Author Archives: nipatchworkguild

About nipatchworkguild

The NIPG, as we are affectionately known, welcomes anyone interested in any aspect of patchwork and/or quilting, in whatever form. Beginner, advanced or in between. The Guild usually meets on the first Saturday of the month in the Parochial Hall of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co Down, Northern Ireland. Contact us for more information. Meetings open around 10.30 am with tea/coffee for which we charge a small visitor's fee. This is quite informal. The meeting proper begins with 'housekeeping' - various announcements relevant to our members. Often we will have engaged a speaker of note, which is sometimes followed by a workshop/ sew-in. Full day workshops are held on Sundays. We have had speakers and teachers from USA, Germany, Holland, England, not forgetting the excellent people who are locally based. Contact us or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nipatchworkguild for further information.
Jan25

January Demonstrations according to Brian.

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January 2019 Demonstrations 

One of the most popular events in the NIPG Calendar, when members themselves take on the demonstrations. Attendees gather themselves into groups and move from one demonstration table to the next. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Brian said: ” The meeting seemed to me to be a complete success – all five presenters knew their subject and presented it clearly with pertinent hints and tips and had time to answer questions. In every case they drew gasps and appreciative comments as they revealed their work. “

In addition to a wonderful morning, in the afternoon our Chair, Paula demonstrated stencilling on velvet. Photographs of some of the results are at the bottom of this blog.

Lindsey’s – Jig-saw Quilt

Brian said, “On arrival we saw a very impressive looking jig-saw in lovely patterns which looked much too complicated to be the subject of such a short talk. But Lindsey quickly demystified the construction, thew in a couple of pertinent hints and even distributed the key pattern and back up information. “

  • Lindsey’s Jigsaw Quilt 1

  • Lindsey’s Jigsaw Quilt 1

Anne J’s – Twisted Squares


Brian said, “Which turned out to be ‘Not Necessarily Squares’ but were certainly twisted. Again a clear exposition of the required techniques was presented and questions answered.”

  • Anne’s Twisted Square

  • Anne’s Twisted Square

  • Anne’s Twisted Square

  • Anne’s Twisted Square

  • Anne’s Twisted Square


Joanne M – Improvised Curved Piecing

Brian said, “As It happened I saw much the same talk on TV this week where it was NOT done half as well and took an hour. Joanne had lots of variety to show, demonstrated the basic technique several times and still had time to move on to monochrome and then various multiple nested curve examples. “


  • Joanne’s Improv

  • Joanne’s Improv

  • Joanne’s Improv

  • Joanne’s Improv

  • Joanne’s Improv


Anne H – Soft Fabric Boxes

Brian says: “Anne H gave us a well thought out talk: starting with plain, useful although pretty boxes and then developed her theme into more ornate and fancy in different sizes. “

  • Anne H’s Fabric Boxes

  • Anne H’s Fabric Boxes

  • Anne H’s Fabric Boxes

  • Anne H’s Fabric Boxes

Irene McW – Printing on the Cheap

Brian said: “The title said cheap but the message was how one can use found and simple objects of any description to produce cloth. Gasps of admiration were herard from the group, as we were shown them. Whether one can be as successful without the backing of Irene’s brain and talent only time will tell. “

  • Irene’s Printing

  • Irene’s Printing

  • Irene’s Printing

  • Irene’s Printing

Images of Stencilling on Velvet with Paula

Dec6

Our 2018 Christmas Meeting

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Our Christmas Meetings are invariably a joy, with Christmas jumpers, earrings and other decorative jewellery on view.  This year was no different and enhanced with our invariably ice-cold hall being so warm that the doors had to be opened.

Jean and Ruth, our wonderful caterers, provided hot drinks and delicious cakes, for which we offer them our deepest thanks.

The ‘make and take’ bottle bag Christmas Challenge produced a  variety of shapes and colours of bottle bags.  Click here to view them for yourself.

