women of substance

It was a rainy day.  The kind where you wake up and think, ahhh...I'll just stay in bed with a book.  But NO!  That just doesn't happen any more.  However, if given a second choice it would have to be to get in the car and head up the mountains to see the quilt show staged by the Material Girls. They are a group of 10 women that have been quilting together on a Thursday for decades sharing stories and ideas.  They have the envious mix of ecclectic style and warm hearted natures which was exhibited most cleverly by the divine collection of quilts and hand made goods on display.  What was meant to be a quick pop up the slopping road to Wentworth Falls became a journey of discovery that answered many questions like:

What does one do with a collection of suffolk puffs....

 
Why a quilt challenge for the group of coarse!  This dress was the first one I saw but there were several more that camera missed...each one cleverly dreamt up and put together.

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Then one might ask what would one do with some antique flags?  Well, if you were Bronwyn you would find an antique quilt and applique the flags onto it before getting it made up into this purely inspired wall hanging set!

And what ever would one do with left over bits of fabric, ric rac and buttons?  Oviously make over 90 cushions and sell nearly all of them!
The answer to all these questions were pretty obvious yesterday when Cath and I ventured up into the Blue Mountains to visit the best little quilt show in...ever.  I know members of my family abuse me for over use of the emphatic but we had such a marvelous time inspecting the quilts on display and chatting with the quilt makers and the rest of the absolutely delightful object d'art we found. 

Lets start with one favourite themes....originality.  There were quilts hanging in this show that eeked personality from layout and design to clever use of fabric.  They simply stated...I did this because I love it! and no other reason.  There were a few favourite themes but each one demonstrated the tastes and choices of the maker which meant the overall theme was delight.
Phoebe made an appearance as inspiration in a few of the quilts made all the more special from the very clever us of fabric!

Favourite theme number two:  Mix it up!  From spots to Japanese to Kaffe...if you like it, use it!

From the fabric to the technique to the quilting...each quilt drew us in for closer inspection and in many cases we got to talk to the maker as she modestly unfolded the story behind the quilt of choices and decisions made.
It was obvious that stashes were coming to life here as many of the quilts included vintage fabrics and blocks.  The old and the new were mixed together to create timeless treasures.

This show was just what the doctor ordered...an injection of the creative spirit straight to and from the heart.

Here is part of what we are talking about. Robyn had the quilt and decided to add the Wharatah border.  As you can see,the border isn't finished but what the heck...it is well worth seeing even if only partially done.  Cath and I nearly clapped when we saw it.  After all, if quilting is a display of the life that surrounds us doesn't this quilt tell the truth!

It struck me as we made our way down the mountain that these women might hold a well kept secret.  Just an hour away they have found a peacefulness...a focus on gentle thoughts and images...an element of life that perhaps gets lost in the only slightly more hectic lifestyle.  I am not saying that each of these women doesn't have complications in their life or worries or issues but rather that they just felt happy.  The quilts were whimsical and happy. 

See what I mean?  Happy even doing the dishes in one of the sweet aprons that match the lovely gloves!!  The quilters were all chatty, smiling and happy despite having been on their feet in preparation for the show and over the weekend.  I wanted to bottle the feeling I had as we left to savour each day and remind me that life just isn't that serious.

Maybe the days of sleeping in are evading me at the moment but there are still lots of wonderful things to fill the day. k

Comments

[Gretchen]

What a blissful way to start a gloomy sky Monday! Words and photos for inspiration. Merci!

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I love this blog--I stumbled on it about a month ago, and if your quilts, color/pattern combinations, and prose weren't enough, your energy kind of springs off the pages. And it seems there is just no frumpy quilting going on on your big island. Some day I hope to come there to your shop--Sara

[lyn lindsay]

Kathy I'm so inspired, aren't they clever creatives, no aren't they free creatives, love the cushions part of the story and recognise some of the fabric, oh how I'd love to be near the mountains again, I'm missing my Southern heritage...especially with the humidity still draining us in Brisbane. Thanks Kathy a good post, what a lovely group of ladies.
Lyn - Brisbane

[Meg Hamilton]

Great feast for the eyes! One of your best skills is a real knack for finding that little twist on something that makes it totally unique and fresh...seeing all of these new fabric combos and designs just lit up my brain this morning. I loved the antique flags....I've got, of all things, a commemorative tea towel from Will and Kate's wedding that is just begging to be turned into some sort of kitschy, Brit-themed piece of fun! Will post a photo with whatever result I get:)

[pandora-bracelets-and-charms]

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[Coach Outlet Online]

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[krk realty]

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