Patchwork On Parade

Check out 2011

2012-01-23T22:19:00.002+10:30

I've just written my first blog for 2012 - please click here to see what I've been up to and bookmark my Wordpress blog. Thanks so much!

Latest Post

2011-06-12T21:25:00.001+09:30

Please click on this link to check out all the photos from the Mannum Retreat.

My new blog and link

2011-03-27T21:15:00.003+10:30

For the past 12 months I have been going through the process of revamping my website and adding an online store which will have new products added regularly. The impetus behind the decision to have this store is our fantastic range of quilt totes that are a Godsend to longarm quilters to present finished quilts to customers! I have moved my blog to my website and am now operating in Wordpress and I use the term operating very loosely!!! It is yet another rather large learning curve and I hope it will all fall into place in the near future. Please visit my new blog and check back regularly for news and whilst you're there check the Tips & Techniques - enjoy!

Quilting Retreats

2011-02-24T22:32:00.002+10:30

The information for our first retreats for the year can be found by following this link . There are only 3 vacancies on the first retreat and 5 on the second. A fabulous time awaits you - book now to avoid disappointment.

Final quilts before holiday

2010-04-10T15:19:00.006+09:30

It was difficult to get a decent photo of the quilt below - it was all flannel, beautifully pieced and appliqued. A little challenging coming up with a design but Carolyn, the owner, was very happy.
This was the centre panel in the quilt.

This quilt also belongs to Carolyn - it was the last of 4 quilts that I had quilted and bound for her. They really were a pleasure to do, all so totally different. As well as the 2 shown here there was a Mariners Compass and Applique for Annaliese which I had McTavished and posted photos a few months ago. This butterfly quilt was pieced by my friend Jan for her daughter's friend - lucky friend I say! Beautifully pieced and appliqued - I feel very privileged when I get such great quilts to do. Pattern is Springtime (Timeless Quilting Design)
Speaking of beautifully pieced quilts - the next 2 belong to Anne - her quilts are always a dream to do. No loose threads, beautifully pieced, pressed and always square. My only hope is that she keeps quilting - as I'm sure all the "babies" must have quilts by now. I wasn't really sure what pattern to put on the first one and then came across Plaza (Lorien quilting).....perfect!

This also has Springtime on it.

I really had a dream run during the last week before my holidays as this was also a gorgeous quilt to do - so pretty and feminine. This was for a new customer of mine and she must have been happy with it as she's given me 2 more - thanks Bernadette!

That's it for now. The next quilts that I'll post on here will be those quilted by "magicians" - the fantastic work that I'll get to see at MQX (Machine Quilters' Exposition) in Providence, Rhode Island, USA - 4 days and counting.

Hello! What's this?

2010-04-10T14:59:00.005+09:30

Yes! My case has arrived, intact! I want to know if Qantas have registered my case as a Frequent Flyer and added points to my account - not much chance of that. They did however give me 100USD to buy, wait for it.......a toothbrush. Some toothbrush for 100 but who am I to argue.
Needless to say, I'm a happy camper now. Have all my props for my classes, my notes are completed and I'm ready........also have the bottle of Rescue Remedy to calm the nerves:-)

MQX here we come - hopefully with all luggage this time!!

Have you seen this case?

2010-04-09T03:44:00.005+09:30

No, neither have I!! Can you believe that I landed in San Francisco sans case? Seriously, I couldn't believe it. All my "props" for my classes are in my case, along with everything else. I had everything for my class in my carryon bag and then thought "no, I'll put all of that in my luggage, save carrying it".......moron, that I am!!!! Luckily I have all the class notes on my laptop and USBs.

Those that know me well will me laughing up their sleeves! I have this idiosyncrasy.....I won't wear the same clothing 2 days in a row - or even the same thing in a week. Needless to say there are always some stressful moments at the airport baggage counters!!! It was a novel way to get into Tony's pants :-) I'm wearing his jocks and his T-shirt - which is a little embarassing as they almost don't fit!!!

I've just this second had a call from the SF airport to say "said case" should be on United Airlines Flight 870......SHOULD BE!!!!!! I almost shouted into the phone. It's a very odd feeling to arrive somewhere without all your belongings. There is one thought I can't dismiss from mind, my VBF, Caz, went overseas to Sweden and her luggage didn't arrive with her either - she got it back 4 weeks after she returned back home! I hope that scenario doesn't occur here.