Then came an exceptionally entertaining and witty floral art demonstration from Roberta Orr of Flora Desingz, click on her name to access her website. 

‘Don’t forget the Pound Shop’…. you had to be there to know what this means!

IMG_1556 Arrangement 1

Good enough to eat!

Roberta had promised to make three Christmas flower arrangements, but she actually made five. These were given away as ballot prizes.

 

IMG_1543 Arrangement 2

Anne Jame’s prize, including ballot tickets.

 

IMG_1558 Arrangement 3

How unusual is this with a Xmas scene in the bowl, lit by lights?

Everyone left with huge smiles, especially those who had won the right to take home the finished items.

IMG_1570 A

Roberta with the lucky winners. Photographer Brian, had to photoshop the sea holly out of Jean’s winning arrangement, so that it was possible to see her. 

Some comments on our 2018 Christmas celebrations included 

  • Such a great atmosphere at yesterday’s meeting.  Thanks to all involved for making it a good one!
     
  • All went well hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did thanks to all. 
     
  • It was a lovely day thank you.
     
  • This was my favourite.
Best response  of all came from Catherine, who immediately went home and created her own delightful arrangement, absolutely fabulous. 

catherine-breen

 

Before you go – here’s a must-see exhibition from two of our talented members, both of international reputations. Loving Margaret McCrory’s self-portrait and Irene MacWilliam’s work is always inspiring and exciting.

Exhibition

Roll on to January 5th when we’ll take part in ‘Demonstrations by Members’. This is a popular event, where several members bravely take up a table each to make a 10 minute demonstration of a technique, tip, pattern or something interesting. We divide into however many groups that there are demonstrations. It’s a perfect way to start the New Year – Our Ruby Year. 

Until then have a happy and healthy Christmas with lots of best wishes for 2019.

Nov27

Christmas Meeting 2018 Sat 1st December

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Hello Everyone

BRING YOUR MUG TO THE MEETING

We know that some people are particular about starting Christmas celebrations or even mentioning Christmas too early. Others, of course, would celebrate it all year round.

Now, as we hold our meetings on the 1st Saturday of the month, and the 1st Saturday of December is on the 1st,  hopefully we can be forgiven for celebrating Christmas at  the December meeting on the 1st of  December.

Lots and lots going on that day.

BRING YOUR MUG TO THE MEETING

Hopefully you’ve remembered our Christmas Challenge.

“Make a Bottle Gift Bag for 1 or 2 bottles”  

Bring one and take one home

Every year, NIPG members demonstrate their imagination, talent and hard work.  with this year’s challenge, we are exciting to see what you bring.

Here’s quite a complex pattern, but it’s a bit different. Just search YouTube or Pinterest and you’ll find much more straightforward patterns, which shouldn’t take too long – just in case you haven’t remembered to make one.

BRING YOUR MUG TO THE MEETING

Here’s a message from our Chair, Paula to give you a small indication of what’s happening on Saturday.

Did we mention that you should bring your mug with you?

Hi to All

Although we have four weeks to Christmas this is our Christmas meeting . Please bring you own cup/mug !! 

We will have a floral demonstration and if you purchase a ballot ticket – three lucky members will take home one each of the arrangements.  The ballot will cost £2  and will pay for the flowers.

Please all bring along your ‘make and take bottle bag‘ . They will all be displayed, afterwards you will be given a bag to take home -not your own .

We will have tea coffee and eats provided by our catering ladies, a big thanks to them for all their hard work.

Adrienne will be collecting all the money for Glenada*, see below for prices and more information.

If you can bring change, this will help Adrienne greatly,  as  trying to get the right change can be time consuming.

Kaffe Fassete tickets –  there are still a few available, for the talk in the Ulster museum so please get yours and save disappointment .

Workshops  –   Mary Walker will have the requirements listing for oa great workshop being held in February –  confetti patchwork.

Actually you probably have all the requirements in your stash.

