2010 Event Reviews:Please either click links below or scroll down page to read reviews Talk by Paula Ozier - by Neredah The National Quilt Championships - by Jill June Meeting - by Angela Angela Madden Workshop - by Brenda May Meeting - by Margaret April Meeting - by Pat Quilts 1700 - 2010 at the Victoria and Albert Museum - by Joyce London Quilters' Exhibition - by Joyce March Meeting - by Joyce February Meeting (A Hive of Industry) - by Brenda Dyeing Workshop - by Gemma Ardingly - by Linda January Meeting - by Pat In the Beginning - by Barbara Mekong Quilts - by Eileen Talk by Paula Ozier - by Neredah At the July
meeting of Shirley Quilters, we welcomed textile designer, Paula Ozier, of
Paula Ozier Designs. Paula trained in
textile design at Leeds University but, when work in that field proved
difficult to find, she trained as a teacher.
Having spent the past five years teaching Textiles in a challenging north
London Comprehensive, Paula felt in need for a change of direction. Her interest in stitch and quilting,
combined with occasional frustration at not being able to find just the right
fabric for her own projects, prompted Paula and her sister to launch their own
company in 2009. Michelle lives and
works in Shanghai, running a manufacturing consultancy business, so is able to
source good quality cotton patchwork material and arrange the printing
process. Paula creates the designs in
the UK then emails them to Michelle who arranges for samples to be produced
followed by the printing run. The designs
are digitally printed onto the fabric which, although a more expensive way of
producing fabric designs than the traditional method with plates, enables small
quantities of fabric to be produced while the business is in its infancy. I met
Paula in May when she was trading at Wimbledon Quilters’ exhibition, so already
have my little stash of elephant fabrics to turn into a masterpiece at some
point and I did notice some retail therapy taking place after Paula’s talk, so
I won’t be the only one! Her designs are
very eye catching and particularly suitable for children’s quilts and
projects. If you are planning a trip to
the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham in August, look out for Paula’s stand
where she will have a wider range of both her fabrics and hand stitched
products and where she will be launching some new design
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I visited The National Quilt Championships at Sandown last week with some quilting friends. The choice of fabric from the traders was very enticing. Every type of accessory was available from needles to the latest sewing machines. We spent an enjoyable time looking at the quilts. There were eleven competitive categories and the championship winner was a Christening Gown by Jacquie Harvey in the Wearable Art category. There was also the Batik Beauties Competition, then the Autumn 2009 and Spring 2010 Festival Challenge and the Terrance Challenge. There were eleven other feature displays, including Barbados Beckons, a very colourful display. Sadly this exhibition in Barbados was cancelled. Beckenham Quilters - 30 Years and Still Going Strong - was featured with many of their early quilts. It was an enjoyable visit with easy free parking and with good weather, a picnic lunch in the stands overlooking the race course.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our June meeting started off with the business of the Annual General Meeting. Linda reported on our activities over the past year, reminding us of the various projects, speakers, and “members own” sessions we had had. To name just a few projects – the group quilt raffled to raise money for the Baby Café in Addiscombe (and the other floor quilts we made for them) and the culmination of the 12 months’ effort of individual members taking part in making their own mystery quilts. It was good to have a reminder of just how much we had taken part in over the past year. The number of people paying for annual membership had increased over the previous year and our web site has had quite a number of international hits and contacts. All in all, a successful year! Then on to Jackie for her Treasurer’s report and re-election for another term of office. The date of the next AGM is planned for 17th May 2011. Now on to the practical part of the evening:
It was another busy and enjoyable meeting – thanks to all the hard work and planning by the committee.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We were a small group on Saturday for Angela Madden's workshop on Five Dot Flowers, but that meant that we had really individual attention. I can only say to those of you who didn't come that you missed a treat. I have always considered myself useless at designing but in no time at all I was designing with ease. With her simple method there is no limit to the variety and complexity of the designs, from the very simple (mine) to the amazing (Angela's). I still couldn't see how it all went together, but all was revealed later - very clever. We also picked up some very useful tips along the way. I have turned my somewhat large flower into a bag, but should the others finish what they were doing there should be some interesting results. I also purchased Angela's Celtic Masterclass DVD and can't wait to have a go. Her two main principles are "quick" and "easy". I like that.