I do realise that there are much worse things that happen but everything is relevant - and this is relevant to me!

Mannum Retreat

2010-03-31T22:24:00.006+10:30

Four years ago when Shontelle & I commenced our longarm machine quilting business I had no idea where it would lead us. I have met so many gorgeous people and feel tremendously blessed to have you in my life and share the experiences that we have had. I thank each and everyone of you for supporting us and sharing the fun and learning that our retreats provide, I know Shonny feels the same.

This retreat wrap up is a little more timely than the last and I hope you enjoy looking at our "weekend". I always seem to be doing something other than taking photos and wish that I had more time and could remember to get the camera out! We really must remember to take a photo of Leon (my Rav4) packed to capacity with the trailer following along behind - many times I get a glimpse of something blue in the rearview mirror and think "who's that sitting on my backside?" Then I remember it's the trailer with the blue tarp!!

This is one of the kits that Shonny prepared - she loves this fabric so much, Moda Garden Party, that she told everyone she wanted to "lick it"! The kits looked so pretty.

The photo below is of the gift bags, lined up and ready to be given to the "retreaters". They are sold as lunch bags - they have a place inside to hold your bottle of water and are made completely from recycled bottles. We filled them with toiletries and choccies - they go well together :-)

The girls busy sewing - it was so hard to drag them away from their work....even to eat!!

Celine began piecing her quilt, Jelly Stars, at the Wallaroo retreat and was so proud that she finally has something to show for her hard work - great job Celine! I was delighted to hear the musical notes played by the majestic paddle steamer, Murray Princess, and raced (well waddled) down to the riverbank to take this snapshot - it was so beautiful.
Barb & I were sitting outside late at night having a milo when we were surprised by this little brush tailed possum - I was tickled pink that I managed to get this photo, he is SUPER CUTE or what?

Once everyone had left we packed up and headed home with a stop at Birdwood Pizza Bar for the best pizza we have ever eaten. On arriving home, absolutely exhausted, I walked into the bedroom to this..........my husband had the washing done and folded and had placed Cadbury chocolate Bunnies all over the bed. I'm a very lucky girl.

Australian Machine Quilting Festival

2010-03-23T19:02:00.003+10:30

A few weeks ago I alluded to some exciting news that I'd be able to share in the near future. Well that time has arrived - it actually arrived a few weeks ago but at the moment I'm very time poor!!

The very first Australian Machine Quilting Festival will be held at Endeavour College, Mawson Lakes, South Australia from 1st - 4th October 2010. This is a very exciting opportunity for machine quilters in our Country, previously the only way we could access a show such as this was to travel to the United States.

It's going to be fantastic with National and International teachers, a Machine Quilting Show, Vendor Mall and Banquet - don't miss the fun. There will be classes for piecing, colouring, quilting on a domestic sewing machine, quilting on a longarm.

One of my very favourite teachers, Kimmy Brunner, is coming and take it from me she is fantastic! She is so funny and her teaching method is second to none. I was so feather challenged until I took a class with Kimmy and now there's no looking back!

For more information go to www.amqfestival.com.au or you can email me at quilting@patchworkonparade.com.au

Hope to see you there!!!

Very late Retreat Wrap-up

2010-03-12T23:55:00.008+10:30

How slack am I? I can't believe this time 2 weeks ago we were away on the "Wallaroo Retreat". Special thanks to all the girls for making it such a fabulous weekend - we certainly couldn't do it without such an absolutely lovely group!!

I'd like to apologise at this point for not having a photo of everybody, we'll have to get organised and take a Group Shot in future and my aim is to take more photos.

The first is of Kris who I admire for so many reasons! This is a quilt that she pieced and then freemotion quilted - as a longarm quilter I find this skill amazing. Great job Kris!
The next is a photo of Lorraine who managed to complete 2 projects - Oh yeah! she's an overachiever, there's one in every group. You are so special Lorraine, don't ever change!

The next is Jan, my friend from "across the road" whom left the State to move away from me. I'm so glad she travelled down from Queensland to attend the retreat and spend some time with me after - I miss you so much Jan! Jan is holding a gorgeous scrap bag that she makes and has just started selling them. If you're interested visit her blog http://niteowlquilter.blogspot.com

Jenni started this quilt on our June 09 retreat at Mannum - the colours are gorgeous and she was really happy with the finished project. Jenni spent the weekend helping her Mum, Diann, who is a new quilter and I have a feeling she's now hooked!!