I visited the exhibition last Saturday with Clare and we both were impressed with the venue and the work.

looking forward to a great meeting

Paula

P.S. Did I mention that you should bring your own mug/cup?

Glenada* – the yearly trip to Glenada in Newcastle, where we sew, sew, sew and sewialise and have great fun. It’s the perfect way to get to know your fellow NIPG members. Bring whatever you like to sew – hand or machine and yes, you may bring your own refreshments.

Every year without fail and working quietly in the background, Adrienne organises and collect the money for Glenada. This year is no exception and she has worked hard to get these reasonable prices.

Weekend Rate – includes meals and use of room for sewing.

Double Room £ 91.00 each

Single Room £ 107.00

It would be great if you could have the correct money for Adrienne, either cash or cheques. Thank you.
Oct29

Welcome to Alysn Midgelow-Marsden, Textile artist who joins us on Nov 3rd.

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IMPORTANT!

Our next meeting and the afternoon workshop- Saturday 3rd November – will be in St. John’s, Orangefield Parish Church, on the Castlereagh Road in Belfast.  10:00 for 10:30 start.

Sunday workshop will take place in Knock Golf Club   Council Room and we are grateful to them for accomodating us on short notice.

Here’s a  message from our Chair, Paula:

To all members,

I was on holidays last week and got an email to say no power or water at the museum this weekend  

So there are further changes to the venues 

Saturday as I think you all know is at ST JOHN’S on the Castlereagh  road Belfast BT56AB also the 

workshop in the after noon [possibly  a few places left ]

Sunday will be at Knock Golf Club 657 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast,  BT4 3NT

I am a long time member and they  kindly offered me the council room for our workshop. They are not charging us. 

So all going to the workshop where possible bring your own iron, iron mat or board. If possible bring a bag which can be taped to the table to catch threads, and keep the room as clean as possible.

If you have an extension lead can you bring also.  Tea and coffee can be bought from the kitchen, I can also organise sandwiches for lunch or you may choose from  the lunch menu.

Total numbers for this workshop will be twelve, so I think there are a very few places left.

NO GOLF GEAR NEEDED OR CALLS OF FOUR !!!

Alysn Midgelow-Marsden who will be delivering the workshops, is an exciting talent working within fine art textiles. Here’s what she says:

 

My artworks include outdoor sculptural works, wearable art and installation in addition to work for walls in domestic and professional settings.

A scientific background, a continuing interest in the natural environment is often combined with a fascination about the traditions of widely differing cultures, times and connections to or shared human existence are core to my practice.

Pic169 adjusted

Crown Jewels Gone Mad – Alysn Midgelow-Marsden

Lots more to discover about her and what is needed for the workshops in the  Workshops and Requirements  section of this website.

 

More News

43759549_1885390701526039_5392653377991606272_n

 

 

The “In Print” Contemporary Quilt exhibition in the Curve, Bangor Library, finished on Oct 30th.

Here’s a wonderful photo from The Spectator of the Opening Night. The inimitable Mary Peters with our own Irene MacWilliams and Margaret McCrory.

 

 

World of Colour

 

 

 

The Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild has an exhibition is next up in the Curve, Bangor Libry.

A stunning exhibition from the NIPG (even if we say so ourselves!)

A splash of colour to brighten up the dark November days.

You have the whole of November to view it – library hours only.

 

 

Jenny Hayne

delivered the October workshop, and here’s44181443_1890284624369980_7750503540602175488_n a stunning cushion cover made  by Jan, our

Exhibitions organiser, at that workshop.

Report from our photographer Brian: “Jenny Haynes gave a wonderful presentation on her Quilt designs. First she gave us a potted biography to explain how she arrived where she now is career wise then she explained her philosophy of exploration and innovation and introduced her templates with the improvements she has invented and implemented then the highlights of the various quilts she has designed and sewn using them. A most interesting and impressive display. “

 

 

November and December Meetings 

Paula, our Chair says:

Christmas meeting we will have a flower arrangement  demonstration and the ballet will be £2 and three members  shall win one of the arrangements. Also bring a bottle bag that you have made. You will not take your own home,  but will be given one home with you no exchanges unless you are given your own back!

