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May Meeting Recap

On By corkipsIn Meeting Recap, UncategorizedLeave a comment

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Show and Tell:

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Mary Palmer – Japanese and batik fabrics. Quilt for her daughter

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Joanna Harrington – A charity quilt made by Evelyn Montague

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Frances Mc Carthy – 1720 map of cork unfinished was a workshop given by Ailbhe

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Fionnula Creed – sampler quilt to test the star block for a wedding quilt

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Finishing quilts from before

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Carpenters Wheel

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The bag carrying the quilts was made good number of years previous.  All by Bernie Kelly

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Two Quilts for Crumlin

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Mystery quilt designed by Mary Palmer from a few years back

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And  “Think outside squares” quilt top good for beginners, all by Mary O’Connor

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Jar Quilt by Anne Moloney

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and Anne Moloney’s quilt she did with her daughter.

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Frances McCarthy – Fat quarter quilt from a Canadian themed charm pack

Here’s a slideshow from all of the photographs taken by Susan:

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Back To Basics – Quarter Inch Seam Test

On By corkipsIn Back to Basics, UncategorizedLeave a comment

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!

April Meeting Recap

On By corkipsIn Meeting Recap, UncategorizedLeave a comment

On April 9, we met for our monthly meeting.

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It was a very good meeting, full of lively discussion!

One topic discussed was our Library.  Since it is not an option to store the books at the church, options were discussed to decrease the physical labor for our amazing librarians to bring the library to meetings.  The next committee will focus on making the library the best it can be and an excellent resource for members.  (We’ll be putting a post on the website with the list of the titles we have in the library in the upcoming month.)

Jane gave her Chair’s report, followed by Ann’s Treasurer’s report.

Olive gave an Executive Representative’s report as well.  Highlights of her report included the discussion of plans for the IPS gallery at the Knitting and Stitching Show, the National Exhibition, the National AGM in October, and the creation of a Young IPS website by Paula Rafferty.

Also discussed was the EQA Diversity in Europe Exhibition.  This is an opportunity for our branch to nominate a quilt to be exhibited in the European Quilt Association Diversity in Europe Gallery at the Festival of Quilts 2016.  For more information, there is a short article on page 8 in the latest newsletter.

Our branch is to nominate a quilt by May 31st, so bring your quilt for consideration to our next meeting!

Also during our AGM, we formed a small subcommittee in order to draft a motion for the National AGM happening on October 1, 2016 in Kilkenny.

We also had some new committee members step forward.  Assumpta Lydon, Eileen Mangan and Joanna Harrington will be joining Ann Prendergast, Susan Garde, and Erin Case for the next year.

Following the AGM, Erin gave a presentation on Zippered Patchwork bags:

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You can download the the instructions for the bag here.

After that, we had our fantastic Show and Tell!

Susan showed off her Block of the Month Quilt Top:

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Stephanie showed off a block she made using Lynne Edwards Sampler Blocks:

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Then Fionnuala showed us a baby quilt she made which also included a matching Christmas stocking:

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Then Tracy showed us a Kissing Fish quilt:

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A baby quilt:

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and a pillow cover made from a Mariner’s Compass:

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Assumpta showed us a quilt she made using some Tumbler blocks:

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Siobhan showed us her quilt:

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followed by Joanna’s Log cabin quilt:

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and disappearing nine patch:

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Mary showed us her quilt made for a motorcycling friend:

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Frances showed us a quilt for Effy:

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Eilís then showed us a quilt made using inserting 1 inch strips:

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and Anne showed us some of her quilts made during workshops:

Here’s some snapshots from the meeting:

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We’ll see you on May 14th for our next meeting!

2015 Christmas Challenge

On By corkipsIn Christmas Challenge, UncategorizedLeave a comment

At our November meeting, Jane issued our 2015 Christmas Challenge!

Some fabrics were provided, but don’t worry if you weren’t able to attend the meeting!  It will be easy to participate!

