Thanks to Flowerfield Arts Centre for creating the beautiful invitation to the Opening of the Hands Across the Border exhibition, hosted jointly with The Irish Patchwork Society. The exhibition was a huge success and we’re looking forward to Part 2, when it goes to the Irish Patchwork Society.
We made the quick dash safely, from our usual monthly meeting at Cultra to Flowerfield to arrive for the Grand Opening at 15:00.
[Our speaker for the monthly meeting was Hazel Bruce, from the Ulster University.
In honour of this year being our Ruby Anniversary, the NIPG chose the title ‘Ruby Serendipity’ for our biennial Hands Across the Border exhibition, which we share with the Irish Patchwork Society.
Why have a photo of Black Eyed Susans?
A learned friend spotted that we had referred to our Hands Across the Border exhibition as being bi-annual, that is twice per year.
The Gardeners among you will have been jumping up and down, because we should have said biennial – meaning once every two years.
Hence the photo of the Black Eyed Susans which is a biennial plant.
Everything is on track – lots of quilts were gathered up at our last Meeting for our, ready to be transported to the Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart.
At the time of writing, even the weather is improving, though we can’t get too complacent, April is not renown for April Showers for nothing! Still nothing, but nothing will dampen our spirits with so many great events behind us and still more to come.
We’ve had a wonderful visit from Kaffe Fasset and Brandon Malby, with the talk in the Ulster Museum. Congratulations to all those from ‘out of town’ who made it – not easy to find your way there. We think Belfast is small, but when you need to find a specific building and more importantly find a parking space, things can get trickly. So really happy you made it and trust you enjoyed it.
The workshop held in Windmill Fabrics was great fun and well received by all those who attended – not least the ladies from Windmill Fabrics.
As if all that excitement wasn’t enough we’ve a few more great events to look forward to.
While we’re galloping towards Hands Across the Border, let’s not forget we still have two meetings and a Sunday workshop ahead of us.
Saturday 4th May – Usual Meeting – 10:00 for 10:30 at Cultra with Hazel Bruce
Saturday 4th May – afternoon – quick gallop up to Portstewart for the Opening of Hands Across the Border by Lady Mary Peters at 15:00.
Sunday 5th May Ruth Crothers ‘Shibori Dyeing’. This is a class much demanded by members, so hope you can all make it. Non-members are welcome too.
The visit of Kaffe Fassett & Brandon Mably was the highlight of our Ruby Celebrations. If you have any stories or photos, we would be glad to have them, although our Facebook has actively published them.
Kaffe’s lecture at the Ulster Museum was an huge success, and the Workshop at Windmill Fabrics was great fun, but our Ruby celebrations continue. While all our attention has been on the Kaffe Fassett visit, we do have really exciting workshops in April and May.
Words from our chair, Paula
Good Morning All
With all the excitement of Kaffe Fassett’s visit, we have Workshops in April and May workshops, which to date have been overlooked.
Few people have signed up so far, this is disappointing, after all the effort which has been put in to arrange a varied programme.
At the April Meeting on 6th April, Mary McCormick will be on her desk early to give you all information. We do not want to have to cancel any of these
Hands Across The Border Mary McCormick and I visited Flowerfields last week to organise the forthcoming Hands Across the Border exhibition. We are very impressed with all the suggestions for a Grand Opening on May 4th, at 3:00 pm, for our 40th anniversary year.
We are happy that Mary Peters will be our Guest of Honour at the Opening. Light refreshments will be served there. Local craft and sewing groups and other people of interest locally are being invited. I hope we will have a good turnout .
Please bring your finished pieces to April meeting, where Janet and Clare will be on hand to take them from you. Clare has printed off a sheet for you to fill in and put with your work. Please bring in a cloth bag or roll with your name on back of the quilt (pinned on is fine) and on your hanging pole. I don’t think I need to say that a hanging sleeve must be sewn on the quilt.
We are looking forward to a lot of great work.
At the usual Saturday Meeting, there will be the tea and coffee, as usual bring your own mug. Hope you enjoy the morning and the Afternoon workshop, which has a small requirements list. Don’t worry if you are missing something, everyone loves to share Paula
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. “
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.
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!
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.
Anne Jame’s prize, including ballot tickets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
delivered the October workshop, and here’s 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
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.
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.
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
[Banner is ‘Overcrowded World by Irene MacWilliam]
New Year 2018 was heralded by cold, wet weather, which unfortunately was reflected in the heat (or lack of) in our Hall. The heating is out of our control, but the talk by Pat Archibald was hot and steamy bringing us in a journey around Ghana and illustrating how items which we casually discard can be made into objects of beauty.
Pat Archibald, a quilter of international repute, was co-owner of Scotland’s first dedicated patchwork and quilting shop, which she subsequently sold, has taught specialist textile classes to students from far and wide. She has had her wonderful work widely exhibited in the UK, Europe and in the USA, in addition to which she has travelled far and wide, garnering ideas and discovering craft makers. Recently she led a textile holiday to Vietnam. Her history into quilting is documented on her website.
We were fascinated with Pat’s travels in Ghana, she brought to life the craftspeople in different parts of the country, with a variety of skills. Weavers, dyers-of-fabric, people who stamped blocks on fabric to make intricate patterns, glass bead makers, brass beads makers, and potters amongst others.
The photos which she generously shared showed a great many very happy smiling people, justifiable proud of their inspiring work in creating high quality items from virtually nothing.
Pat fullfilled her promise to transport us to “far flung places”.
She demonstrated how artists and craftworkers in underprivileged parts of the world combine their resourcefulness with what is available to them locally to produce fabulous textiles and artworks.
All Quilters welcome. Our membership encompasses the lone quilter to local groups, with our Mariner’s Compass logo representing the span of our membership. Each and everyone has a place in the Quilter's Guild of Ireland. Join us..
a stunning cushion cover made by Jan, our
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.
The heating is out of our control, but the talk by Pat Archibald was hot and steamy bringing us in a journey around Ghana and illustrating how items which we casually discard can be made into objects of beauty.