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The evening was opened by Brenda with apologies from Linda who was unable to be there. The notices included information about various coming events and exhibitions. There is a Saturday workshop with Angela Madden on June 12th which still has places available. We were also told about a new 2012 Olympic Games project. It is planned to give each participating nation a quilt, and Shirley Quilters have registered to make one. More details will follow at a later date. The theme for the evening was quick and easy “mini-makes”, which could be sold at the forthcoming exhibition in October. Eileen, Brenda, Jan and Angela gave us lots of ideas which included pincushions, phone covers, glasses cases, coasters and a travel sewing kit. There was also a child’s bag and a lovely hanging Christmas Tree. After a break for tea and chat, the final thing to do was the “Block Exchange”. Anyone who made a 12” block of their choice exchanged it with someone elses. Now the plan is to make them into items to sell. If all the above comes to fruition, we should have a wonderful sales table in October.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I arrived on the evening
expecting to hear from Carolyn Forster on her quilting experiences over the
years which she had very aptly titled “How I Got Here” which is exactly what
she was unable to do. Due to the Icelandic volcano eruption and the air flight
restrictions Carolyn was stranded in Linda opened the meeting
explaining what had happened to Carolyn and continued by giving us a revised
itinerary for the evening. We had numerous visitors attending the evening, so
well done Linda and her Helpers for organising a fun filled evening at such
short notice. Eileen and Linda had
contacted as many members as possible via e-mail or telephone, asking us to
bring items for a show and tell, the following are some of these - landscapes,
machine embroidery, hand dyed samples, quilts made from hand dyeing, folded
manipulated samples from a recent workshop, hand embroidery purchased in the
U.S.A. sheep quilt and the farm quilt made for William. After refreshments and
various conversations with familiar and unfamiliar faces a 14 question quiz had
been organised on the topic of quilting and sewing, the answers to some of
these then produced several debates. QUILTS
1700-2010 at the Victoria and Albert Museum - by Joyce Yesterday
I went with a friend to this exhibition and spent an inspiring two and a half
hours looking at all these wonderful quilts. There
were nearly 100 from bedhangings and silk coverlets [a quilt without the
wadding] to recent reinventions by current artists. The
quilts were arranged in the following themes: The Domestic Landscape; Private
Thoughts; Political Debates; Virtue and Virtuosity; Making a Living and Meeting
The Past. Many used recycled fabrics, eg. blackout curtains, discarded soldiers
uniforms, woollen clothing, tailoring offcuts , children's clothing. I
particularly liked the silk and chintz ones because they had such a lovely
sheen. I think I will have to investigate silk in my next quilt! Some were
hung and some draped over beds. These were sidelit which showed off the
sculpural effect of the quilting really well and looked so inviting I wanted to
creep under for a snooze! All the
early quilts were handpieced with tiny stitches and some of the designs
reminded me of the patterns we use today. The design principal of light against
dark was used to good effect. Biblical
texts were embroidered onto coverlets given to hospital patients to give
comfort and hope, the text often ran sideways so that other patients could read
it as well. A
10-yearold had embroidered a map, providing a geography lesson at the
same time! Several
had printed panels in the centre celebrating military victories and
coronations. One had an appliqued centre showing George 3rd reviewing the
troops and round the outside were small vignettes often showing a small
red-haired figure alongside the soldiers and sailors. Probably a self-portrait
of the quilt-maker and showing loyalty to the crown. There was
quite a contrast between quilts made to give comfort, warmth and security
and those made by tailors to commemorate feats of engineering,military history
etc. which had a flat unquilted surface and had been designed to be hung to
promote patriotism and heroism. Modern
pieces included "Whispers" by Nina Saunders. A victorian sewingbox,
open, with tiny dolls' limbs reaching out. This was a memorial to lost
childhood in response to a visit to the Foundling Hospital. Grayson Perry used
the traditional tumbling blocks pattern associated with homeliness and
tradition but overlaid with another image associated with the hot topic in
biblebelt America of abortion. It contrasted the comfort usually associated
with quilts with radical political commentary. I seem to
be ending on a rather gloomy note but it was a lovely exhibition with some
gorgeous fabrics. I was surprised to see shiney and glittery fabrics being used
as early as the 18th century. Plenty of
oportunity for retail therapy as you leave, the V and A , in conjunction with
Liberty's have produced a limited edition range of 18 fabrics. Do go if
you can, you won't be dissappointed, it finishes 4th July 2010. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- London Quilters' Exhibition - by Joyce Swiss
Cottage library, 88 Avenue Rd., NW3 3HA I also
went to this exhibiton,60 beautiful quilts in a spacious gallery with lots
of interesting ideas and approaches. Also included was the Camden Quilt made as
a group project by Westminster Kingsway College. Easy to
get to...Jubilee line from London Bridge, leave by the "west" exit
and the library is almost next to the station. exhibiton
finishes 29th May 2010
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brenda introduced the evening because our chair, Linda, was held up in yet another traffic jam due to roadworks in Croydon!
