Quilting in th Highlands Retreat Day 1

A fantastic Day 1 of Quilting in the Highlands was to be had by all. We have 5 amazing and very talented tutors joining us: Carol Doak, Melinda Bula, Sue Dennis, Michele Hill and Leesa Chandler. The retreat is over 4 days with workshops lasting for 2 days each. 

Belows are photos taken throughout the first day of the retreat.

Leesa Chandler's Workshop: Geisha in the Moonlight

New patterns from Leesa Chandler

Leesa with Joyce in Geisha in the Moonlight Workshop

Michele Hill (left) in her workshop "William Morris Garden"

Michele Hill's Workshop William Morris Garden

 Busy at work in Michele Hill's William Morris Garden Workshop

Painting in Garden Trellis Workshop with Sue Dennis

 Painting with stencils in Sue Dennis' Workshop Garden Trellis

 Christine painting with stencils in Sue Dennis' Workshop Garden Trellis

  Melinda Bula's Workshop Hibiscus

Carol Doak demonstrating in her workshop Diamond Delight

Sewing up a storm in Carol Doak's Workshop Diamond Delight

Carol Doak chatting with Dianne in Diamond Delight Workshop

 Paper Piecing in Carol Doak's Workshop Diamond Delight

 Carol Doak's Workshop Bright Star

 Melinda Bula's Workshop Hibiscus all working hard

 Center block finished in Carol Doak's workshop Diamond Delight

Another center block finished in Carol Doak's Workshop Diamond Delight

More to Come......

Getting ready!

It is less than a week now before the start of Berrima Patchwork's very first Quilting in the Highlands Retreat. It has been very busy not only getting ready for the retreat but also in the shop. Yesterday we were getting all the pre-orders sorted out for the students (I was going to say ladies but we do have some gentlemen joining us). We have over 120 students from all over Australia, taking part in 10 different classes over 4 days, with many of the students attending all of the days. We have 5 award winning teachers, 2 from the USA - Carol Doak and Melinda Bula and 3 teachers from Australia - Michele Hill, Sue Dennis and Leesa Chandler. Everyone I know is excited to be attending, I have been talking to all the teachers and I know they are very much looking forward to being part of the retreat.

Several of our very talented teachers for the retreats are also authors. Below is just a small section of the books that we have on offer from them.Carol Doak has published 19 books, Melinda Bula has 2 books and Michele Hill has also authored 2 books.

All the threads, quilting notions and fabrics have arrived into the shop, it looks like the classroom has been invaded there isn't any space left to squeeze anything else in.

Name tags, goodies bags and more have all been organised for the students, there are some really great prizes also to be won throughout the retreat and we have to give a BIG THANK-YOU to all our sponsors. Bernina Australia has been extremely supportive of Quilting in the Highlands with providing our teachers with brand new 550QE to demonstrate on, providing us with a sewing  machine to give away to one lucky student and giving all our students something special for the goodies bags. We are looking forward to Greg Alexander the CEO of Bernina joining us on the Monday evening function and we will have some visitors from Bernina throughout the retreat. 

We also need to thank Gutermann Threads Australia for being one of the bag sponsors. Our other giveaway throughout the retreat have been donated by PK Fabrics, Mac Craft, Thirroul Quilting, Lloyd Curzon, J.Leutenegger, Sewline Australia, XLN Fabrics, Studio Mio, QH Textiles and Victorian Textiles. These are all Australian companies who have been very supportive of Quilting in the Highlands and while the company names might not mean a lot to our customers these companies are the Australian Distributors for well known brands such as Moda Fabric, Benartex, Westminister Fabrics, Quilt Gate, Andover Fabrics, Michael Miller, Matilda's Own Batting and Templates, Northcott Fabrics, In The Beginning Fabrics, Fabric Freedom, Olfa, Superior Threads, Mettler just to name a few. 

Talking of bags and giveaways, check out this bag below, all the student will be getting one of these on arrival to the retreat filled with some special treats.

There are lots more surprises that we have in store for both the students and teachers but of course we can't tell you what they are as it will spoil the surprise for those attending! It has been hard keeping the secrets but only a week left so I think we can do it.

 Want to know more about Quilting in the Highlands 2012 CLICK HERE

During the retreat we do have special trading hours at 

Berrima Patchwork.

Saturday 28th July - Open 11.30 till 4pm

Sunday 29th July - Open 11 till 4pm

Monday 30th July - CLOSED

Tuesday 31st July - CLOSED

We would like to remind everyone that only those who are registered students can attend Quilting in the Highlands. We have had several people ask if they could "pop in" to the classes and meet the teachers, this will not be possible and you will be asked to leave. Unless you are enrolled you cannot enter or visit any of the classrooms. Our teachers will be very busy during the retreat and at the end of the day they are often tired, we ask that you respect their privacy throughout the retreat. Thank-you for your understanding in this situation. If you do place an order via our website during the retreat it might take a little bit longer to get it out to you but we will do the best that we can.

William Morris Eco Totes

We have just had a delivery for these wonderful Eco totes.

They feature one of Michele Hill's Quilts from her book "More William Morris in Applique. These are a Eco Tote that is made with 100% recycled polypropylene from discarded plastic water bottles. Water-resistant with reinforced stitching and a secure zipper closure. Size: 15-1/2in x 15in x 8in. We have these in limited stock available from the shop. $12 each. Michele Hill is one of our workshop tutors for Quilting in the Highlands, and I'm sure if you ask we could perhaps have her sign the tote for you!

