Members who attended our October Open Meeting had the opportunity to see the construction of the October Block, Wyoming Beauty!
If you weren’t able to attend the meeting, have no fear! I’ve recorded the slideshow for you!
In the slideshow are several quilt variations that you can make with this block, just by rotating the block!
Enjoy!
Thanks to Susan for spotting this one!
Cutting instructions for fabric one should read cut 2.5 x 3 inch rectangles. (Currently reads 2.3 x 3). I will fix the handout and repost it!
Edited to add: Download the correct instructions here.
As we’re about a month to go before our September meeting, I thought we’d do a bit of a check in on the Summer Challenge.
You’ll remember that this year’s theme is:
We’ve left this open to interpretation for our members. This means you can create a quilt using circles, drawing inspiration from the 1916 Rising, or even using a patchwork technique you’ve never done before. We’re looking forward to seeing what you create!
Feel free to make anything you’d like–a bag, a quilt or a mug rug. There’s no limit but your imagination.
Like last year, we’ve decided that this year’s prize for the challenge is a sewing machine service to be performed during our October meeting by John O’Donnell.
I’ve set up a Pinterest board with some images to spark your inspiration. Find it here.
It’s time to debut our next block! I’m excited to show you how to make the Sister’s Choice Block!
Originally designed to be a 10 inch block, I changed the design a little bit in order to work out to a 12 inch block, and make it easy to cut out the pieces.
Download the instructions here.
I’ve also created a step by step slideshow of how to construct the block, that you can see here:
While I’ve been put the finishing touches on August 2016’s block, I’ve also spent some time over the summer updating our YouTube Channel to include all of the slideshows from our 2015 Block of the Month.
Be sure you take a moment to subscribe to the channel to be notified when we post a new video!
On Sunday, July 17th, I had the pleasure of attending the Irish Patchwork Society National Exhibition, “Evolution.”
What an amazing exhibition!
Two exhibitions were running in the space when I visited. One was “Distance,” a collection of quilts from Austria, Latvia and Ireland.
Below is a slideshow of all of the quilts in this part of the exhibition:
Next, I walked through the IPS National Exhibition, “Evolution.”
Below, is a slideshow of all of the quilts involved.
Congratulations to all those who participated. I hope you had the chance to see the quilts in person, the photographs did not do the exhibition justice!
Congratulations to all of the Southern Branch members who participated as well!
You are invited to the opening of two Textile Exhibitions in The Mitchel Hall on Spike Island on Thursday the 26th of May 2016.
“Devil in a Dress” is by Kevin Dinan and “Freedom “ the 2nd Irish Quilters’ Showcase exhibition features quilters from all over Ireland.
A boat will leave from Kennedy Pier, Cobh at 1pm and return at 3pm.
Spike Island will be closed the week starting the 30th of May and will reopen on the 6th of June.
The exhibitions will run until the 13th of June.
Please rsvp Paula (087 7699200 astrocatty@yahoo.co.uk) so that we will know numbers for the boat.
Thanks to Susan for writing this recap for me in my absence:
There was a good buzz in the air today. Everyone was in good humour.
Our meeting started with Joanna welcoming everyone in Erin’s absence. We have a new committee and it is hoped that we can find out from members what would be liked in future meetings and that we would talk more about it at June’s meeting.
Joanna thanked Anne Marie of Kilbora Quilts for joining us at our meeting and wished her well in the future after closing her shop.
We were reminded that those wishing to submit a quilt for the National Exhibition should liaise with Joanna who will make sure they are delivered on time.
Other upcoming exhibitions were also announced including one in Bishopstown Library and Spike Island.
Executive news was given by Joanna as she is now the rep for the branch. The national AGM will take place on the 1st October in Kilkenny.
The librarians have asked that all library books out be returned by June’s meeting so that a stock take can take place over the summer break.
Mary Palmer gave a demo on binding with mitred corners and one strip binding. It was very well received.
Anne Marie gave a demo on free motion quilting rulers. It is a new way of doing free motion quilting with the aid of specific rulers and a special foot for the machine. This was very interesting and a lot was learned by us all.
Show and Tell:
Mary Palmer – Japanese and batik fabrics. Quilt for her daughter
Joanna Harrington – A charity quilt made by Evelyn Montague
Frances Mc Carthy – 1720 map of cork unfinished was a workshop given by Ailbhe
Fionnula Creed – sampler quilt to test the star block for a wedding quilt
Finishing quilts from before
Carpenters Wheel
The bag carrying the quilts was made good number of years previous. All by Bernie Kelly
Two Quilts for Crumlin
Mystery quilt designed by Mary Palmer from a few years back
And “Think outside squares” quilt top good for beginners, all by Mary O’Connor
Jar Quilt by Anne Moloney
and Anne Moloney’s quilt she did with her daughter.
Frances McCarthy – Fat quarter quilt from a Canadian themed charm pack
Here’s a slideshow from all of the photographs taken by Susan:
After a bit of a break, our Back to Basics video series has returned!
Have you ever wondered why your quilt blocks have come out short, despite accurate measurements of your cutting? It may be that your quarter inch seam is not a quarter inch!
This video outlines a simple test you can perform with some fabric scraps.
Fabric scraps should measure 2.5 inches wide, length does not matter. Sew your three scraps together, and the middle piece should measure exactly 2 inches wide!
Southern Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society 