An idea brewed a year or more ago and after many months of planning and several ‘business meetings‘ with Jan Baker, we were able to present a fabulous day last Sunday. Twenty six quilters from around Victoria converged at Taranaki Farm on a chilly winter’s morning loaded with bags of sewing and quilts to show - and perhaps a little unsure of what to expect!
Some in this group had experienced Jan’s knowledgeable and inspiring presentations at her previous Quilt Study Groups held some years ago. However, our idea was not to replicate these previous sessions but rather to focus on reinvention and augmentation with a practical, creative and skills based aspect as well. It was evident from the first moment that socks were being blown off by Jan’s incredible knowledge of quilt history and seeing some of her fabulous collection during her wonderful morning presentation. We were taken into a magical world of antique quilts and the social history surrounding them. She shared a few of her antique doll quilts as well as her amazing present day re-makes of these - and it didn’t end there!!
The day’s theme was simply “Leaves” and we discovered endless creative and imaginative interpretations of leaves in shape, form and texture, and in colour and design. We realised the vital part leaves play in our quilt designs and of course, nature and daily life! Without leaves our lives and our quilts would be very depleted and dull!!
In the photo above, Jan is discussing this gorgeous 1840’s early Baltimore style quilt which was one of her collection but I am now it’s fortunate and devoted custodian after I purchased it from her a few years ago. I have drafted all blocks and borders for this quilt and many of the quilters in my classes have started (and some have even finished) their twenty first century version of this quilt - including Barbara Varnava’s traditional red and green interpretation (assembled), and Barbara Walker’s blocks which have a print background and a variety of fabrics used -both of which are shown in the photo below. We think it is a special privilege to link the 1840’s origins of this quilt to the quiltmakers of today, with a reinvention of these patterns and an appreciation of the skill and creativity of quiltmakers of 170 years ago.
I presented the afternoon session which included a collection of patterns which I hoped would stimulate ideas and an urge to create!! The Leaves theme gave me the opportunity to really think about this vital element in our designs and to present a Pattern Collection of six options from complex to simple - and for everyone there to take home, think about and perhaps make one, some or all (hopefully not none but we don’t want to put pressure on anyone so that is ok too)!!
Jan gave out little pieces of ‘challenge’ fabrics which was heaps of fun and these can be incorporated in the blocks.
I created a ‘double’ leaf wreath pattern with a un-fussed simplicity for applique-ers which I think will be gorgeous when made up. Rose has already started this one! Can’t wait to see it developing……
For those who love piecing, the lovely weeping willow block offers a beautiful suggestion of leaves in geometric form. It could not be easier to construct and I do hope someone in the group loves this block enough to get cracking on it so that we can see it next time we meet.
I also added a few easy one patch pieced and appliqued blocks as great portable projects for those on the run!
The leaf theme was also calling out for an elegant ‘tree’ block in this collection. Again, I hope one of the girls takes this project on as I was delighted with this design!
And finally, a challenging applique design which I believe someone has now started! It has several possibilities so I am looking forward to seeing what is done with this one! Jan suggested that I leave some elements out of the pattern so that some thinking has to be done to finish it! I thought this was a fabulous idea and that is what I have done with these pattern sheets. Can’t wait to see what happens…….
Here we are below as I present the Pattern Collection! I wonder what everyone is thinking!! The proof will be in next session’s pudding I expect!!!!
Despite the chilly air, the sun brightened the day and we enjoyed great views of Mt Macedon! Quilters always seem to enjoy wonderful conviviality, food and inspiration from one another’s work. Jan made a generous batch of American cookies which were happily shared around, and just a few crumbs remained of my apricot and pine nut cake.
Below: quilters doing what they do best….. stitch, chat, eat and drink!
At the end of this wonderful day, many appreciative comments were received and my favourite one was….. ‘I went all goosebumps when the old quilts came out!’ . This is spot on the money isn’t it!!
Thank you to Michael Baker for his multi skilled talents including valuable technical expertise, and these great photos! And Sparkie won some more hearts (and pats) and displayed first class doggy behaviour as always!
Thanks also to Ben, Nina and Maya for setting up tables and chairs, getting the urn going and for giving us their space for the day. And special thanks to Stan for his constant great support - and for mowing, tidying, trimming, fetching and carrying and more! We all appreciated it very much!
We meet again in August with the theme “Vases and Urns”. I have my pencil sharpened already!!