Pam's quilt was also started at the Mannum 09 retreat, the fabrics are really lovely and Pam added extra sashing to hers which really set it off.

MaryAnne also completed this at Mannum - it was one of 2 that she finished that weekend. She is now busy working on Jane Says - her choice of project at Wallaroo.

The next is Vicki - what can I say about her??? She is such a joy and makes me laugh all the time. Vicki made the bag she is proudly showing - it was like something out of Mary Poppins! You'd never believe what she had in that bag, it was amazing. Who takes 5 pairs of bras away on a 3 day weekend......with women!!!!

The photo below is 3 generations! Me, my beautiful daughter, Shontelle, and my incredible Mum, Mavis. We make a great team and I can't tell you how proud I am that they are mine! Shontelle is just amazing in so many ways and Mum....well what can I say. Mum will be 81 on March 22nd and she cooked treats for us for weeks leading up to the retreat and worked like a "navvy" all weekend.

Once everything was packed up, cleaned up, and put away there was no way we were getting our own dinner. Here we are having a fish & chip TV dinner. Here's to each and everyone of you that once again made our Wallaroo Retreat such a success......Cheers!!!

Shontelle has created a new blog dedicated to our retreats. Please visit http://quiltretreats.blogspot.com

Hiho, hiho, it's off to the Retreat we go!

2010-02-24T19:38:00.002+10:30

I'm feeling guilty as I haven't posted for 5 weeks - some blogger I am!!! I have been flat out like a lizard drinking getting ready for retreat. Quilting, Shopping, Admin, you name it I've been doing it. One thing I haven't been doing is cooking or housework, that's what husbands are for isn't it?

I promise to have fantastic photos from the Retreat and recent quilts that I have done once I return.

Also, I have some AMAZINGLY INCREDIBLE news to share.......but not quite yet. Stay tuned - it'll seriously rock your socks off!!!!!!

Year to Date-Lots of photos

2010-01-22T23:13:00.008+10:30

If you'd read my last post I was going on holiday to my Mums'. I'd intended to do a lot of sewing and complete some UFO's. Well....as the saying goes...."best laid plans of mice and men often go awry". Who left their 1/4 inch foot at home, yes, it was me. So, I'd laid out my Carpenters Star - took me about an hour and then couldn't sew it together!! Yes, I have noticed that I have one block the wrong way. My consolation came in the form of my precious granddaughter, Scarlett. Mum and I got to look after her while her Mama designed and pieced a quilt for our upcoming retreat - this can be seen at http://sugarplumquilts.blogspot.com/2010/01/summer-retreat-projects-2010.html. This photo is my Mum bathing Scarlett in the laundry tub.

My holiday was over too soon - I'd intended to take 3 weeks but that didn't happen. Following are photos of the some of the quilts that I have done so far. The first, is a Jelly Roll pattern using Rounneries fabric from Moda. The quilt belongs to Lucie and it is always such a treat to do her quilts - beautifully pieced and she always chooses fabrics that appeal to my taste.

This one belongs to Vicki - it was a pattern that Shontelle taught at our last retreat - the pattern is an Irish chain with a gorgeous "sawtooth" border (unfortunately I didn't photograph that). The fabrics used are from the Gypsy Rose collection designed by Figtree Quilts for Moda. The quilting pattern is Blowing In The Wind by Irene Steel of Timeless Quilting Designs.

The following belongs to Cheryl - once again, beautifully pieced and I used Blowing In The Wind on this one also. Cheryl had done a really big favour for me in repiecing a difficult quilt and I was only too happy to do this in return for her work - I think I got the better deal!MaryAnn's quilt is a pattern from Debbie Maddy of Calico Carriage and we were given permission to teach this at one of our Workshops. The quilting pattern used was Swirl and Twirl from Lorien Digital Patterns.

How cute is this quilt? This was made by Erica for her new grandson, Toby, who entered the world a few days after the quilt was delivered. I was a little worried about quilting on the Chenille but the A1 handled it beautifully. The pattern used is Double Bubble, once again from Lorien.I just love these fabrics, the colours are so fresh. Fabrics were purchased from The Patchwork Apple and the quilting pattern is Daisies Galore from Jodi Beamish.