Under The Australian Sun Workshop

We have had requests to see the other sample bag which Leesa Chandler will be teaching as part of the Quilting in the Highlands Retreat. On the Monday and Tuesday (30th and 31st July) Leesa will be teaching Under The Australian Sun Experience II. 

You will be making 2 bags in this class and each bag you have the choice to two different colourways. This is the second bag that Leesa will be teaching, we have previously shown you this bag with the butterflies which is the other colourway choice.

 If you are interested in this workshop and would like more details go to http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/shop/product/UTASII/ The kit cost for this workshop includes EVERYTHING to make the two bags, all you need to bring is you machine and thread. Below is images of the bag that Leesa will be teaching and the other colourway choice you have.

Under The Australian Sun II Experience: Quilting in the Highlands Workshop with Leesa Chandler

Leesa is well known for her first Under The Australian Sun Collection designed for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. At the international Quilt Show in Houston this year Leesa will be unveiling her new Under The Australia Sun II Collection -the last collection wowed us and this new collection is sure be as stunning. Inspired by this new collection you will create  two fantastic new projects.

On the first day you will work on a handbag designed by Leesa, inspired by  Under the Australian Sun II fabric, which will include 3D flowers. On the second day you will be working on Leesa's Buckle Bag which once again features the beautiful fabrics from the Under the Australian Sun Collection. Leesa will discuss over the two days the different types of bag constructions and guide you through creating these two stunning bags. The kit for this class includes everything you needs to create these two bags, only thread and basic sewing supplies required. **Kit Required to be purchased for this class. **

 WORKSHOP FEE INCLUDES: 2 Days Tuition, lunch, morning tea, tea and coffee for both days, 1 evening meal on the Monday night. Goodies Bag upon arrival.  Opportunity to win prizes from our giveaway sponsors - total prizes giveaways worth over $6000. 

 For more information go to www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/quilting

Opal Fever Workshop with Sue Dennis

Opal Fever is one of the fantastic workshops that we have on offer at Quilting in the Highlands with award winning quilter Sue Dennis. This workshop is on the 30th and 31st July and is suitable for all skill levels. If you have ever wanted to learn more about how to create an art quilt Sue will guide you through the steps to create this stunning quilt. For more information CLICK HERE or go to www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/quilting

Australia’s National gemstone, the opal, captures the imagination with mysterious depths of colour. This is your chance to make a small quilt featuring this colourful stone which has been used by Sue in a number of her award winning quilts. In this workshop you will be using oil sticks, angelina fibres and appliqué you will be guided in the creation of your unique gemstones. Students choose 1 of 2 designs supplied by the Sue. More information about this workshop and Garden Trellis the workshop Sue will be teaching on 28th Saturday and 29th Sunday July go to www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/quilting

 

Sue on her website writes  "Australian opals fascinate me with their special properties of beautiful shifting light & vivid colour which is unique to each one. Opals are made of silica & have formed in underground water. Many people get “opal fever” in their search for this illusive treasure which is Australia’s national gemstone."

More about Sue Dennis

 

Since she began quilting in 1990, Sue has exhibited in Australia and internationally in invitational, juried
and touring exhibitions. Her designs are heavily influenced by the dramatic Australian landscape, having lived and travelled widely throughout the continent. 

Sue has a distinct style of art quilting and is recognized for her original work that incorporates numerous surface design techniques and stitches. She is drawn to colour and the textural possibilities of the quilted surface. Sue has been awarded any prizes for her distinct, original art quilts. She has been invited to exhibit in international & group exhibitions throughout Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, Great Britain, Europe, South Africa, Taiwan & the Middle East. Her prize winning work is represented in public and private collections. “What Would You Take?” was the winner of Australian Quilts in Public Places 2001 and was acquired by the Immigration Museum, Melbourne.
Sue works in the quilting industry as a tutor, judge and curator, is frequently published and is a member of Studio Art Quilt Associates, Ozquilt Network, The Quilters’ Guild of NSW, Queensland Quilters and Sunnybank Quilters.
At the International Quilt Show in Houston in 2011 Sue had  her own exhibition called Destination Texas.
“Australian quilter Sue Dennis presents a personal view of a small corner of rural Texas. During a three-week artist residency on a farm with inspirational surroundings, she created printed and rubbed fabric designs, and these form the backbone of this unique exhibition.”

The Morris Apprentice Fabric: Barbara Brackman

We have just recieved an email about the brand new Morris Apprentice Fabric by Barbara Brackman for Moda Fabrics. This collection is called The Morris Apprentice and  features the designs of John Henry Dearle.

 While I was at Kansas City we have a sneak peek of three of the fabrics from this collection and I just couldn't wait to see more. SOOOO today when we just got sent the link for this new collection we jumped on it! There is only one down side.... we have to wait until November for it to be in store, but the good thing is Berrima Patchwork will be taking the entire collection and there will be a kit to go with this fabric!

There is 40 pieces in this collection and below is just a taste of what is on offer. There is a range of colours including beautiful greys, eggplant, blues (always my favourite), browns, pale green, red and more!

You can view the entire collection by CLICKING HERE or go to http://www.unitednotions.com/fcc_The-Morris-Apprentice.pdf