Friday, May 7, 2010

The Australasian Quilt Convention

Where do I begin to tell you about the AQC that was held in Melbourne last week?! Maybe with a few pics of the awe-inspiring quilts that were on display?

Canopy by Gloria Loughman

How I love to look up into the sky on an autumnal day through a canopy of trees, and this quilt conveyed that feeling perfectly!  Above is a picture of the 2009 award-winning quilt - “Canopy” - by Gloria Loughman.

They grow up so fast

Wow!  “They grow up so fast” by Helen Golden.  Ya know, I really wish these photos did the quilts justice!   I was lost for words when I witnessed them in reality – and that really isn’t like me! LOL…

100_3983

Wow, again! (I know, I know, my vocabulary is extensive!) Look at the depth of field in this monotone quilt!  Entitled, “Yvonne” and created by Georgia Button, it was awarded the Best Junior Entry.

Mirror Mirror by Terina Walton

And I can so relate to the message in this quilt!  “Mirror, Mirror’ is the humorous masterpiece borne from the creative mind of Terina Walton.  It tickled me pink!  Here’s a close-up…

Mirror Mirror close up 

To view more award-winning quilts, check out this link.

The ACQ was held in a wonderful location too – in The Royal Exhibition building – want to see?

Royal exhibition centre

Okay – should I rephrase that?  “Would you like to see the ceiling?”  he he…  I’m just setting the scene!  Isn’t it spectacular?

I had such an amazing day!  I got to meet two of my favourite Aussie designers for the very first time, and that was SO exciting!  Firstly, there was the lovely Monica Poole of Moon Shine Designs.

Monica Poole

Monica is standing to my left and she was as lovely in person as she is in this photo :-)  Monica is renowned for her beautiful fresh quilt designs and bag patterns, and has now released her own Fashion Range of patterns, too.  I was thrilled to see so many of her samples on display – all made to perfection – and all in the most scrummiest of fabrics.  Having begun her career in fashion design, it is no wonder that Monica’s eye for style and colour is exquisite and paramount in her work.  Pure tactile bliss!  To find out more about Monica, click here

I decided upon this gorgeous bag pattern (it was hard to choose just one!)

Bella pattern

I also met the vibrant Bronwyn Hayes of Red Brolly Designs.  She is such a warm and lovely person, and to see her designs ‘in the flesh’ was pure delight!

Bronwyn Hayes

Have you visited Bronwyn’s blog?  She has such a gorgeous sense of humour, which is all-so-evident in her designs!  They, and she, are gorgeous!!  Go visit Bronwyn to see more pics of the show and view a close-up of her wonderful new BOM, pictured behind us in the above photo.

Natalie Bird

So I met two of my favourite Aussie designers for the FIRST time, and I met another favourite for the second! Here’s the lovely Natalie Bird, from The Birdhouse.  I met Natalie last year on the Thread and Ginger Patchwork stand, and it was great to see her again this year, smiling away!  The Thread and Ginger stand is one of my favourites – each year it catches my eye!  Do you notice the “Tilda” quilt on display in the background?  The pattern is in the Sew Pretty Homestyle book by Tone Finnanger, of which I have a copy, and of which I love to make gifts from!  Natalie has a new book due out in May – how exciting!  And she has recently entered the world of blogging – go drop by and say hello!

So besides the gorgeous bag pattern, what else did I purchase?

Wool offcuts

These luxurious scraps of wool from Boatshed Quilting.  I’ve been waiting to find this fabric (in an affordable quantity) in order to make this. (For those of you who have known me for a while… ahem… I know – it’s been a long while since I purchased that pattern!!)

I also bought some deliriously gorgeous supplies to make a new bag.  I have lots of ideas buzzing around in my head!

handbag hardware

Studios mag

And last but not least I bought some inspiration in the form of a Studios magazine by Cloth Paper Scissors.  Ah well, that wasn’t all I bought, but I can’t show you the other two items otherwise it might spoil a surprise!

What a great day hey?  I hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am!

Hugs!  Vikki x

12 comments:

Maria said...

Looks like you had the most wonderful time viewing quilts and meeting interesting people.
I am so looking forward to going to the craft show in Perth.

barb's creations said...

Looks like you had as much fun as me.I went last Friday and had a ball as well and spent up big lol :) Barb.

Cheryl said...

Gosh you're a gorgeous smiley girl! Looks like you had a fun day and I can't wait to see what you have cooking.... :)
The magazine looks interesting, I might hunt that one down too!
have a lovely day sweet Vikki,
Cheryl xx

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Vikki,
Wow, those quilts are fantastic.
Did you know everyone at the show? lol
I intended on getting there myself but have't made it there yet.
OK, what will you make with the wool?
Love the bag, I'll have to keep a look out for the pattern now that I've made my first bag.
Happy Mothers Day.
Hugs,
Anna

Debbie said...

Thanks for sharing. You are right, the quilts take my breath away. It is so amazing what people can do with fabric.

Allie said...

Wow - yes, my vocabulary is just like yours, lol - those quilts are amazing, and how fun to meet some wonderful designers! Love your loot, girl!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

I can see by your beautiful big smile that you were in 7th heaven Vik... and no wonder with all that eye candy. Love it all and especially those red handles - what are you making???
Hope you have a lovely Mother's day with your '3' babes [giggle].
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Sharon (Stitches on Mars) said...

Hi Vikki,

It was a wonderful day and I enjoyed bumping into you and getting to meet and chat to Bronwyn Hayes and ...
Hugs, Sharon

Anonymous said...

What a great time you had, love to look at your photo's. I looooovvve the bag and the hardware you bought especially the zipper.

Elyte said...

You were a very busy girl, I am glad I caught you at a quieter time. Look forward to seeing what you make with all your new goodies

Joy said...

Look at those gawjus piccies of you, you're smiling face just lights up my screen ;o)!!!
Looks like you had a fabulous time at the show ... would have LOVED to have been there with you!!!
Love n hugs,
Joy :o)

Susan said...

Thanks for sharing the quilters with us. also love the mirror mirror quilt it is very nice said and done.

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