Several ladies showed recent projects they had completed. Mostly
quilts, one using fabrics from our dyeing workshop, but also a bag made
from an offcut of furnishing fabric, a useful source of heavier fabric
for bags etc.
Jo Baddeley, from
Puddleducks in Sevenoaks, our speaker for the
evening had brought some lovely fabrics to tempt us, charm squares,
layer cake,; fat quarters, jellyrolls etc. and some pattern packs.
She then demonstrated how to use a charm square pack to make a
tablerunner. The design was based on a ninepatch with a star in the
middle. She explained very clearly how to measure and cut the star and
I found this particularly helpful since being relatively new to
quilting I have mostly only worked with squares and rectangles. I now
know what to do with the batiks charm squares pack I've had in my
cupboard for three years waiting for inspiration but not wanting to
waste it on something I'm not pleased with. Sounds familiar??!!
The rest of the evening was spent in retail therapy buying some of
Jo's lovely fabrics and chatting to others mostly about quilting
matters, or just catching up on each other's news.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- February Meeting (A Hive of Industry) - by Brenda On a cold and wet evening it was wonderful to see that so many Shirley Quilters had braved the elements. It was also nice to see some new faces, hopefully they enjoyed the evening and will come again.The evening began with a show of all the dyed materials from the Saturday workshop, a rainbow of colours soon brightened up the stage. Linda explained the two projects for the evening - cutting strips to make the blocks for our raffle quilt and making bunting, both of which will be on display at our exhibition in October. Jan then explained the block exchange - make any twelve and a half inch block, swap it in May and then hopefully make something with it. Another item for the exhibition? Then work began. There was a riot of colour as everyone produced material for the bunting, obviously the brighter the better. As soon as pieces were cut the sewing machines were off stitching, others were trimming and piles of bunting pieces quickly grew. These were sewn onto tape and from the look of the pieces still remaining we will be able to decorate half of Shirley! Those not employed on bunting were busy cutting up jelly-roll fabric for the quilt blocks. These were then bagged up ready to be taken home by members to be completed. What a hive of industry, as someone remarked "It's like a scene from The Rag Trade", remember that? At the tea break there was still some of the Shirley Quilters' birthday cake for those who were not at last month's meeting. Margaret won the prize for trying to name the quilt blocks on the cake. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dyeing Workshop with Neredah and Barbara – by Gemma On Saturday 6th
February 2010 a group of Shirley Quilters took part in a dyeing workshop led by
Neredah and Barbara. We learnt a number of techniques including dyeing in a
bag, tray dyeing and tie dye, all using Procion dyes to create interesting and
exciting patterns on fabric. We were also shown how we could use some of these
fabrics by admiring Barbara and Neredah’s wonderful stitched creations. It’s
amazing how different patterns can be created simply by folding, tying with
string or thread, using buttons and printed fabric. Everyone really enjoyed the
day, even if there were a few stained hands afterwards! Although I am
not a member of Shirley Quilters myself, I have visited a few times and
everyone is always very welcoming and friendly.