Three circles were provided to members cut out of assorted Christmas themed fabrics.  Their diameters were 5 inches, 3 inches and 2 inches.  Didn’t get any fabric from the meeting?  No problem!  Just measure some of the objects around your home to use for a template.

Circles

Your challenge is to use at least two different sizes of the circles to create any sort of Christmas themed project.  

Some ideas include a tree skirt, stocking, mug rug, mini quilt, large quilt, ornament and a table centrepiece.

How about a Santa ornament?

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I’ve been scouring Pinterest for our branch to create a board to inspire you!

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Find our challenge board here. 

Good Luck!

 

Announcing Irene MacWilliam Workshops June 13 and 14th!

On By corkipsIn Uncategorized1 Comment

At our March meeting we were excited to announce that we are holding two workshops from Irene MacWilliam!

Come and spend an afternoon learning and having fabric-fun in the company of the celebrated patchworker and textile artist Irene MacWilliam, all the way from Belfast!  Irene has exhibited all over Ireland, the UK, Europe and America and has won more prizes for her work than there is room here to list and is a sought after teacher.  This is likely to be a popular class and places are limited, so secure your place asap!

On June 13th, we’re holding a half day workshop entitled “Japanese Folded Patchwork.”

Various shapes will be explored : squares, diamonds, triangles.  These produce double sided units that can be made into decorations, wall-hangings, fabric boxes or full-size quilts.  We’ll also look at other origami based patches.  This fun class is suitable for all levels of ability.

The class will run after the meeting, in the Sacred Heart Hall on Saturday 13th June, approximately 1.30pm to 3.30pm.  Bring a packed lunch. Tea and biscuits will be provided!

Requirements:
• Fabric scissors, paper scissors
• Cardboard for making templates (not plastic). Cereal packets are ideal – as many as you can
• Ruler, pencil, sharpener, rubber, compass (if you have one)
• Crayons or colouring pencils, if you have them
• Rotary cutter and board, if you have them
• FABRIC – at least ¼m each of 3 or 4 cotton fabrics. Wide striped fabric works well. One fabric should be plain e.g. cream calico.
• WADDING – any batting will do, scrap pieces will do or ¼m maximum
• BONDAWEB – off cut pieces, no need to buy especially
• General hand sewing supplies – pins, needles, thread (for tacking and to match fabric), quilting thread, fancy threads. Beads and sequins for decoration, only if you have them
• Please bring your ‘craft iron’, table ironing pad or board and extension lead if you have one
• Bring a digital camera if you have one

Japanese Folded Patchwork workshop – €20

Secure your place with a €10 non-refundable deposit – sign up list at the door at the March, April and May meetings

On Sunday June 14th we’ll hold a full day workshop entitled:  “Explore and Create with Your Sewing Machine”

This workshop covers free machine control …. drawing, cut work cobwebs, cord making, perfect circles, sequins by machine and various tricks on how to get the most out of your sewing machine. What about tensions? Mini lectures on care of your machine and on needles and threads. All levels of ability.

The class will run on Sunday 14thth June, in the Sacred Heart Hall, prompt start at 10.00am sharp to approximately 3.30pm.  Bring a packed lunch. Tea and biscuits will be provided!

Requirements:

• Zig-zag sewing machine, with all accessories and instruction book.                                        Don’t forget your foot pedal and transformer if required.
• Spare machine needles – size 80 or 90
• Variety of sewing threads, some machine embroidery threads if you have them
• 6” or 8” embroidery hoop – wooden or spring clip (easily purchased)
• Pieces of plain cotton or calico
• Small sharp scissors, pins
• Pencil and notebook
• At least 8 sheets of scrap paper
• Smallish pieces of wadding – an offcut will be fine
• Please bring an extension lead if you have one

Explore and Create with your Sewing Machine – €50                                                                  Secure your place with a €25 non-refundable deposit – sign up list at the door at the March, April and May meetings

For more information about Ms. MacWilliam, check out her website here.