I'm not sure of the name of the pattern that I used on this quilt - I think it may be Apple Blossom. It was made by Anne for her nieces birthday - her family are very lucky because Anne has been so productive making quilts for her nieces and nephews and does a really lovely job!

Can you guess what this is???? It's one of my Toy Poodles, I have 3, this is Glamour - how cute is she? This is pretty much all she does - lays around on the back of the lounge all day like a Sloth - Oh, how I'd love her life!!!

Well Earned Rest

2009-12-29T23:14:00.002+10:30

I'm going on holiday tomorrow and I'm so looking forward to the break. I had intended to take 3 weeks off but I have a strong feeling "that just ain't gonna happen"!!! I'm going to spend a few days with my Mum at Wallaroo and we're both looking forward to some lovely time swimming and not doing too much else! Mum is 80 and can still swim like a fish and we both love the time together. I've also packed many UFO's and I may just get some sewing of my own done - that's a novel idea.

I'd like to wish everyone much love, health and blessings for 2010 and beyond.

Sew & Tell Friday - Posted Tuesday

2009-12-08T22:38:00.012+10:30

Hopefully you don't mind looking at lots of pictures. This is a selection of some of the quilts that I have done over the past few weeks. I only have 2 more custom to do before Christmas and then onto the 12 pantos - YAY!!

The first 2 photos are the front and back of a beautifully pieced colourful quilt. I used Daisies Galore (Jodi Beamish) and Superior Threads Joseph's Coat variegated thread.

This quilt was the 2nd of two the same that I have done for the same customer- showing both the front and back - it was a large quilt and I used the IQ for the borders - the rest was freehand (what a lot of work!).

This is a really pretty quilt featuring stitcheries (showing front & back). Once again I have stitched through the stitchery - IMO this gives a much more finished look. This customer was so patient and understanding waiting for her quilts (thanks Jill, your patience was greatly appreciated).

This Eskimo applique was also done by Jill - her work is really "spot on". I was a little challenged working out how to do it justice, I was happy with the results. (And yes, I did notice the bit I missed on her foot and I put it back on the machine and filled it in).

This also belongs to Jill and I love the effect of the simple piecing - I used Karen Thompson's (Intelligent Quilting) Roses on this. This quilt was taught in a "Civil War" class run by the Patchwork Apple and belongs to Vicki. (Great job Vicki - you are too hard on yourself - it was great to quilt!).

The following quilt belongs to Jann - she did this at Hetties Patch - it was a very large quilt (91x91) and Pretty Posies got another airing - I LOVE that panto! The quilt looks very elegant.

How cute are next 2 quilts? I was so excited doing these quilts - I love teddies. I would think about these quilts when I should've been sleeping and couldn't wait to get started on them. I think they are gorgeous. ( I wish they were mine!)

Thanks for looking - I hope you enjoyed the quilts. I've forgotten how to add links but if you're at all interested in the Patchwork Apple or Hetties Patch you can reach them through links on the homepage.

Sew & Tell Friday 3 - A little late!!!

2009-11-27T00:57:00.006+10:30

My weeks seem to be getting crazier by the day! The quilts that I've pictured were from last week as I simply haven't had time to take photographs of my work this week. Tony (DH) had shoulder surgery last week and I've had a rude awakening to how much he does to help me (not that I didn't know before)!

The first 2 photos are of a quilt from a new customer (Hi Wendy), beautifully pieced and I just loved the colours. The quilting pattern I used is from Timeless Quilting Designs and it's called Blowing in the Wind.

This next quilt is from one of my regular customers - I love doing her quilts - always beautifully pieced and her colour choices are just what I'd use. I used Pretty Posies on this quilt by Tammy Finkler - it's one of my favourites - I just love it.
The following quilt started as a kit (the centre) and was then added to enhanced as the process went on. This customer "caravans" around Australia and always manages to find interesting fabrics and uses the travel time to do her "handwork". The quilting pattern is Wandering Daisies by Jodi Beamish.

