January Workshop

We hope you had a very Happy Christmas this year!

After our January 14th meeting, we’re presenting a workshop by Tomomi McElwee,

Drawstring Patchwork Bags

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Tomomi’s class description:

Drawstring bags are what we, Japanese had as bags to put things in and carry before Western bags came (Furoshiki, wrapping cloth is other type of item used for carrying things but they are not bag shaped).

Traditionally these small bags are made from scraps out of other sewing jobs. Also young girls made these to practice sewing skills and carried small bits and pieces.

Since they have flat bottom and wide opening, you can see what is inside very easily and they sit on well too.

They can be made in any size but the smaller the cuter, let’s make them in palm size!

Go through all your scrap collection and find nice combination of fabrics.

If you’re interested in taking this class, be sure to contact us at corkips@gmail.com, spaces are limited!  

 

 

 

 

December Meeting Recap

On December 10, the Southern Branch met for our annual Christmas meeting!

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We began the meeting with a few announcements.  They included:

  • Any members who haven’t received their newsletter, please let Joanna know!
  • Cork Textile Network’s exhibition at the School of Music is going on until the 22nd.
  • The Southern Branch Exhibition “Community” is happening the week of March 6th.  Finalising details, including opening reception.  We’ll have entry form available at January meeting.  There will be an entry fee of €5 to cover cost of hanging rails, etc.  Members will have the ability to sell their quilt, Sirius Art Centre takes 30% commission.

 

Ann then ran our annual holiday table quiz.  Great job Ann!

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After the table quiz, we then viewed the Mug Rugs entered into the challenge:

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After judging, Patricia O’Brien was declared the winner of the challenge:

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Congratulations Patricia!

For members who wanted to participate, we then swapped mug rugs.

We also debuted the next blocks in the Block of the Month, the Double Friendship Star:

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and the Ohio Star:

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Moya gave us a talk on Christmas and other patchwork projects:

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We ended the meeting with an amazing show and tell:

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Our next meeting will happen on the 14th of January.  Be sure to sign up for the workshop! Space is limited!

December Letter from the Chair

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Greetings members!

The Christmas season has always been my favourite time of the year, even before my boys were born.  We’ve put up our tree, and I’ve even hung the patchwork stockings I made last year on the mantle.

The committee met today to start to plan the rest of the meetings prior to the summer break.

On December 10, 2016, at 10:00,

we’ll be meeting at the Sacred Heart Church on Western Road for our annual Christmas meeting!

Patchwork Plus will be the shop for the meeting, and Moya will also be giving us a talk on Christmas Patchwork Projects!

Our next two blocks of the Block of the Month project will be debuted.

Ann is putting the finishing touches on the annual Christmas Table Quiz.  Be ready with your quilting knowledge!

We’ll see the results of the Christmas Challenge, Mug Rugs!

In response to members requesting a Kris Kringle, the committee is going to be running a Mug Rug Swap from the Challenge Mug Rugs!  For members who don’t want to swap your challenge, don’t worry, you’ll be able to opt out of the swap if you want.  Bring a Mug Rug, take a mug rug!

Bring your projects for Show and Tell!  Our last few Show and Tells have been amazing, and full of inspiration!

We’ll have our usual Raffle!

Tea and Coffee will be provided, however cakes and other goodies will be dependent on members.

We’re looking forward to seeing you on the 10th!  If you’re unable to come, we wish you a healthy and safe holiday season!

Christmas Challenge 2016

As mentioned in our November meeting recap post, the Christmas challenge for this year is

MUG RUGS!

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Mug Rug I received from Tomomi McElwee during a 2015 Christmas Swap

What is a mug rug exactly?  Think of it as a cross between a mini quilt and a coaster.  It needs to be large enough to accommodate a cup of tea and a biscuit, or piece of cake.

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Making a mug rug is a great way to use up scraps!  A small finished size means that you can use those smaller scraps to make yours!

Use this as an opportunity to try a technique or style of quilt you’ve always wanted to try out!

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When I participated in a mug rug swap, I decided to make an Irish Chain mug rug.  I took this as an opportunity to practice free motion quilting swirls.

If you need some inspiration for this challenge, I’ve created a Pinterest board of different tutorials, you can find it here.

Don’t feel like you have to make yours Christmas themed!  Make whatever suits you!