Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Knit & Crochet for Charity

There are others out there in the community who need our help keeping warm during the winter months.

  • Beanies/Hats
  • Knitted or Crocheted squares
  • Balls of wool or acrylic
Donations of these items will be much appreciated.

These items will be passed on to Jan Mac at the Retreat, for distribution.  If you are unable to attend our Retreat but would like to help out, the items can be sent to Jan at:

Jan MacFadyen
35 Trevaskis Road
Kialla East, Vic 3631


Patterns
Crocheted Squares
Using 8 ply yarn and size 4.5 crochet hook, make 10 rounds of treble and single chain between them.

Knitted Squares
Using 8 ply yarn and size 4mm needles, cast on 50 stitches and knit garter stitch for 104 rows.

Adult Beanie
Using 8 ply yarn and size 4mm needles, cast on 120 stitches. 
Knit 14 rows of rib.
Knit 26 rows of stocking stitch.
Next row - to shape the head - *Knit 10 stitches, K2 together*,
repeat to end of the row.
Next row - Purl
Next row - Knit 9 stitches, K2 together, repeat to end of row.
Keep decreasing in this manner until all stitches are K2 together across the row;  draw a yarn through the remaining stitches using a darning needle and finish off.
Sew up to finish.

Thank you for your help and generosity.

Challenges

Challenge 1 - Handmade Toy  

Join us in making a toy that will be passed on to a Charity Organisation to brighten up a child's Christmas

Your toy can be made of fabric, felt, knitted or crocheted.

Please remember that if any embellishments are attached to the toy, they must be secure.
Your name is to be in a sealed envelope and pinned to your toy.

Judging will be by Viewer Choice
Prizes will be awarded



Challenge 2 - A3 Sized Christmas Quilt

For those who would like to participate in this challenge, you will receive a Christmas Card in your registration pack.  The challenge is to Interpret any part of the card.

  • Finished size :  A3 or 16.5 inches x 11.5 inches
  • 3 Layers :  top, any form of wadding/pelon etc and backing
  • Portrait or Landscape
  • Does not need a rod pocket (personal choice), as your finished piece will be returned to you at the end of the Retreat
  • Your challenge can be patchwork, applique, textile based etc
  • Please place a label on the back and cover your name
  • Original Christmas Card must be submitted with your challenge for display
Use your Imagination and Think Outside the Square!

Judging will be by Viewer Choice
Prizes will be awarded






Note:  Images are all free patterns from Robert Kaufman website



Sunday, December 9, 2012

Our Classes

A tantalizing preview of the wonderful classes that will be offered at Bendigo in 2013.

Further details, tutor information, photos of the projects and requirements will be on the retreat website later for you to make a decision.

I wish I was able to do all of the classes!

Machine Applique Three Ways - One Day Class - Mariya Waters

A full day of machine applique techniques learning the basics of satin stitch, raw edge and turned applique by machine.

Whirrakee - Maze Centre of an Award Winning Quilt - One Day Class - Margaret McDonald

A full day class where Margaret shares the techniques to complete the maze centre, a pieced lattice design, of this contemporary quilt.  This quilt reflects the colours of the acacia plant that is indigenous to the country around Bendigo in Central Victoria.  The quilt is made by machine.  You can do the applique border after the retreat.


Analysis Series - One Day Class - Deb Layt

A full day class based on Deb's Analysis three-part series and her award-winning piece "Connected."  The project will be a contemporary A4 sized example of use of colour, shape and raw-edged applique.  This piece will also explore different machine quilting patterns and how thread colour affects fabric colour.

Quilt As You Go Technique, Throw Sized Quilt - One Day Class - Bev Frank

Learn how to quilt your blocks and join them together to make a complete quilt – 57” X 57”
This is a great technique to make an achievable quilt, finished or nearly finished, in one day. A kit will be available to purchase.

Contemporary Christmas Tree - Half Day Class - Nicky Tepper

This fun and funky Christmas tree celebrates the season with a contemporary style and design.  The class method is applique, using fusible webbing, which is then hand appliqued using blanket stitch.  Alternative methods of construction using the machine will be discussed.  The finished wallhanging measures 30" x 48".  Alternative colours could include white on a red or green background, or green on white background.  Kits can be altered to suit.  Email the tutor privately.