It never ceases to amaze me when chatting to clients just how small the world really is; the owner of this quilt, Janine, used to show dogs (as did I) and we know so many of the same people and it was great catching up on news. Janine is a new piecer and did a great job - it's a lovely fresh looking quilt and I used Blowing in the Wind of this one too.
The next 3 photos (of 2 quilts) are pieced from the Heritage Hexagon pattern that Shontelle designed and taught at the Mannum Retreat. I love this pattern and the fabrics used are just gorgeous. The first photo is of Judy's quilt and I used Trillium Leaf on this from Darlene Epp.

Pretty Posies has come to the party yet again and I used a light aubergine colour thread on this quilt and I was really happy with result. I felt quite attached to these 3 quilts as I watched Shontelle go through the process when she was designing and I really enjoyed seeing the quilts come together at the retreat. It was a privelege to quilt them - the piecing was fabulous!!
The last one for today is also from a new customer - she is self taught, never been to a class. Hats off to her I say - I'm such a visual learner I could never do it! I used Flirtatious on this quilt - it's not too busy and didn't take away from the applique at all. I used a very soft lilac thread and by choosing this colour it blended in the purple areas and also didn't look stark on the white.
Thanks for looking - please leave me a comment if you enjoyed them. Next week will be a viewing of Custom Quilting - that's all I have in my future at present - not really but at the moment it feels like it!! Stay tuned.

Wallaroo Retreat

2009-11-19T18:18:00.002+10:30

Patchwork on Parade and Sugarplum Quilts are excited to announce the details of our upcoming luxury Wallaroo Retreat!

Treat yourself to a little luxury with a fabulous weekend of sewing on the beautiful Copper Coast in South Australia. Imagine waking up by the beach, having a leisurely breakfast on your private verandah before strolling to the stately Wallaroo Town Hall to spend the day doing something you love. Tempting isn't it? Join us for three nights from Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th of February for a fantastic luxury retreat where you will not have to lift a finger except to sew, sew, sew!

Getting There - Wallaroo is an easy 2 hour drive from Adelaide up Port Wakefield Rd and then onto the Copper Coast Highway. Don't drive? No problem. We are happy to put you in touch with other retreaters to arrange car pooling and there is also a reasonably priced bus service to Wallaroo that runs twice daily.

Accommodation - We will be staying in 4 star self-contained beachside villas in the lovely seaside town of Wallaroo. Choose from either a beach front or pool side position. The villas all have a private verandah, two bedrooms (1QS bed, 2 singles - plus another trundle style single), fully equipped kitchen, dining and lounge area, bathroom, toilet and laundry. The villas are set in lovely grounds and there is a heated pool on site.

Catering - The weekend will be fully catered, including snacks and non-alcoholic drinks - except for Saturday night when we will be dining out at a waterfront restaurant. Let us know if you have any special dietary requirements - we are more than happy to accommodate you.

Sewing - We will be stitching the days away in the grand old Wallaroo Town Hall. There will be cutting and ironing stations set up and plenty of room to lay your quilts out. There is even a stage and a couple of pianos if anyone feels the need for some extra entertainment.

Projects - We will be teaching 2 projects or feel free to use the stress-free sewing time to finish off a few UFOs. The projects we will be teaching will both be made using Moda Jelly Rolls and some extra yardage (a Jelly Roll consists of 40 width of fabric strips) and we would love to put a kit together for you. Speak to me about the range of gorgeous fabrics I have in stock (including, Simple Abundance, Rouenneries, Aster Manor and more) and your specific fabric requirements. The projects will be announced in a couple of weeks - but trust us - they are gorgeous!

Don't Quilt? No problem, we are open to retreaters of all craft denominations - bring along your projects be they knitting, scrapbooking, card making or whatever and enjoy the time to create.

Shop - What is a quilting retreat without a bit of retail therapy? Patchwork on Parade will have a shop on site with a wide range of tempting fabrics, patterns, nifty notions, giftware and more.

Prices start from $398 per person all inclusive for Poolside Accommodation based on 4 share.

Contact me (Sharon) on 0411 268 924 for more information and to secure your booking.

Hope to see you there!

Mannum Retreat

2009-11-19T18:14:00.000+10:30

Patchwork on Parade and Sugarplum Quilts are excited to announce the details of our upcoming Mannum Retreat!

Take some time out to relax and do something that you love! Join us for a wonderful weekend of stitching in picturesque Mannum from Friday 26th - Sunday 28th of March where you will not have to lift a finger except to sew, sew, sew!