January we will have a 1/2 day workshop stencilling on velvet with the remaining paint from last years workshop 

Aug27

Our 40th Season begins on Sat 1st Sept

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Screen Shot 2015-04-24 at 15.16.37 (1)When a very, very, very young Deborah Baillie decided to start a quilting guild, little did she realise how big it would grow. Nor could she have realised how popular it would be, becoming Northern Ireland’s largest patchwork Guild. That was 40 years ago and on Saturday September 1st 2018, Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild begin their 40th year.

The NIPG are indebited to Deborah and thank her,  not least for all her hard work,  but also the dedication and passion she has brought to patchwork in Northern Ireland.

In honour of this auspicious anniversary, the committee led by our Chair, Paula Ellis, has been planning some exciting events for the forthcoming year.

A few words from our Chair, Paula Ellis 

This is a very exciting Guild year ahead of us, with a very varied program of workshops and speakers, including KAFFE FASSSETS visit with a workshop and lecture.

2019 is the Guilds 40th Anniversary so I hope you will all enjoy and celebrate together our special year.

There will be a table for membership, a table for workshops, and a table for booking Kaffe Fassett.

The charity this year is Parkinsons  –  a very worthy charity .

Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday bright eyed.

Paula 

Here’s what’s happening on Saturday 1st September:

  •  Judith Hollies will have her  pop-up shop Just Jude Designs 

    Judith Hollies

     & will be giving a talk to the Guild on scrap-busting.

Judith is a regular contributor to several UK quilting magazines (Love Patchwork & Quilting, Quilt Now, Sewing World, Popular Patchwork, British Patchwork & Quilting & Pretty Patches).

A designer who writes and sells her own patterns. Judith’s philosophy is  to inspire & nurture creativity in others,  for which in turn she feels blessed and inspired.  She believes that within our increasingly stressful and busy culture, unleashing your creativity is mindfulness.

Though Judith is no stranger to the NIPG, you will have a chance once again to see her on Saturday and perhaps purchase one of her excellent patterns. It is also possible to purchase them online at her shop, or through Etsy and Craftsy.

  • Members will be able to renew their membership. £ 30.00.  New members welcome too. 

Not everyone has online access, but if you do and if you have print facilities, it would be much appreciated, if you could print the form and bring it with you. Form available here. 

  • Members will be able to book workshops.

Please note: A £ 10.00 deposit is required for workshops.  Payment in full at the next meeting (non-refundable, except in exceptional micircumstances).

See also: Workshop Requirements.

This is an extra special event organised to celebrate our 40th Anniversary.

Kaffe Fassett needs no introduction to quilters (or indeed to knitters). 

KFChainReaction-300x234

Typical Kaffe Fassett Quilt

 

  • Tickets for the lecture and/or workshop will be offered initially to Members Only. 

 

  • Lecture in the Ulster Museum costs £ 15.00 for Members & £20 for non-Members, non-refundable.

 

 

  • Collection of quilts for our first exhibition of the year

Those who have completed their quilts for our first exhibition of the year, will be able bring them along to the September Meeting.  The exhibition is entitled: “Wonderful World of Colour” and is to be exhibited in November at the Curve Gallery, Bangor library

Quilt size – no more than 36″ square. Not forgetting the usual things – hanging sleeve, pole and labelled bag.  Here’s link to the entry form which should be printed and completed to accompany each entry: Entry Form for the Curve Exhibition

Delighted to have any finished quilts at the September meeting, otherwise bring them in October. Quilts do need to be collected as early as possible to facilitate cataloguing. 

