Sunday, 9 November 2014

November community day

Hi everyone.
A brief blog this week. A very small group at Quilters last Thursday owing to many girls being away on courses etc. 

I still haven't heard from Coleen as to when her little 'shop' will be happening, but I'll contact her before Thursday to find out for you. I know many people look forward to it so much before Christmas.

Final preparations for the Christmas Party will be nutted out at a committee meeting on Thursday 20th November, so stay tuned!

Cheryl is in rehab and slowly on the mend!

Show and tell was pretty extensive with many community quilts ready to be delivered and on show.
Apologies if the names of the quilts or the group's that made them are in a muddle. My faithful photo-taker Helena was away and therefore the shots were taken by two of us on two different devises!! I've learnt never to do that again! Anyway, here goes.......

This little gem was done by Jill for the great-grandchild of a friend. The centre piece of crossing hearts includes some 100 year old Nottingham lace! Very beautiful Jill. Lucky child!



I'm pretty sure that Iris's Blue Group did these community quilts called variously "T- Break", Croosroads 1 & 2






The next called "Ships Ahoy" shows the front and back. Sadly I can't tell you who made it. That got lost in translation so to speak!






Jenny S and Grace can take credit for this beautiful one called "String Stars"




And next, Suzie has completed this cute one called"Beach Huts"



Well, that's it. Sorry for the delay in getting the blog to you. I won't see you this coming Thursday as I'll be away in Adelaide. Hope you all have fun. See you the following week!

Cheers, Elva

Saturday, 1 November 2014

30th October - bring on November!

It's hard to believe the end of the year is rushing up to meet us! It's been so busy this year, maybe we just haven't been paying attention.

Great excitement and plenty of shopping at the MO stall in the hall. Plenty more at the shop near Birkenhead if you missed getting what you needed. Thanks to the shop assistants who ran it so professionally. 

We welcomed Susan SJ back after about six months away! She looks fit as a fiddle. Travel definitely suits you Susan, but we missed you so much. You could tell that by the cheers as you entered the room!

Cheryl is still in hospital but progressing well. Maybe one more 'procedure' to go before rehab can begin. Always thinking of you Cheryl.

Thanks to Robin S for the clipping from The Hills Newspaper about a violinist at The Grace Centre (Westmead Hospital). In the background of the photo we could see a little quilt doing its work on a crib, which may have been one of ours. It made everyone's heart sing! Thanks Robin.

Our final gathering for the year, and therefore our Christmas party day will be Thursday 11th December. Put the date in your diary and we'll talk more about details of the day later.

Now some Show and Tell!

First a baby quilt for the Grace Centre by June P



And next another one by Marie G



Lovely work ladies. Keep those baby quilts coming! They're much appreciated.


Robyn J made the next quilt from the Alaskan fabric from her last trip. A memento for she and hubby to keep. Gorgeous!




Marie K made the next one to be given away to someone special I assume. Lucky person!





Our new member Hayley has almost finished this top. It's just waiting for a little extra fabric which is on its way. We're very impressed by your designs Hayley!



Iris helped Marie G out with some inspiration in this quilt. She not only made a lovely quilt from Marie's fabrics, but a gorgeous matching bag. This will be given to the community collection.



And the back


Beautiful work as always girls. 

Enjoy the rest of the weekend now that the exhausting heat has left us for a while. We might even be lucky enough to get a bit of rain. The gardens are gasping for it!

Cheers all!

Friday, 24 October 2014

Lovely warm day at last!

Yes, why are we all indoors quilting one may ask?
Well it's because we're a little bit addicted. Can't even be enticed outside in lovely weather!

Lindy welcomed us again with fabulous produce from her crops. We're thinking it would be simpler if she just opened a green grocery, preferably in Hunters Hill please Lindy. Thanks for all the goods.

A reminder to 'bring your money with you' next week when Carolyn and friend will set up a little stall of fabric from the shop. Can't wait!

Best wishes to Cheryl from everyone during your recovery. I'll let all know when visiting is allowed.

Just an early notice that Thursday 11th December will be our Christmas Party day, and last gathering till next year. 

Anyone who doesn't have a HH badge or has lost theirs, please let Kerry know so she can put in a batch order.

Congratulations to our Jess who has an extensive profile article in the current edition of Quilters Companion. It's a good read and an excellent edition of the magazine into the bargain.
You'd be forgiven for finding a startling resemblance between Jess's flag quilt shown in the article and the one on the cover. I thought they'd used hers for the cover. Very excited! But no. Very strange indeed.?!#*?!
Even bigger congrats to Jess for having her Show quilt 'Errant Geese' chosen by the NSW Guild as one of the five 'Best of the Best' quilts to be sent to the Australian Quilt Convention in Melbourne, Royal Exhibition Building, April 16 and19th. Wow Jess!

And now for some Show and Tell!

First a beautiful Drunkards Path creation which Lindy described as very difficult to put together! She actually used different words (unprintable)........ But it's gorgeous!


Next, Jess made the first out of left over dress bits and pieces I believe
And the second is very striking!








Ellen is working on this fabulous quilt for a grandson I think. It's double sided, and she's going to quilt it according to the swirling road patterns on that side. Great idea. Lovely quilt. Very usable








Iris finished one of her UFO's, and isn't it beautiful? You can't see the tiny embroidered bits, but they're gorgeous! The shots show front and back. Both equally beautiful.








Finally here is Jess's take on the apron design challenge. Called 'Busy Bees' for obvious reasons. And we will be busy bees while wearing these garments!








