Wednesday 27 July 2016

A beautiful winter's day in tropical Mackay. The only thing better than sitting and sewing and chatting would be if there was fudge....and there was!
There were welcomes today for a new member, a past member visiting and for the ladies from Breastscreen. There was much wandering around the hall to greet others and to to see what they were up to. Not sure a lot of sewing was accomplished although three of 'Joan's girls' were progressing well with their sampler quilts.
Deane won the badge draw today and will visit Mackay Sewing Centre with her voucher shortly.

Marilyn, Di and Julie handing over the last of the Breastscreen quilts. Although the Breast Cancer Awareness fabric was donated, the ladies making the quilt tops added fabric, thread, wadding and backings of their own. And Di quilted each one. Well done to all sewers and helpers.

The ladies from Breastscreen were delighted with the quilts. They assured us that they always have positive comments from clients about the quilts hanging in their foyer and everyone wants to win the quilt that is being raffled. They are producing an article about the quilts for a national health magazine that they hope will raise the profile of Breastscreen as well as giving BBQ a little plug.

Marilyn went to Lord Howe Island and came back with this colourful painted apron after taking part in a workshop. This, along with the superb snorkeling, was the highlight of the trip.

Iris has decided to stop buying fabric and use up all her scraps. This little scrappy quilt has a farm theme with flowers and fruit and roosters and even potatoes! It goes to some little relatives so they will stop fighting over the one she has already made for them.

Marlena has used the Pellon 821 On-Point grid to easily sew up this table runner and matching placemats. The whole project was apparently sewn in just 1 hour (That is "Marlena sewing time".) but just look at how accurate those corners are. 

Marilyn is very happy with the quilting Di has just completed on this quilt. Marilyn started this at last year's retreat (or maybe the year before) and was going to make a big quilt but ran out of fabric as well as steam. The golden quilted feathers certainly add to the 'olde world' effect.

Three weeks away

Patchwork mornings still went on while the blogperson had a little holiday. (It is good to know that not completely everything shuts up shop while I'm away!) But there was one week that nothing was brought in for Show and Tell (Suffering post-fair blues apparently) and one week where no reliable photographer could be found. (Despite the photographs appearing here sometimes needing major photographic advice.)
But here are some of the articles that have been shown in the past three weeks.

Kaye made this quilt (with a little assistance from daughter-in-law, Michelle) for her son Graham.
The colours were inspired by his classic yellow Monaro which is garaged within the house.

Marlena was the first to finish her Mariners Compass from the paper piecing workshop with
Margaret from Patchwork Paradise. She made it into a handy block carrier folder. 

The matching fabric cushions were made by Marlena to go with the quilt below.
One is a large Drunkards Path and the other a Disappearing 9-patch.

The Drunkards Path quilt was put together in a different pattern to the cushion.
This pattern meant that no seams have to match up. Good thinking Marlena!

June's very quick Bricks and Stepping Stones BomB. We think they look great.
They were won by Cheryl. Let's hope she likes earthy colours!

Anne has made this tablecloth using a Map of the World panel. Let's just hope she has a
better map to find the way on her road trip through the Americas. Happy travelling Anne.

Anne was the winner of the May BomB and has pieced the Reverse Applique Hibiscus
into a colourful tablecloth.

The March Bomb was won by Robyn and she has pieced the chevrons together.
Borders will be added and it will be made into a lap quilt for herself to
 keep in memory of Jan who had suggested the pattern.

Quilt and Craft Fair

Well after months of preparation and anticipation, it is all over. Sorry you missed it as it was a great couple of days of fabric, quilts, machines, raffles and prizes, seeing the new and trending directions in sewing craft and a mind blowing plethora of ideas and things to add to the wish list. Over 400 people visited over the two days - although maybe the election was a bigger drawcard than us on Saturday!

A couple of early shots of the hall.

And one of some smiling and welcoming rostered door and raffle people.

Here are some shots of the quilt display which brought some stunning comments. Yes, even the early quilts. (They were pretty good quilts really!)

And here are some shots of the various trader tables - except we forgot to photograph the Red Bus! How could we forget the Red Bus? Luckily the shoppers didn't forget them! And no photos of Lizzie either, sorry.

Mackay Sewing Centre

Molly Dooks

Sew Patch and Quilt

BBQ members items and gifts

Old Willow Cottage

Sew and Patch

Needleworx

The wonderful lucky door prize was taken away by a very excited visitor who had a 23 year old machine which needed replacing.

The challenge blocks all looked very modern and colourful. Congratulations to first, second and viewer's choice winners.

The demonstrations were very popular. This is the end of the Paper Piecing one given by Marg of the Red Bus where some people stayed on to keep asking questions.

Thanks to members of the club who rallied to help out with this great event. But it was really Di Hope's baby. Thanks for everything Di. Hope you feel pleased at the result.