February 2021 “Hands Across The Border” from Anne Hardcastle

Welcome.

Spring is coming…..I counted three yellow and four crocus flowers in my garden yesterday and today there are more than a dozen.

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 Spring makes me think of planning journeys and on Saturday 6th February we will welcome Greta Fitchett with her talk `Traveller’s Tales`, delivered via Zoom.

“TRAVELLERS TALES : Come along on a journey to places such as Venice, Hong Kong, Morocco, Turkey and Spain, as well as local UK travel – places that have inspired quilts, wallhangings and themed Journal Quilts.”

Looking further into the future. Deborah [NIPG President] and I had a Zoom talk with representatives from the Irish Patchwork Society (IPS) about `Hands Across the Border` 2021.  

The `Hands Across the Border` exhibitions, a joint venture by NIPG and IPS [Irish Patchwork Society] are held every other year and 2021 will celebrate 30 years of our association. It was sparked off all those years ago by making use of funding for  cross-border initiatives at that time. It is the turn of IPS to host the opening in the year that they are also celebrating their 40years.

So here is a synopsis of the essential details- full rules and entry form will be available here on the NIPG website

TITLE;  ` Hanging Together Again`  

SIZE;  30inches wide 40inches long ( all quilts are to be the same size) 

DEADLINE for submission:- 1st July 2021 (no late entries as they need to be photographed for the catalogue.)

OPEN ONLY to NI Patchwork Guild members [& Irish Patchwork Society].

NOT ACCEPTED :- glass fronted / framed / mounted quilts / quilts made from kits / workshop samples.

ACCEPTED:– Original work only. The work should have been completed within the last 2 years.

The work should NOT have been previously exhibited.

Quilts are not for sale during the exhibition and only available for collection at the end, which is anticipated to be up to one year after the opening.

By entering a quilt you agree to have it photographed for publicity purposes and the exhibition catalogue.  

For more details about labelling, hanging sleeve and packaging please see HERE

I would encourage everyone to think about making a quilt for `HATB`.  Examples from the 2019 and 2017 exhibitions are available to view on NIPG website. 

It would be really great to have a good showing from NIPG in recognition of 30 years.

The title` Hanging Together Again¬ gives plenty of scope for the imagination.

 My challenge now is to find a NI gallery for the exhibition some time after August 2021!!

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday 6th February some time after 10.00.

Meanwhile, stay safe and carry on quilting


Anne Hardcastle

Here are a few images from the 2009 Hands Across the Border, opened in Dublin by then President Mary McAleese.

Christmas Meeting 2018 Sat 1st December

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.

Hands Across the Border Exhibition, “Aurora” 2017, comes to the North of Ireland

Island Arts Centre

Yes, we are getting very excited about the Hands Across the Border exhibition coming to the beautiful setting of the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn.

Capture

 

 

It had a successful showing in Dublin, where it was exhibited in the Custom House Quay, IFSC, Dublin Northside, hosted by  the Eastern Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society.

Eastern Branch have kindly posted 58 photos of the Opening Night, at which  Leo Enright, the well-known RTÉ broadcaster, news reporter, and scientist,  officiated. The photos may be found on their Facebook Page  and give a glimpse of what you can expect to find in the exhibition.

Now all 63 quilts will be at the Island Arts Centre,  where you will be able to view them from  the 1st June until 1st July.

 Opening times of the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn  are:
Monday – Friday: 9.30 am – 10 pm
Saturday: 9.30 am – 5 pm
Sunday: closed

 

Enchanted Aurora Anne Frenc

Enchanted Aurora by Anne French