As an A Level student studying
graphic design and textiles, I found learning about the processes very
beneficial, as I will now be able to use dyeing in my future work. It was also
particularly nice to talk to people who are also enthusiastic about textiles. All in all,
it was a great day and a fun way to spend a Saturday and I am sure we would all
like to say a big thank you to Neredah and Barbara! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I had not been to the Ardingly quilt show for several years and was looking forward to a good day out. I was not disappointed. There was a great buzz about the place with a full complement of traders and a wonderful selection of quilts on show. It was lovely to see the work of Pat Deacon at such close range. I found the “World of Inspiration” quilts of Patricia Archibald very inspiring, especially her use of colour and the addition of metallic threads which made each piece cry out to be noticed, even though in some the colours used were very subtle. The work of Roy Dickinson was new to me and his “Engineering Quilts” were certainly something different. He had risen to the challenge of depicting some difficult pictorial subjects, incorporating 3D elements. It was lovely to see the selection of quilts from Beckenham Quilters who are celebrating thirty years as a quilt group. It was quite poignant to see the photos of past members and realise how many friends have been lost, but not forgotten. I finished the day with a good long look at the traders stalls and yes, I did spend money as well. There’s nothing like returning home with some delicious fabrics to cherish or maybe to use one day! There was certainly enough inspiration to keep me going for a while. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At
January’s meeting we celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Shirley
Quilters. I was asked (as a newcomer) to write a few words on my view of the
club. I
have found meetings with visiting speakers very interesting and informative. I
especially enjoy the group activities when I have had more chance to get to
know members and share their enthusiasm for our craft. I find the club very relaxed, informal and welcoming and look forward to sharing a cake at the 20th Anniversary! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello Shirley
Quilters. On our tenth
Anniversary and as a previous Chairman, I would like to share my memories of
the early days …….. On that
opening night, I remember walking into Shirley Methodist Church with my friend
and neighbour, Anne, both of us a little apprehensive. We joined about 70 people and all of us sat
around the outer edges of the middle hall.
Facing us was our committee – Ruth (Chair), Gwen (Treasurer), Moira
(secretary), Julie (Catering) and Bina. Today, Gwen
is still a member and Bina, now having a lovely son, joins us when she is
able. On that first
night I remember Moira taking a lot of photos – did anyone see them? I never did!
Ruth stood and did the usual opening speech about the aims of the group
and how the committee had formed from a class at South Norwood Adult Education
Centre. My next clear memory is of Ruth
saying, “will all those who are beginners come with me into the rear hall and
those who have experience remain here.”
Anne and I, who were also in classes at the South Norwood Adult
Education Centre, stayed seated. There
was a lot of hustle and bustle and, suddenly, the hall was all but empty! In the other room there was a great deal of
activity while the remainder of us, about 15, quietly sat and stared at each other! For several
meetings Ruth’s classes continued, with members learning a lot and Ruth looking
very weary. Those with experience
brought their own work in, shared knowledge and generally socialised. Eventually, we took over our present hall and
settled down into the group we are today.
Our membership floats round 40 in number and many are very clever and
experienced quilters. We exhibit our quilts, members give workshops and well
known quilters are invited to talk or give instruction days. Congratulations
to the group on our 10th Birthday – long may we continue!
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Whilst strolling through the streets of Saigon (Ho chi Minh),
looking for somewhere to have an evening meal, I came across a shop “Vietnamese
Quilts”. Food was put to the back of my
mind as we went in (“we” being husband and myself). Beautiful quilts adorned the walls, cushions,
bags, Christmas decorations and other small items filled the shelves. The assistant was on her own at the time and
somewhat busy. I did, however, have a
Shirley Quilters card in my purse which I left with her saying I would return
the following day. After a full day out, my husband and I returned to the shop
in the evening and had a very interesting conversation with Giselle, an
Australian, who runs the shop and deals with the general co-ordination. Mekong Quilts is a Community Development, Non–Profit Organisation. In the remote villages of Vietnam and Cambodia there is a great deal of poverty. The aim of this Organisation is to train a few women to sew, make quilts and small gift items. Quilting is ideal employment for these women as it is not difficult to learn. Once trained, the women then go back to their villages and teach others and they work together as a group. All materials required by the groups are provided by the organisers. The
finished items are them taken back to the main shops and sold either through
the shops, at various fairs or via the internet. Proceeds from the sale of the goods are used to support
community development projects in Vietnam and Cambodia. The main focus of Mekong Quilts is to
increase the incomes of families and improve conditions for the children
living in these villages. |