Getting There - Mannum is just over an hours drive from the Adelaide GPO and is situated on the Murray River. Don't drive? No problem - let us put you in touch with your fellow retreaters to arrange some car pooling.

Accommodation - We will be stitching in the historic "Pumphouse" situated in the grounds of the Mannum Caravan Park where you can enjoy FREE accommodation in the bunkhouse in a dorm-style share room, sleeping 4 in bunk beds. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to stay in a deluxe cabin with an ensuite - this type of accommodation will incur an additional cost.

Catering - the weekend will be fully catered, including breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon teas on both days, non-alcoholic drinks (BYO welcome) and dinner on the Friday night - we've booked a table at the riverfront Pretoria Hotel for dinner on Saturday night.

Projects - We will be teaching 2 lovely projects (details will be released in the next couple of weeks - they are gorgeous!). The projects we will be teaching will both be made using Moda Jelly Rolls and some extra yardage (a Jelly Roll consists of 40 width of fabric strips) and we would love to put a kit together for you. Speak to me about the range of gorgeous fabrics I have in stock and your specific fabric requirements. You will also receive a gift pack full of goodies plus the pattern for your choice of project.

Don't quilt? No problem, we are open to retreaters of all craft denominations - bring along your projects be they knitting, scrapbooking, card making or whatever and enjoy the time to relax and create.

Shop - What is a quilting retreat without a bit of retail therapy? Patchwork on Parade will have a shop on site with a wide range of tempting fabrics, patterns, nifty notions, giftware and more.

This retreat is a bargain at $200.00 all inclusive.

Contact me (Sharon) on 0411 268 924 for more information and to secure your booking.

We'd love to see you there!

Sew & Tell 2 - Friday Finishes

2009-11-09T16:55:00.010+10:30

This is a selection of my week's work, well 3 days anyway!. As you can see I've been "pumping" the quilts out - my working hours certainly wouldn't be approved by any reputable union:-)

1. A Cot Quilt using a panel of fabric featuring Teddy Bears - I quilted it, with the IQ, using Dave Hudson's Star pattern that was preloaded on the IQ when it was installed.

2. &3. This quilt was Double Bed size and is to be a Christmas gift for one of my customer's grandson. The fabric cried out for "flames" and I used a pattern called Hot Rod from Lorien Quilting and used King Tut Chariots of Fire threads.
4. I LOVED doing this quilt as the colours used are what I'd choose for myself. The piecing pattern is called Heritage Hexagons from Sugarplum Quilts (the label that my daughter, Shontelle, produces her patterns under.) The pattern uses one Jelly Roll and the effect is achieved by the way the fabric is cut using a 60 degree ruler - if you'd like further information on this please just shoot me an email - the patterns are available as a PDF file for $8.00). The quilting pattern is Pretty Posies by Tammy Finkler and was quilted using the IQ.
5. This is a close up of another quilt using the same piecing pattern as the one above. The quilting pattern is Maple Leaf by Karen Thompson of Intelligent Quilting. 6. Another cot quilt, the pattern used in Asian Clouds and I'm not sure of the designer of this pattern.

7. This little Carpenters' Star was pieced by my friend Jan - she entered it in the "Silver Challenge" which was held by our State Guild to commemorate their Silver Anniversay (25 years). I used a Silver metallic thread by Superior threads - considering I'd never quilted using any thread other than Poly or Cotton - I was fairly happy with the result. The Snowflake pattern is from http://www.pantosbytheo.com/

Sew & Tell 1 - Friday Finishes

2009-10-30T22:55:00.011+10:30

This week has seen me busier than a dog burying a bone on a marble floor!! The following quilts are in no particular order. The first one belongs to Mary, one of my lovely customers, which she pieced at our first retreat from an orginal pattern of Shontelle's (Sugarplum Quilts). I quilted it using the IQ with a pattern from Keryn Emmerson, Cascade, stitched out at 11.5ins. The quilt was VERY large 101 X 95 ins.

The next is our Group entry for the upcoming Festival of Quilts to be held here in Adelaide from 5-8 November. My Mum did all the redwork, Shontelle pieced it, I quilted it and Scarlett did the label. It truly is a labour of love!

The following quilt was done for Jane of The Patchwork Apple. It is a new kit that has been put together and will be available in the shop and also at the Craft & Quilt Fair being held in conjunction with the Festival of Quilts. The quilting pattern is Wrought Iron by Jodi Beamish.

