over the world made with Jo's fabrics. Mine is in the photo, the dark red one with the fussy cut circles.
My only regret is that I didn't have more time to spend with everyone. We stayed to the very end and practically had to be kicked out. The day was a whirlwind and flew by way too fast!!! Next year I'll go for more than one day! At least Mandy and I had the train trip home to look at all our beautiful fabrics and purchases.
Stayed tuned for the next post of some of my favourite quilts of the show.
17 Comments
Nice to meet (see) you on photos Rachael :-))) You look so sympathic and friendly! Your jacket and your skirt is great and it looks like you are having a fabulous day, Heike :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post- you obviously had a blast!!! And such wonderful friends!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great time! I love your jacket...Yay Dresdens!!! No better way to spend a day than with your friends at a quilt show :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love love love your skirt and when having fun time diffently goes fast. And those screen printed Sausage Dogs i adore.
ReplyDeleteI will try to make it next year.....im going next year rain, hail or shine ;)
Looking forward to part 2 and 3.
Adele xx
Looks like a fab time! Thanks for sharing your day.
ReplyDeleteYou've only been quilting for 3 years?!? I'd say you took to it like a duck to water!
What an incredible day! All that inspiration simmering away is going to result in great things. And I am looking forward to seeing it all happen.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you had this opportunity.
What a fun day! Meeting up with bloggy friends is so much fun! And I can't believe that you've been quilting for only 3 years! Sheesh! I think you've found your calling!
ReplyDeleteCool, looks like a great time! I would love to try screen printing, it can be a very creative outlet! I look forward to more pictures.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like such a great time!!! Thanks for sharing the pics. I look forward to more!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a complete and utter blast!
ReplyDeleteHow much inspiration did you come home with and how many quilts have you got planned? I come home with a bursting braiin from stuff like this.
Wow Rachael I can't believe you have only been quilting 3 years...that's amazing!!! I love that jacket...and I think I'm going to have to go to the show next year...bloggers seem to be meeting up there!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to celebrate your anniversary each year! Lots of people and lots of fun. You certainly managed to squeeze a lot into your time there! Did you run everywhere??
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that a super special day out is also your quilty anniversary :-) I loved your jackets and looks like you all had a fabulous day out. Can't wait to see all the goodies you brought home!!
ReplyDeleteWow only three years, you're work is amazing. You obviously had such a fantastic time. I'm hoping to go to the Melbourne show and also the Brisbane one later in the year. Can't wait to see your pics of the quilts and all the goodies you took home.
ReplyDeleteyou look like you really had a ball. and great jacket by the way. I have one that I put vintage lace and buttons on some years ago. must drag it out.thanks for all the great pics. Stacey
ReplyDeleteCutie girl! :) How fun! I would love to take a screen printing class!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for leaving me a comment. Your kind words encourage me to keep sharing my work and stories.