Visitors Welcome

The first Saturday is always busy. It’s great to catch up with everyone after the long summer, and as individuals, we will do our best to look out for new people, and give them the welcome we would expect to receive ourselves.

It is daunting coming to a place for the first time, but you may not be the only new person.  So, don’t be shy.  Be brave, go up and talk to people. Tell them who you are, where you’re from and why you’re there.

In particular our first day, on September 1st will be exceptionally busy day and  it really won’t be possible for a  committee member to take you under their wing,  but please know that you are welcome and that we do look forward to getting to know you.

May29

AGM Sat 2nd June

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Hello Everyone

Since we last posted, we have all in every sphere of our online existence, been grappling with GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation 2018. We’ve known for a while that it was imminent, yet suddenly the date of implementation arrived! Then the bombardment of emails to confirm that you still want to be part of be contactable by email. We don’t contact you by email through our website, but this is the opportunity to unsubscribe/unfollow us. Our Privacy Policy, fairly standard has been put up on the website.  

Members voluntarily gave us their contact details when they signed up at the beginning of the 2017 – 18 season. At the beginning of the 2018 – 19 season, we shall be issuing new membership forms which will comply fully with the GDPR. At that time, if you don’t re-register we shall remove all your details  from our databases and shall destroy any memberships listings which may contain your data.

Someone sent this to us and it’s so good at describing what has been happening.

Last 2017 – 18 Meeting Saturday June 2nd

Here is a small message from our Chair, Paula, with some additional words about our AGM.

Hello ALL

Summer is here and so is our last meeting of the Guild year, looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

The Guild Committee has, behind the scenes been working very hard on your behalf and there are exciting announcements to be made about our forthcoming season. You’ll only hear about them if you attend.

Let’s face it, there would be no Guild without those who volunteer to get everything in place, from the tea and coffee (important things first) to the venue, the speakers and so it goes on.

WE need three new members to complete our committee . I do hope we will get some volunteers as we have a very exciting years which you will all find out at the AGM on Saturday 3rd

Yes, the plea for you to seriously consider giving up some of your precious time to help. This is going to be an exceptional year and your help, no matter how small would be very welcome indeed.

What do you get out of it?  The satisfaction that you have given a little bit back. Without volunteers there would be no Guild. Enough said.

Please remember to bring cup to enjoy your tea at the end of the meetng. See you all then  Paula

 

Apr13

Crafting Live Belfast. Titanic Exhibition Centre. Thurs 26th April to Sat 28th April

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Crafting Live Belfast 

The Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild will be present at the Crafting Live Show in the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Our stand shall be displaying work produced by our members on the theme ‘Dive into your Stash!’

Our Chair, Paula Ellis came up with the theme, which has been enthusiastically embraced by our members. ‘It’s going to be the best small exhibition ever.’

Please come along and introduce yourselves. We would love to chat with you and answer any questions.

Previous Exhibition Stand 

 

The show itself is open from Thursday 26 April until Saturday 28 April, and is open 10am-5pm on Thursday and Friday, and 10am-4pm on Saturday. Your entrance ticket gets you in all 3 days of the show if you feel like making a weekend of it.

 

 

Over the duration of the show Crafting Live are promoting a vast range of exhibitors stocking stamps, dies, decoupage, fabric, wool, ribbon, beads and much more. You can stock up on all of your craft essentials, as well as finding inspiration from brand new products, whilst meeting your favourite TV crafters. There are also refreshment options and areas to have a much needed sit down after all that shopping!

If you visit the Crafting Live Website, Crafting Live are promising that  every advance ticket purchased is eligible for a FREE GIFT* worth £15 – just collect yours at the show. Plus every guest will get a £5 voucher** to spend with our sponsors Create & Craft.

Visit the Crafting Live website for more information

 

Mar2

Saturday Meeting 3rd March & Sunday 4th March

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This was the weekend which had to be cancelled.