The next is a really cute little baby quilt, I used Double Bubble on this in keeping with the spots in the fabric. I'm not sure of the designer of this quilting pattern but if anyone's interested just ask and I'll check.
Last, but by no means least is the very precious Scarlett!! We have her every Monday whilst her Mummy is at work but this week we were very lucky and she had a sleepover. She'd had her bath and thought it hilarious that she was in Nanny & Poppi's bed sans clothes. It was quite an effort getting her to come to me so that I could dress her. Isn't she just gorgeous!!!

Well, that's almost the week that was - I did 2 other quilts but haven't got photos of those yet. Please call back next week and I'll post some photos from the Festival of Quilts. Cheers.

Yes! I am an Embroiderer!

2009-10-24T22:40:00.016+10:30

Those that know me well understand that a "sewer" I am not (I am however a machine quilter). Many can't understand this conundrum and I don't try to anymore! Anywho I digress - today I had a Mystery Indulgence with a fabulous group of girls, it was held at the Patchwork Apple and we were taught by the ever patient and lovely Sara. Sara taught us to look at fabric in a different light and therein the fun began. A great fun day was had by all and I can now say that I am an embroiderer......yeah right!!!!

A few photos will follow but I am really disappointed with my camera at present and I apologise to the girls that I've missed out due to my photos not being clear enough. (I need to get it worked out as I am becoming frustrated at taking photos and not being able to post them due to poor quality).

1. This is a group photo - minus me of course and Sara, she is forcing Jane to have champagne!

2. Kris is in the front of the photo with Ronda behind and Frances in the background. I love hearing Ronda laugh - it is soooo infectious!

3 & 4. This is Deb working hard and also a photo of her work. Deb & Lorraine chose the same fabric and there is going to be a "cushion off" at our February Retreat!

5. This is the ever patient Sara working on Lorraine's piece - I feel this gives Lorraine a distinct advantage! Where was Lorraine you may ask????

6. Oh!! Here she is shopping. I hope that's not more fabric in your hands - no wonder she has such a lovely smile on her face!

7. This gives a little look at what Frances is working on with her fabric.

8. This is Gerrie's - the grapes look positively "dewey".

9. This is what Ronda is doing with hers - looks very elegant.

10. Yes!!! This is me....the over achiever!!!! What more can I say????? Wink, wink!!!

Thanks heaps to Jane, Sara and the rest of the group - I had such a fun day. Cheers

Sashiko Quilt

2009-10-23T20:19:00.011+10:30

This week saw me complete the quilt that I spent quite some time Standing & Staring. The whole quilt was SID'd, the "clamshells" on the blocks of fabric were executed using the IQ (Intelliquilter) the rest was freehand. All SID done using rulers. This quilt presented some challenges but they were "quilted out"! I delivered the quilt Wednesday and the customer was delighted - that's all I need to keep me happy! PS Sorry for the photo quality.

S&S - the Life of a Longarmer!!

2009-10-14T21:27:00.007+10:30

I am currently working on, (I use the word "work" very loosely), a challenging Japanese themed quilt. I should be honest and say I'm doing lots of S&S (Standing & Staring)!!! The owner has done beautiful "sashiko" work and I want to do my best to enhance it - it's entered in the Festival of Quilts which will be held here in Adelaide November 5th-8th.

I'll post a few photos of what I've been looking at for the past few days. Call back soon to see the finished product and wish me luck!!!

McTavishing for the first Time

2009-10-12T21:43:00.014+10:30

Recently I was lucky enough to work on the most beautiful needle turn applique quilt that I have seen. The customer's handwork was perfect, and believe me I was upclose and very personal with this quilt for quite some time. This was my first time McTavishing and I was really happy with the results. Thanks for looking.

Quilters Dream Wadding (Batting)

2009-10-07T20:38:00.004+10:30

I was welcomed home today by a long awaited parcel from the US!! I'm going to be importing Quilters Dream wadding (batting) into Australia. I absolutely LOVE this wadding, the 100% wool is so luxurious and I can't wait to get the first quilt completed using this. I've coveted it when I've been in the US and I'm so excited to have it here.

