Two New Quilting Books for My Collection

I love collecting books on patchwork and quilting - but even better when they also have a connection to my other passions: history and Jane Austen!

The first book was sent to me by Helen Bertram of Whitecroft Traditional Tours from England via Royal Mail.  It is called "Jane Austen Quilts: Inspired by Her Novels" by Karen Gloeggler.  Thanks so much Helen.

                                   

The second book is called "The 1718 Coverlet" by Susan Briscoe.  This book includes patterns to recreate the 69 blocks contained in the oldest dated piece of patchwork in Great Britain.  Wow, this silk coverlet was made fifty years before Captain Cook discovered the east coast of Australia!

I purchased this book from Kathy at The Stitchers' Cupboard in Camden.

I am looking forward to having time over the long weekend to take a look inside both of these great new books.

Karen's "Pineapples"

We have been working on Karen's pineapple quilt design in Tuesday class at Pioneer Patchwork.

Here are the blocks all sewn together.  Now for the borders....  Looks great.

Monday Class at The Stitchers' Cupboard

Here are some photos of the work being done in my regular Monday class:

First, this is Maria's gorgeous "Pemberley" quilt centre in dramatic red, black, blue and grey fabrics.

This is Julie's lovely applecore cushion:

Michelle and Kelly started a new project.  It is Sue Daley's "Antique Sampler" pattern.  Here is Michelle's first scalloped applique square.

What Have I Been Sewing Lately?

I have been able to get a lot of designing work done over the last few weeks.  

I have just finished a new cushion featuring fussy cutting to present at the next Hobbysew Retreat to be held in March 2015 at the Stanwell Tops Conference Centre.  Here are a couple of stars from the project.

I have been doing a lot of paper foundation piecing to create a pickle dish quilt (like a double wedding ring design but with spiked arcs) in lots of different colours and fabrics.

I have also completed the centre segment for "Lambton" which will be the seventh quilt in my Jane Austen Quilt Collection.  I am keeping this one under wraps for the moment.

This weekend I have been designing and working on a machine applique quilt featuring flower and paisley shapes.  The centre block is finished and bordered in a fabric I purchased in Houston at the Quilt Show three years ago.  Now working on the next order.  Here is a peek.

Jane Austen 2015 Tour Now Booked Out

I am delighted that the tour for next year is now fully booked.

If you missed out, don't forget to put your name down on the Expression of Interest List for the September 2017 tour with Whitecroft Traditional Tours, link to website tab at the top of this page.

"Pemberley" Showcase

Here are some lovely photos from yesterday's "Pemberley" class at The Stitchers Cupboard.

The ladies have been working very, very hard between classes and have achieved some spectacular results.

Here is Lynne's centre in soft, lacy fabrics.  Gorgeous, gorgeous work!

Here are some close ups...

This is Kerry's spectacular autumn version in orange, gold, blue and green.

I am so pleased the ladies are enjoying the journey.  More photos to come.

Michelle's "Florentine" and Kylie's "Longbourne"

Michelle forgot she had finished this quilt and put it away in the cupboard.  All it needs is the binding!

This is one of my machine applique and machine pieced combo quilt designs, with a touch of hand embroidery.

Michelle's quilt is spectacular in rich autumn colours and gorgeous fabrics.

I love it.

Kylie has been working hard on her "Longbourne" quilt (only interrupted by a Mediterranean holiday!)

We were choosing the fabric colour for her large hexagons to go on...

Pale greeny cream?

Or gold?

We chose the second option.

Here is her yummy selection of one inch hexies....

Precious Jane Austen Gift

I am a lucky girl!

Look at what my lovely friend, Jan, brought back for me from England?

It is the catalogue booklet from Chawton!!!

Look at this hilarious card...

Thank you so much, Jan.  I love it.

Beautiful "Longbourne" Work

My ladies at Pioneer Patchwork have been working hard on the large centre applique for their "Longburne" quilts.

This is the centre of Regina's quilt with some spectacular fussy cutting from a magnificent fabric featuring large flowers. It looks absolutely gorgeous.

This is Shirley's very beautiful version in rich colours of mustard, brown, red, pink and blue.

This is Kylie's lovely centre, complete with the first border in pretty purple.

Here are some close ups:

Well done ladies, I am looking forward to seeing more.

Regular Classes at The Stitcher's Cupboard in 2015

Following is a list of regular classes I will be teaching at The Stitcher's Cupboard in Argyle Street, Camden in 2015.

The format of these classes will be a "sit and sew" arrangement, where students can choose any of the quilts or smaller projects in my portfolio (excluding the Jane Austen Quilt Collection and new workshop quilts).  Ladies can also work from a book or pattern of their choice and receive individual guidance.

Students will all be working on different projects to cater to all skill levels.  These groups are very rewarding as ladies often become good friends and we are doing a craft we love while sharing our lives.

Here are the dates.  Please phone Kathy at the shop on 
4655 8348 for more enquiries.

Weekly Monday Morning: 10am to 1pm

Weekly Tuesday Afternoon: 2pm to 5pm

Monthly Thursday: the fourth Thursday of each month 10am to 4pm

Monthly Friday: the third Friday of each month
10am to 4pm

My Richmond Ladies Excel

I have been teaching the "Richmond Stitchers" for ten years now.  They do fabulous work inside and outside class.

Here is Mary's version of my X-Blocks quilt called "Fairy Floss".  Great to see it in different fabrics.  Mary said she found these in the cupboard.  All quilted as well.  Looks great.

Here is Judy's magnificent version of "Josephine" in aboriginal prints.  Wow!  Looks so good.  The red really pops. The border print features bush potatoes.

Then here is Judy's Applecore cushion in lovely reproduction fabrics to match a quilt she has made.






This is Karol's beautiful version in reds, blues and creams. So different and lovely.

Love you girls!

More Lovely Class Work

Here is some of the work being achieved in my classes this week.

Here is Jenny's lovely "Pemberley" centre applique oval medallion.  I think it looks awesome.

This is Sharon's "Hunsford" quilt, nearly finished.  She has done a beautiful job, as usual.

Robin completed her "Fleur" quilt today.  It is very beautiful in rich autumnal colours.

I have been guiding Karen in making a quilt from one of my favourites: the pineapple block.  Here are her blocks laid out in preparation for joining together.  It is going to be stunning! We have plans for a flying geese border.