Unfortunately, after much effort, Janet McCallum was  unable to make the journey across. Janet was determined to be here, and really did her very best, but between changing airports and examining all the options, she was  forced to submit to the inclement weather from Siberia which has disrupted British and Irish travel so badly.  [The Beast from the East].

Though many parts of the North have little or no snow, other parts are snowbound.  Therefore, the decision was made to cancel the entire weekend.

It was a weekend to stay indoors, keep warm and providing your electric hadn’t given up, you could sew, sew, sew.

Belated Happy St David’s Day to all our Welsh friends. Photo taken on the 1st March 2018.

Leaving you with this text message received yesterday from a quilter who lives just outside Dublin. In case anyone doesn’t know – all Dublin flights have been cancelled until tomorrow. She says:

Good morning, sitting here snug and warm indoors. More snow last night on top of a foot from Tuesday night. So, I’m forced to sew, sew, sew. We have a full tank of oil, plenty of fuel for the fire and lots of food. Plus candles should the power go and wool applique projects if candle light permits.

 

 

Ladies, we’ll be in touch about rescheduling Janet etc. Meanwhile take the Kildare Quilter’s advice – and snuggle down with your favourite project.

Happy Quilting.

 

Feb6

Paula says: Dive Into Your Stash

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This post applies only to Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild Members  

We have been invited to take part in this year’s Crafting Live exhibition in the Titanic Exhibition Hall.

Paula, our Chair invites you to submit a small piece which will be used to decorate the NIPG space and wonders if you have a stash of fabric? If so, please ‘Dive Into Your Stash’.

There may be quilters  unaware of  the occupational hazard, which afflicts many quilters – a compulsion to accumulate fabric, referred to as a ‘stash’.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary the definition of stash is:

1. A store or supply of something, typically one that is kept hidden or secret.

2. Store (something) safely and secretly in a specified place.

A quilter’s stash begins with the purchase of fabric for the first project and quickly grows.  There are many substantiated reports of a quilter’s stash multiplying overnight.

The acquisition of fabric is justified as being essentially a  quilter’s palette or a ‘creative resource centre’  A quilter’s stash is actually a place to go for inspiration and ideas when planning the quilting for a project.  A highly organised stash may look like this:

Whichever way you’ve organised it or indeed not organised it, Paula invites you to:

“DIVE INTO YOUR STASH.”

 

 

 

 

Completed pieces should be brought to the April Meeting on Saturday 7th April.

Please complete the following form.  (Unless advised otherwise, poles are not required.) Download the form from here craftinglive2018

 

Jan30

Quick note from our Chair, Paula

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Ladies and Gentlemen ,

At our February meeting (Sat 3rd Feb), Judith Hollies will have a one day pop-up shop where you will have a little time to browse and shop.

Then six of our members will be stationed at six tables, and  each will deliver  a fifteen-minute demonstration.  Members will be divided into groups of ten or twelve,  with each group spending the allotted time at each table, until everyone has had the opportunity to visit  all  six  tables.

Enjoy each visit.

Hopefully you will leave with new tips and ideas.

                                                    Workshops

WE have at least two spaces at Gillian Barr’s workshop on Sunday 4th February 10 o’clock in the Lagan room.

Please get in touch with either Adrienne or myself [ phone numbers on your membership card ]as soon as possible these will be allocated first come first in.

Requirements list for these on NIPG website.

We also have some places on Janet McCallum’s workshop,  where you will be able to use a lot of your scraps  to make a baby quilt/summer table cloth for outdoors bed quilt/a small piece for an exhibition. Lots of possibilities.

                                    Titanic exhibition in April

DIVE INTO YOUR STASH of quilts for our Titanic exhibition. You will not need a hanging sleeve or pole for these. Just have them ready for the April meeting

Mary will have forms for you to fill in, which will be pinned to back of your piece when you hand it in  Cant wait to see all your exciting ideas

Looking forward to February meeting

Paula