So there you have it. Another productive , friendly and pleasant day together. Farewell Akiko. Have a great time in Hawaii!
Cheers everyone till next week.

Saturday, 18 October 2014

Spring is back!

Today we had the return of the nice weather.
That must have been because of the visit paid to us by Akiko's mum.

Further on it was very quiet get to gether.
The noisy ones must have stayed at home today. 

Cheryl will have her operation on Tuesday!
We wish her all the best.
Cheryl has received many cards and message of which she is much appreciative.

Susan H. Has become 4th time grandmother of Archie David.
Mother and son are doing well.

If you want to order our HHQ quiltshow book you have to let Iris know by Monday.
You can do so by phone or email.
Iris will order the books on Tuesday.

Margaret Rowe,
author of the Maria Challenge.
Has a new book,
Glenvale Challenge Quilt

Deborah Laurie asks us to enter quilt to Mock Quilt Judging Day
This is meant to train new judges for the next NSW quilters Quilt show.
Quilt needs to be entered before 18 Novemeber
Forms to enter, see Elva, Helena, Deborah


Giant Steps have their own facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/GiantStepsSydney
On the page is a photo of Akiko's wedding quilt with a tank you note to all of us!


Show and tell:
2 new baby quilts for the Grace centre.
I'm really sorry can't get the photo's uploaded.
Thank you,
Jenny and Susie L.


Have a good week,
Happy stitching,
Helena

Saturday, 11 October 2014

Book Update version 3

The Book of the 2014 Quilt Show has been updated again with lots of changes.
Cropped photos have been fixed, raffle quilts have been added and many photos have been replaced.
Unfortunately, not a lot could be done about the lighting, especially the poles. Apologies for the partial views of those quilts affected.
Please check the full preview below (click the full screen icon) to see how the new book has turned out.
We have 15 days to order a copy before it vanishes into the ether. If you would like a copy, place your order with Iris.

The secret's out at last!

Yes, finally we were able to reveal our secret quilting business! Thanks to everyone for keeping it so quiet. It made for a wonderful surprise as we presented Akiko with her wedding quilt. And thank you ladies for all the work in making the blocks. They came together so beautifully as you will see below. Beautiful bag Iris. Thank you. You can also see Akiko's reaction!









Many thanks to Grace for 'hosting' the secret construction process at her house. It made the job so much easier. Also to Grace for the lovely final quilting. Needless to say, Akiko was overcome by the gift.
We all wish you a wonderful wedding and a long and happy marriage Akiko.


In other news, we were also finally able to hand over a generous cheque to the ladies from Giant Steps. The money raised through our very successful show last August enabled us to help out their very deserving school once again. 



Another exciting item of news- our Jess is the subject of a profile article in the current edition of Quilters Companion. I'll see if I can get a copy to bring to group next week. Well done Jessica!


We all send our thoughts and best wishes to Cheryl for a speedy recovery. Can't wait for you to return to us.


Members were able to see the 'proofing' copy of the show book this week. Alison is taking care of final adjustments before an order goes in. Iris is collecting orders if you are keen to purchase a copy. Thank you girls.

All Lord Mayor's Quilt blocks were delivered on schedule this week. Many thanks all for sticking to the plan. Susan was most impressed! Now the construction work can begin!

The first few aprons have been completed, and Akiko modelled one to inspire others with theirs.


Very nice! Another from the same table group is shown below.





Remember, any embellishment you like (within reason and taste!) will be acceptable!
These are just one group's  inspiration. Go for it!


With so much else going on, we didn't get to Show and Tell till rather late (sorry Lindy).
But here are two lovely little baby quilts for the Grace Centre made by Val.





A wonderful day! The Champagne definitely helped the stitching, and provided a festive atmosphere to cheer Akiko on her way.
See you all next week for a 'sedate' get together! Are we ever sedate? I think not!!!
Cheers......

Monday, 6 October 2014

OCTOBER COMMUNITY DAY

Nice weather at last, and spirits were high at HHQ.
I must apologise for the lateness of this blog. My only excuse is that I've been enjoying the long weekend so much! Sorry!

We wished happy birthday to all the October ladies, and included The Gladesville Bridge, which turned 50 on the day. 

A lovely card was circulated to wish Cheryl a speedy recovery. I gave it to her yesterday at the hospital, and she was delighted. She can't wait to be back with us.

Susan SJ will be back by the end of October, and it seems such a long time since we've seen her. 

Audrey is away and so any money matters needing to be handled, just see me.

Blocks for the Lord Mayor's Quilt are due back this week. They are looking very intriguing.

We're all looking forward to seeing the book of the show, which should be available for viewing in a week or two. Some people have already put their orders in, and if you would like to do so just let Iris know. 

Deb told us about a challenge being done (I think it was through the Guild) which is asking for an A4 size quilt on the theme of Cylone Tracey. It's 40 years since that disaster. Sounds like an amazing challenge. Find out more this week if you're interested.

Now for some show and tell.

The first is a very cute quilt for community done by by Susan and Suzie. It's called "Beach Huts"



The next is a gorgeous quilt done by Betty for her daughter. Betty was very grateful for help from the girls in getting this finished in time for her daughter's visit. The quilting was done by Grace and is lovely.




Suzie made this next one for her aunt. It's very serene and lovely.






Grace made this next one for Macquarie Hospital. I'm sure it will be gratefully received




And finally the 'Pink Group' have made this fascinating quilt for community. Lovely girls!



So there you have it. Another productive and enjoyable day. Looking forward to this Thursday. See you all there. Cheers, Elva