Thursday pow wow (belated)

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Apatchy Kaye

Here’s what’s been happening at Apatchy over the past couple of weeks-

Sharyn thought ‘outside the square’ and upcycled some denim skirts into the quilt above which she intends to use for a picnic rug and also managed to make the other little projects above.

That was the week before last and this week Sharyn showed us another completed work – the sampler quilt she commenced when she first started at Apatchy and based around a family cross stitch.

Margaret wasn’t to be outdone and brought these beauties in for show and tell. We are very impressed with the output of these two Apatcheez. They are zooming through their UFO lists. Hopefully you are as well.

If large projects seem to daunting then why not try a smaller one – maybe one of the Hexie club projects we’ve offered this year? Margaret finished one of these projects to show you how easy it is-

Other Apatcheez have also been busy. Hexies are still very popular and appliqué is also something that’s easily portable. Here’s Julia’s appliqué/Sashiko project.

Robyn was working on a hand-quilted design that is taking shape very nicely…

Several ladies have been enthused about the new fabric range ‘Sew Vintage’ perhaps this sample, based on the free manufacturer’s pattern, inspired everyone…

Give us a call if it inspires you.

You’ll please to know that it isn’t all work at Apatchy. We had time to savour the delights of Emma’s cooking…

All in all a very satisfying end to a productive fortnight.

Until next time happy quilting

Kaye

The new hexagon

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Apatchy Kaye

The humble hexagon has evolved – you know I have gradually been seduced by this shape and so, it seems have the Apatcheez. Most of the work being done in class involves hexagons.

We have our own Hexie Club up and running. These projects have been designed by the very clever Helen Stubbings from Hugs n Kisses. Helen lives in Tasmania so she has lots of stitching time in the cool weather unlike us Brissie girls.

The first project was this pretty pouch – made from fabric pieces left from our Fiesta block of the month.

The second project is the pencil case – although we all think it is more aptly described as a universal tote – exactly the right size for your sewing supplies. This project shows how utilising different fabrics creates a totally different look.

Here’s the front:

and here’s the back:

Jan , who made this, did tweak the pattern slightly but didn’t change things too much. It’s a really versatile little bag.

Here are some more of the ladies working on hexagons:

See I told you they’re all at it!

Another hexagon-related project is based on the book ‘The New Hexagon’ by Katja Marek.

On her website she has runs ‘The New Hexagon Millefiore Quiltalong’ The idea is to make rosettes using patterns from Katja’s book (copies of which arrived at Apatchy last week) and you end up with a 78″square quilt. I have seen some of the rosettes on the Facebook group and they are spectacular.

Source: Elizabeth Eastmond

Source: Suzanne Golden

See what I mean? Do I feel a new project coming on?

Hope you had a good week too. Have a look at the gallery – there’s more inspiration there.

Until next time – Happy Quilting

Kaye

Top Quilting Tips No. 2 – A Class Act

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Apatchy Kaye

In the ‘Countdown to classes‘ series here’s number –

Today I want to talk about classes and why you should attend one on a regular basis. As far as Apatchy Quilting goes I always envisaged that it would be a haven away from the stresses of everyday life as well as a quilting venue that nurtures creativity and inspiration. This is why I try to encourage everyone to think positively and why I discourage negative talk at classes – because it discourages people.

I was sad to hear that Rod McKuen died this week – I loved his poetry from the time I was a teenager. This portion of the poem ‘A Safe Place to Land‘ reflects what I feel about Apatchy:

“There should be some silence in this place so thought can harvest things it’s lately caught. I hope that you will take this as a resting space. A bench provided just before the clearing up ahead.”

Linda Steele is an award-winning quilter. She put together a list of 10 reasons to belong to a group. I couldn’t have put it better myself so here is her list:–

1. Inspiration

Who cannot help but be inspired by other peoples quilts.

2. Information

In our busy world it is impossible to keep up with everything going on.

3. Camaraderie

Sewing and quilting can be a solitary activity. Of course we all need time alone to prepare, design and achieve but it’s good to show others what we are doing as well.

4. Critique

Honest feedback is hard to find in the quilting world. Family and friends are too close and often don’t have the expertise. This is where a group with the skill to articulate and use the principles of Art and Design as their base is invaluable.

5. Insight

Everyone’s work is different and it is very interesting to see how other people approach a theme or idea.

6. Competition

Nothing spurs you on like a little bit of friendly competition.

Chris as winner Lesa champion

7. Support

Designing your own quilts and entering competitions can be tough and rejection is common. This is where groups can offer understanding, commiseration and encouragement.

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8. Purpose

Self-esteem is often built on achievement and finishing a quilt or helping organise an activity is very rewarding.

Toni amd Arnold

9. Confidence

Advising, listening, supporting and sharing with others have the advantage of boosting our own confidence.

10. Friendship

I have met so many wonderful people including online friends through my quilting groups.

Exactement! My thoughts too.

See you on Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30am to 12:30 for the day class or 6:00pm to 9:00pm for the evening class if you’re a night owl. Be there or be square.

Until tomorrow

Happy Quilting

Kaye

If you have missed any of the Countdown to Classes series here are the links: