The Applique Guild of Australia, inaugural meeting

Yesterday, the newly formed Applique Guild of Australia, met for the first time in Melbourne.

When I first read about this new group that was forming, I was delighted. As Irene Blanck (one of the groups founders)  explained in a blog post, many people do not have the luxury of being able to meet with a regular group, attend classes or have the support of other people passionate about applique. The Applique Guild aims to connect these people and provide a forum where lots of information can be conveyed. The guild's basic aim is to be an on-line group with regular newsletters and occasional get togethers, and also a reference point for people wishing to start their own applique 'chapters'.

I have been so excited about this group, because it is something I have been looking for, for a long number of years. I was determined to show my support, so I set off early yesterday morning and made the journey to Melbourne to be part of the inaugural meeting.

I had a truly wonderful day! There was time to sit and sew, lucky door prizes were drawn, show and tell featured...many times, 'Last Quilter Standing' was played, shops were in attendance, and the very talented, Julie Adamson was our guest speaker. Julie spoke for just over an hour, (but I could have listened for another two hours) about her journey with applique. She was so informative and so generous with her knowledge. Seeing how she began, and knowing the work that she does now, is truly inspiring. With patience and practice, the sky really is the limit.

The day was filled with lots of highlights, but one I must share is this. 

A 'Dear Prudence' in the making! Jane Zaal is the talented maker, and it was a pleasure to meet her. Looking at the beginnings of this magnificent quilt, took me right back to the days when I watched Linda White making her famous rendition of the original quilt, featured in Annette Gero's book "The Fabric of Society". Jane even had her next round of hexagons, basted and stored the same as Linda had.

Jane, it was lovely to meet you, and thanks for allowing me to share your work here on this blog.

I also met another talented lady Carole. Carole writes the blog "Wheels On The Warrandyte Bus", and she had some magnificent show and tell too, her Morrell Quilt. I am so sorry not to have asked for a photograph, as it is a beautiful quilt, and one that I must say, is occupying most of my thoughts these days. Please pop over and scroll through her blog, you won't be disappointed!

All in all it was a lovely day, shared with friendly, warm and inspiring people. I have come home eager to get cracking with many of my projects, and excited about what this group is offering. (If you are interested in becoming a member of the guild, check out the link right at the top of this post).

Lenora x.

Comments

[Linda]

So glad that you had a great day Lenora. Hope you managed to earn some extra brownie points yesterday so that you can attend their next meeting! Well done Jane.....your quilt looks fantastic so far :)

[Lenora]

LOL! Yes Linda, four barbed wires ran out in under an hour, and the fence is nearly completed. Certainly clocked up the points for the next meeting!

[Carole]

Hi Lenora it was lovely meeting you - I would have been more than happy for you to post a photo. It was a great day and thank you for your kind words and linking up to my blog.