If you want further information about any of the Quilters Dream products please email me, quilting@patchworkonparade.com.au

Table Cape Tulip Farm

2009-10-06T22:19:00.002+10:30

Today we went to table Cape Tulip farm - it is truly beautiful and if you're ever in the area during tulip season it is certainly worth a visit. It is about a 10 minute drive from Wynyard and well sign posted. We had a lovely picnic filled with cheeses from the Ashgrove Cheese Farm, followed by chocolate covered raspberries from the Christmas Hills Raspberry farm. Oh Yeah, our diet is going swimmingly. Speaking ofswimming, we spent the most decadent afternoon in the Roman Baths in Launceston. Tasmania, I have to say is SO BEAUTIFUL!!

Tasmania

2009-10-06T21:24:00.008+10:30

I'm in Tasmania at present having a four day holiday with my friend, Hilary. We are enjoying a few fantastic days before the busy period for both of us starts with our work. Hilary is a dog groomer and from here until Christmas things get really busy for her. And, as we know the life of a machine quilter is never her own leading up til Christmas. We are enjoying the most gorgeous weather here, Tasmania had been in drought for the past 3 years but it seems that has broken - there is water EVERYWHERE!!! These are photos that were taken, yesterday, during a walk along the banks of the Meander River in Deloraine - what a gorgeous little town - we just loved it!

Raffle Quilt - Quilters' Guild of SA Inc

2009-09-30T21:11:00.011+09:30

This quilt is being raffled by the Quilters' Guild of SA Inc and proceeds will be going to Autism SA. If you're interested in purchasing a ticket they will be on sale during the Festival of Quilts being held here in Adelaide from November 5th - 8th 2009. If you won't be attending the show and would like a ticket/s email me and I'll organise some for you.

I used the IQ for the motifs in this quilt, they were designed by Linda Lawson (Blue Ribbon Quilt Co). The rest of the quilt was done freehand, the whole quilt was SID's including around all the applique. The piano keys, rays and x-hatch were all freehand (using rulers, of course), taking many, many hours to execute - I gave up timing at the 35 hour mark!

It was beautifully pieced and a "pleasure" to work on!

Coralie's Quilt

2009-09-30T20:47:00.006+09:30

As I never have any time to work on my own quilts or projects I thought I'd start posting pictures of quilts that I work on for customers. All quilts are special, some more so than others which is the case with this quilt. The sticheries on this quilt are exquisite and the owner, Coralie, worked on these stitcheries during visits with her Dad who was suffering from what turned out to be a terminal illness. I was very conscious, during the quilting, of the significance of this quilt and I was very happy that Coralie allowed the stitcheries to be X-hatched. We were both pleased with the outcome and she now has a quilt that holds cherished memories.

This 2nd photo shows a close up of the centre panel. The X-hatching and CC's (continuous curves) were all done using the IQ (Intelliquilter). Tony (DH) worked out the path so there was no thread build up.

"Fabric Clamps"

2009-09-18T22:33:00.011+09:30

I have been asked to post photos my fabric extensions that I use instead of commercial clamps to hold my quilts whilst they are on the longarm machine. I attended a workshop with Sharon Schamber earlier this year and it was after this that I made my own. This fabric works wonderfully well and has the added bonus of coming in very useful when customers don't supply enough backing fabric. Also, it alleviates the need for a "pole" to hold the straps up to ensure that the base of the machine doesn't hit the clamps. I have an IQ (Intelliquilter) and the fabric extension also prevents the motors of the IQ hitting the clamps. The first photo above shows the fabric (13"x 13") with a a thin sleeve stitched into it which holds the piece of dowel.

This second photo shows the dowel in the sleeve

This next photo shows the completed piece of fabric pinned onto the edge of the backing fabric - easy isn't it?

Last but not least shows the fabric being held by the original clamps on the machine. Using this "system" also provides a great even tension on the backing fabric. You can make them in a size to suit your particular machine - I have an A1. Cheap, easy and fabulous!

I hope you find these as helpful as I have.

2009-07-12T22:30:00.003+09:30

OK, here goes....as I enter the world of blogging.

I have just spent a lazy 2 days after a very intense 3 weeks of quilting. I also held my first class last Sunday - a feather workshop. It's always great spending time with others that are in the same field. We don't have to try and explain what it is we do. Whenever I say I'm a machine quilter and the term patchwork is mentioned inevitably the next phrase is.."oh so you make quilts"....

Call back for a visit and when I get more proficient at this I'll post some photos of recent work.