*UPDATED Dresden Plate Fussy-Cut Paper Piecing - Half Day Class - Nicky Tepper

English paper-piecing is a technique that can be used for many designs, apart from hexagons. We will show you how to make both the pointed and rounded Dresden Plate block, as well as fitting the circle to the centre and appliqueing to a background.  You will also be given some great tips for fabric selection and fussy-cutting to make your blocks look spectacular and all creatively different.  The sample blocks have been set on-point and made into a table runner, so you will be given the pattern to complete this project, or supplied with the skills to make your own design for a quilt set "on-point".

Waratah Evening Bag - Half Day Class - Leesa Chandler

The entire bag is one large Waratah Flower featuring ruching and 3D petal work.  It has a metal frame and a shoulder length chain.  Kits will be offered.

Russian Jewels - Half Day Class - Leesa Chandler

Large kaleidoscope block - suitable as a wallhanging, or use as a cushion cover or centre of a quilt.  Combination of bias work, pre-shaped reversed applique and 3D work.  Students will complete one quarter in class, which represents the other three sections of the block.  Kits will be available.

Crazy Ornie - Half Day Class - Emma Baumann

This is a crazy patch embroidery over "whole cloth" ornament of a heart or star.  Kits are available for purchase.

Itsy Bitsy - Half Day Class - Bronwyn van't Hof

Don't throw away your scraps of material - even the smallest fabric scraps can be utilized!  Bronwyn will teach a wonderful technique for you to use up even the smallest fabric scraps.  Start collecting all your scraps!

Painted Silk Scarf - Half Day Class - Bronwyn van't Hof

Be creative!  A great, simple method of making a silk pashmina to match the colours of your favourite clothes.  A kit will be available for purchase.  If you are trying to match a garment, it would be a good idea to bring it along.


Hand Embroidered Christmas Gift to Keep or Give Away - Half Day Class Bev Stayner

This project is a fun Christmas stocking embellished with and stitching and cute 3D applique penguins skating on ice, made from soft minkie fabric.  These will be pre machine-stitched for you, ready to turn through and create.  It will be fun to make for yourself or for a friend, big or small.  We will commence the embellished stocking-front in class.  Assembly of the Christmas stocking will be completed at home.  Extensive instructions will be provided for the embellishment, the applique and assembly of the stocking, as well as the pattern for both.

Basic Zentangles and Beyong - Half Day Class - Lee Vause

Come along and learn all about Zentangle, a new intuitive and creative artform.  Zentangle is easy to learn and relaxing.  There is no need to bring anything along - just lots of enthusiasm in readiness for a bit of fun.  A kit will be available for purchase.  Come on, why not give it a go.  Step out of your comfort zone and join me to learn about Zentangle - this addictive, repetitive artform that focusses on fun and relaxation, while drawing to create pleasing images using repetitive patterns. In this three-hour class, come and learn six tangle patterns, while drawing on a Zentangle tile to develop a new skill that will enhance your self-confidence and provide a positive sense of wellbeing.


Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Welcome!


 

Come and Enjoy
“Christmas in July”
In Bendigo, Victoria
A weekend  of laughter and sewing with many of the fellow SCQuilters from the Yahoo list.
It’s one weekend you’ll never forget!
The Central Victorian committee will ensure that you are entertained an fulfilled from start to finish.
Start saving now, and get the bags ready to be packed.
 
When?  19 – 21 July 2013
This weekend will coincide with the Australian Sheep & Wool Show.  If you are intending on arriving early and spending time in Bendigo, you will need to confirm your accommodation ASAP.  The Australian Sheep & Wool Show is an exceptional event and attracts thousands of people from all over Australia… A bit like SCQuilters!

 



Location
Bendigo is located approximately in the centre of Victoria.  The city is easily accessible by major highways from all directions… and there is bitumen all the way!! No big city traffic to contend with, just good warm country hospitality.  Bring your winter woollies!!



EOI (Expression Of Interest)
Click on the Tab at the top of the page labelled EOI to download and print your form