Preparations are well and truly moving ahead for Eastwood Patchwork Quilters 2015 Biennial Exhibition to be held at Brush Farm House, Eastwood from Friday May 1 to Sunday May 5 2015, 10am until 4.30pm daily. Entry is free but donations are encouraged.
This year we are supporting two charities, Cord Blood Research (more information) and Christian Community Aid (more information).
Click here to visit the group’s website.
Quilts in the Barn have released their flyer for the 2014 event. Special guests are Brenda Papadakis (Dear Jane) and Patty Harants (the Wickersham Signature Quilt)
If you are interested, you will need to register quickly for their workshops.
My mother in law visited from the UK 3 years ago and was here for the EPQ quilt show and attended a few meetings on Wednesdays with me. The girls from Wednesday were lovely enough to give Barbara some blocks as a present for her help at the show and as a farewell gift. She has now created two quilts from these blocks and sent me some photos. I thought everyone might enjoy seeing them. Chris C. 
Some dates to add to your diary, for more information go to Expertise Events
The Creative Textile Show in Canberra on May2-4 is a new one this year and is a welcome replacement for the textile art show that was previously in Brisbane. An easy drive to Canberra from Sydney!
Have you been watching the Winter Olympics in Sochi? The bravery and skill of the athletes amazes me, no way would you catch me hurtling down a mountain head first on what looks like a travel ironing board!
But, I am really loving seeing patchwork everywhere through the games. On the banners, the competitor’s vests and all types of signage. 
The designs are, of course, based on a patchwork quilt. The designers, Bosco, wanted a design that would reflect the traditions of the Russian culture and reflect the ideals of the Olympic Games.
They stated “they had a wealth of choices to represent Russia’s rich diversity, but in the end we settled on something familiar, warm and welcoming: the patchwork quilt”. Patterns in the quilt pieces were taken from fabrics, ceramics, folk art painting and clothing.
Its fantastic to see quilts being used in such a high profile way, maybe it will encourage a few others to take up this traditional art form.
The official Sochi.ru website shows the patterns that were used to derive the designs, there is a sliding bar that links with images of the patterns that link to information about each pattern and photos showing the location of the patterns in the banners. Its well worth a look. Click here to be taken to the site. Then click on Look of the Games.
Simon Beck walks all day across the frozen lakes of Savoie, France to create beautiful quilt patterns in the snow. Each takes him about 5-9 hours to create to the finished size of three soccer fields, however sometimes snowfalls prevent him finishing his work. Simon walks on raquettes (snow shoes) to create the intricate patterns and says that his initial reason for doing so was for exercise as he can no longer run due to feet problems. Now, he more enjoys taking photographs of his creations and is considering buying a new camera! Go to mymodermmet for more great pictures and click here for a recent update
When it is wood of course!
This beautiful ‘quilt’ is actually a wood carving by Fraser Smith. He creates the most stunning sculptures of textile items including quilts, coats, other clothing and hats. to see a gallery of Fraser’s work on his website click here
Into Craft recently featured an interview with Fraser Smith and a link to his YouTube clips, to see both click here.
Eastwood Patchwork Quilters Inc. 