Sydney Quilt Show 2015 - Best of Show!

I had the most incredibly exciting few days last week at the Sydney Quilt Show. Having received a phone call to say that my quilt Sanderson's Apprentice had been awarded a ribbon and that I "would want to be at the award ceremony", I flew up on Wednesday morning with my husband.

I was thrilled when my quilt won a First Prize Ribbon in the Traditional Professional Category, even more excited when it won Excellence in Longarm Machine Quilting and completely amazed when it was also awarded Best of Show!

Image courtesy of Expertise Events

I had only intended to spend one day at the Sydney Quilt Show. However, having been awarded Best of Show I flew back on Friday morning to spend a further two days with my quilt, talking to lots of very interested quilters - I had a great time.

I would like to thank the committee of the Quilters' Guild of NSW for organising a fabulous quilt show, the judges for their time and what must be a difficult job, the volunteers for making the quilt show possible and all exhibitors who entered a quilt.  I would also like to thank all the sponsors including Expertise Events and Bernina for their generous sponsorship.

My quilt has returned home with it's swag of pretty ribbons and a beautiful sash.

I will look forward to Sanderson's Apprentice being part of the Best of Australia competition at the Australian Quilt Convention in April 2016 and travelling around to the various state quilt shows during that year.

Vic Quilters Showcase 2014 - Sanderson's Apprentice

I spent a wonderful day today at the Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair with my sister, Red Pepper Quilts and our Mum. 

We had a great time shopping at the many booths, chatting to many familiar faces and viewing the wonderful quilts on display as part of the 2014 Vic Quilters Showcase.

The highlight of the day, however, was being awarded First Prize in the Longarm Category as well as the Matilda's Own Excellence in Longarm Quilting Award for my quilt Sanderson's Apprentice.

Sanderson's Apprentice is a Sanderson Star quilt which was inspired by our visit last year to the Brisbane Exhibition - Quilts 1700 - 1945 which was an exhibition of quilts from the V&A Museum in London.  I was particularly struck by a stunning Sanderon Star Quilt by an unknown maker in yellow and cream fabrics with incredible hand quilting.  Being a machine quilter, hand quilting a quilt like this was clearly out of the question. 

The Sanderson Star design is named after its creator - Elizabeth Sanderson.  Elizabeth was an apprentice to the quilt marker and draper George Gardiner of Allendale, and her iconic style and expert skills made her more famous then her tutor.  Her reputation spread, and she set up her own business, taking live in apprentice to learn the trade.  

My version of the Sanderson Star Quilt was made with Oakshot Cottons.  The quilting motifs are based on traditional quilting designs but I have re-drafted them for machine quilting.  The quilt incorporates shadow trapunto for all the quilting elements - a bright red layer of fabric has been placed between the quilt top and the wadding to create the pink and apricot glow.

Detail - Sanderson's Apprentice

Matilda's Own Excellence in Longarm Quilting Ribbon

I would like to thank Vic Quilters for organising a wonderful quilt exhibition, the judges for what must have been some very difficult decisions and the volunteers for making the quilt show possible.  Congratulations to all those who entered a quilt for what is a fantastic display.  I would also like to thank all the sponsors for their continued support.  I will be heading back to the Melbourne Quilt and Craft Fair on Saturday for another dose of quilts and shopping.